Flower power

Melissa and Cody met at the salon where Melissa worked. Cody went from being a client, to a best friend, to a husband. Together, they shared a magical wedding day, with a little help from the bride’s brother, who brought her dream wedding vision to life.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NOVA MARKINA PHOTOGRAPHY

VENUE: DeGroot’s Nurseries, Sarnia, Ont. | NUMBER OF GUESTS: 130 | PLANNING: Twelfth Night Events BRIDE’S GOWN: Enzoani, Lavender Bridal Boutique | GROOM’S SUIT: Joseph’s Clothiers HAIR & MAKEUP: Moda Hair Salon, Katie Janzen | BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Azazie FLORALS & DÉCOR: RL Designs | STATIONERY: Minted | SWEETS TABLE: Grandma’s Oven RENTALS: RL Designs, Simply Beautiful Décor | VINYL: Event Graffiti CATERING: North Moore Catering | DJ: The Alpha DJ Company

Advice from the couple: “We strongly believe that every couple should have a first look before the ceremony. It is such an amazing experience.”

Those details: Melissa says, “The details of our wedding décor were nothing short of incredible! From the surprise pyrotechnics during our first dance, to flipping our cocktail reception space into “Café Hoekstra” with the most beautiful sweet table ever designed, and all the gorgeous elements of the table décor – the details of our décor were show-stopping. I am lucky to have an incredibly talented brother in the wedding industry. He kept much of these details a secret from me once I shared my overall vision and colour scheme.” Fire alarm: Upon arriving at the venue, the planner was informed that the candles could not be lit without written approval from the fire department. “Of course, my entire design plan incorporated so many beautiful candles,” says Melissa. “Our planner tracked down the personal phone number for the Sarnia fire chief. By the power of technology, a strong will to bring our dreams to life and great problem-solving skills, our planner and the fire chief came up with a plan that allowed us to have most of the candles lit.”