Catriona and Marco had probably the most eventful ceremony I’ve ever seen. They had friends/family do readings and sing. Catriona read vows to Marco’s daughter (now their daughter), which was so sweet. They had the best programs (see an excerpt below) and her brother even had a matching “Don’t Panic” hat, which he claimed was a coincidence. The best, most unique part, though was the umbrella unity ceremony. They held a heart shaped umbrella over their and their daughters’ heads and the officiant poured water over it. It was funny and adorable – all of their expressions are so priceless.
The rest of the day was also beautiful and fun. They really thought through the little details. When guests would clink their glasses to try to make the couple kiss, the MC would draw a random couple’s names and that couple would have to kiss too. They made hangover kits as favours for their hard partying guests to take home, and they had a late night poutine bar (fancy poutine, like only Merridale could do). The dance floor was pretty lively and we had a lot of fun capturing the action.
I love the part in the programs about this being an “unplugged wedding”, which means that guest photography is not allowed. The main purpose of this is to encourage the guests to be present and enjoy the ceremony, rather than focusing on their cameras and phones. It also helps keep ipads and DSLRs, and their users, out of the pro photos. I love how she refers to me as costing a “mindbogglingly obscene” amount of money and “incredibly talented”. It’s not that obscene, I swear.
These two littler girls were circling the cake, anticipating the cake cutting. Just like vultures.
Poutine bar and hangover kits.
Venue and catering: Merridale Cider
Ceremony music: friend Ryan Roy (Calgary band Georgia Sound)
Officiant: Linda Nelson Life Cycle Celebrant
Florist: Night Song Farm
Hair: EK Hair
Makeup: Jessica Churcher
Video: Wedding Mix to edit self-taken footage
Dress: Allure Bridals from Shades of White
Hair pieces: Forever Hooked
Groom’s suit: Moores
