I was really looking forward to Renée and Matt’s Maple Grove Guest House wedding in September and it did not disappoint. I met them when Renée was a bridesmaid in her maid-of-honour Kelsey’s wedding a couple years ago. They were so adorable and girl just loves to dance, which are two of my favourite things in wedding clients.
I got to hang out with Renée and her bridesbabes before the ceremony, which was a ton of fun. They were so full of energy and joy (and champagne), making for lots of dancing and laughter. Their mismatched outfits looked awesome too. Renée’s mom helped her put her dress on and they were just so sweet together. Then, of course, the bridesbabes freaked out when they saw her in her dress. Can you blame them?
The couple did a first look, where they met up on a forest path before the ceremony. Renee walked up and they stood back to back, holding hands, for a bit to chat and giggle, before turning around. Matt’s reaction was pretty amazing. They both looked so happy. We finished up with some couple and wedding party portraits, so they’d only have to do some family photos between ceremony and reception.
The ceremony was sweet and emotional, and so pretty under that big tree. After the ceremony, Renée and Matt snuck away for a private moment with just the two of them. I stayed far enough back that I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but it looked pretty cute. Then they headed off down the hill together to the reception.
The reception included lots of toys for the kids, some hilarious and touching toasts, yummy food and drinks, and the bestowing of a cowbell by Matt’s parents (that I can’t quite remember the story behind). Their first dance was lively, lovely, and full of big smiles. It was followed by a ton of energetic dancing, which was so much fun to photograph. A little boy in suspenders just put everyone else’s moves to shame. Before we headed out, a guest reappeared in a sloth onesie and you can only imagine how the rest of the night went.
They had a lot of friends help them out and not just friends, but friends who are professionals, like Amanda at Brown’s for the flowers and Evan Miller from The Wild Romantics taking care of DJ duties and singing for their first dance. Renee’s cousin Megan made them a cutting cake that was adorable and topped with a drawing Matt did of the two of them. Their ceremony was unofficially officiated by Tara, a relationship coach they’re close to.
Venue: Maple Grove Guest House
Music: Evan Miller
Caterer: Sea Salt Food Co.
Florist: Brown’s Westshore
Hair: Kim Kirkland
Make-up: Jessica Pool
Cake: Megan Emmerson
Officiant: Tara Caffelle
Dress: David’s Bridal
Suit: Studio Suits
