Okay, it’s safe to say we went overboard with these photos. When we graciously are given a wedding or an editorial to peruse through, it’s always like reading a new book in the same genre. You know you will love it instantaneously, but what always is relative is WHAT you will love about it. In Sarah and Matthew’s elegant and vintage Ontario wedding, our adoration for it stems from their immense chemistry, the English countryside autumnal feel, and the breathtaking photos from Olivia Van Dyke that capture an overwhelming sense of great wedding photojournalism.
Planner Aubyn Evon brought Sarah and Matthew’s soft and elegant wedding vision to fruition. She utilized a predominantly neutral color palette with earthy florals from Petals Florals. Their ceremony needed no sprucing up thanks to the beauty of the outdoors, while their indoor reception only needed minute touches of the couple’s love for vintage which was married with a slight hint of minimalistic flair. We love this wedding!
How did you meet?
Matt and I were set up on a date by a mutual friend who thought we would hit it off. Little did he know we would end up marring each other. He is still a very close friend and we are forever grateful he matched us together.
What is your proposal story?
Matt proposed at “Maria Del Graci” in Pordenone on September 20th, 2018 at 11:20-30, where his Nonno and Nonna were married. We walked out of the church down the steps hand in hand. He said “I couldn’t imagine being in a more perfect place, I feel like a sense of connection to this place, where my Nonno and Nonna promised their love to each other and started their love story… I couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to start ours.” He got down on one knee and said, “Sarah, will you marry me?” Then I immediately started crying and saying omg omg omg! I rushed down and hugged him and cried some more. He stood up and showed me the ring and I cried some more.
There was a man there that witnessed our proposal, stating he proposed to his wife 40 years ago at the same spot. It was very romantic.
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
The most important thing to us while planning our wedding was to make sure our day reflected who we are and reflected our love for one another.
What were your favorite parts of the day?
It’s hard to just choose one part of the day that was our favourite, there were so many little moments from the day that we wish we could re-live.
Sharing our first look with one another privately was definitely a great way to start the day. As soon as we saw each other we felt at ease to take on the rest of the day. It was such a magical moment that I’m so glad we got to spend just the two of us. We were able to soak it all in and stop time.
Matt and I wrote our own vows, although nerve-wracking in front of 200+ people, I wouldn’t have done it any other way. It was so meaningful to express our love in such an authentic way surrounding by everyone we love.
Another special moment after the official announcement of our marriage was when my mom surprised us with a Scottish tradition of a bagpiper playing off in the distance walking towards us. It was a very touching moment.
Matt and I also did something a little different instead of having traditional wedding speeches. We hired a videographer to capture words of advice, and loving messages from our wedding party, parents, and grandparents. We didn’t see it until it was played at our wedding with all of our guests. It is something we will now be able to watch and have forever.
Lastly, late into the evening ,the band brought Matt and I up on stage to play with them! I was on the electric guitar (unplugged, lol) and Matt was on the drums. We sang to “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. It was quite a show!
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Getting a wedding planner was the best decision we made! We were able to relax and enjoy the entire process. Aubyn gave us everything and more for our special day.