Real Wedding | Laura & James

Laura and James both love the winter, and were hoping for a snowy day to capture some beautiful pictures at their winter wedding.. As it turned out however there was no snow, but Laura’s borrowed fur stole came in handy to keep her warm on their very chilly and happy day.

Laura & James | February 6, 2010 | Le Jardin Event Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

How he proposed
James proposed to me in Boston where I was working right before Christmas in 2009. During a stroll along Newbury street at night admiring the Christmas lights, he knelt down and asked me to marry him. We hurried back to my apartment to tell our family friends the exciting news.

The ceremony
Our ceremony was a traditional Catholic service at the parish of James’ family.  We celebrated with 300 guests who filled the church!   Our processional and recessional songs were chosen carefully to reflect the spirit of the day and our personalities; ‘All you need is love’ by the Beatles was played on the church organ as the I walked down the aisle, and “Happy Together” by the Turtles was played and sang by James’ sister as we walked out with with big smiles.


The moment Laura will never forget

The moment from my wedding I will never forget was after walking down the aisle, when James and I had just settled into our chairs in front of the alter side by side as the ceremony was beginning, my shy husband leaned over to me and whispered “you look unbelievable” and blew me a kiss. I knew I had wow’d him.

The reception
Our reception a true celebration! – we had a wonderful time dancing the night away to the sounds of our wedding band. One of the most memorable parts of the evening was when the saxaphone player walked through the crowd, serenading each couple. The meal had rich winter-inspired flavours: Butternut squash soup, mushroom risotto, french-cut veal chop.

Many people gave speeches and toasts at the wedding which were very touching, and many were also very funny, keeping the mood light and everyone laughing. When the guests clinked their glasses and plates we were happy to oblige with kisses for each other .


What made her wedding dress “The One”
My dress was the second dress I tried on at a local boutique. I was looking for an ivory dress that was elegant, classic a with a touch of sexy, made of fabrics like lace or satin. I knew this was the perfect dress for me as soon as I tried it, it was the perfect shape and the asymmetrical hemline was the added touch that gave it that something extra. I loved the way the skirt skimmed over me and flared at the knee, floating over the floor as I walked. Who wouldn’t love to wear a Monique Lhuillier! The french lace was gorgeous, the colour a very light ivory. Tying the long pearl silk sash only made the dress more beautiful and elegant.


Her advice for other brides

Stay true to your personal style when choosing a wedding dress – I got so many complements on my dress, but the best was that the dress was very high- so “me” . It works both ways – as this is exactly how that dress made me feel every minute I had it on.

Laura’s Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier Kennedy / Photography by azureblue