Real Wedding: Alana and Joni

This week marked a big first for me. I planned my first wedding (other than my own). And if I do say so myself, I think it went perfectly! Alana and Joni are an amazing couple and were such a joy to work with.

The wedding was held in a friends' backyard and it was the perfect backdrop for their romantic and intimate ceremony and dinner.

When guests entered they were greeted by many lovely little details. We had a birdcage, to hold all of the cards, a collage of the happy couple, flowers and lanterns. There was also an area for guests to write notes to the newlyweds and hang them with clothespins. The notes had different phrases on them for guests to write on, including "I knew Alana and Joni would be married when...", "In 50 years...", "You two are perfect together because..." and more.

Hor d'oevres and cocktails were served while guests arrived. A delectable cheese tray was on display and enjoyed by all, along with breads, crackers, veggies and an assortment of dips.

The ceremony started with a heartfelt speech from Alana's dad and then the two were married surrounded by a close gathering of their friends and family.  The love between them was so evident to everyone and it was an emotional and memorable ceremony.

Champagne was passed to everyone to share in a toast to the very happy and now married couple. Stir sticks were in each glass which read 'Alana and Joni' on one side and either 'Cheers!' or 'Salud!' on the other.

And then came some fun....

Dinner was catered by Barque Smokehouse and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. On the menu was caesar salad, cajun corn, potato salad, smoked chicken, smoked beef brisket and fresh buns.

The flowers were provided by Alison at Coriander Girl and were kept simple with white and green arrangements. The flowers were displayed in a variety of the bride's vintage mason jars and milk glass vases. Among the flowers we added mason jars filled with sand and candles and wrapped with raffia. As an extra personal touch we created fun facts about the couple and had them dispersed among the tables.

After some emotional and truly thoughtful speeches and toasts, the sweet table was opened. For the backdrop, I picked up a spare piece of wood lying on the side of the road and dressed it up with a DIY tissue paper garland.  An assortment of candy was served and adorned by birdcages and lanterns filled with candles. Later in the night, cookies and popcorn were added to the table (but I don't have any pictures).

For favors, Joni and Alana wanted to share a piece of their homes with their guests.  We made paper bag favors with 'thanks' and 'gracias' printed on them and used a Martha Stewart stencil cutter to scallop the edges. Inside guests were given a mini bottle of dulce de leche from Argentina and a mini bottle of Canadian maple syrup. The bride and groom also included personalized thank you cards inside each bag.

All photos were taken by Ted Chai.

It was an amazing evening and I was so pleased to be a part of it.

Congratulations again to Alana and Joni!

Yours Truly,

A