A Day Filled with Joy
Photos by Phillipa Maitland Photography | Wedding Date: August 9, 2019
On the day Elise and Landry got married—August 9, 2019—they took a few minutes for themselves after the outdoor ceremony at Strathmere. “We ran hand in hand in the grass,” the gorgeous bride recalls. “It felt so good to have this time just for the two of us and it was stunning outside.” The sky was awash in marvellous shades of grey and blue, and the newly married couple shared in the grandeur of it all: a picturesque, historic setting, the company of loved ones and guests from far and wide, and a glorious celebration to mark the start of an exciting new chapter in their life.
“One other aspect of the day, which we loved and can’t forget, is the people who were there to help and to celebrate us. We were overwhelmed by the love family and friends showed us on that day,” they note. “Seeing the harmony, the effort, the joy everybody invested into our day gave us so much joy on that day and every time we think about it. Being able to share it with our loved ones who came from all over the world to celebrate us was magic.”
Truly, there were many pleasures. After about nine months of organizing, with support from family members and friends along with assistance from Laura, the venue coordinator from Strathmere, “Our wedding was better than we could have imagined,” they admit, describing their big day as one “filled with joy. We could definitely feel the love … and it was just beautiful.”
The joyful sentiment actually dates back to March 30 of 2017 and Central Park in New York City. Elise and Landry were at the top of a huge rock that offered some of the best views of the famous park when Landry proposed. “I reminded Elise of all she meant to me since she walked into my life,” he says, “then went onto my knees while popping the question.”
Of course Elise said yes, but the happy couple took plenty of time to enjoy being engaged before they started making decisions about their nuptials. Elise found her gown, designed by Essence of Australia, at With Love Bridal Boutique, and chose shoes by Vince Camuto. Since she wanted her dress to be the focal point, she accessorized minimally with earrings and a bracelet.
For the decor, Elise says, “We were going for a beautiful rustic chic and romantic design.” White, ivory/cream, muted soft blush, gold and greenery were used, along with linens, charger plates, floral décor and rental pieces, to achieve the look. “Sandra from Plenty of Pretty was incredible to work with and helped make our vision come true when it came to floral décor,” the bride mentions. “We absolutely loved our head table backdrop and the drapery she added in the room. We also had help from our friends to add additional accent pieces in the decor, some of which came from Wishes Vintage Event Rentals.”
The four-tier wedding cake from Arnie Sweets’ Cake Studio was “super delicious,” the bride says, adding guests loved the flavours: marble with caramel filling and coconut with passion fruit filling.
Another highlight of the day was the traditional Rwandese dance that was featured as entertainment during the reception “which also made it very beautiful.” Modern elements included a hashtag and a wedding website. Elise and Landry note that the help they received from friends and expert vendors really make their day enjoyable. “We didn’t have to worry about anything as it was all taken care of, which allowed us to be present and enjoy the moment,” they note.
Their advice to other couples? “On the day of your wedding, don’t get too caught up in the details and how things were supposed to turn out.” Instead, they suggest, “Just enjoy those hours, which will go by very fast.” As they point out, “Being able to share your love with those who came to celebrate you, your loved ones and well-wishers, is actually what makes the wedding perfect.”
The Details:
• Venue: The Lodge, Strathmere
• Photographer: Phillipa Maitland Photography
• Bride’s Dress: Essence of Australia design, purchased at With Love Bridal Boutique
• Bride’s Shoes: Vince Camuto
• Bride’s Bouquet, Groomsmen’s Boutonnières, Cake Florals: Crystal Hill from Floral Envy Inc.
• Bridesmaids’ Bouquets: Melissa Lafrance Events & Florals
• Cake: Arnie Sweets’ Cake Studio
• Hair: Eminence Coiffure
• Makeup: Chinenye from Shakara Designs
• Décor Florals: Sandra Mercer, Plenty of Pretty
• DJ: DJ T.Y.T.Y
• Videography: BettaStudio Productions
