Lauren and Tim
Photos by Grace and Gold Studios
On Lauren and Tim’s wedding day, August 10, 2019 at Stonefields Estate, there was an unexpected arrival that was nonetheless spectacular. “During our sunset portraits,” Lauren says, “it started raining just as we were finishing up, and all of a sudden a gorgeous rainbow appeared.” The light show, courtesy of Mother Nature, was but one of many highlights during a celebration the bride describes as “nothing short of perfect.
The couple’s engagement was pretty exceptional too, with its own show in the sky. “Tim planned this incredible sailing vacation through the U.S Virgin Islands,” Lauren explains. “He proposed on our first night, at sunset. It was definitely an unforgettable moment.” Since they wanted a summer wedding, no time was wasted getting organized. Preparation started soon after they got engaged, so as to lock down their vendors of choice. “It took us just over a year to plan,” the bride says. One decision was particularly significant: “We are so happy we chose [Stonefields Estate] for our wedding venue. The location and beautiful facilities speak for themselves and are stunning. We loved that you have access to the whole property for your wedding day. It truly is an all-inclusive venue.”
The newlywed is also effusive about the expertise, helpfulness and professionalism of the Stonefields team. “Their thoughtfulness and attention to detail were top-notch. They are constantly thinking of ways to improve (hello beautiful ceremony house!), and they truly care about all of their couples.” That care was reflected in the day itself. Not only did the bride and groom receive lots of compliments about the delicious food, Lauren says, “Our guests had an amazing time.”
The wedding’s vibe was romantic and elegant, with a colour palette of neutrals from ivory to blush, along with touches of gold. Lots of candles, florals, and greenery accentuated the look. Capital Florist handled all the wedding’s floral components, including the bridal bouquet, and the bride notes that florals were a major part of the overall design. In terms of décor, “We wanted to include a statement piece that would serve as the backdrop for our ceremony that could also be used behind the head table at the reception, which is where we came up with the floral arch. To add a modern twist, we decided to make it asymmetrical.”
The couple also decided on banquet-style tables for the reception. “We thought thick garlands would be a nice complement. We wanted to again incorporate the beautiful blooms throughout the garland and of course lots of candles.” There were many distinctly personal elements as well, from the ceremony officiant to the large framed photo Tim placed at the altar as a tribute to a wedding party member who had passed. The officiant, a friend of the bride’s family who’d known her for many years, actually became licensed just to marry Lauren and Tim. “He made the ceremony so personal and did an incredible job.”
To top it all off, one of the groomsmen, a brewmaster at Red Circle Brewing in Kitchener, brewed the couple’s favourite raspberry dry-hopped sour beer to serve as the signature cocktail. “It was such a special (and delicious) touch,” the bride says.
The Look
The Gown
“I wanted to keep an open mind while dress shopping, but I was
always drawn to a fit and flare gown,” Lauren mentions. However,
“never in a million years” did she imagine she’d choose “a glittery
gown.” Then she did. At The Modern Bride in Guelph, the brideto-be slipped into the 1710 West design by Hayley Paige. The glam
ivory trumpet gown, with its sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps
and low scoop back, is a stunner. “Once I put it on,” she says, “there
was no going back.”
Hair
“Showpony Hair styled the bridal party’s hair. I was going for a
loose and romantic updo that would wear well throughout the day.
I loved how I didn’t have to be afraid of messing it up. The messier
it got, the better it looked!”
Makeup
“Taryn Miller was our makeup artist. She is the master at a glowy
bridal look! One helpful tip I learned was to have your makeup
artist do your makeup for engagement photos. That way, you can
see how your look will photograph based on your photographer’s
editing style, and adjust if needed.”
That Jacket
Chalked by Mabz (lettering artist and calligrapher Marie-Andrée
Brisson) created the iconic Just Married jacket right here in
Ottawa. In Lauren’s words, “This jacket has been worn by other
Ottawa brides on their wedding days. Brides can rent the jacket
in exchange for a bottle of wine, and it comes with an amazing
booklet full of advice and words of wisdom from previous
brides…. Before you return it, you write your own words for the
next bride who gets to wear it.” chalkedbymabz.com
The Bridal Bouquet
“I couldn’t get enough of that huge garden-style bouquet. We
wanted to highlight the stunning cafe-au-lait dahlias with lots of
greenery, especially olive branches,” the bride says. A gorgeous silk
ribbon was used to tie the arrangement.
Wedding Party
Bride: Lauren Stenason
Groom: Tim Warmels
Bridesmaids: Lindsay Stenason, Lindsay Pellett,
Jess Francis-Raven, Katie Machum
Groomsmen: Brett Croft and Steve Lobodici
Bride’s Parents:
Lisa and Will Stenason
Groom’s Parents: Margaret and Peter Warmels
DETAILS
Ceremony and Reception: Stonefields Estate
Bride’s Gown: Hayley Paige, from The Modern
Bride in Guelph
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy, from Saratina
Bridal in Oakville
Hair: Showpony Hair
Makeup: Taryn Miller Makeup
Groom’s Attire: ER Fisher
Officiant: Dan Mackay
DJ: Oxygen Entertainment
Videographer: Boxtop Films
Cake: Valentina Sweets
Flowers: Capital Florist
Transportation: Stock Transportation
