Kristen and Cale | September 2, 2023
Photos by Madonna Njuguna
“Cale and I have always been nerds at heart,” says Kristen of her new husband. “We met in graduate school and share a deep love of academics, trivia and the outdoors.” So, when it came to planning their big day, she adds, “It was important to us that our wedding, and our venue, reflected our passions in life.”
The setting they chose—At the Schoolhouse, attheschoolhouse.ca, 2876 Munster Road—was an ideal, “textbook” fit: “As a former one-room schoolhouse, it had an enchanting and rustic atmosphere that perfectly encapsulated our story together. Surrounded by lush greenery, we recited our vows in an outdoor ceremony, reading from hand-written, leather-bound vow books. Quite a few tears were shed, and it was special to share this precious moment in a fairy-tale garden. We rang the original bell from the schoolhouse before walking down the aisle.”
Though they both come from big families, these two wanted an intimate wedding. “We adored spending our day with our closest family and friends,” says the bride. What’s more, they were able to get ready, on site, with their respective wedding parties and describe that shared time as “the perfect beginning to our wedding day.”
There were other perks to having a smaller gathering: “We were able to add intricate details, like giving a custom wine glass to each guest as a wedding favour,” Kristen notes, adding they were also able to take a “whole-group photo” they will cherish.
The colour palette included peach “to symbolize the warmth of new love and emerald green to add a fresh and outdoorsy feel.” The custom cocktails were called The Teacher’s Pet for Kristen and The Healing Potion for Cale and there was also a One-Year Anniversary station where people could leave them a note in a bottle.
The eco-conscious couple provided guests with bubbles to blow as they walked down the aisle instead of confetti or rice and, says the bride, “We also incorporated our nerdy passions into the wedding. We are both avid Dungeons & Dragons players and took several pictures with our close friends from our weekly game—including maps and dice, of course.”
Even the couple’s first dance had some extra sparkle. Literally. Guests waved sparklers as they took to the dance floor. “We danced in the light of dozens of tiny flames, their sparks spinning around us. It could not have been a more beautiful moment.”
Still, their favourite part of the day was their romantic, private photos “in the golden light of the setting summer sun. The brief respite to connect with each other as husband and wife, away from the business of the reception, was an amazing moment of peaceful love that we will remember forever,” says Kristen.
Advice from the bride:
-Don’t be afraid to forgo traditional elements of a wedding. We opted not to have a bouquet or garter toss.
-Add one or two personal touches to your wedding. Our Dungeons and Dragons photos, sparkling first dance and private moment in the sunset are treasured memories.
-It is also critical to pick a vendor team that will work with you to realize your vision. Madonna and At the Schoolhouse … made the day feel comfortable, effortless and magical.
The Details:
Venue and Cake: At the Schoolhouse
Officiant: Barbara Annas
Photographer: Madonna Njuguna
Bride’s Gown: David’s Bridal
Accessories/Shoes: Dominique Levesque
Attendants’ Attire: Tiptop Tailors and David’s Bridal Flowers: At the Schoolhouse
Hair and Makeup: Shannon Doyle Beauty
Music: Terry Hrab
Stationery: Daisy Designs
