Date

Guests

150

July 11, 2015

When Erica spotted Andy's quirky t-shirt featuring a giraffe and a brontosaurus hugging, she knew he was the guy for her. The shirt proved to be the perfect conversation starter, and the two animals eventually became a fun symbol for their relationship. In fact, the adorable duo even made an appearance at the couple's wedding as a cake topper, which was handmade by Erica's sister.

For their decor, Erica and Andy mixed natural elements with refined, classic details. Burlap boutonnieres, baby's breath and shabby-chic accessories created a simple, rustic theme while touches like lace, pearls and a coral and mint colour scheme added a dose of refined sophistication to the overall look. "I have always loved the coral/mint combination and thought if I did it subtly it would remain classic in years to come," Erica explains.

In keeping with the colour scheme, Erica asked her florist to incorporate hints of coral and mint into her bouquet. "I could never have imagined the beauty that she would create, using vines to create volume and tying in feathers to match our themes. I loved my bouquet and it was the perfect accent to my attire," she says. Erica's bridesmaids' dresses, which they chose themselves with only a few guidelines, also reinforced the cheerful colour scheme. "I didn't see them all together until the morning of the wedding and it turned out great," Erica remembers.

One of the couple's favourite parts of the wedding was the music played during the ceremony and throughout the reception. "Andy and I picked unique songs that we loved and asked my cousin to play guitar and sing," she says. "My favourite was the song I walked down the aisle to: a slow cover of '500 miles' performed by Sleeping at Last. The lyrics were absolutely perfect and I have never heard it used at a wedding before."

To get the party started after the ceremony, Erica and Andy enlisted Heitha Forsythe and Company to play upbeat tunes, including their first dance song, "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne. "Music was one of my priorities for the wedding, and we knew all along we wanted a live band. We had a great time dancing and it was worth every penny," Erica says.

For their honeymoon, the couple travelled to Africa for an epic 13-day safari in Tanzania followed by four relaxing days on the beach in Zanzibar. "It was spectacular and the trip of a lifetime," she says.

Vendors
Ceremony location: Trappist Monastery, Provincial Heritage Park, St. Norbert, Manitoba
Reception location: Niverville Heritage CentreBridal gown: Say Yes Bridal
Hair and makeup: Michelle Maharaj of Makeup by Michelle, (204) 295-8954
Flowers: Petals by S&A
Music: Heitha Forsythe and Company
Stationery: Bride's sister, Sherrie Kropodra
Cake topper: Bride's sister, Sherrie Kropodra
Cake: Groom's aunt, Debbie Frankel
Favours: DIY by the bride, groom and mothers of the bride and groom