Whimsical Pineridge Hollow Wedding

Danaka and I met many years ago through the wedding industry.  We instantly clicked and I loved every time we got to work together.  For this reason, I was over the moon when Danaka reached out about having me assist with her wedding at Pineridge Hollow in 2022.  This wedding was among one of my favorites of the year.

Danaka has worked at Pineridge Hollow for years.  The venue was her home and the staff were her second family, so it was the natural spot to host the wedding. 

After a relaxing morning getting ready, the wedding party arrived at Pineridge Hollow for the first look and wedding party photos.  The forest behind the venue was the perfect shady spot to capture these special moments.  Interesting fact, you can’t see them in the photos, but on the wedding day there were little white fluffs floating around in the air.  It almost looked like it was snowing!

Once photos were complete, Danaka and Eric finally got to tie-the-knot!  A special touch for Eric, was that a good friend of his, Scott officiated the ceremony.  The ceremony was short, sweet, and perfect!

After the ceremony guests got to enjoy passed appetisers and drinks in the garden.  Fun fact: they had three specialty drinks served.  They had a “His,” “Hers,” and an “Ours” option. 

Once guests had mingled and enjoyed a few cocktails, they made their way inside the Pineridge Hollow tent for dinner.  The Pineridge Hollow tent is a beautiful blank canvas.  Danaka worked with her good friend Emily from Juniper and Jayne to add a whimsical touch of flowers and greenery to the space. 

VENDORS: Pineridge Hollow, Juniper and Jayne Designs, Made Beauty Co, Anarchy Studio, Simply Perfect Décor, Planned Perfectly, Austin Kylie Photo and Video, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events

An Intimate Spring Wedding at Pizzeria Gusto

Tali and Juan are both from Winnipeg but were planning their wedding remotely from Vancouver!  I love working with couples from outside Winnipeg.  These couples bring a fresh perspective to design and the guest experience.  We worked remotely with each other throughout the rollercoaster that was COVID.  It was so special to meet them both in-person for the first time at their wedding rehearsal!

Once hair and makeup were complete, the couple saw each other for the first time on the steps of the Winnipeg Art Gallery.  It was the perfect modern backdrop for these special photos.  The lush spring colours in Tali’s bouquet popped magically against the limestone backdrop.  After the first look and some portraits, Tali and Juan hopped over to Assiniboine Park for more photos.

With Tali and Juan living away from Winnipeg, it was important to them to have as much time with friends as possible.  Before the wedding ceremony, Tali and Juan met up with friends for a drink at a pop-up bar called Cargo Bar in Assiniboine Park.  This allowed them the extra face time with friends that they craved. 

The wedding ceremony took place in the lush Leo Mol Gardens.  Fortunately, it rained the day before and the greenery really popped.  Due to the intimate nature of their venue, The Floral Fixx created a mini huppah for the two of them to stand under.  This featured a beautiful floral arrangement with trailing greenery.

After the ceremony, guests made their way over to Pizzeria Gusto for cocktails and dinner.  One thing I LOVED about working with Tali and Juan is that they wanted to prioritize a relaxed environment for the reception where guests could enjoy amazing food.  The reception featured several food stations and passed food as well. 

With their number of guests, we decided to utilize the patio at Pizzeria Gusto.  Since the wedding took place in May, a tent was brought in to ensure the space was sheltered and retained some heat.  To assist with the flow of guests a bar was also added on the patio for easy access to drinks. 

Once guests had their fill of food, we started into the speeches.  To keep with the relaxed environment, we had guests huddle around to enjoy speeches.  It helped make these already emotional speeches even more intimate.

To start the party, Little City Band started to perform and got everyone on the Hora!

If you’re looking to host an intimate restaurant style wedding, I would love to assist you with the planning process.  My team specializes in creating boutique weddings that truly reflect them as a couple!  Reach out today to book a complimentary initial meeting to chat about your wedding.

VENDORS: Pizzeria Gusto, The Floral Fixx, Jeanna Lee Artistry, Lineage House, Little City Band, Collective Event Rentals, Planned Perfectly, Kat Wilson Photography, Event Light, Norwood Tent Rentals, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events

What a Colourful Wedding at the WAG Looks Like

Vendors: Winnipeg Art Gallery, WOW Catering, Stone House Creative, Prep Hair Collective, DJ KChedda, Planned Perfectly, Lynsey Corbett, Spark Rentals, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events

Magical Vintage Wedding in the Forest

Dane and Alyssa hosted a magical vintage wedding in the Kinloch Grove Forest!

Alyssa started the morning with her best girlfriends getting hair and makeup done.  It was perfect for Alyssa to relax with friends in her home prior to the wedding day formally starting.

Once hair and makeup were complete, Dane came to Alyssa, and they shared their first look outside of their home.  The location added such a sweet connection to their first look!

After the first look, the wedding party hopped a round to a few locations for photos, including Brazen Hall!  This was the perfect stop for the wedding party to relax and have a nibble of food before heading off to Kinloch Grove for the ceremony.

Along side their wedding party, their pup, Cal also got to participate in the wedding ceremony.  Since the bridesmaids and groomsmen had flowers, it was only fitting that Cal also had a little something.  Cassie Mae Designs created a beautiful floral garland for Cal to wear!

While guests were enjoying cocktails and the delicious charcuterie spread, the floral altar pieces were transported over to the reception site.  They made the perfect accent piece for the head table.

When creating the design aspect for her wedding, Alyssa wanted to incorporate her grandmother’s fine china collection.  These were utilized by the florist as vases for petite floral arrangements.

After dinner, Dane and Alyssa snuck away for some sunset photos.  They not only took these photos with Alyssa’s grandfathers vintage car, but also headed out to the nearby beach.

To top off the evening, Dane and Alyssa shared their first dance outside surrounded by guests holding sparklers!  I can’t think of any better way to end the formal portion of the evening.

VENDORS: Kinloch Grove, Brazen Hall, Nomad Boxcar, Modern Plate, Cassie Mae Designs, Justine Barry, Made Beauty Co., Platinum Productions, Vanessa Mayberry, Tony’s Transport, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events

Here’s Why You Should Take Wedding Photos In Downtown Winnipeg

My story with Lisa started many years ago back in high school.   I was a few years a head of her but would always see her around school.  Fast forward a few years, I was a year into running Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events when I received an Instagram message from Lisa.  She was a new graduate of the Hospitality program at Red River College and was looking for event experience.  Little did I know, but that Instagram message would start a great friendship as Lisa has now assisted me on weddings for the past six years.

After assisting many couples tie-the-knot over the years, Lisa finally got to take her turn walking down the aisle.  On May 7 she got to marry Hugh.

Lisa and Hugh started the wedding day with friends while getting ready.  In the afternoon the wedding party left for Stephen Juba Park, where Lisa and Hugh would have their first look.  Between the park and more industrial area around The James Avenue Pumphouse, they got a cool mix of photos.

Hugh organized for the wedding party to relax at Kevin’s Bistro in the Exchange where they got to enjoy food and drinks before heading off to the ceremony.  I always recommend for couples to arrange for a quick stop at a restaurant during the wedding day.  This allows the wedding party to put their feet up and relax on such a busy day.

After Kevin’s Bistro, the wedding party headed over to Best Western for the ceremony and reception. The hotel ballroom was decorated with crips white linens, and a pop of forest green and yellow.  The yellow helped to add a nice spring touch!

During speeches, Lisa’s mom gave a very special shout out to me for taking a chance on Lisa and responding to her Instagram message all those years ago.

It was such an honor to be a part of Lisa and Hugh’s big day!

Vendors: Best Western Airport, The Floral Fixx, It’s Just Bobbi, Colleen Olafson, Madeline’s Weddings and Events, Crystal Sound, KAMP Photography, Alexandra Lillian Weddings & Events

Stunning Twist on a Country Tent Wedding

Every 2021 couple had their hurdles to overcome leading up to the wedding day, from COVID protocols to transitioning vendors.  Brandi and Tyler’s wedding was no different, but boy oh boy was it worth it to get them down the aisle!

After pivoting venues, Brandi and Tyler decided to host their wedding on Tyler’s parent’s property!  It created the perfect wooded / prairie backdrop of their big day.

Brandi and Tyler both got ready the morning of the wedding in Winnipeg.  Before heading out to the country, they stopped in Henteleff Park for the first look and a few wedding party photos.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine!  After mingling, guests made their way over to the ceremony site located at the back of the property.  Tyler’s parents and built a cute little nook for the ceremony to take place.  The area came together beautifully with flowers added by Lily Stone Gardens.

After the ceremony, guests made their way over to the terrace for drinks and appetizers.  Guests could either grab a drink from tubs around the terrace or go up to the bar to grab their His & Hers cocktails.

Guests slowly made their way over to the stunning clear top tent for the reception.  Once everyone was seated, Brandi and Tyler danced their way into the reception to Missing Piece by Vance Joy!
While guests were enjoying dinner, family and friends made toasts to the bride and groom.

After dinner, myself and the photo / video team convinced Brandi and Tyler to sneak away for sunset photos.  These shots ended up being my favorite from their big day!

Once back from sunset photos Brandi and Tyler shared their first dance, followed by dancing the night away with friends and family.

Vendors: D’Lite, Kings Septic, Urban Prairie Cuisine, Lily Stone Gardens, Myuz, HQ, Collective Event Rentals, George and the Funky Bunch, Sugar and Salt Bakeshoppe, Kassandra Donaldson Photography, BA Creative, EZ Transit, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events

A new twist on sparkle at a wedding with fireworks

Dayna and Ryan tied-the-knot on a beautiful summer day in 2021!  They decided to get married at St. Boniface Golf Course.  They loved the banquet space and they fact that the venue allowed fireworks.

When choosing photo locations for their wedding day, Dayna and Ryan decide to choose a personal spot for their first look location.  They decided to have this special moment captured at a Legion on Portage Avenue.  After quickly popping in for the first look, the wedding party drove over to the Hamilton Building and Forks where they walked around taking stunning photos.

Among friends and family, Dayna and Ryan tied-the-knot in the outdoor ceremony space at St. Boniface Golf Course.  The space is perfectly ticked away to the side of the parking lot.  When creating the space, their designer ensured that the space was enclosed by lush greenery and no cars were in sight, hidden behind a wooden fence. 

Timeless Florals created a petite altar piece that hung on top of the arch.  This added a little pop while Dayna and Ryan said their vows.  After the ceremony, this altar piece was moved inside to play double duty for décor.

Once inside, guests enjoyed a delicious three course dinner, speeches, and traditional dances! Once these were complete, guests were treated to not only fireworks but also sparklers on the patio!  These back-to-back spectacles were a great way to kick off the party portion of the evening.  After sparklers were done, guests made their way back inside to dance the night away!

VENDORS: St. Boniface Golf Course, Timeless Florals, Simply Perfect Décor, Made Beauty Co., A Perfect Ceremony, Goodies Bakeshop, Rembrandt String Quartet, Platinum Productions, Brenna Faris Photography, Kip and Kyle Videography, Archangel Fireworks, Crown Limousine, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events

A New Twist on the Golf Course Wedding

Hana and Matt’s 2021 wedding had a special place in my heart as my husband and Hana are childhood friends!  It was special being intimately involved in their wedding as a planner but also enjoying the later part of the wedding evening as a guest.

After spending their mornings getting ready, Hana and Matt finally saw each other for the first look in Stephen Juba Park.  After the first look, their wedding party joined in for photos in the Exchange District.  This area of downtown Winnipeg gave them the perfect mixture of lush greenery and historic buildings for photos.

Later that afternoon, Hana and Matt tied-the-knot outside at Southwood Golf Course.  Their pretty ceremony spot was nestled away in a wooded area.  It featured a large wooden arch and pedestals with white, pink, and green floral arrangements.

After dinner and speeches, guests transitioned back outside for the formal dances.  Hana and Matt had their first dance in front of the river.

My favorite part of Hana and Matt’s wedding was that they embraced the beautiful summer weather and transitioned the dance portion of the wedding to outside on the patio.  Guests were able to kick off their shoes and dance the night away on the lush golf course grass.

Southwood Golf Course is just outside the city of Winnipeg, so in the evening it gets a bit dark.  To add some ambient light, we brough it lights from PSAV around the grounds lighting up trees and the fence in bright colours.

Guests ended the evening with an incredible nacho bar and night caps at the bar!

VENDORS: Southwood Golf Course, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events, Timeless Florals, Myuz, Jamil the DJ, Brenna Farris Photography, Oak Bluff Limos

Stunning Riverfront Tent Wedding in Lac Du Bonnet

Domestic destination weddings are my favorite!  Especially when the couple has a personal connection to the location.  Kaira and Myles tied-the-knot at their family cabin in Lac Du Bonnet in 2021.  The gathering was intimate, but their friends and family sure knew how to party! 

Kaira started the day in Winnipeg with her bridesmaid’s getting hair and makeup done.  A special touch that Kaira added before leaving for the ceremony, was popping in to see her Grandparents.  Due to COVID her grandparents were unable to attend the wedding in-person, so this was a nice touch to include them on the wedding day.

Kaira’s family cabin was in the perfect location backing onto the river.  When Kaira and Myles decided to use the cabin for their wedding venue, Kaira’s dad got to work perfecting the landscaping.  Even adding a putting green for guests to enjoy.

Food was a key feature of the wedding with each dinner course masterfully created by the Prairie Kitchen team.  After dinner, guests danced the night away to music from the Big City All Star Band!

VENDORS: Prairie Kitchen, Academy Florist, D’Lite, Myuz, Rehab Hair, Big City All Start Band, Collective Rentals, Arianna Tennyson, JP Media Works, Tony’s Transport, Alexandra Lillian Weddings & Events

Stunning Nigerian Country Wedding in Manitoba

Nikki and Cyril tied-the knot in late August 2021!  Like many COVID-19 couples, Nikki and Cyril went through a rollercoaster of a ride while planning their wedding.  But the wait was worth it!

Fortunately, Nikki and Cyril had already legally gotten married overseas in Nigeria before the pandemic.   The ceremony here in Canada was to celebrate with friends and family who could not make the trip to Nigeria.

The wedding reception was hosted South of Winnipeg at Starlit Point.  The venue featured a clear top tent, and lush green landscape backing onto the river.   With such a beautiful venue, Nikki and Cyril decided to keep décor elegant and simple.  Their décor colours were cream and green with a pop of gold! 

Rain on a wedding day is good luck, right?  Before dinner, it started to drizzle.  After the storm passed, the clouds made for the most beautiful moody sunset photos.

When planning their wedding, we embraced their Nigerian heritage by incorporating a Nigerian money dance and served Nigerian food at the wedding.

VENDORS:  Holy Rosary Church, Starlit Point, African Food Vineyards, Fache Florals, Simply Perect Décor, JMC Makeup Artistry, Hair by Latisha, DJ Keez, BA Creative, Michael and Melanie, EZ Transit, Sugar and Salt Bakeshoppe, On Tap Bartending, Blake Creative Co., Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events