Blog | Alexandra Lillian Weddings And Events Winnipeg - Part 2
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Canadian Museum for Human Rights Wedding

sugarandsoulphotography.com

After a postponement and venue closure, Darcy and Jeff finally got to tie-the-knot in November 2021.  I assisted Darcy and Jeff with full wedding planning and was with them throughout the wedding planning process.  Sadly, due to the pandemic their original venue had to close to the public, so we quickly had to pivot their plans and find a new space to host the wedding.

After a few frantic meetings, they decided on using the Canadian Museum for Huma Rights!  The museum was the perfect mix of moody and modern.

sugarandsoulphotography.com
sugarandsoulphotography.com

On the wedding day, they had their first look in Stephen Juba Park.  This beautiful park is tucked along the river next to the Exchange District.  It is also near The James Avenue Pumphouse where the wedding party relaxed with some fun drinks during wedding party photos.  To ensure the day ran smoothly, we pre-ordered food and beverage.  That way it was all ready to go when the group arrived. 

sugarandsoulphotography.com
sugarandsoulphotography.com

Later in the day, Darcy and Jeff tied-the-knot in the Garden of Contemplation at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.  Their ceremony featured a geometric arch with beautiful flowers designed by Stone House Creative.

sugarandsoulphotography.com
sugarandsoulphotography.com

After the ceremony, guests made their way down stairs for cocktails and the dinner reception.  Darcy and Jeff worked with Urban Prairie Cuisine to create a custom menu with chicken supreme and grilled beef tenderloin and strawberry champagne cheesecake.

For guests with an extra sweet tooth, they had Sugar and Salt Bakeshoppe bring in cupcakes and macarons. 

sugarandsoulphotography.com
sugarandsoulphotography.com

VENDORS: Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Urban Prairie Cuisine, Stone House Creative, Makeup by DCMK, Made Beauty Co, Planned Perfectly, Jamil the DJ, Sugar and Soul Photography, EZ Transit, Sugar and Salt Bakeshoppe, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events

Stunning Country Wedding in Southern Manitoba



Many years ago, I met Sarah through another bride!  We instantly clicked, and when it was Sarah’s time to tie-the-knot I was so happy when she reached out.  It was a long and windy road getting Sarah and Daniel to the altar.  In 2020 we were a week out from their wedding, when the Province of Manitoba enacted restrictions that made it impossible for them to go forward with the wedding.  After some tears we decided the right move was to push the wedding to 2021!

With a new date set, we got planning for a whole new vision for the wedding.  The most exciting part was that it included a five-course menu with wine pairings!  As a foodie, I thought this was the most incredible treat for guests.  Their food courses included roasted beets, black cod, pork belly, gnocchi and beef tenderloin.

After dinner guests were treated to drinks chilled through the ice sculpture, and specialty cocktails at the bar!

VENDORS: NGO Photography, CHEW, The Gables, Planned Perfectly, It’s Me Bobbi, John of Aevi, Winnipeg Wedding Collective, Jenna Rae Cakes, Blake Creative Co, EZ Transit, Trend Décor, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events

Sara and Brendan’s Backyard Wedding

Sara and Brendan’s Backyard Wedding

Like many COVID-19 couples, Sara and Brendan had to pivot their original wedding plans.  Sadly, a few months before the wedding their original venue had to close their doors.  After giving it some thought, Sara and Brendan decided to host their wedding at home in their backyard.  It was the perfect spot for their fun, laid-back vibe.  

I always recommend for couples to have a drink available for guests upon arrival.  A traditional drink would be a class of sparkling wine.  Sara and Brendan added a special twist, and mixed things up by having shots of Fireball for guests.  How fun!

Another way that Sara and Brendan mixed things up was with their dinner!  Instead of doing a traditional sit-down dinner, they ordered individually packaged shawarma bowls from Shawarma Khan.  This was not only a delicious option for guests but also a great COVID-19 alternative! 

Although, this was not their original plan for the wedding, it sure turned out beautifully!

VENDORS: Collective Event Rentals, Shawarma Khan, For Us Bakery, Academy Florist, Xandra Photography, Alexandra Lillian Weddings & Events

Caroline and Brent’s Backyard Wedding

Like many COVID couples, it was a wild ride getting Caroline and Brent to the altar!  From an initial wedding postponement to last minute changes, they were absolute rockstars and took every pivot with ease.

I would be remised to not give a shout out to Brent’s mom, Darlene.  Just two weeks before the wedding we hade to pivot from the original wedding plans.  Without hesitation, Darlene not only offered her backyard for the wedding but worked alongside me and vendors to give Caroline and Brent the wedding they had always dreamed of.

After a short and sweet ceremony at St. Ignatius Church, the wedding party travelled to the Manitoba Legislative Building and Stephen Juba Park for photos.  These are two of my favorite spots to recommend for outdoor photos! 

2021 was the year of backyard weddings!  As previously mentioned, Brent’s parents graciously offered their stunning backyard as the venue for the wedding reception.  The backyard featured a large pool in the middle which was decorated with white balloons, and guest tables were sprinkled along the outside of the yard.  This assisted with social distancing and ensuring that all guests felt comfortable.

Caroline and Brent are two incredibly kind people and I’m so happy that they were able to start this new chapter in their lives!

-Alex

VENDORS: St. Ignatius Church, Oak and Lily, Planned Perfectly, Simply Perfect Décor, Collective Events, Bailey Del Bigio, Hair Play, Aimee De La Lande Photography, Luminous String Quartet, Cake Studio, Tony’s Transport, Bonne Cuisine, Alexandra Lillian Weddings & Events

Carla and Leeto’s Whimsical COVID-19 Wedding – Bridges Golf Course

CARLA & LEETO – SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

It was a whirlwind working with these two leading up to their wedding day. Carla and Leeto hired me to assist with month0of coordination just a short five weeks before they tied-the-knot. They are a prime example of how it is never too late to hire a wedding coordinator!

I stopped in to say hi to Carla and her bridesmaids before heading out to Bridges Golf Course to start set-up. The girls had a blast getting ready and weren’t afraid to pop a few bottles of bubbly!

When it comes to fine details on a wedding day, Carla and Leeto had them covered. From a custom hand sanitizer to a delicious menu, their guests were in for a treat!

These two did not let a bit of rain, rain on their parade. They were troopers and wandered around the golf course getting the most incredible photos with their photographer Jake from KAMP Photography.

VENDORS: Bridges Golf Course, The Floral Fixx, Dream Day Decor, Justine Barry, Hair by Reine, Kelly’s Kitchen, Mav-One, Kamp Photography, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events

Larisa and Zach’s Wedding at the Gates

“Hiring Alex to help us with our wedding was truly one of the best investments we made. Alex was able to make planning our Manitoba wedding a breeze, while my partner and I were both living out of province.

She has so many tips and tricks, she is always prompt with email responses when you need her the most and she is just genuinely such a kind person. We would recommend Alex and her company to anyone. Our wedding day was perfect, and Alex definitely played a huge role in making it that way!”

-Larisa

Larisa and Zach tied the knot along side immediate family at The Gates on May 8, 2021.  With the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a wild ride getting them to the altar.  Like many couples, Larisa and Zach chose to postpone their wedding from 2020 to 2021. 

Leading up to the wedding I watched the news like a hawk to see what the Provincial restrictions would be in place.  It was a nail biter the week leading up to the wedding. After the wedding rehearsal the officiant Deb and I huddled around my phone to watch the news announcement of impending restrictions.  The restrictions announced would devastate the wedding industry from mid-May into June.  With the restrictions going into effect on Sunday, Larisa and Zach’s wedding was able to go forward unhindered and they were able to have a beautiful reception dinner for guests.

Families come in all shapes and size.  When Larisa and Zach tied the knot, they not only became a family of two, but three.  Zach’s son, Maverick was the most fun ring bearer.  My favorite part of the wedding was when Larisa and Zach not only said vows to each other, but to Maverick as well. 

I know this time has not been easy for couples, but I am so happy that Larisa and Zach were able to celebrate their love with close family!

Vendors: The Gates, Oak and Lily, Zayla Saunders, Platinum Productions, Tori (Rehab Hair), The Perfect Ceremony, Dream Day Décor, Vanessa Renae Photography, James Dixon, Lilac Bakery, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events.

Fort Garry Hotel and Starlit Point Wedding

Third times the charm! Camille and Dave planned their wedding not once… not twice.. but THREE times. They rolled with the punches and didn’t let COVID-19 get in the way of celebrating their love.

Fun fact! We transitioned their wedding to a new venue and hired many new vendors within six days of their wedding. Urban Prairie Cuisine and Starlit Point were very accommodating with out last minute booking and requests. I highly recommend both vendors!

One of my favorite guests at their wedding was their fur baby! She had the sweetest floral collar by The Floral Fixx. I adore dogs, and always suggest for couples to incorporate their pup into the wedding day. Tip: ask your venue if dogs are allowed. Not all venues allow dogs.

Take a peek behind the scenes of their beautiful wedding day!

VENDORS: Fort Garry Hotel, Starlit Point, Urban Prairie Cuisine, The Floral Fixx, Planned Perfectly, Ashley Tiopo and Co., Grace Hill Salon, Luminous String Quartet, Sweet Impressions, Jamil the DJ, Casey Nolin Photogrtaphy, The Picture and the Poet, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events.

Meghan and Jay | Fort Garry Hotel Wedding

Meghan and Jay’s wedding was my second wedding of 2020, and also my last for quite a while due to COVID-19. Looking back on their photos it makes me reminisce on the time not so long ago that we could gather for celebrations like weddings!

I’m so thankful I was able to be apart of Meghan and Jay’s dreamy Fort Garry Hotel wedding. The hotel was the perfect backdrop for Meghan’s vision and it matched well with her royal ballgown.

Upon entering the hotel, guests were wisped upstairs to the 7th floor. This floor at the Fort Garry Hotel is iconic for it’s Concert Hall, Crystal Ballroom, Foyer and Loggia.

The couple said their vows in the Concert Hall, followed by passed drinks in the Foyer and Loggia. Once guests had their fill of sparkling wine and cocktails, Meghan and Jay made their grand entrance into the Crystal Ballroom and the reception began.

At the time, little did I know their wedding would be my last for quite a few months due to COVID-19. It makes me sad, but so excited for when government regulations are lifted and we are able to celebrate weddings again!

Meghan and Jay’s Fort Garry Hotel would not have been possible without the following vendors; Tony from The Collective, Fort Garry Hotel, Sweet Impressions, Primped and Polished, The Floral Fixx, Jamil the DJ, Let’s Tie The Knot, Hair Play, Alexandra Lillian Weddings and Events.

Successfully Postponed Your Wedding? Now What?

Captured by Stephanie Lauren Co.

Firstly, my heart goes out to you for having to postpone your wedding.  Now that your vendors and guests have been transitioned to the new date, what is there to do?

Keep your excitement up by working through these often put-off wedding items.

Create Your Family Photo List

Other than the wedding day timeline, this is one of the other most critical documents on a wedding day. The family photo list allows for structure, efficiency and ensures that no photo combinations get missed.   I often budget 30 minutes for family photos.  However, if photos go over the 30 minutes it could affect the rest of your timeline.

This list is shared with the planner, photographer and all parties involved.  That way Grandma Sue doesn’t wander off when she’s supposed to have her photo taken.

Either the planner or photographer will call out the different family member combinations.

Create Your Music Must-Play / Do-Not Play List for the DJ

Most DJs are great at reading a crowd and will play what guests react well to.  However, there are some dividing songs such as the Chicken Dance, YMCA or Macarena that either couples love or hate.

Create a list of songs you wish for the DJ to play and songs / genres you don’t.  This will ensure your favorite songs are played during the cocktail hour, dinner and reception.

Write Your Vows

You would be shocked to find out how many couples save writing their vows until the last minute.  With the postponement of your wedding you now have time to start chipping away at your vows.

Start with a general outline, then over time start to fill in details.

Write Your Thank You Speech

Like vows, the thank you speech is often written at the last minute.  Start by outlining the people you wish to thank, then add a more robust description about what you wish to say.

LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR WEDDING?  SHOOT ME AN EMAIL AT ALEX@ALWEDDINGSWINNIPEG.COM TO ARRANGE A COMPLIMENTARY INITIAL MEETING.

CLICK HERE to see more wedding inspo!