Who would’ve known that a work sales pitch would turn into the beginning of a beautiful love story.
Of her Montgomery gown, Debbie said “She brought out the Montgomery gown with a nude lining which I tried on and immediately fell head over heels for.”
Names: Deborah & Justin
Wedding Date: August 14, 2020
Guest Numbers: 50
Wedding Location: Whistle Bear Golf Club, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Photographer: Damian Dudek
Tell Us Your Love Story
How did you meet?
Justin and I met through work. I remember him coming to my office to do a sales pitch during one of our morning meetings. I thought he was cute, but it wasn’t until a year later that we started dating. My store won an incentive he had set us, where the prize was a bar night playing bocce ball and eating pizza. After a few beers he worked up the courage to ask me out, and the next day we were exploring Toronto Islands! We just did not stop talking, so it ended up being a 24 hour date and we both knew it was the start of something special.
How did he put a ring on it?
We decided to go to Tulum for my 30th birthday and had the best time swimming in remote cenotes and eating the most amazing food. I did have a feeling he might propose that week, but once my birthday passed I figured it wouldn’t happen. On our last night, I was running late getting ready since Justin had been hogging the bathroom, so had soaking wet hair and no make up on when he suggested we have a glass of bubbly on the balcony to celebrate a great trip. After our first glass, he reminded me to go into the safe and grab my watch. I opened the safe door and there was a shiny engagement ring waiting for me, and Justin was sitting at the edge of the bed asking the question whilst filming my reaction! It was perfect, and we then went out for sunset cocktails and dinner at a stunning outdoor restaurant as the most intense rainfall happened all around us.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
For the wedding we really drew inspiration from the venue, which has this great modern, elegant and romantic vibe. I gathered some colour inspiration, showed it to Justin and we went with what we both liked, which was a mix of classic pastels, greenery and a stormy grey. Like so many 2020 brides, as the pandemic plodded on I really lost my planning mojo and found it difficult to make decisions on the details. I think we ended up pivoting the floral and decor quote four or five times! However it all worked out beautifully with our reduced floor plan and sweetheart head table.
What made the wedding personal to you?
When we knew we Covid-19 would impact our day in so many ways, we decided to roll with it. We originally were not going to give favours, but our venue required face masks in public spaces so we asked a local Toronto artist to make us silkscreen printed masks, and also customised hand sanitizers from Spirit of York in the Distillery District. At least they would get used and not chucked in the bin!
We had to forego the dancing at the reception, so our DJ allowed us to put the deposit towards a livestream of our ceremony. It was really appreciated by our guests – being from the UK, practically all my family and friends weren’t able to attend, including my Maid of Honour, Laura. It was so amazing to see how involved they got, hosting watch parties and getting dressed up for the occasion, despite being an ocean away.
What were you most nervous or excited about?
I was most nervous to read my vows to Justin, as I honestly thought I would be in floods of tears throughout. Luckily that wasn’t the case, and when the time came I’d found this quiet confidence and was able to block out the audience. It was like we were in our own bubble at the top of the altar! This is cheesy, but the thing I was most excited about was to call Justin my husband, finally.
Now, the most important part – the Dress!
Tell us about your dress?
I was beyond lucky with my dress, the stars aligned in every way! I had sent Heather at Tilted Veil some inspiration pictures before my appointment, and when I arrived she said she had the perfect one in mind. She brought out the Montgomery gown with a nude lining which I tried on and immediately fell head over heels for. I was having a hard time trying to picture it in white, when Heather mentioned that another bride had decided not to go ahead with her order of the same gown in Ivory, and it was hanging up in the back. I was able to try it on, and it ended up fitting like a glove. My alterations consisted of a few inches off the hem and shortening the straps a touch! I felt so good on my wedding day in that dress.
What stockist did you get it from?
Tilted Veil in Guelph, Ontario.
What was your most memorable moment from your day?
The most memorable moment was during the speeches, when my bridesmaid Jennifer took to the podium with a life size cardboard cut out of my maid of honour Laura, along with a recorded speech from her. I was so happy to hear her voice, and glad that she could still play a big role in the day despite being sat in her living room in Nottingham!
Vendors to credit:
Photography: Dudek Photography // Florist: KM Decor & Design // Ceremony Venue: Whistle Bear Golf Club // Hair & Makeup: Teased Bridal // Videographer: Still Creates // Cake: Flour Designs // DJ: EJ Entertainment