From meeting in Thailand and bonding over beer at the beach, to saying “I️ do” and starting the next chapter in their love story as husband and wife.
Alli fell in love with almost every bridal gown she tried on…until she met FARROW and something clicked. Of her FARROW gown, Alli said: “I had gone to two bridal stores previously, and I will admit I absolutely loved every dress I put on. I could have been happy in any dress as there are so many beautiful options out there, but the Tara Lauren FARROW gown was the first dress I put on at the third store, and immediately I knew. I felt gorgeous but I also felt like myself because the gown was stunning but not too over the top. I rarely do my hair or wear makeup, and it felt like the dress just fit my personal style.”
Names: Alli & Neil
Wedding Date: 09/19/20
Guest Numbers: 95
Wedding Location: Edmonton, Canada
Photographer: Woodland Photography Co.
Tell Us Your Love Story
How did you meet?
Neil and I met in Thailand back in 2014. He was on vacation with a mutual friend, and I was travelling solo throughout Southeast Asia. We were introduced to one another and a friendship was made over love of all things travel and beer on the beach. We enjoyed 8 amazing days travelling together, and then I departed on my own for another five weeks.
As time went by, we crossed paths every now and then, but nothing became serious until one summer night at Edmonton Folk Music Festival in 2017. I saw Neil and said a quick hello, and soon enough was deciding how I could set up this great guy with one of my friends. However, it wasn’t too long before I decided that maybe Neil would be a great catch for myself instead! Phone numbers were exchanged and soon after we had our first date at a quaint cocktail bar in Edmonton.
How did he put a ring on it?
We planned a trip to Victoria for mid November, just a little getaway before it truly became winter at home. There were so many signs that Neil was going to pop the question but I think I chose not to see them. We were walking to dinner at Il Terrazo in Victoria and he suggested we walk the by Legislature which its beautifully lit up all year round. We walked up the path and I was so in awe of the view, then I turned around and Neil was on one knee! It truly was the best surprise ever.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
I wanted a very simple, minimalist theme with natural décor. We both wanted our focus to be on the people, not the things.
What made the wedding personal to you?
The absolute most special part about our wedding was that we got to host it at my parents acreage. We wanted our wedding to have more of a party feel so we had bubbly ready to go half an hour before the ceremony so that our guests could mingle and meet one another before the ceremony began. Some people sat, some people stood, and everyone appeared relaxed and comfortable as Neil and I said our vows. We also did not do a receiving line or leave right after the ceremony for pictures. For an hour after saying “I️ do”, our photographers captured candid photos and we simply took time to be with our guests. It was quite special; we had time to just relax and soak up the loving vibes from the day.
What were you most nervous or excited about?
I was most excited to share the day with our guests. I knew I would be excited for Neil to see me in my dress, and have my dad walk me down the aisle, but Neil and I have the most kind and supportive family and friends, that I was just so grateful they could be there for our special day. I was also very much looking forward to the reception. We had a very short reception of speeches which meant more time for dancing…we ended up dancing until 2:30am!
Now, the most important part – the Dress!
Tell us about your dress?
I had gone to two bridal stores previously, and I will admit I absolutely loved every dress I put on. I could have been happy in any dress as there are so many beautiful options out there, but the Tara Lauren FARROW gown was the first dress I put on at the third store, and immediately I knew. I felt gorgeous but I also felt like myself because the gown was stunning but not too over the top. I rarely do my hair or wear makeup, and it felt like the dress just fit my personal style.
What stockist did you get it from?
What was your most memorable moment from your day?
Honestly – EVERYTHING! It was the absolute best day. We had to make some changes to our original plans due to COVID, but I wouldn’t go back and change a thing. I thought of our wedding as a great party to start our marriage, and it made for the most wonderful, fun and easygoing day.
Vendors to credit:
// Photography Woodland Photography Co. // Florals Awesome Blossom // Bridal Boutique Delica Bridal // Videography Shelbi Roy Film Co. // Catering Little Village Greek Catering //