Having tied the knot in secret a year before, Devon and James’s wedding was full of personal touches and moments alongside a rich colour palette of greens and terracotta.
Of her AMAIA gown, Devon said: “I felt like a million dollars that day and I truly believe I’ll look back on our wedding photos and think – “wow, what a classy, elegant dress that was”.
Names: Devon & James
Wedding Date: 11.21.21
Guest Numbers: Originally 250, down to 100 due to COVID.
Wedding Location: The Burroughes Building, Toronto ON
Photographer: Northern Wildflower & Sara Monika Photography
Tell Us Your Love Story
How did you meet?
James and I actually grew up together. We met through my big brother who was best friends with James. I can admit I had a crush on him growing up and whether he says he did or not, he was respectful and didn’t ask me out until we were older and got my brother’s approval (LOL!) We were together for 2 years when he proposed!
How did he put a ring on it?
He connected with one of my best friends who is an incredible wedding photographer @JenniferSeeStudios and asked her to document the moment. She told me she needed content models for a shoot for a local brewery in Toronto, called Bellwoods Brewery – one of our favourite local breweries in the city.
James and I went for a delicious brunch and then met up with my friend at Bellwoods Brewery and the “shoot” began immediately. After a couple photos were taken, James grabbed my hands and then started saying all these really amazing things, and then he got down on one knee and proposed. He proposed in the middle of November, thinking the patio would be empty – but that wasn’t the case – the patio was full and we had a huge crowd behind us – cheering. We enjoyed a beer inside, then drove to see our parents to share the news with them and on our way home ordered Big Macs! It was a wonderful day – I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for days!
Where did you draw inspiration from?
Honestly, after rescheduling our wedding already because of COVID, the colour palette changed. I was inspired by this colour of invitations I saw online. I loved the greens and rich harvest oranges and tara cottas. Luckily Pinterest was able to help me pull ideas and inspiration for the rest of the decor. James was also over the moon when I suggested a velvet green jacket! He was very into the idea.
What made the wedding personal to you?
We actually got officially married the year before but didn’t tell anyone except our parents and siblings (unfortunately I didn’t have my dream dress for that moment) but we got to surprise everyone on November 12th! People were so surprised and so happy we still tied the knot on our original date.
It felt so special to have those “bridal moments” that I didn’t get to have on the day we got legally married (ie; bridal party moments, a first look with my dad, a proper first look with my husband, walking down the aisle with my dad and first dances. I’m so happy we did what we did! It makes our marriage story so unique for us. COVID can’t stop love!
What were you most nervous or excited about?
James says he was most excited to finally see all our loved ones together again and I cannot agree with him more. It was such an amazing feeling to see family and friends all in one room after two years of a pandemic. Everyone was SO happy!
Now, the most important part – the Dress!
Tell us about your dress?
OH MY GOSH MY DRESS! The Amaia! What a goddess she was. I seriously was so over the moon happy with my dress. From my mom’s glee ridden face when I chose it, to the point of purchase, and the fittings, to wearing it in front of my best friends for the first time, showing my dad and then last but certainly not least, my husband to be! I’ve never felt so beautiful. I felt like a million dollars that day and I truly believe I’ll look back on our wedding photos and think – “wow, what a classy, elegant dress that was”.
What stockist did you get it from?
What was your most memorable moment from your day?
DANCING! After wedding date changes, and dealing with closures and capacity limitations, getting the green light to dance to our band was such an incredible feeling. Seeing all our guests smiling. laughing and singing along – it warmed my heart. I for sure shed a few happy tears during the band’s cover of Taylor Swift’s, Love Story.
Vendors to credit:
// Photography Northern Wildflower & Sarah Monika Photography // Bridal Boutique Sash & Bustle // Venue The Burroughes // Caterer & Planner Gusto 54 Catering // Band The Lonely Hearts // Groom’s Jacket Custom // Florals Willows & Stems // Brides Shoes Forever Soles