Debbie and Paul - Beach Elegance

Debbie and Paul - 07.23.11

Congratulations to Debbie and Paul, a wonderful couple who got married on July 23, 2011 on the beach in picturesque Kincardine, Ontario. As it was a second wedding for both, they kept things small and intimate, but elegant and memorable nonetheless. Family played an important role in the day, as Debbie's daughters Amy and Alicia acted as her matron and maid of honour, and she was walked down the aisle by her sons Shaun and Blair. Her young grandson Kevin was the uncooperative but adorable ring bearer. Paul's son Scott was an admirable best man, even on a broken foot.

The colours were black, white and fresh green, which looked elegant and integrated seamlessly with the natural grasses and blue skies at the beach. Pocketfold invitations with graphic flowers and three enclosures invited the guests to share Debbie and Paul's happiness on their wedding day, and gave a map with directions to the reception. The bridesmaids wore classic black, in short, comfortable dresses chosen with the beach in mind. Beautiful bouquets were crafted from hardy flowers that would withstand the heat - white roses and dendrobium orchids, green spider and button mums, green hypericum berries, and pistachio carnations. Pearls wrapped the stems for extra personalization.

Debbie and Paul's ceremony took place in a gazebo at Station Park Beach in Kincardine. The rustic gazebo was decorated with flowing organza to match the elegant colour scheme - black, white and fresh green. Kissing balls were suspended from the ceiling to anchor the fabric and provided a beautiful focal point for the altar. To stave off the heat of the day, Debbie thoughtfully provided cold drinks for the guests prior to the ceremony, and ice cream to follow. Who doesn't love ice cream? Colourful paper parasols added a fun touch to the photos, and kept the sun out of the girls' eyes.

Following the ceremony, guests proceeded to the Grey Rose in Hanover for a delicious dinner. Votive candle placecards guided guests to their tables, which were graced with simple yet elegant floating spider mums and candles. A memorial candle was dedicated to the memory of Debbie's brother and Paul's father, and a silver candelabra overflowing with flowers graced their sweetheart table. The scrumptious lemon cake was surrounded by cupcakes and take-out boxes so that the guests could enjoy a sweet treat later in the evening.

Amy's Advice (adapt these ideas to make your special day Unmistakable!)

If you have a small guest list, save money on catering by reserving a banquet room in a restaurant that already offers a buffet dinner for its regular customers. You'll cut the cost of each guest's meal, but still provide them with a delicious feast that they'll remember!
Have a sweetheart table so you and your new hubby can savour each other's company on this special day. Too often, the day goes by so quickly that you find you've spent next to no time alone together.
Find a way to remember loved ones who have passed away. This could be with a memorial candle, a vacant place setting and a poem or note of explanation, a reading during your ceremony, or with potted trees or shrubs that can later be planted in memory.
Keep guest comfort in mind. If it will be hot, provide cold drinks and shade, if possible. If the weather is chilly, purchase pashminas for the ladies, and offer drinks like hot chocolate and hot apple cider.

Credits

Wedding Coordination and Stationery: Unmistakably You, London, Ontario

Ceremony: Station Beach, Kincardine, Ontario

Reception: The Grey Rose, Hanover, Ontario

Photography: Julia MacDonald, Teeswater, Ontario

Dress: Garber's Bridal, London, Ontario

Flowers and Gazebo Decor: Shannon's Floral Boutique, Hanover, Ontario

Cake and Cupcakes: Hilary MacPherson, Teeswater, Ontario

5 Comments to Debbie and Paul - Beach Elegance:

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Diane Meyer on Sunday, September 25, 2011 6:19 PM

Amy you are fantastic! With the wording and pictures I felt like I was attending the wedding for a second time. Heh...I had such a great time that perhaps I will ask your Mum and Paul if we could do it again!:>)

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Debera Flynn on Sunday, September 25, 2011 7:59 PM

Amy, your description made me feel as if I attended. Will keep you in mind when I hear of a wedding coming up.

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Amy McNall on Monday, September 26, 2011 4:58 AM

Thanks so much, Diane and Debera! It was a really fun day!

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Vanessa Scott on Monday, September 26, 2011 9:14 PM

What an awesome blog post! You do great work Amy.

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Amy McNall on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 5:30 AM

Thanks, Vanessa!! The day certainly wouldn't have happened without you!

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