REAL TMB BRIDE: Jessie & Jonathan
Sometimes a bride comes into the boutique and as you learn more about her you not only fall in love with her but you find out she is planning a wedding that puts your wedding dreams to shame. In Portugal. Swoon.
Jessie brought a smile to every single appointment, and we fell for her sweet, genuine nature AND she reminded us that wedding dreams really do come true. After having the opportunity to get to know Jessie better and the privilege to see some amazing shots from her day it's easy to see why she brought that smile to every dress fitting. A dream wedding deserves an equally dreamy groom. Enjoy!
Name: Jessie Hawthorne
Dress: 'Olinda' - Pronovias
Venue: Fortaleza da Luz (Praia Da Luz - Algarve - Portugal)
Flowers: Xeli Florist Algarve
Cake: The Cake Shop - Cake Design by Sonia Marreiros
Photography: Matt & Lena Photography
So how did this love story start?
"It's a pretty funny story actually, one that I knew would inevitably be told at our wedding. It was 9 years ago exactly, Canada Day 2008. I was there with my friend and Jonathan was there with his cousin. We were at a bar when I looked over and saw him, I immediately said to my friend "DIBS!" I think this comes as close to love at first sight as possible. Learning after that he admitted to seeing me too but said he was too shy to come say hi. I looked over his way a few minutes later and he was gone. But seemed like it was meant to be when we walked into another bar and there he was. Might have been the liquid courage in me but I went right over to him, elbowed him in the back and said "Whiskey shots!" he turned around after the elbow expecting a fight and saw me, I guess he was pleasantly surprised. Politely he told me he couldn't because he was driving, I then told him to "take his skirt off!" Regardless of my silly antics that night, we've been inseparable ever since! "
It's hard not to feel the romance in a place like this!
Favourite moment of the day?
"There were so many! I have to say that the speeches were so memorable, I was in tears the whole time. It's so heartwarming to hear such lovely words from the people you love on your special day. "
"Oh also, a funny moment for sure was during the ceremony when my brother-in-law who was officiating the wedding for us, dropped the rings! I know, such a stereotypical wedding fail! He opened up the ring boxes upside down and they fell out. Luckily they weren't lost - but it definitely gave everyone a good laugh!"
Any wisdom for future TMB brides?
"Stick to your guns and do what feels best! Planning a wedding is very stressful and confusing - so just stick to what you feel in your gut is right and it will turn out perfect. Also, keep lots of lists! Especially when planning a destination wedding, I had SO much to pack, so lists were key! It's easy to say don't get too stressed about the details, something I couldn't do, but just stay organized and it will work out"
It's the personal aspects that make each wedding exceptional...
"After losing my father last year just after getting engaged, there was a while where I didn't think I wanted to get married without him. I quickly realized that's not what he would want for me. We decided to get married in the Algarve, Portugal where my family vacationed just two years prior. I have such amazing memories there with my dad so it just felt right. We even had lunch at the venue where we got married and we spoke about how it would be an amazing spot to have a wedding. Needless to say I felt him there on my day and I know he played a big part in making it perfect"
To say that this wedding makes my heart sing and melt at the same time would be such an understatement! A breathtaking couple exchanging vows in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We are truly fortunate to have been a small part of their big day!
Congratulations Jessie & Jonathan we wish you every happiness on your journey together!
