3 Chic and Intimate TMB Real Bride Weddings
2020 wasn’t all bad.
Wait, hear us out before you exit the page! Yes 2020 was awful, we all know that. But even the in the darkest times, there were little cracks where the light was let in. That is how we think of the 2020 intimate weddings, or as we also like to refer to them … re-mastered wedding plans!
We reached out to a few of our 2020 brides who tied the knot, despite the odds, last year. They pivoted from lavish, big parties and created beautifully chic and romantic small weddings celebrating marrying their best friend. Here is what they had to say about hosting a wedding in 2020.
ALYSSA + BEN - December 31, 2020
Wedding Guest Count: 10
The original plan: We had initially planned to have an intimate ceremony and dinner (just immediate family and wedding party with their spouses; approx. 35ppl), followed by a 'seated cocktail hour' of approx. 150 guests total for speeches and first dance, etc., followed by reception with live band and approx. 300 guests total.
“Having to scale back our guest list was such an important reminder to 'keep it real' about what mattered most to us.”
What made your wedding day so special?
The fact we actually made the day happen was the most special part. We had so many obstacles as a result of the pandemic - without getting into the nitty-gritty, there were seriously SO many roadblocks, it seemed like an impossible feat at times - but my spouse and I never wavered about wanting to be married. We had a beautiful evening with our families and I am so glad to be married to my best friend!
What was your favourite part of your wedding day?
Hands down my favourite moment was being able to casually turn on the World Juniors while drinking a beer in my wedding gown with my new husband and our families.
Florals: Carrie-Lynn Weber (@carrielynnfloral)
Rentals: NJS Design Event Rentals (@njsdesignparty)
Graphic Design: KB Design, Kristen Bowman (@hello_from_kbdesign)
Photographer: Lilry Photography, Brady Carmichael (@lilryphotography)
Dress: Dakota @Anaisanette via The Modern Bride
Veil: @atelierelise via The Modern Bride
Kathy + Matt - October 3, 2020
Wedding Guest Count: 30
The original plan: Our wedding was originally to have 150-160 guests. However, because of COVID, two months before our wedding date we decided to cancel with our initial venue (they were still closed) and completely re-plan our wedding at a new venue. Thankfully Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in Niagara on the Lake had our date open and a beautiful intimate space for us and our small group of guests.
“It wasn't the big party we originally planned, but the intimacy of our micro wedding was just so special. It was difficult bringing our guest list down to 30 people, and having to call guests to tell them that we could no longer have them attend because of our new plan, but everyone was so understanding and sent their love from afar. Our wedding was still perfect with our 30 guests and it really made us focus on the family and friends most important to us. Looking back, we wouldn't change anything about our wedding day - it was so special and absolutely perfect.”
What is the one piece of advice or words of wisdom you would give a bride who may need to change her original wedding plans to a more intimate wedding? These can be either Do's or Do Nots or just general advice! If you don't have a planner, consider getting one. We were sitting in limbo for months as our venue was closed due to COVID. When we got to the "two months out" mark and our venue was still closed, we had no idea what to do. We still wanted to get married, and there were a lot of places hosting small weddings. One Saturday morning, I randomly came across a planner named Karina Lemke who was doing micro-weddings and sent her an email asking for advice. The information and advice she provided was invaluable and we hired her to help us move all of the vendors we booked for our original wedding onto the new plan that we developed with her. With such little time, her support was very helpful and took a lot of the stress out of the equation.
Planner - @karinalemkeweddings
Florals - @kendon.design.co
Photography - @briannediaglephotography
Venue - @ravinevineyard
Dress: Willowby via @tmodernbride
Holly + Michael - July 18, 2020
Wedding Guest Count: 45
The original plan: We originally invited 320 guests to our wedding.
What is the one piece of advice or words of wisdom you would give a bride who may need to change her original wedding plans to a more intimate wedding?
Do it! You won’t regret it! Although making the decision to change the size, date and even location of your wedding may be one of the most difficult decisions, in the end you get to marry the love of your life and that won’t change. These are very unique times and as a result, people are very understanding. No matter what you decide, your friends and family will still be there to love, support and cheer you on throughout the process.
“The moment you’ve wait so long for actually happening and seeing the emotion on your partner’s face, there is no better feeling. Even though our wedding was very imitate, having that time together, just the two of us, brought our excitement to an entirely new level.”
What made your wedding day so special?
Having an intimate wedding lets you have so many amazing moments you wouldn’t have been able to have with your 300+ person guest list. We were able to spend quality time with every guest at our wedding. We have a picture with every guest and couple who attended, a funny story, an intimate moment, shared a drink or dance with them and were really able to appreciate every single person there!
Photography - Young Glass Photography
Make up - Make up by Alana Snoei
Hair - The Bridal Glam Co.
Flowers - Vermeer's Garden Centre
Dress, Veil, Ear Rings & Hair Piece - The Modern Bride
Decor - Me
Day of Coordinator - Alicia Tymoszewicz