Cheerful Backyard Jewish Wedding during Covid
2020 has been a weird year for weddings, and sometimes it seems like it’s not even worth talking about anymore. That’s exactly why I’m starting this blog series, because I want to celebrate our “Covid weddings” and, at the same time, inspire you with ideas on how you can make sure that Covid-19 doesn’t define your wedding!
This is the second instalment of the Covid Weddings series, and we’re flashing back to one of the hottest days of my life setting up this cheerful backyard Jewish wedding. Read on for my reflections of the day and details from the bride herself!
2020 has been a weird year for weddings, and sometimes it seems like it’s not even worth talking about anymore. That’s exactly why I’m starting this blog series, because I want to celebrate our “Covid weddings” and, at the same time, inspire you with ideas on how you can make sure that Covid-19 doesn’t define your wedding!
This is the second instalment of the Covid Weddings series, and we’re flashing back to one of the hottest days of my life setting up this cheerful backyard Jewish wedding. Read on for my reflections of the day and details from the bride herself!
Lainie and Daniel ~ June 28, 2020
Photos by Kamp Photography
At the onset of the pandemic, we (I) felt heartbroken and did not know what to do. Should we postpone our celebration or proceed with something very different than we had originally planned and envisioned? At the time, choosing to proceed in a smaller fashion seemed like the worst decision. However, after proceeding with our wedding on our original date, I don’t know how we ever could have chosen to postpone.
Our original guest list included guests from all over the world and consisted of over 250 people, thus we had to cut back our guests considerably. As both of us come from larger families and close-knit groups of friends this proved to be a significant challenge. Inevitably, we chose to host an intimate ceremony with our immediate families, grandmothers, and aunts and uncles.
We are currently still planning to host a larger celebration next year and hope to be able to invite all or most of our original guest list; only time will tell what this event will look like. But what this pandemic has really taught us is that we can’t control everything and to just let go and enjoy what we can.
I planned the wedding entirely myself, and I truthfully found it very challenging to be inspired for the intimate affair. Lauren was amazing in providing constant support and was always there as I navigated through the re-planning process, finalizing all details less than two weeks before the big day (sorry)!
I originally had an amazing vision for the big affair – that we still hope to incorporate into our plans for next spring – but I could not be inspired by the Garden Theme for the covid wedding.
At that time, Lauren suggested having fun with it and planning something totally different, and to make the best out of a tough situation. Lauren suggested a few blogs for me to research and after reading through a few of them, the lightbulb went off!!
In the end, we planned a completely different affair – we chose to host a beautiful Modern Garden Party in my parents’ backyard, at the home I grew up in. This consisted of an intimate ceremony that incorporated stories of our childhood and reminiscing about family members who shaped the people we became. Our wedding featured brighter colours than I would have originally chosen and now wish I had incorporated even brighter hues into the day! This new vision even enabled us to host an intimate dinner featuring a locally renowned chef – a true farm-to-table culinary experience!
Our smaller, intimate wedding became everything we could have ever wanted, even though we never envisioned it in the beginning. It was simply perfect, and we truly have Lauren to thank for her constant guidance, support, and attention to detail!
In the end, all the details that seemed to bring me down, all the things we weren’t able to have – we had to let it go and embrace what we did have, we had each other, we had our families and we had our love. At the end of the day, we focused on our love story and let go of everything we ‘lost’ because of the pandemic and started to focus on the things we gained. It could not have been more perfect.
I loved making this cheery bouquet for Lainie. It felt really juicy 🍑🍓🍉🍋 My husband said it was his favourite bouquet that I’ve made! For the “big wedding,” we’re planning to go a lot simpler and more neutral, but for the intimate wedding, I suggested that we go a little bolder with the colour. As the spring weather turned to summer, Lainie was finding herself more drawn to those seasonal fresh colours and there was no good reason not to indulge in them!
Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: locally grown peonies, ranunculus, columbine and anemonies with Canadian grown ranunculus, olive foliage, and hosta leaves from my own garden. I knew that Lainie’s dress was quite streamlined and she’s very petite, so I didn’t want to design a bouquet that would overwhelm her frame. the smaller, slightly tidier shape was perfect.
Oh, and that perfect bow in the back of her dress? I got to tie that for her after they just couldn’t get it quite right. Talk about one of the most stressful moments in my life 😂😂
It was SO HOT on this day, guys. It was over 40 celcius, and there was also a decent breeze. But you know what? When everything else has gone off plan, the hot sun doesn’t bother you quite as much. One thing did happen that took me by surprise: the pillar candles melted. MELTED. I never expected that to happen!
Trust your gut and do not let the negativity take over. This is a special time for you as a couple, focus your love and trust me from experience, everything will turn out perfectly!
I honestly think having to plan a wedding through a pandemic was the best thing that could have happened to me, because I learned how to let go. I had trust in my vendors (shout out to Lauren) who were instrumental in the success of our day. And, if you are nervous about how this new, potentially additional event, may impact your budget…speak to your vendors as they have the experience and can help guide you accordingly.
Lainie and Daniel had about 30 guests at their ceremony and reception, with one long dinner table lining the backyard. Knowing that we’re planning for part 2 of the wedding next year, the couple requested that we restrain the budget on this celebration while still making the day feel special with fresh florals. I came up with a few different options for the tabletop, and love the one they chose. The few elements that they knew off the bat they would use were the harvest tables and the copper flatware. I suggested one larger floral centrepiece in my copper bowl, set in the centre of the table in front of the newly married couple. I tucked in a few stem vases with petite florals (in the same vases that we’re planning to use for the reception next year, so we’ll have a bit of similarity), and black pillar candles and black metal candleholders.
The best advice we can give to others going through this challenging time is to focus on yourselves, focus on your love, and just do it!
Try to tune out the news, it can and will bring you down. Perhaps ask a close friend or family member to watch for any updates in case they impact your plans…and ask them to watch the weather for you. We were very fortunate that it did not rain on our day, however, it was one of the hottest days this summer…so be sure to water those flowers throughout the day and keep them cool so they stay fresh for when you need them!
Need more Covid-style intimate wedding inspiration?
Check out this Birds Hill Park elopement (they’re planning their reception for 2021!).
LOOKING FOR A WEDDING FLORAL AND EVENT DESIGNER IN WINNIPEG?
2021 wedding dates are limited! Flowers are the best way to make a statement at your wedding. Whether you already have a specific vision or want me to dream up something custom just for you, reach out to Stone House Creative for stunning bridal bouquets, truly unique ceremony backdrops, and beautiful floral centrepieces to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding!
Elegant Peaches and Cream Wedding at Cielo's Garden
Mmmm, this bridal bouquet. About 6 weeks before the wedding, Carly told me that she wanted to add some colour to her otherwise white and green colour palette. She showed me an inspiration picture that had some oranges and peaches, and I was SO on board. Those additions bring lightness and freshness, and I think they look really good with the stormy grey/blues of the bridesmaid dresses, too.
June at Cielo’s Garden - two of my favourite things!
Carly was such a lovely, lovely person to work with. She was open to my suggestions and interested to hear what I had to say, which in my opinion, always results in the best possible end product! This wedding featured an incredible ceremony design, a delicious peaches and cream palette, some really juicy locally grown flowers (including a few stems from my own garden!) and an elegant reception design that I just can’t wait to share with you.
Mmmm, this bridal bouquet. About 6 weeks before the wedding, Carly told me that she wanted to add some colour to her otherwise white and green colour palette. She showed me an inspiration picture that had some oranges and peaches, and I was SO on board. Those additions bring lightness and freshness, and I think they look really good with the stormy grey/blues of the bridesmaid dresses, too.
Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: peonies, ranunculus, spray roses, godetia, sweet pea, hypericum berries, Bells of Ireland, eucalyptus foliages, and white bleeding heart from my garden!
Carly really wanted to make a statement in the ceremony space. Like the rest of the flowers, this was originally going to be all white and green, which definitely would have been nice, but the added peach, pink, and orange tones really added dimension here. I love that this design really frames the couple in and creates a beautiful stage for their vows.
Amanda Douglas Events did a beautiful job of designing this reception space. Cielo’s Garden transitions really easily from a casual tent setting to an elegant, formal venue and this wedding was one of the most elegant that I’ve seen there! Gold-rimmed glassware and gold flatware, candle after candle after candle, and really pretty blue accents brought in through linens on the head table.
Carly chose a combination of fuller floral arrangements mixed with cut glass stem vases with petite arrangements and single stems.
Looking for a Wedding Floral and Event Designer in Winnipeg?
2021 wedding dates are now booking! Flowers are the best way to make a statement at your wedding. Whether you already have a specific vision or want me to dream up something custom just for you, reach out to Stone House Creative for stunning bridal bouquets, truly unique ceremony backdrops, and beautiful floral centrepieces to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding!
Feminine Spring Wedding at Smith Restaurant
I first met Erin and Peter about a year before their wedding, at a Mother’s Day pop-up sale I was doing at Fools & Horses Coffee. I remember her saying that she wanted to talk about wedding flowers with me, and that her favourite flower was tulips and that was basically all she had planned! I was so pleased when I found out their wedding was going to be a feminine spring celebration at Smith Restaurant at Inn at the Forks - one of Winnipeg’s best restaurants, in my opinion! When I was setting up the flowers, I literally salivated when I read through their menu. I would have LOVED to be a guest at this wedding!
Photos: Pantel Photography ~ Venue: SMITH, Inn at the Forks ~ Calligraphy and Signage: Jennifer Bianca Calligraphy
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: May is the best time to get married if you’re a flower lover! Just look at all of these sumptuous goodies that I got to use in Erin’s bouquet! She wanted a fairly organic feel to her bouquets, and aside from the aforementioned tulips and a love for pastel pinks and purples, she really just left it up to me. That meant it was time to use some of my favourite springtime flowers.
Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: peonies, locally grown ranunculus, sweet pea, spirea, with spray roses and tulips.
Have I mentioned how much I love small bridal parties? 😍 And Erin’s girls’ dresses are just gorgeous.
Erin and Peter had a really cool idea for their ceremony location: the old train bridge right at The Forks! I thought this was such a fun idea. They just kind of lucked out that passersby were respectful of the ceremony, because it’s not a space that you can officially reserve, as far as I know.
And then reception time at Smith! I actually had another wedding there this fall, and have another coming up in the winter months so aside from just dining at the restaurant, I feel like I’m now very well accustomed to the space. And it’s a GORGEOUS space - it’s so easy to have a wedding at Smith because it’s just so beautiful! They have done an incredible job of creating a great ambiance. For Erin and Peter’s guest list, they used the main dining space along with the solarium, the patio, and the lounge area was re-purposed as the dance floor. There aren’t a lot of pictures of the flowers, but let me tell you that we had flowers and candles EVERYWHERE. We chose clear glass vases in different sizes and styles, and put a mix of arrangements ranging from single stems to fuller, peony-focused arrangements on all of the restaurant tables. And of course, nothing is complete without candlelight so plenty of pillar candles were mixed in as well!
I always love seeing my past clients at weddings (or let’s be honest…in wedding photos ha). Katie (far left) had a stunning, vineyard-inspired wedding day a few summers ago and since then, she’s been a bridesmaid in another of my weddings and a guest at several more. Things like this make me so happy!
Winnipeg’s Favourite Wedding Florist
I'm now pre-booking for 2020 weddings with a wait-list! I love working with creative couples who want their wedding to look and feel different from what their friends have had. Whether it's an outdoor wedding or a classic ballroom setting, I love to bring garden-inspired designs everywhere I go! Want to connect? Click the button below and fill out my contact form so I can learn more about your wedding!
Austin and Mike's Romantic Ballroom Wedding
I consider it one of the most incredible honours whenever a fellow wedding vendor reaches out to ask me to be a part of their wedding. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of being a part of several this year (this one was a major highlight!) and have a few more next year, as well. Today’s bride, Austin (the lady behind the camera at Austin Kylie Photography), is a little more special than other wedding vendors because I’ve also known her for most of her life! Her sister and my sister are best friends (you can see her gorgeous winter wedding here!) and it’s been really cool to watch her develop this talent with photography and have the chance to work with her on several weddings.
Anyways, Austin’s wedding was such a delight to be a part of! She has a fairly romantic, feminine style and right away she selected blush and gold tones. I suggested that we add in some berry tones to add depth, and it all came together really beautifully.
Brittany Mahood Photography ~ Canadian Museum for Human Rights ~ Planned Perfectly ~ Jessica Kmiec Artistry (another wedding vendor whose wedding I’ll be doing next year!) ~ Bliss Bridal Boutique
Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: Peonies (the MOST gorgeous peonies of the year!!), quicksand and amnesia roses, white bleeding heart (from my garden and the perfect little touch!), tulips, scabiosa, fragrant sweet pea, with ninebark and eucalyptus foliages. We finished the stems with trailing Stella Wolfe hand-died silk ribbon.
The bridesmaids carried petite versions of Austin’s bouquet with a simpler shape, which complimented their range of dresses really nicely. Sometimes when you’ve got a mix of different styles, textures, and fabrics like these bridesmaids did, it’s better to go a little simpler on the other elements!
Austin had her two Oma’s acting as flower girl, which is probably THE sweetest thing I’ve seen. Just look at these ladies! How adorable!
For decor at the church, we started with an arch with a floral garland hung asymmetrically across it, and added on two large altar arrangements on thin gold stands. It created a lovely focal point in an otherwise fairly plain church, and were all pieces that could be re-used at the reception as well.
The Human Rights Museum is pretty dark, which can make taking photos challenging but it also creates a fun ambiance. Austin selected to upgrade to gold chivari chairs and champagne toned linens, with a few sequinned gold linens for the family and bridal party tables. We chose three different centrepiece styles - a trio of stem vases with petite arrangements, the second a collection of candles with a rose petal base, and finally, a fuller floral arrangement with gorgeous berry pink peonies in a low gold vase (obviously these were my faves!).
Looking for a wedding florist in Winnipeg?
Getting married in Manitoba? Whether it's a whimsical garden party inspired celebration or a formal ballroom fete, I think flowers are the best way to make a statement at your wedding. Maybe you already have a specific vision or you might want me to dream up something custom just for you - either way, reach out to Stone House Creative for stunning bridal bouquets, truly unique ceremony backdrops, and beautiful floral centrepieces to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding!
Limited wedding dates remain available for 2019 - click below to check your date!
Sophisticated Ballroom Wedding with Garden Inspired Style
From winter to spring in a week! I can't believe that Stefanie and Jared's spring wedding at the Fairmont Hotel was almost a year ago already. Their wedding was at the end of May, and let me tell you: May sees the BEST combination of flowers. EVER. Of all the months (and if you've been around here for a while, then you'll remember me extolling all the virtues of a May wedding). So when it came time to plan all the florals and event design for Stefanie and Jared, we knew that a sophisticated, garden-inspired design would be perfect for them!
Fairmont Hotel ~ Dustin Leader Photography ~ Planned Perfectly
Along with the florals, I was also hired to do full event design for Stefanie and Jared. These weddings always end up being some of my favourites, because I get to be so much more involved with all of the aesthetic decisions. Some couples need a guiding eye, some have a hectic schedule so the introductions to other vendors are invaluable and time saving, and others just want to hand off the process. Any of those is perfectly fine for me!
We always start the event design process with an exercise that helps me to get a really clear picture of what's important to the couple as we plan their wedding. For Stefanie and Jared, the clear direction that we created was for an elegant wedding filled with thoughtful, sophisticated details and sentimental charm.
The Fairmont Hotel was a beautiful choice (and it also made it so easy for the guests!) but as it's definitely a classic ballroom, my challenge was creating an overall style that was also fitting with the garden-inspired florals that the couple sought after. The result is one of my favourite styles: sort of an elegant garden party. Because there's no reason why a ballroom wedding has to feel stuffy! Most of my weddings aren't quite this formal, so it was a nice chance to merge my style with theirs.
I couldn't decide which angle of Stefanie's bridal bouquet that I liked best, so you get both ;) It was lush and organic, with a touch of trailing vine and the most delicious combo of fragrant blooms.
Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: peonies, ranunculus (some of the most gorgeous I've ever seen!!), anemones, hyacinth, several varieties of roses, tulips, and finished with eucalyptus, italian ruscus, and the most perfect blooming jasmine vine (we literally NEVER get blooming jasmine).
For Jared and the guys, we just did a simple ranunculus boutonniere. It also bears mentioning that of this couple, Jared is the one who loves flowers, which made me laugh. He was more than willing to blow their wedding budget on massive centrepieces, ha!
I loved the ambiance we created for the ceremony. For logistical ease, we decided on having the ceremony take place in the far end of the ballroom, with a double-sided panel of draping installed by the masters over at Planned Perfectly to separate the ceremony space from the other side of the ballroom, where the reception would be. Candles lined the aisle, and I designed a detailed altar with 4 large floral arrangements set atop thin gold stands. All of this was intelligently incorporated into the wedding's reception design, as well! Take a peek - I'm so proud of how well this all came together and in a way that really maximized their budget.
On the other side of the drapery, we set the head table. Planned Perfectly created a gorgeous design that the couple loved. We let them do their thing with just a touch of guidance as to what Stefanie was drawn to, and I really think that that's when the very best things happen! You can see that we re-purposed two of the tall gold stands from the ceremony to the head table, which just helped to anchor the couple in the large room. The other two were used as centrepieces on the parents' tables, and we also moved over all of the candles from the ceremony to the head table as well.
One of my favourite days during the event design process is when we select linens. I usually have a pretty clear idea of what's going to look great based on the venue and the wedding's colour palette, and for Stefanie and Jared's wedding I knew we wanted to use something in the ivory/champagne/soft gold direction. I brought a few options with me to a walk-through with Stefanie at the Fairmont, which helped her to visualize the space a lot better (I also brought along a few chair cover and rental chair options - I love being able to do this for my clients!). She decided on this soft gold lace overlay, which perfectly toes the line between elegant sophistication and garden-inspired.
We chose two centrepieces styles to bring dimension throughout the room, half tall and half low. The tall ones were my personal favourite! I loved adding the trailing fern to enhance that garden ambiance.
We worked with PSAV, the Fairmont's in-house audio/visual department, for the lighting. Whenever I'm working on event design, I think about a few key things: colour, lighting, and texture. We settled on a blushy amber tone, to create a romantic candlelit feeling.
Looking for a wedding florist in Winnipeg?
Getting married in Manitoba? I might be biased, but flowers are the best way to make a statement at your wedding. Whether you already have a specific vision or want me to dream up something custom just for you, reach out to Stone House Creative for stunning bridal bouquets, truly unique ceremony backdrops, and beautiful floral centrepieces - along with full event design - to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding!
(Popular 2019 wedding dates are already booking up!)