Ceremony Music

When you are putting together your list of songs for your ceremony, there are a couple things to consider. What do you want the vibe to be like? If you are more on the serious/romantic/fairytale type, walk in to something that suits that, or maybe one of Dan and Shay’s amazing slow songs that are perfect for weddings. 

I once had a groom’s daughter as the flower girl and she walked in to Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes'“…  there weren’t too many dry eyes in the audience or standing up at the front (me).

If you want to have some fun, maybe you want the groomsmen to walk in to “Final Countdown” or do the signing of the marriage licence with “Signed, Sealed Delivered” playing  (thanks to J & J for that idea!). When you are announced at the end of the ceremony, a faster, more fun track always gets the party started.

I always put reminders in my ceremony scripts for where you could add music to really add to the emotion and put you at ease.

Vows HELP

There are lots of different ways to do your own vows. If a page of beautiful sappy poetry isn’t your thing, don’t do it! You and your partner can come up with a format or a target length together, and use me as your in-between expert who can look at both of your vows and offer tips and ideas. For example… if you want to come up with a format together it might go something like this: 

Before I met you, I was looking for…

My first impression of you was…

I knew you were the one for me when…

In the future I am excited to…

I vow to…

And I promise to always…

I love you ______!

I have many more templates and tips for you, just reach out anytime.

Wedding Scenes to Watch

Are you getting married but have never actually been to a wedding yourself? Someone in the friend group or family has to be first! Here are some of my favourite shows and scenes from wedding ceremonies to inspire you…

Say I Do - this Netflix show is like Queer Eye but for weddings. While I caution you to not get too caught up in the super extravagant decor… there are some neat vows and ceremony ideas to get you thinking.

Friends - the classic episode where Joey marries Monica and Chandler. I promise I won’t ever dress like this, or arrive late!

Love Actually wedding scene - my dream is to do a wedding with a surprise musical performance like this! Although let’s hope the best man isn’t in love with the bride at your wedding…

Covid Weddings

While this year has brought some weird times, I have actually loved all the intimate and very creative ways couples are getting married. In January I even have a drive-in wedding coming up! I know it has been stressful for couples keeping on top of all the latest restrictions and making big decisions about whether to delay. One thing we have learned is that wedding ceremonies, although small, seem to always be allowed because LOVE is still going strong!

Backyard/park

With very little effort and budget, a beautiful backyard or park ceremony is always memorable.

At-home

Maybe you have a little baby or another reason outdoor winter weddings really aren't your vibe! Weddings in private residences are still allowed, and safety protocols would be in place (i.e. masks, distancing, etc.) 

Venues 

There are many venues that are offering very affordable elopement packages. Just ask me for some up-to-date ideas.

Live Stream

Many couples are choosing to live stream their ceremonies so more friends and family can be a part of it. Some photographers/videographers and even DJs have pivoted to provide this service so you know it will be 100% rather than relying on something like Zoom or Facebook.

Photo graciously provided by TK Shotz

WHERE should we get married?

Something I get asked a lot is “do you have any ideas where we could get married”? While I’m not an event planner, YES of course I do have some ideas!

Budget-friendly or free

There are tons of beautiful spots around the city you can easily have an elopement style ceremony, but you do have to keep in mind that the free spots come with a couple things you may have to deal with (i.e. random people walking by/stopping to watch, poor weather, etc.).

Gallagher Park (aka the Folk Fest hill)

Forest Heights Park

Rainbow Valley Park

Capilano Park Bridge

Donsdale Cliffs (in Lessard area)

The City has gazebos in some parks that you can reserve through their website for a small fee, and lots of indoor venues to keep in mind as well.

https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/gazebos.asp

Unique Venues

Why not ask your favourite cafe, restaurant or micro brewery if they would accommodate your wedding ceremony? Some have private spaces, some you can do a total buy-out meaning the whole space is yours for the night. I even recently did a ceremony in the cutest plant shop! I won’t keep a list here as I’m not sure who is offering this right now with Covid… but it’s always worth an ask.

Traditional

There are of course many beautiful community halls you can rent, hotel ballrooms, and golf courses that are available for weddings.

Woodvale Facility & Clubhouse

Whitemud Creek Community Centre

Derrick Club

The classic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald