It’s always really special when friends asks to help out at their wedding. I always joke that I never get to just sit back at a wedding and relax, but the reality is, the ones where I do attend just as a guest, I find my hands and feet itching to do something. You know you have a condition when…

So when Alison emailed to ask if I could help there was no hesitation. Alison and I met while I was still working full-time 9 to 5 downtown Toronto. I joined her team and she was incredibly busy organizing an executive meet-up, but she welcomed me warmly. She works hard, she works late, paid attention to details, but still had time for a little fun and chocolate breaks. We eventually became cubicle mates and when I left we kept in touch. Some people you just can’t leave behind.

For any brides who are wondering if it’s ever too late to hire a day-of coordinator, it isn’t. Alison emailed me 3 weeks before her wedding. We quickly set a date to meet and plowed right into her day-of schedule and downloaded her brain into mine. Once we had a draft of the schedule and gone over the details of what she needed me to do, we kept in constant communication until the big day. I also went to her final meeting at Böehmer to meet with their special events manager there and get a feel for the venue so that I would know my way around. This isn’t necessary, but it does let me hit the ground running a little quicker the day of.

Of course, the day began bright and early for the bridal party – well, for the ladies – with hair done by Salon Dew in Yorkville, the bride’s make-up by Robert Weir Beauty and the bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride make-up by Charlotte Johnstone from Studio 168. Then Emma arrived and took these stunning photos at Alison’s house and that day the both of us could not get over Alison’s bouquet by Coriander Girl. It’s one of the larger arrangements I’ve seen for a bridal bouquet – it was stunning, romantic and perfect for Alison.

Side note: Alison asked if I wanted to take it home while we were cleaning up that night. Of course I would’ve loved to, but I asked why. She said that she and Brad were leaving for her honeymoon the next day and did not want the flowers to go to waste. I told her to hang them upside down and dry them and over time they become a beautiful keepsake.

Tip: Don’t throw them out, brides! Unless you’re doing a bouquet toss, you can definitely keep your flowers around for a long time. If you don’t want the entire bouquet, pick a few of your favourite blooms, let it dry out as much as possible and when most of the moisture is gone, put them inside a book that’s heavy enough to flatten like a textbook (if you still have those lying around) or a cookbook (I definitely don’t have one of these lying around). Leave it in there for a few weeks even months, then you can take it out and frame it.

Almost time

Böehmer is a lovely restaurant – chic and sophisticated décor with a bit of a rustic feel and wonderfully delicious food at 93 Ossington Ave between Dundas St W and Queen St W. Parking is a little difficult as it is located right downtown, so if you’re planning or attending a wedding there – or any wedding in downtown Toronto – be sure to let your guests know where street parking is available or where the closest Green P lots are located. Green P lots are very handy now with the Green P app. If you’re lucky enough to find street parking, note that permits are required after a certain time. Of course, there’s also TTC, taxis and Uber available.

I arrived at Böehmer at about 2pm and all the decorating was well underway with the florist having delivered the flower arch, dinner table décor, boutonnieres, corsages and petals for the flower girl’s basket and her flower crown. I went about setting up the rest of the details and making sure everything was in order for a 4pm start. There was hustling and bustling as the violinist was practicing, the DJ was setting up and the officiant had arrived. After I had met them all and walked through the ceremony schedule, Brad walked in right on time.

The funny part was I hadn’t met Brad before that day, but as he strutted in to the restaurant with his checkered suit, sunglasses and a giant smile, it was unmistakable that he was the groom. We introduced ourselves (because hey, I still could’ve been wrong), met the rest of the incredibly tall groomsmen and from then on, time flew by twice as fast. As the wedding party didn’t have a rehearsal the night before, I quickly walked through the procedure of where to wait, where to walk and where to stand. Then right on cue, the ladies arrived.

It was a beautiful ceremony and nothing tells it better than this:

Cocktails, lobster, dancing, oh my!

Once the ceremony was over, the bar was open – the drinks began to flow and the hors d’oeuvres were being served. The bride and groom were shuttled off to a nearby location for a photo shoot, while the rest of the wedding party took a short 10 minute walk. And the shuttle? It was just way too cute. How can you not love this!

And as they were getting their photo shoot on, we set about converting the ceremony space to dining space. Coriander Girl provided more than enough materials to set up the tables and it reminded me, just a little bit, of dining outdoors in Tuscany – sitting at a long table with friends, some wine, some cheese and as the sun begins to set, everyone’s faces lit by candlelight. A little rustic, a little earthy and very cosy.

When the wedding party had return, everyone was seated and the dinner orders began. At Böehmer they are able to take orders at your seat for dinner service rather than specifying a choice when guests RSVP’d. Although this took the longest during the evening, the food arrived impeccably plated and tasted even better than it looked. Shoutout to the staff, especially the head waiter, whom kept their tables happily wined and dined.

And whatever delays that can happen at any wedding, the show must go on and we kept the schedule moving. Alison & Brad’s MC, their close and personal friend, did a fantastic job and once we debriefed during cocktail hour, he took the show on the road. The MC’ing, the speeches – it was all really lovely and although I’ve heard many now to-date, for some reason, I always look forward to them. The twinkle in a father’s eye, a mother’s warm embrace, a tear from the maid of honour or the funny, embarrassing, good-natured ribbing from the best man. It never seems to get old.

The night melted into the couple’s fun first dance with some fancy footwork and choreography, the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance then some good ol’ fun doing the mash potato. A little bit of everything for everyone. During dinner you’ll usually find me by the DJ’s table, using it as my command centre, so shoutout to Maren Hancock. She made space for me and I kept her hydrated. It’s an even trade.

Once the party was well underway, I set about cleaning and packing up, arranging for things to be picked up by the florist the next day. The day had passed so quickly and my feet were ready for a nice long hot soak and once I arrived at home, true to form, I was too wired to sleep. So I packed away my kit, got ready for bed and as I laid there, flipped through the photos I’d taken myself on my phone. My view:

But I like this one way better. 🙂

Congratulations, Alison & Brad! Thank you for letting me take part in your beautiful day and all the best wishes and positive vibes I could send your way for your journey ahead together.