So tell us, how did you meet the love of your life?

Josh and I met through mutual friends with the help of social media. We met a little later in life, both at age 30, but we really did meet at the perfect time in our lives.

When did you know they were the one?

I knew Josh was the one when he meshed seamlessly with my friends early on and consistently made it known that he cared for me and had no intention of going anywhere. He always makes me feel like I’m the only girl in the room ❤️

Tell us the story of the proposal!

2 years into our relationship we were half way into building a cottage in Muskoka — we had just put up all the walls and built the front porch. Thanksgiving weekend Josh lured me onto the porch to ‘take a photo’ and surprised me by getting down on one knee with a custom designed ring (and ring box that he made)

How long was your engagement? What went into deciding your wedding's date and location?

Less than a year! We didn’t want to waste too much time as we were both eager to marry each other and start a family. We chose Josh’s parents’ house in Hamilton for our location. We wanted it to be at a location that meant something to us, and more personal than a banquet hall. We chose October 3rd because Fall is Josh’s favourite season and we knew the colours would be amazingly beautiful.

How would you describe your personal style?  What was most important to you when you were planning your bridal look?

I’m a pretty low maintenance girl style-wise. I like to keep things simple, pretty and classy. I’m also a hopeless romantic... I knew I wanted lace, and I knew I wanted my bridal look to be soft, unique and feminine, but most of all I wanted to be comfortable !

How did you find Wear Your Love?

I believe I found wear your love through Pinterest. It was the first time I saw my bridal vision materialize!

When did you know you had found your perfect dress?

I saw the photo of the Indigo dress and my heart just went “...yes, finally, thank you”. That neckline, the open back with the delicate lace strap, the long lace sleeves that just tickle the wrists, the pretty but simple train (and the lack of buttons or zippers 😂!) was everything I was looking for.

Which dress did you choose, and did you request any custom aspects?

The Indigo dress. Submitting my exact measurements made it custom enough. My dress fit me like a glove and I wish I could wear it forever !

What went through your mind when the Wear Your Love box arrived at your doorstep and you tried on your dress for the first time?

I watched the tracking on my dress so closely! I could not wait to get my hands on it and try it on. I tried it on alone at home, where I could look at it and take it all in without any interruption or opinion. I loved it immediately and knew I made the right choice. No one else would have a dress as unique and beautiful as one that is specifically made to fit your EXACT body shape.

Did your wedding have a theme or style?

We went for a rustic, fall, shabby-chic farmhouse style wedding. We also incorporated some pumpkins and fall colours.

How involved was your partner in the wedding planning? Did your families help? Did you hire a coordinator, planner, or event stylist?

Josh was extremely involved, I’m lucky to have a husband that was as attentive to detail and planning as he is. He and his groomsmen put together all of the table arrangements and place settings, Josh built our bar and stage for our head table, took care of all the vendor calls and had input on virtually everything (except the dress 😉) Our families were an immense help also, Josh’s mother made our wedding cake and everyone helped us in some way, especially with support during the uncertainty of restrictions and lockdowns. We did not have a planner, we did everything ourselves !

Let's show your wedding venue some love! What is the name of your venue, and why did you choose it for your special day?

Our wedding venue was Josh’s parents’ house in Hamilton. They own a farmhouse on a couple of acres that backs onto beautiful farm fields. We chose it because it’s always been a meeting place of family filled with love, acceptance and over all great times. We also wanted to secure a venue that we knew wouldn’t close down because of COVID! lol

Tell us about your wedding playlist! What song did you walk down the aisle to? Did you have a first dance song that was meaningful to you?

I walked down the aisle to a harpist playing “perfect” by Ed Sheeran, and we used the same song for our first dance (but we chose the Andrea Boccelli version as it is Josh’s favourite!) Perfect is a song we always slow dance to at parties, and also always seems to come on the radio just at the right moment for us.

What was your favorite moment of the day?

My favourite moment (besides marrying my best friend) was when the sun peaked out just in time for the ceremony and shone down on us the whole time.

Who was involved in your special day? We would love to shout out your photographer, favorite vendors, and anyone else who made your day magical.

Our photographer Meghan Huryn Photography was stellar, she also shot our engagement photos. We had a connection with her from the first time we met and we highly recommend her to everyone. @meghanhurynphotography Victoria Rendon Beauty did our makeup (Niagara) Lindsay Chambers did our hair (St Catharines) Kip Philp from Fun Weddings officiated our ceremony

Do you have any advice or helpful tips for others planning a wedding?

Your wedding is all about you and your soon-to-be spouse. Do what makes YOU happy and don’t worry about pleasing everyone around you. Take it all in, it goes by in a flash!

What has been the best part so far about being married?

Spending every day with my very best friend and eagerly planning the rest of our lives together ♥️

Colleen is wearing The Indigo with white lining a 6 inch train.

 

Rachel Ferreira