Melissa and Jay’s Bloomfield Gardens wedding was a romance long in the making. The pair first laid eyes on each other in high school back in grade 11 and reconnected after post-secondary school when Melissa was on the hunt to see what Jay was up to. A friend did some finagling, and she got her wish, they chatted at a house-party and the rest was history!! “I always thought he was a total babe and the feelings were mutual!” – Melissa
Jay proposed on Christmas Eve, which is also Danish Christmas – something VERY special to Jay. He proposed at 2:30 am by their Christmas tree after they had returned from his parent’s house with “gin & tonic liquid courage”. Their sweet pup Mya was also there to celebrate with them and played a part in the wedding too. Jay said he admires Melissa’s generosity, commitment & compassion for others, and Melissa said she admires Jay’s passion, pride and big dreams. Talk about a positive power-couple!
On the big day, Melissa got ready at home with her bridesmaids and mother. The bride and groom shared their first look at Bloomfield Gardens in front of a charming white house with a turquoise door. Melissa and Jay wanted to see each other beforehand to settle their nerves and give them time to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests. Melissa said she would absolutely recommend a first look for other couples. “We got to have a very intimate and private moment together and we didn’t take time away from our guests.” It was also one of her favourite moments of the day. “I was bubbling over with love during our first look.” Another special moment was walking down the aisle with her dad and getting to share that moment with all their favourite people. “But my most favourite would be after we said our vows, our officiant encouraged us to face our guests and relish in the moment. It is forever engraved in my memory. Cue goosebumps now!!”
It was important to them as part of their wedding to include their German shepherd Mya in some way and featured her cartoon face on cookies as guest favours. SO adorable! But the best part and the biggest surprise from her wedding day was noting how incredibly relaxed she was.
It was such a pleasure to capture Melissa and Jay’s special day, and to witness their love celebrated among friends and family.
Some thoughts and feedback from the bride:
Looking back, is there anything you would have changed or done differently?
Omg, I wish I would’ve eaten more food! I didn’t get a chance to eat any appetizers because we were being so social! Haha
What was your favourite moment of the wedding day?
So many favourite moments! I was bubbling over with love during our first look. I loved walking down the aisle with my Dad and sharing that moment with all of our favourite people!! But my most favourite would be after we said our vows, our officiant encouraged us to face our guests and relish in the moment. It is forever engraved in my memory. Cue goosebumps now!!
Would you recommend other couples have a first look?
Absolutely!!! 1. We got to have a very intimate and private moment together. 2. We didn’t take time away from our guests and we were able to attend our cocktail hour!!!
What surprised you on the wedding day?
How incredibly relaxed I was!!
VENDOR TEAM
Ceremony and Reception location: Bloomfield Gardens, Newcastle ON
Bride’s Dress Designer: Essence of Australia
Bridal Boutique: Becker’s Bridals
Hair Stylist: Lynsey @ Revolution Salon and Spa
Make-up Artist: Meg @ Revolution Salon and Spa
Shoes: Kate Spade
Engagement Ring: Ben Moss
Wedding Bands: Peoples Jewellers
Bride’s Earrings: J Crew
MOH dress: Adrianna Papell from Nordstrom
Bridesmaids dresses: Sorella Vita and Bari Jay from Jealous
Groom’s Suit Brand: Custom Canadian Suit from Moore’s Clothing for Men
Floral Designer: Bloom Field Gardens Floral Studio
Caterer: Pilar’s Catering
Wedding Favours: Cookies & Other Creations (Laurie Saunders-Fryer)
DJ: Jay Chambers from Step by Step
Ceremony music: Beaux Strings
Officiant: Sonja Shepherd
Stationary: including invites, table number, wine labels & welcome sign created by Lisa Sorensen
Blog curation: Tallie Garey
