Stephanie and Ryan :: I Did it My Way (Edmonton, AB) Part I of III

Words by Maureen Young

We are absolutely, jaw-droppingly impressed with Steph + Ryan.  We heard about the 2 years of planning during their e-session and how they’d worked out all the details a wedding planner is usually responsible for; from the wedding stationary to flowers and decor.  But we were still blown away by how these two had created such  a gorgeous and incredibly personal wedding.  We’re hoping couples will be inspired by this wedding and add their own DIY touches like Steph + Ryan.

The night before the wedding all hands were on deck to help finish the decoration of the church and reception venue.  Steph + Ryan, who is a big fan of HGTV, designed the wedding themselves from concept through to execution and we were blown away by how beautiful everything was.  We’ve brought disco lights to the dance floor before but this was the first time we’ve helped to sort out ceremony lighting, amazing how the eye is trained for these things!  Thanks to Binn and Herman for helping us perfect the lighting!  Our motivation (other than adoration of Steph and Ryan!) was having chinese food brought to the church and dreaming of the cake Ryan’s sister, Sharon, was making for the wedding day as well as the food being prepped in the kitchen!

We knew the wedding day was going to be busy and wanted to take the time to really capture all the details Steph + Ryan had spent years putting together and were happy to be involved with the rehearsal.

A Time to Groom

Thank you Josh, for sharing and making sure Ryan had everything he needed.  The guys got ready at Josh’s house and Ryan made himself at home, borrowing a tank top, new razor blades, shaving cream and even pocket squares!   After his shave Ryan boasted how his face felt like a baby’s bottom (cue Kramer from Seinfeld minus the hair!).

The guys dined on a luxurious feast of McDonalds while watching Starcraft replay videos on the laptop.  Wow.

After spending 2 years planning this day, Ryan was a perfectionist, including redressing after finding a small crease on his collar.

A Bride to Be

Steph and her bridesmaids were up at 5:30am to start on their hair and make up, done by Janet and Elaine Hua.  While having hair extensions and rollers put in, Steph was active and helping her bridesmaids out.

The wedding was capping off an exciting week – bridesmaid Ashley was accepted into med school (congrats!).  Banking on having a good week all around, Ashley was keen to make bets with the other girls on if Ryan would cry and Steph’s mom wanted in.

Before Steph entered the church, both moms lit the tealights around the base of the aisle decorations, providing a beautifully warm ambiance.

Ashley truly is super smart, she accurately bet Ryan would cry and tears slipped out as he saw his bride walking down the aisle.

Pastor Damien gave a personal sermon, recapping how Steph + Ryan met for the guests.  During the vows, both bride and groom shared vows they had written for one another and tears glistened in their eyes as they spoke.  The newlyweds then treated guests to a duet; When God Made You.

Ryan was so happy he nearly tripped up his new wife while giving everyone a high five as they walked down the aisle.  Their families and bridal party weren’t waiting for the reception to get their dancing shoes on and danced down the aisle after the happy couple.

After the wedding, it was time to kick up our heels… check back next week for Part II.

Much Love,
A+R