Stephanie + Evan

How did you meet?

We met at a bar in Toronto on a random night out with friends over 8 years ago. I was recently single and asked one of Evan’s friends at the time if “he had any single friends”. He blindly pointed at Evan (and I’m so glad that he did)! Because, we spent the entire night together walking around the city holding hands, as if we’d known each other forever. And, after that, the rest is history…

When did you know they were the one?

A little over 3 years ago we decided to move our lives overseas to London from Toronto. Shortly after the move is when I knew he was the one. We’ve always acted a team and supported each other’s goals, and I love the life that we’re building together and how we always dream big together.

Who proposed and how?

My husband, Evan proposed in November of 2020. It was during lockdown (and after many cancelled trips that year, and failed proposal attempts), he ended up going for a local proposal. He proposed at Tower Bridge (an iconic London Landmark) and another couple caught the entire thing on video!! Even though it was COVID, he managed to get a beautiful suite at the Cafe Royale hotel overlooking the Christmas lights on Regent’s Street in London. We spent the evening popping champagne, calling friends and family with the news and ordering delicious room service. It was the perfect end to a not so perfect year.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I originally found Elsie while dress shopping in Canada with my mom and sister. I couldn’t get over how the fitted silhouette coupled with the lace made it feel so feminine and romantic – it was everything I dreamed of and more! I also wanted a bit of drama or something that hadn’t necessarily been seen on a bride before, and the bows were the final touch and element of surprise that I was looking for. It was a dream come true getting to wear Elsie on my wedding day. I felt so comfortable the entire time and she photographed so perfectly in the Tuscan countryside.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

There are too many to choose from!! I absolutely loved our first look because it was so emotional and special to both of us, the sunset dinner with amazing Italian food & wine and the best speeches I’ve ever heard was also a major highlight. And, finally, the cake cutting and party in a wine cellar were both unbeatable. We have the most amazing photos of us and our families helping prepare the cake, which was a traditional Italian millefoglie. I think our guests were blown away by this moment because they hadn’t seen this at other weddings. It was free entertainment in a sense, and was a nice pause between dinner and dancing.

What were your favourite details?

The location for our ceremony was incredible. We did it in an Italian garden with massive cypress trees which felt very Italy. I didn’t want to compete with the amazing landscape behind us, so I went with simple greenery and soft flowers in a semi-circle around the bride and groom. My other favourite details was the dinner set-up, which included the menus which had these stunning lemons and greenery on them, the long wooden table which worked so perfectly in Tuscany, a beautiful garland of greenery and soft peonies in the middle of the table and lighting that looked like “a sky full of stars” above everyone’s heads as they were eating and enjoying the wine. It was breathtaking and picture perfect.

What advice would you tell other brides?

I have three pieces of advice for brides:
1) Make sure you take some time for you and your husband on the wedding day. It goes by quickly and having those 1:1 moments to take it all in are so important
2) Be authentic and don’t try to replicate other weddings or do things that don’t represent you as a couple just because you think you need them. It’s so easy to get caught up in what you see on Pinterest, and on Instagram (and listen, I was HERE for all of the inspiration). But at the end of the day, your wedding will be special for you and your guests if it feels authentic. Pay attention to all of the small details (music playlists throughout, menu/signage, custom drinks) because those go a long way and can really speak to you as a couple!
3) Don’t take it for granted: There were so many moments where I was frustrated with the process or annoyed at how much time everything was taking and now I just want to go back and do it all over again. It’s a gift to be able to have a dream wedding, so enjoy every second and don’t sweat the small stuff!

Any standout vendors?

Our photographer, Paulina Weddings, went above and beyond for us and captured our day so perfectly. We were also completely in love with our venue, Villa La Selva, which is a winery near the town of Bucine. Equipped with daily breakfast, the most stunning rooms and bridal suite, two pools, tennis courts, and a wine cellar for dancing – it truly doesn’t get any better than this. I would also recommend our band, Love Beats. They were fantastic and kept everyone on the dance floor until the early hours of the morning. And finally, I would also recommend our caterers, Il Sorriso. The food was delicious all weekend long and we loved their professionalism and overall aesthetic. It’s a family run-business and you can really tell from the way they treated us throughout the process.