Date

Guests

55

May 17, 2014

For avid travellers Laura and Mike, an engagement that took place during a trip through Europe was only fitting. "Mike proposed underneath the Eiffel Tower. We spent the rest of our 'engagement honeymoon' traveling through Southern France and Italy," says Laura. The couple has since travelled to South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia together.

A relaxed, rustic wedding fit perfectly into Laura and Mike's busy schedules. "A lot of people said our wedding was nice and simple, and very 'us'," Laura explains. Though the feel of the wedding was laidback, there was no lack of activities to keep guests entertained. A live band, board games, and advice clipboards for the guests to fill out, with questions like "what song reminds you of the newlyweds?" and "what should they name their dog?", were all part of the day's festivities.

Handmade touches were a big part of Laura's decor, but the couple's biggest DIY project was most definitely their wedding bands. "A week before the wedding, we went to The Den in Toronto and spent an afternoon making our own wedding rings," the two share. After a full day of sanding, sawing and buffing the duo ended up with unique bands that they can proudly say they made.

To end their evening, Laura and Mike planned a four-course meal. "We both love to cook, and wanted the dinner to be a main focus of the reception, creating a dinner party feel," the bride explains. The dinner also offered the couple a chance to converse with their loved ones and relax after their full day, "I couldn't have asked for anything more," Laura happily shares.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location:Elmhurst Inn & Spa
Bridal gown and bolero:White by Vera Wang, from David's Bridal
Groom's tux:Sidonio's for MenMacarons: Le Petit Bonbon
Caterer: Elmhurst Inn & Spa
Music: Nightlife Entertainment
Hair and Makeup: Roots to Ends
Flowers: Gammage Flowers