Bridemaids carried bouquets of spray roses, lilac, clematis, purple lisianthus and dusty miller. Groomsmen boutonnieres were different spring buds and veronica.

The brides’ bouquet included white ranunculus, full white peonies, lavender spray roses and dusty miller.

Most of our decor included beautiful floral centerpieces, cascading arrangements, and large candles that were lit to create a beautiful aisle to walk down. During our ceremony, it was surreal being walked down the aisle by my father. I think he has dreaded this day of giving his daughter away, since I was born. Rui did settle with having my dad ‘share’ me as opposed to ‘giving’ me away. This was a touching moment between a father and his daughter.

Stephanie from Paper Creations Company, who is my sister-in-law Kathleen’s sister designed all the stationery for the wedding including our invitations, place cards and seating charts. She did a wonderful job incorporating my vision of hues of purple, whites and soft greys.

During the reception, we had a candy bar set up along with a caricature artist who created fun portraits of our guests throughout the evening. Our guests loved it and they got to take home a very personal memory of the day.

What was your favorite wedding moment?

One of my favourite moments of my wedding day was our first look. Rui and I chose to see each other before the ceremony, in the lush gardens of St. George’s Clubhouse, which was built in 1929 with architectural details as described as “to reflect a little bit of England”. And since Rui proposed at the Palacio de Pena, an 18th century summer home for King Ferdinand in Portugal, we loved seeing each other while being surrounded with this unique architectural history. Looking up to the great tower, filled with ivy and the prettiest afternoon light filtering through made a gorgeous place to see each other. This moment was so intimate and personal, with just the two of us seeing one another for the first time.

The second moment I adored of my wedding day, was dancing with my dad to “Unforgettable”, the beautiful duet by Nat King Cole & his daughter Natalie Cole. Once the music started and along with all the wonderful emotions earlier in the day, I lost my composure.