Selfless. Gorgeous. Caring. Always putting others ahead of herself. These were just some of the descriptions given about Virginia during the speeches. What was said about her husband to be, Dave was not much different. Incredibly kind and happier than he’d ever been when Virginia and he started dating. Within the first month of dating, he told his brother, Wade, that he was going to marry her. (Virginia didn’t even know that until the wedding day.)

While the speeches were funny and laughter-inducing, the content meant the world to both bride and groom. These were their parents and best friends telling the story of V & D in their perspective. The friends’ version had a little more mischievousness, (no surprise), and the parents’ version really allowed one to understand how Virginia and Dave are so perfect for each other. They can laugh together, cry together, and are now standing in front of a life that they get to spend together navigating whatever comes their way. Wedding days are not the definition of a marriage, but to start a marriage off the way Dave and Virginia did is the absolute perfect start.

Meant to Be

Right away, Dave’s mom had a good feeling about Virginia. Virginia did a pedicure for Dave’s mom three years ago, who then asked her if she was single. Dave reached out via Facebook Messenger to ask her on a date. They grew up in the same town, attended the same school and there were many of their parent’s friends that thought they should be set up many many years ago. Dave proposed at Pillar and Post in Niagara, where they’ll be headed for a short honeymoon as well.

The Dress

Virginia wanted a simple dress without a train. Finally, after trying on 14 dresses at two different appointments, she found the most gorgeous elaborate dress with a train longer than she knew existed, and couldn’t help falling in love with it.

The Importance of Family

Virginia has two brothers, Adam and J.D.. J.D. lives in California and did everything that he could to try to get back home for the wedding. He was sorely missed, but “stick J.D.” was a quiet and cooperative stand-in for all the wedding photos. He would likely have been the center of attention if he’d been there.

We were told by Virginia’s mom that as COVID was wrecking all the plans for Dave and Virginia’s dream wedding, her grandfather also passed away. Virginia started questioning whether all of this meant that maybe their nuptials weren’t meant to be. By their own admission, it was more amazing than they could have imagined, and we agree.

Dave has one brother, Wade, who was the best man. He followed Dave everywhere from high school to college, and so on. Wade’s speech was heartfelt and brought tears to Dave’s eyes. Lauren (one of the two in the wedding party, don’t ask, it was a little hilarious at times) was maid of honour and her speech made it clear that she was a teacher. According to Lauren, the definition of “selfless” in the Webster Dictionary is incorrect, it should just say Virginia. We can see that. She has been a trooper throughout all the changes in her plans due to COVID. What was supposed to be a gorgeous and lavish Copetown Woods Golf Course wedding, became the sweetest and most intimate backyard wedding at Dave’s parents’ place.

The Wedding Day

All the girls met at Virginia’s parent’s house in the morning and had their hair done by Patrick’s Hair. A delicious (ABSOLUTELY AMAZING) lunch was provided by Jones Bakery in Caledonia. The guys met at Dave’s parents’ house just a few minutes away. The stunning Caledonia Countryside wedding ceremony was in Dave’s parent’s backyard after Dave’s mom put a painstaking amount of work into keeping the garden looking happy and well cared for.

As Virginia walked up the aisle to her husband-to-be, that man had trouble keeping himself composed. The tears that we all thought were sure to come didn’t make it at that point, but to be honest he did laugh to the point of tears when he was “rudely” interrupted by the electric speaker that started talking Chinese out of nowhere. It took a few moments before the whole crowd had composed themselves again before he was able to continue.

Nearby, Ron Clark’s gorgeously landscaped property was the perfect backdrop for the wedding party photos and the bridal portraits. The dock was one of our favourite little spots, but the florals in the gardens came a very close second! Portrait time was quite rushed. Thanks to great practice at the engagement session we were still able to get lots of gorgeous captures (see below.) We arrived back to the reception at Dave’s parents’ house and started the evening off with their first dance. Dinner was the perfect continuation of the day, as it also was delicious. Heartwarming speeches were followed by the parent dances and the night finished off with socializing. At this point, the weather was a little more bearable as well, which made all the difference.

Always an Honour

Having a huge wedding party with seven friends on each side, there were definitely moments of chaos, but the love and camaraderie between each and every one of them. We’re so lucky to have had the pleasure of capturing Dave and Virginia’s close friend’s elopement earlier this year, and we’re so excited to see them at Ali and Evan’s big party again next year.

Dave and Virg, I hope you had a wonderful mini-moon in Niagara-on-the-Lake (back to the moment where this wedding-planning journey started). We look back on your wedding day with such joy in our hearts, and are so honoured to have gotten to know you. We know that God is looking out for you on your journey through life, and wish you His blessing in the future.

The Vendor Team

Bridal Gown | The Bridal Boutique
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | RW & CO.
Rings | Barry’s Jewellery 
Hair & Makeup | Patrick’s Hair and Esthetics
Florals | Jean’s Flower Shop Hamilton
Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal
Wedding Cake | Cravings by Brittany Bakery
Catering | Caledonia Fair Board
Ceremony & Reception | Ron & Patti’s Backyard (Groom’s Parents)
Invitations | Paperless Post
Rentals | Kayware Event Decor & Floral Design