Karly + David
#&FLREALBRIDE FEATURE
THE ROONEY GOWN
In a fun, relaxed, and intimate celebration in beautiful Niagara On The Lake region in Canada, Karly and David wed in the presence of their loved ones.
With a laid back, unstructured bohemian feel, their guests were serenaded by the natural beauty of the Ontario countryside. A fun and festive reception in a marquee made way for dancing and celebration, but the best part of the night? A moonlit walk with just the two of them capturing the very essence of their love.
The Deets:
Bride: Karly
Hubby- David
Photographer- Nick Parry/ Nautical Studios.
Videographer- Solely Love
Location/ Venue- Sue Ann Staff Winery in Jordan Station/ Lincoln Ontario/ Niagara on the Lake
Bridal Boutique- The Modern Bride in Guelph
Accessories- earrings from Free People
Hair- Sean Og Mcgee (co-worker @ John Steinberg & Associates)
Makeup- Stephanie George (of Toronto) & Julia Owen (of Woodstock) (2 best girlfriends)
Shoes- Camellia by Loeffler Randall
Cake- Amanda Testini
Flowers- Jessica Gale of Sweet Gale Gardens in Hamilton area
Describe you and your guy? How did you meet?
David and I met at Hemingway's Restaurant & Bar in Toronto when I was 22 and he was 28. As I was leaving, he jumped up and caught me, asked me for my number and I thought he was cute, so, why not? I gave him my number which, at the time was a Woodstock, Ontario number, and he thought it was fake. I immediately reassured him that it was real and he contacted me a couple days later. The next time we met up was a few weeks later. We went to Clinton's at Bloor and Clinton and danced the night away to Motown.
I certainly was not looking for anything serious, but soon realized that I could not get enough of his presence.
How did you know he was The One?
He is the most confident, kind, generous, intelligent, mature and loving man I have ever known. David would do anything for me and I would do the same for him. He challenges me in ways that I wouldn't challenge myself. He always keeps things interesting and we have built this beautiful life, existing together as a whole. He is the only person who has ever made me feel this pure, whole, and unquestionable love. Loving him is the easiest thing I've ever had to do!!
Describe yourself. What do you do? What is your regular street style?
I am a fun, loving, family-oriented, kind soul who loves life, people, and food. I work as a hairstylist in Toronto. My regular street style would be, funky, casual, comfortable, colourful, floral, unique patterns and love original pieces. Every time I buy a new funky piece, David says, "it's very you."
What was your bridal style?
For my wedding dress, I had a very hard time finding something that was me. I knew it had to be fun and different but didn't know the exact style I was looking for. After having no luck in Toronto, I went to The Modern Bride in Guelph and found a dress that could potentially be the one (but was still very unsure). I visited BHLDN in Chicago on a trip with my sister, mum and niece and also had no luck.
What made you fall in love with your &FL dress and where did you find it?
My sister (Kaitlin) saw this frilly little thing hanging in the show room and I was told it was above my budget which then Kaitlin said, "so try it anyways". As soon as the dress was being zipped up in the back, I KNEW 100% that it was the ONE. It was finally something that felt so me, with its funky material and fun frills at the top. The Modern Bride then offered a discount (BONUS) and the tears were flowing.
Fave thing about your day? Any surprises?!
The vibe of our wedding was the same vibe of us, fun, funky and romantic with a boho feel. I love colour, but done in a classy way. Nothing too prim and proper. We didn't have much structure, we just knew what we liked, and what we didn't.
I would have to say that the best part of our wedding day was the first look. Getting ready with all of the girls was so much fun but there's a feeling of something missing (your future hubby). Once we saw each other, something clicked inside and everything felt so right. It was a really magical moment. David and I also took dance lessons from January to August and learned a choreographed first dance. That was so much fun and we really enjoyed surprising our guests with that.
What's the one piece of advice you could give to brides?
The one piece of advice I would give to brides is, the day will go SO fast, just stay true to what is important to you and your hubby. Some things will definitely be important to your parents, but your needs should be met first and foremost. Don't let anyone else influence you to do things that you are unsure of or just simply aren't you. It is only ONE day so be YOU and enjoy the company and the compliments. Don't stress about the little things because you won't even have time to think of those things on the day. I was really nervous about walking down the aisle (because, well, all eyes are on you). My cousin Allyson gave me some great advice that really made the whole walking down the aisle thing a little more comfortable. She said, "hold you flowers at your waist, not at your chest, and don't look at anyone but David." That made me feel so much more calm. JUST ENJOY!!!
What does marriage mean to you?
Marriage means to us a life-long partnership. Where ever David goes, I will follow. I miss him at the end of a work day and simply can't wait to get home to him. We help each other out whenever necessary. He is the Yin to my Yang.
Life post-wedding means ....
Life post wedding means BLISS. It feels so great not having a time line and making hard little decisions for the wedding, every day. We are looking forward to what the future has to offer but for now, we are going to have a relaxed year, taking one day at a time, enjoying each other just as much as we have, and always will.
Words by Karly