August 15th 2015
Leamington, Ontario
Four years ago Maeghan was attending college while Emma studied at an adjoining University. In November 2011 Emma was volunteering at the Student Union, selling fake mustaches to raise money for Movember.
Says Emma: “I spotted Maeghan waiting in line to get into a bar and was so captivated by her. I just had to meet her!”
Sadly Emma did not muster the courage to enter the bar in time to meet Maeghan, but when she found her on social media the two decided to meet for coffee. The rest, say the brides, is history.
On a rainy Friday evening in May of 2014, surrounded by candles, Maeghan proposed to Emma on an old abandoned train bridge that spans the Ottawa River from Ontario to Quebec. The following Monday Emma “counter-proposed.” She covered their apartment with photos of the couple, and was waiting on the balcony—also surrounded by candles—when Maeghan arrived.
The brides planned the ultimate DIY wedding in Maeghan’s parents’ backyard, with a barn reception to follow. “Every single part of our day, from the homemade preserves for favors and up-cycled centre pieces to the hand-built arbour and bar, was created by us or someone in our community.
The brides and wedding party walked down the aisle to Bloom by The Paper Kites, one of the first songs they ever listened to as a couple.
Say the brides: “It just seemed fitting to walk towards each other, about to join our lives together, to such an important song.”
Maeghan was escorted down the aisle by her parents, followed by their wedding parties, and finally by Emma, escorted by her parents.
On deciding who would walk first, says Emma: “In the end, it came down to both of us wanting the iconic build up of Maeghan waiting up there to see me coming towards her in my dress.”
Brides’ Favorite Moment: We both agree that our favorite moment, aside from seeing each other come down the aisle—okay fine just the whole ceremony in general—was enjoying the reception with all of our guests. We said from the beginning of the planning process that above all, we wanted to have a memorable party with all of our friends and family, and that’s exactly what we did. Until 4 o’clock in the morning!
Wedding Song: Make You Feel My Love by Adele
The brides say they felt connected to the lyrics and that this song reflected their vows. “Plus,” they add, “After dancing around our living room to the song countless nights, we definitely knew it was the one.”
Both brides also danced with their fathers, and included siblings in their wedding parties.
“Throughout the entire planning process we said no to etiquette and no to standard “wedding rules” and made the day exactly what WE wanted. This included having mixed-gender wedding parties.“
Asked if there was anything they would change, the brides admit that a DIY wedding meant there were a few hiccups during the day, and some residual stress from all of the last minute preparations.
Their advice? “Hire a wedding coordinator so you can let go and just enjoy your day.”
Still, the brides loved all the personal touches. “It was such an amazing experience to see all of the hard work and love we poured into the day come together so beautifully.”
Photos after the jump, and check out their sweet wedding video here: Emma & Maeghan – August 15, 2015
DIY touches included burlap, chalkboards, and messages of love.
Emma’s finishing touches.
Maeghan straightens her bow-tie, and it’s Go time.
Their perfect ceremony spot boasts rustic touches like covered hay bales.
Emma & Maeghan join hands as their ceremony begins.
And a kiss makes it official.
“You know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make you feel my love.”
The brides in their vintage ride.
Guest, meanwhile, enjoy the build-your-own burger bar.
A kiss by the car makes for a perfect pic.
Personal details like homemade preserves and vintage vases line the tables.
For the brides.
The newlyweds toast to the future.
Emma hits the dance floor.
Into the sunset.