Wedding } Jenna + Etien

This past weekend was one wedding I have been looking forward to for a long time. Since April 6, 2011, to be exact, when I received an email from Jenna letting me know it ‘happened’ — Etien proposed ! She literally contacted me as soon as they got back from a trip to Mexico with some friends of theirs.

What can I say about Jenna. She’s been a hardcore fan for quite some time. She had told me that she had been following my blog for a few years, but during her MOH’s speech, it was pointed out that Jenna had been following my blog for nearly 5 years, now ! Apparently, she had already started her wedding planning and bookmarked my site because she knew she was going to hire me.  That makes me love her even more

We had an awesome cyber relationship for the first year of their wedding planning. Meaning, I had never met them before we did their engagement session in late April, 2012. We had tried to plan a get together on many occasions, but we just seem to miss each other every time they re in town.

I had an blast during their engagement session. Meeting and get to know them in personally really validated my decision to work with them on their wedding without meeting them first.  I rarely book a wedding without a face-to-face meeting, but I just knew we’d get along great, based on our initial contact !

This weekend was a gorgeous weekend to get married ! The day before, I picked up Francis and headed off to Kingston to meet everyone at rehearsal. It was then that I met their hilarious wedding party and parents. What an awesome group !!! It was apparent to me that Jenna and Etien do what they can to make sure everyone is comfortable during their stay.

Speaking of making everyone comfortable, I nominate Etien for the Groom of The Year.  I had dropped Francis off at Etien’s house to cover the shenanigans that morning.  Let me just say, this man knows how to take care of his peeps. Morning of the wedding, in comes the RMT to take care of EVERYONE present at the house with a massage. Some Call of Duty on the game station and pizza round up the fantastic morning he had planned for everyone.

Was I jealous ?  Not at all.  I got to hang out with Jenna and the girls at the salon  They had their hair and make-up done at ECHO Salon, which is probably one of the coolest salons I’ve been to.  It had an amazing vibe and everyone was just rockin’ it out !

We headed back to the hotel a bit earlier while some of the others were still finishing up. I absolutely loved Jenna’s dress ! It totally suited her !  And her shoes !  Hello Manolo !  Those were her ‘something blue’.  No, seriously, they were the classic Manolo Blahnik Something Blue Satin Pumps ! (Oh God, do not ask me how I know this !)

I love Jenna’s mom’s reaction here. I had just caught them in the middle of some Spanx talk.  Gotta love girl talk

They were married at the breathtaking St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Jenna’s mom with Savannah, the flower girl.

The Mom’s <3.  I love these two !

Only Etien can get away with photo bombing at his own wedding haha

After the ceremony, everyone packed into the stretch Hummer to head over to, what the wedding party thought, the reception at Hillier Creek Estates.  But no.  Jenna and Etien had actually planned to kidnap everyone and take us to an undisclosed location for something to eat and also for some relaxed photos.

I was thoroughly enjoying the drive through the country hugging the shoreline, but I will admit, I was kinda nervous when they led us to the ferry dock.  It was a ferry for cars !  Next thing you know, our vehicles were loaded on the ferry and we made our way over to Prince Edward County.

We made our way over to County Cider for some cider and cheese.  We took a few quick photos on the way out and then some more when we arrived at the venue.

I’m not sure if any of my readers remember hearing about The Crane Chandelier Project, but Jenna had her own Crane project of her own.  See all these paper cranes ?  Jenna, single handedly, folded all 1,000 (YES ! 1,000 counted and audited by Price Waterhouse Coopers…ok, that was a joke) during her Lord of the Rings movie marathons.  All this, so she can surprised Etien with a beautiful backdrop for their head table.  It was beautiful !  That’s love.

And to nobody’s surprise, the bride and groom walked into the reception to a Star Wars theme song, since Etien is a huge Star Wars buff.  And to make it authentic, he was even tossed a lightsaber for safe measure.

Jenna and Etien kicked off the night with two beautifully choreographed dances.

And later that evening, Etien did a solo routine for Jenna to one of my all time favourite R&B jams – Bell Biv DeVoe’s 90s smash, Poison.  It was awesome !

…and then it got out of hand. haha

And of course…US.

Jenna and Etien…you two truly are a remarkable pair. It was an absolute honour to be present to witness your nuptials among your closest friends and family. It was so fun hanging out with everyone for the few days we were there and I really do hope it won’t be the last. As for you two, no doubt I’ll be seeing you guys again ! Congratulations again !

Much love to you both.

-Joee

I want to thank their friend, Mimi, for referring them to me.  Mimi is the wonderful aunt of Baby Ethan.  I can’t thank her enough for introducing me to her sister, Bonnie (and hubby, Edmund), and now Jenna and Etien.  Life would be different without these people in my life.  Thank you.

The Dream Team:

Photographers: Joee and Francis
Wedding Coordinator: Karen | Stylized Events
Hair and Make-Up: ECHO
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Floral Designer: In Bloom
Church: St Mary’s Cathedral
Reception: Hillier Creek Estate Winery
Catering: Justin & Team Bustini’s Catering
Cakes/Centerpieces:  Kardi Blasko
Limo: Charmic Limo’s & Tours