Wedding Stories: Breton + Casey | Château Laurier Wedding

Weddings

Oct 1

Written By Andrew

If you're into romance with a contemporary twist, you'll want to read about Breton and Casey's Chateau Laurier wedding and everything leading up to it. This smiley couple combined classic elegance with a little culture and modern twist to create the wedding of their dreams.

Casey didn't cut any corners when planning out his proposal to his then-girlfriend of two years. After celebrating their dating anniversary over dinner at the Keg Manor in Ottawa, they opted for a walk through the NCC garden. During their stroll, Casey subtly suggested Breton check the latest update on her "CNTDWN" app - an iPhone application designed to keep track of important events. Naturally, the tech-savvy romantic (he's a web developer… it only makes sense!) had pre-programmed the calendar to display a special message for that exact date, complete with a photograph of a ring. By the time Breton registered what exactly was unfolding, Casey had already lowered himself down to one knee to propose.

The couple spent the rest of their evening at the Chateau Laurier, which would appropriately become their wedding venue down the road. Casey had surprised his bride-to-be with everything from flowers to strawberries and refreshments - but the best surprise was the video montage he had edited himself. It showcased a compilation of video diaries of his journey through the engagement process (from purchasing the ring to sneakily making plans), as well as a collection of clips the two had recorded throughout their relationship. Talk about a modern-day Prince Charming!

Breton and Casey's fairytale came true in May of 2014, when they celebrated their love with over 100 of their closest friends and family. The day started out with a series of games, known in the Chinese culture as "Chinese Wedding Door Games". Casey was not allowed to see his bride in her stunning Kim Ironmonger gown until he completed a variety of challenges with his groomsmen, including serenading the bridal party with a rendition of Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way". After laughing their way through the Grooms Games, the couple hosted a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, and later said their i do's in an emotional service which took place in the Chateau Laurier's "Canadian Room".

This wedding had no shortage of entertainment! The groom's sister and her husband surprised the newlyweds with a live band (à la "Love Actually") which kickstarted the party immediately after the ceremony and followed into the reception. Later on, lion dancers flooded the Chateau's "Laurier Room" with their vibrant costumes, adding an element of Chinese culture to the elegant setting.

As per usual, the Chateau Laurier's chefs did not disappoint. Guests enjoyed a choice of chicken, beef, salmon or a vegetarian meal, paired with a delicious cream of asparagus soup and a goat cheese soufflé salad. After everyone had worked off their dessert on the dance floor, a very canadian tradition was mixed into the menu; Breton and Casey offered a poutine bar to those with late-night cravings!

To keep up with the theme of Casey's proposal, a video montage was displayed throughout the couple's first dance as husband and wife, a unique element that made their list of most memorable wedding moments. As for the rest of the day's memories, our very own Andrew Geddes had the privilege of capturing them on camera for the happy couple to revisit for decades to come.

Wedding Gown: Kim Ironmonger from Valencienne Bridal (Toronto) Flowers: Mood Moss Flowers & Wedecor Caterer: Chateau Laurier Hair: Jessica & Kate from Stephanotis / Shannon Ranger from One Fine Beauty Makeup: Shannon Ranger from One Fine Beauty Groom's Formal Wear: J.S. Vann from Garrison Bespoke (Toronto)