Bride & Groom: Amanda Owen & Gavin Moynaugh
Photographer: Lisa Rivard Photography
Wedding Date: 12-Sep-2020
Original Guest #: 40
Original Budget: $25,000

What was your original plan?: “Our original plan was to get married at the Riu Ocho Rios in Jamaica. We had planned to marry on the beach at sunset with our closest friends and family present. Our reception was to be in a private restaurant and a private beach party was to follow. We decided to change our plans at the last minute (about 10 days before the wedding). This meant ordering flowers, catering, and picking out bridesmaids’ dresses, as well as suits for the groomsmen and my husband in that short bit of time. We had a lot of help from others, especially my mom when it came to wedding planning and my sisters when it came to finding the wedding party something to wear.”

Ceremony & Reception Location: Waterloo Ontario – my parents’ property

Colour Palette: Navy blue with white and cream florals and greens

Tell us your story!: “My husband and I had planned to get married with our friends and family in Jamaica over New Years’. When we finally came to terms with the fact that that plan was not going to work out due to COVID we decided to celebrate our wedding at my parents’ house. Within ten days we had the entire wedding planned. We married in front of 30 people – our closest friends and family. Our friend even assisted as the wedding officiant. There was dancing, lawn games, and amazing food and drinks.”

Final Budget: $10,500

Invitations/stationery: Paperless Post (www.paperlesspost.com)
Cake: Made by the bride’s aunt
Floral: Cameron’s Floral Shop (www.cameronsflowershop.com)
Bride’s attire: Valentina Bridal & Couture (www.valentinabridal.ca), shoes & bracelet from David’s Bridal, earrings from The Bay
Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Groom/Groomsmen pants from Lululemon, suspenders, and bowties from Amazon, and Groom/Groomsmen shirts from Moores Clothing for Men (www.mooresclothing.com)
Bridesmaids attire: Aritzia (www.aritzia.com)
Hair & Make-Up: Gabriela Soares (www.glamgirlgabi.com)
Wedding Planner: Event Depot (www.eventdepot.ca)
Catering: Gus and Guido’s Backyard (www.facebook.com/GandGBackyard)

How did you find your photographer?: “My mom found our wedding photographer by doing research online. She sent us Lisa’s website and it was filled with beautiful pictures. We chose her because she seemed to be more relaxed and we didn’t want to feel stressed on the day of. Lisa was very easy to work with and super accommodating considering everything going on with COVID-19. My favourite part of the photoshoot was taking pictures in the field behind my parents’ house. The pictures were so natural and just felt like us.”

Biggest Challenge: “We decided to change our plans at the last minute (about 10 days before the wedding). This meant ordering flowers, catering, and picking out bridesmaid & groomsmen attire and my husband’s suit in that short bit of time. We had a lot of help from others, especially my mom when it came to wedding planning and my sisters when it came to finding the wedding party something to wear.”

Best Memory: “Celebrating with my friends and family on the dance floor (my parents’ living room). Because everyone knew each other no one was afraid to look funny. Also, the photobooth and props were hilarious and a great way for people to loosen up and get to know one another.”

Any advice for couples planning their wedding?: “Consider having a smaller, more intimate wedding. Not only will it cut down on wedding costs, but it will allow you to spend more time with your guests. You will feel less like you are running around and more like you are actually getting to participate in your wedding. Another tip is to order fake greenery from Amazon to help fill out flowers around your venue. We used them on our
wedding arch to reduce cost and on tables for dinner. Finally, look at ordering late-night burgers instead of paying for a catering company to bring food in. We had A&W and it was super delicious at 2 am!”

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LISA RIVARD PHOTOGRAPHY | To speak with Lisa Rivard Photography about your wedding options, you can reach them using the form below