1940′s Inspired Vintage Wedding – Candace & Leon

 Edmonton Featured Wedding courtesy of Brianna K Photography Author:  
Rebecca Fisher-Swarbrooke 



Candace & Leon met through a mutual friend in high school, it wasn’t until their days in University that Candace and Leon began to date. Candace had a little crush on Leon so when he had a spare ticket to the Mars Volta concert she pretended to like the band much more than she did. Presumably the crush was mutual — seven years later they have celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

I love the quaint feel of Rutherford House and enjoy that even though it is amidst a lively sphere of youth, when you enter you feel as if you have transformed to a century ago. Candace and Leon chose the perfect venue for their 1940s inspired wedding — Candace’s gown was even a true vintage selection. Each of the bridesmaids also wore a vintage lace dress — all cream, but each unique. The fashion was impeccable.

When Candace and Leon announced that they would be exchanging vows in the wintertime, many of their guests were opposed stating that it was a strange time of year to have a wedding. Candace had dreamt of a winter wedding though — to become Leon’s wife during her favourite season, in the midst of the impeccable glistening sprinkles of fresh snow was most special. In their venue selection, they were able to create a unique cozy and intimate atmosphere — a warmth amidst the cold outdoors.

The Proposal
The night prior, Candace had returned from a trip to Vegas with her mother. She was hoping to sleep in, but Leon wouldn’t let her.

LEON: I had the ring and was attempting to slip it on her finger while she was sleeping, but I just kept on agitating her. She was super drowsy and was getting increasingly angry. Finally, she told me I had to leave — she actually told me to “**** off!” I said, “I’ll leave you alone, if you promise to marry me.”

With her head buried in her pillow, Candace responded with a fine — she could sense Leon next to her, so she looked up and saw him knelt bedside with a ring in his hand.

CANDACE: The first thing I thought was “he is proposing to me and I just swore at him!” 

Of course, she was surprised and said “yes!”

What was your favourite moment of your wedding?

LEON: Surprisingly, it was the first dance. I wasn’t very comfortable being the center of attention and so we chose a short song, Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley, but then it seemed too short. Aside from a few moments after the ceremony, it was the first chance we had to talk about how our night was going.

CANDACE: I loved being announced as Mr. and Mrs. Grayfer coming into the reception. The first dance was really nice too. It felt like the room suddenly washed out and we were the only ones there.

Do you have any advice for couples who are currently planning their wedding?

Serve the meal “family style.” This is where each item is served to the table on a platter or dish just as it would be at home. Brad from Culina suggested it as a way of dealing with the time limitations of an evening wedding. We loved this serving style because it gave a relaxed feel to the reception and it helped generate conversation as guests passed the food around.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


Wedding Date:  January 8, 2011 Guests:  80 | Ceremony Venue: The Rutherford House | 
Reception Venue: Latitude 53
 |
Marriage Officiant: Former Chief Justice The Honorable Allan H.J. Wachowich | 
Photographer: Brianna K Photography
Gown Boutique: Vintageous | Gown Designer:  1940s Vintage | Shoes: L’Autre Chose from Gravity Pope |

Groom Formal Wear:  Hugo Boss (three piece suit)  from Henry Singer | Shoes: Fluevog from Gravity Pope |
Jeweller: Swedish Jewellers (engagement ring) / Birks (wedding
 bands) |

Stationery: The Paper Tree
 | Catering: Culina | Cake Shoppe: Cake Couture | Floral Designer: The Artworks |
Design & Décor, & Rentals: Tissue Pom Poms from Prost to the Host from Etsy / River
 City Event Rentals |
Make-up Artist: Alana  | Hair Stylist: Tin from House of Tin | Music: Friend