Modern Romance Wedding

Ioana and Patrick first met as kids while attending middle school in the Middle East. Ioana knew Patrick as her friends annoying older brother. After a few years, Patrick and his family moved to England while Ioana and her family moved to Canada the following year. Through the magic of Facebook the two reconnected in 2007 and began exchanging long messages and phone calls. Ioana’s trip to Paris the following summer presented a great opportunity for the two to meet up and spend some time in the most romantic city in the world. From their first day in Paris, touring the city and drinking wine, they knew their connection was special and worth pursuing. After a year of long distance, Patrick moved to Canada to start a life with Ioana. 

The Proposal

Nearly seven years into their relationship, Ioana and Patrick were visiting Spain with Ioana’s family. As big Game of Thrones fans they spent an entire day touring various filming locations of the show throughout Seville. Under a blistering hot sun, in the magical and lush gardens of the Alcazar Palace, Patrick got down on one knee and finally asked Ioana to marry him. With her whole family watching and tears in her eyes, Ioana said yes.

The Big Day

Their wedding can be best described as a unique blend of romance and elegance with a modern edgy twist. As a nod to the city where they met, subtle Paris influences were seen throughout, from the macaron favours and Parisian desserts, to the painting that decorated the guestbook table – one of Patrick’s treasured gifts to Ioana over the years. 

The wedding took place at Azuridge Estate Hotel, a stunning unique property nestled in the hills of Priddis. From the first time they visited the venue they instantly knew it was the perfect backdrop for their special day. Being able to have an exclusive rental of the entire property was very important, they had the flexibility of using the various spaces to create an interactive experience for their guests that travelled from all corners of the world. Having their friends and family stay overnight and join the newlyweds for breakfast the next morning was another bonus that they appreciated.

From the very beginning of the process, Ioana knew that a traditional white wedding dress was not part of the vision. She chose a unique alabaster coloured Hayley Paige gown with a crystal bodice and horse hair flounced skirt, knowing that it was the perfect blend of edginess and femininity she was looking for.

Favourite Moments

Ioana: “The long walk down the aisle. It gave me time to focus on keeping calm and to truly take in and appreciate the space, the decorations, the guests’ smiling faces, and right at the end, to lock eyes with Patrick and see the surprise and joy in his face.”

Patrick: “Walking down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife. Rain was threatening to ruin the ceremony and I wanted our day to be perfect, and that moment was an affirmation that our ceremony turned out the way we envisioned and I was honoured and fortunate to finally marry Ioana.”

Engagement Ring Cut

Princess

First Dance

‘Never Seen Anything ‘Quite Like You’ – The Script 

Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Dance(s)

‘My Wish’ – Rascal Flatts

Advice from the Newlyweds

Focus on the guest experience. 

Be prepared to make a lot of decisions, and fast!

Accept help – from friends, family, and most importantly a professional. Our day-of coordinator was the biggest help we could ever get, and our day would have not run smoothly without her.

Hire a planner unless you know exactly what you want and how to achieve it. Having worked a few weddings in the past, Ioana was already familiar with a lot of what needed to be done and how to do it, but still had to call up on the experts for certain advice. 

Guys – be patient, compromise and always support her decision providing minimal criticism.

Looking Forward to Most Now Being Married

“Growing old together with many adventures by each other’s side, and starting a family in the near future….and the Honeymoon!”

Honeymoon

Bali, Indonesia