And just like that, we are already at the end of January. Some exciting news of my own from this month – I got engaged! Eeeeeek! Excuse me for freaking out, this is a day I’ve been dreaming of for a while. It feels surreal, and even though I've been working in the wedding industry for so long, having this moment for myself has been overwhelming in the best way. I feel like I’ve been given a front-row seat to the most mesmerizing days, and now, it’s finally my turn to live out the dream!
The day Adam proposed felt like an out of body experience for many reasons. I had no idea it was coming, and honestly, when it happened, I was in complete shock. One minute, we were gliding across the Rideau Canal, skating under golden willow trees in the heart of the Glebe. The next, he was down on one knee, holding my dream ring. I was frozen, not from the cold, but from the sheer intensity of the moment. All I could think and say was “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god”. I could feel time stop. It was the kind of moment that you watch back in rom coms, except it was real, and it was mine *insert teary eyed emoji *. Did I black out a little bit? Sure. But who doesn’t. It was like the entire proposal happened in slow motion. The energy in that moment was euphoric. And just like that, I went from saying "yes" to realizing—oh my god—I actually get to plan my own wedding.

Working in the industry has given me such precious insights into how I’d like my own wedding. Over the years, I've seen it all: from grand ballroom affairs to intimate outdoor ceremonies, each wedding has left a mark on me. We all know there’s so much to plan. From the colour palette to the cake flavours, the details can feel endless. I’m guilty of letting my imagination run wild as a little girl, picturing a fairytale wedding, and okay, maybe as an adult woman too. You dream of your special day dressed in a sculpted white dress like a goddess or a sleek mermaid-styled gown that hugs all your curves, walking down the aisle to your soon-to-be husband, tears glimmering in his eyes. And of course, your bridesmaids stand beside you in the perfect shades of blue holding bouquets dripping in white lilies … I can go on and on and on.
Now, fast forward to today, and things are a little different. You’re no longer imagining your wedding in your dreams but navigating through reality. You’re on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Reddit, and even the dark web (just kidding) trying to find the wedding planner you vibe with, the most affordable florist, the makeup artist whose work looks like it was made just for you, the dress that fits your personality, boobs, and somehow gives you a BBL, the venue with the most gorgeous chandeliers, and, of course, the perfect photographer to capture all the laughter and tears that will mean so much to you for years to come. It can be overwhelming, but it’s also so exciting to bring all these little pieces together.
While I’m taking my sweet time to plan our wedding I’m already thinking about the first steps I need to take and the vision I want for our day. If you’re obsessed with florals like I am, first things first, look into what florals are your favourite and what season they bloom in. Dreaming of drenching the cocktail bar with tulips? Spring would be the BEST time to plan your day. From there you can investigate the availability of the photographers you’ve been stalking and select your venue date based on them. HOT TIP: Venues often offer discounts for weekday weddings, and some vendors do too. Unless it’s September—then even a random Tuesday is basically the Met Gala.
Our wedding is probably a few years away – so I have some time to figure out all the details and stress about it then. In the meantime, I’m so excited for 2025, which promises to be full of incredible venues, breathtaking locations (hello, Italy!), and the loveliest couples. Reach out to see if your weekend is still up for grabs! Let’s gush over all things weddings, swap planning chaos, and maybe even scream a little about the fact that we’re both going to be brides! I can’t wait to document your dream day—let’s make it iconic.
Written by Paulina Jay & Shawnae Mutch
Comments