Getting married is one of the most thrilling moments of a couple’s life. When Nick and I got married in February, we knew our familyand friends would be there with big smiles – but we had no idea we’d feel so special to everyone who helped us pull off the big day. We thought, ‘okay, a wedding’s a wedding’s a wedding’. But we honestly felt like what we were doing was special to everyone we worked with. We had our own little quadrant of the ByWard Market mapped out for our wedding – and it was a truly amazing adventure.
ByWard Market Businesses involved in Nick & Meredith’s Wedding
The Westin Hotel – Getting Ready
The Courtyard Restaurant – Ceremony & Lunch
Play Food & Wine – Reception
photoVanBeek Studio - Photography
Our day started as any old wedding day would – with me jumping on my king-sized bed at the Westin Hotel on Colonel By Drive, and Nick jumping around in our back yard with our dog. My mom came to my hotel room with the biggest smile, not only because I was getting married, but because Kelly, a manager at the Westin had presented my parents with a congratulatory fruit, wine & cheese platter in their suite. The way to the parents’ of the bride’s hearts is certainly with local cheese! It was a thoughtful gesture based on a brief conversation they had with Kelly in the lobby while checking in. Maybe she could tell from my dad’s smile that this was a once-in-a-lifetime day.
Once primped, photographed and primed to get married, we made our way over to the Courtyard Restaurant on George Street. Our wedding ceremony was absolutely magical, but even before we got married I stopped in my tracks when Shannon Kennedy, our wedding planner at the Courtyard had transformed the restaurant into a little Meredith & Nick dream land – complete with chocolate! The piece de resistance of the décor hit me as I first walked in and saw the printed table names that matched our place cards. You might be thinking, okay, if that’s what you planned… but it wasn’t at all! I had expected the standard 1s, 2s and 3s on white paper for the table names, but Shannon surprised us with custom paper and by using the names we had picked (and not printed) for the tables. We saw all the tables named not as 1s, 2s or 3s (that would have been easiest for the kitchen), but as Sussex, York, Colonel By etc. I remember Shannon smiling as I was ready to walk down the aisle – and I felt like I was smiling at a friend.
And speaking of smiling… we did a LOT of that on our wedding day. Andrew Van Beek and Julie Young captured the essence of the day, the emotions of the experience and the absolute joy we had while getting married. I’m so thrilled to call Andrew a friend – and having an artist like Andrew photograph your wedding is a delight I wish upon everyone. Their work will bring us memories for the rest of our lives. Andrew left behind a 7 week-old baby girl to spend the day with us. What a choice to make! Because of his and Julie’s creative eyes, we ooh’d and ahh’d over every single picture (which I might mention they had waiting for us when we returned from our honeymoon one week later!). From walking along Sussex Drive with cars honking and well-wishers smiling, to taking us through back courtyards in theMarket and finally to taking photos of us with our favourite guy, Jack (our dog), we couldn’t have imagined a more fun, laughter-filled and rewarding photography experience.
Well, that certainly worked up a hunger for us. A hunger for hangersteak, mushroom risotto, Quebec and Ontario cheeses, and canapés that made you stop your server for 4ths and 5ths! We met all of our friends and family at Play food & wine for our reception that evening. The pictures can’t tell you how great the food is – only a visit there can do that! Kate Clark at Play made sure every single detail was organized for us. We were at a loss for what to do with certain items such as registry books or timing for speeches or champagne toasts – but for no reason! We had Kate! She gave us all kinds of advice forwhat would work best, and she was 100% right. She always signed her emails with encouragements like “this is going to be a great event!” and “we can’t wait for your reception!” What a confidence booster for a nervous bride and groom! Grayson and the service team were superstars for us that night too; they served, poured and presented an incredible evening of “the most amazing risotto I’ve ever had” (quote from a guest). They mixed up a specialty “NewberryRum Punch” specifically for our event, and matched wine tailored to our tastes with the menu for the evening.
I was a total princess that day…and how did I get back to reality? Well, I’m not sure I did! But we certainly have our first anniversary planned out, and there’s a weekend in the Market for us complete with brunch at the Courtyard, a walk through the Market shops anddinner & dessert at Play. I wonder if I can wear my dress again…?
-Meredith Dundas Newberry
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