Natasha Thomson and Yogi Turgeon
Tell us about your love story: Yogi and Natasha met at what was previously Ivy in Burlington, Ontario, when Yogi was out as the 7th wheel! Natasha says, “He was instantly impressed that I knew what an arborist was (his trade), and we kissed that first night! From there we never stopped kissing. Within a three-year span, we moved in together, travelled the world for a year, decided to start a family and had our daughter Lucy, and got married December 29, 2019.”
What was your favourite part of the day? The bride had a hard time choosing just one moment. “Dancing the night away with my husband, family and friends,” she says. “We felt so much love all night long and the dance floor was never empty. Also, when my daughter clapped for the very first time. Also, four people gave impromptu speeches that were all so funny and heartfelt. Oh yes, and my husband looked so handsome!”
Tell us about any unique aspects: “To stay in budget and express our own creativity we made many of the items for our wedding,” says the bride. “Including the bridesmaids bouquets, my bouquet (flowers chosen and arranged by my groom!), the groomsmen’s boutonnieres, the centrepieces (dried out hand picked hydrangeas and assorted flowers spray painted copper and rose gold), pine cone fire starters for the guests gifts, the welcome sign, Ferrerro Rochet trees for the candy table, Mad Libs for each table, and my wedding shoes.”
Did anything go wrong? “We chose not to worry about anything that went a little bit off course,” says Natasha. “So the only thing we can report is that it rained all day, so no pictures outside as planned, but this was out of our control.”
What will your guests remember most? “Our guests say that we just looked so damn happy all day and we never stopped smiling, and it was special to be part of that. Also, hearing our guests singing Whitney Houstons ‘I Will Always Love You’ at the top of their lungs to get us to kiss or reading aloud their table’s Mad Libs, and the guests riding back to their hotel in our wedding day limo! We really focused on making the night a fun experience for our guests,” says the bride.
Honeymoon: The couple stayed at the Hilton in Playa Del Carmen Mexico for one week. Natasha says “Relaxing by the pool and ordering room service at all hours was new and exciting for us! Some special alone time not only for newlyweds, but for us as new parents!”
Advice to couples planning their wedding? “When planning your wedding, spend your money and time on personalizing the wedding to reflect you, and to ensure the guests have a great time. They will remember it as the best wedding if they are laughing, dancing and having fun.”
Venue: The Lakeview, Hamilton, Ont.
Number of guests: 130
Gown designer: Stella York with custom sleeves made by Bridal Boutique in Brantford, Ont. (The bride felt like a Disney princess!)
Suit designer: Moores Signature Line
Bow tie: Vivid Clothing Toronto
Bridesmaid dresses: Various
Makeup: Jenna Currie
Hair: Samantha Revell
Photographer: Yildiz Kiamil
Cake: The Lakeview
Stationery: Fat Cat Art
Décor: Handmade by bride, family and friends
Florals: Handmade by bride, friends and family
Fat Cats Art is on Facebook if you want to check out the page! @fatcatsart