Shannon Hagarty & Stefan Legein
The love story: Shannon says, “Stefan and I met back in university, but didn’t start dating until years later, and I think that made all the difference. On the first date, Stefan told one of his friends he was going to marry me, and, truthfully, I knew from that moment, too. There was just something different about him, and we were inseparable that entire summer. The thought of what September held was in the back of our minds, as I would have to go back to teaching, and Stefan’s hockey career could take him anywhere. However, the stars aligned and Stefan signed with Toronto Marlies. We were beyond happy! It was the most ideal situation for our love story. But, then right before Christmas, he got a phone call and things had changed. He was packing his bags and heading to Sweden to play in the Swedish Elite League, miles away and hours ahead.Ttalk about a long distance relationship. Distance certainly does make the heart grow fonder. I went over twice to visit him for a few weeks at a time, and our story continued. We were stronger than ever.”
Bride power! “We were thrown some curve balls in the wedding planning process, as I stayed back in Toronto to work, and he headed back to Europe to play,” says Shannon. “So the tours and tastings and bookings of vendors was all on me, which most brides would love, but I was missing my fiancé. He remained involved and our parents and friends stepped up to help us out, and I think we planned the perfect day!”
Special moments: One of Shannon’s high school students, Angela Apigo, sang at the cocktail hour.The bride says, “She was amazing and it was so special to have her there and a part of my day. My Dad, the captain of the William Lyon Mackenzie Fire Boat, also arranged for the boat to come out and put on a water show during our pictures, which was so cool!”
A lucky honeymoon: The couple had a mini-moon at Blue Mountain, but Stefan had to return to Sweden for hockey. As luck would have it, the bride’s parents purchased a raffle ticket from a radio station which ended up winning the newlyweds a trip to Portugal. They celebrated their first anniversary with a proper honeymoon.
Planning advice: The bride says, “Get a great MC or DJ that sticks to a strict schedule to ensure that everyone gets to eat at a decent time and that’s the speeches wrap up early enough to have ample time to dance the night away!”
Ceremony location: St. Paul’s Basilica
Reception venue: The Berkeley Church, Toronto
Number of guests: 240
Photographer: Lucas T Photography
Gown designer: Valencienne (custom made)
Suit designer: Tolo Clothier (custom made)
Bridesmaid dresses: Custom made
Makeup: Victoria Radford
Hair: Rosemary Chu
Planner: The bride and Inspire Event Rental
Cake: The Purple Cupcake
Stationery: Katelyn Rempel Interior Design
Décor & florals: Inspire Event Rental
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