A small real wedding in Hamilton, Ont.

Abigail and Graeme had a small, but fun, wedding in Hamilton, Ont., with some really great photos from around the neighbourhood and to-die-for donuts. Below, the bride shares all her thoughts on the day!

Tell us about your love story.
Graeme and I met at a time in our lives where neither of us had been looking or feeling ready for a relationship, although we met and our connection was certainly worth exploring. We were both finishing university, and unsure of our future path, but despite that, we quickly realized our paths included each other in them! After graduating, finding jobs in our field of study, and living together, we welcomed our dog Murphy into our lives. Shortly after, came the engagement, and one year later, the wedding!

What were your original plans for your wedding day?
Originally, we had a guest list of 100 people – including family and friends from out of Canada, and out of Ontario. With travel prohibited except for essential purposes, we quickly had to adapt our guest list to immediate friends and family, and more specifically those located within our Ontario region. We also hoped for dancing, and group photos, which also had to be adapted! We certainly got creative on what our day would include!

When you had to change your plans, how did you feel before and after?
During the changes, I was really skeptical and uncertain if the day would still feel special and important. I was also concerned for the health and safety of our guests, ourselves, and our vendors. This was our priority of course, that those attending would feel as safe and comfortable as possible – so we had to mull over our plan endlessly to adapt it and ensure there was no room for spread of germs. The process was difficult to say the least – although looking back, I am so happy with how the day turned out, and all the effort we went through to make it a safe and comfortable event absolutely paid off. Our guests, vendors, and ourselves remained healthy and everyone did a great job maintaining health and safety precautions. Our guests were truly happy to be with us celebrating a special and happy occasion in such a dark, and unprecedented year.

Will you be having a larger celebration next year?
Initially, we thought yes – although now we are reflecting and feeling grateful for the celebration we had that many others did not get to have in 2020. We may have a future anniversary party to celebrate with those that couldn’t make it, although any formal plans remain unwritten at the moment.

What was your favourite part of the day?
My favourite part of the day was being in the ceremony – knowing that this day officially united Graeme and I as a couple and starting our future together. The nerves had set in shortly after in the reception just before our speeches, and first dance, although the ceremony is where I felt peace, because I knew Graeme and I had built a strong partnership together.

What will guests remember most?
Guests will probably remember most this was likely the only wedding they attended in 2020! Guests will also remember our strength and perseverance making the day happen in the best way possible, while still working within provincial restrictions.

What advice can you give to couples planning a wedding?
To any couples currently planning a wedding, focus on what you can control! We can’t control the provincial restrictions, but we can control the thought, effort, and meaning we put behind our wedding day. The extra time we may have put prior into a larger guest list, we may now use that time differently, such as into planning our own decor, ironing out the important details, or ensuring our guests comfort and safety. I also want to encourage couples planning a wedding to be open-minded, your day may not be exactly what we may once have imagined, but that does not mean it is any less meaningful – it is all about the purpose behind the event – uniting two individuals who share love for one another.

Number of guests: 49
Ceremony/reception location: The Spice Factory, Hamilton, ON
Wedding dress designer: Bridalane, bought at Best for Bride
Suit designer: Colins Formalwear
Photographer: Greco Photo Company
Flowers: Jean’s Flower Shop
Dessert: Donut Monster Hamilton
Hair/makeup: Pretty In Pink Mobile Hair and Makeup

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