As featured in Real Life Weddings – Weddings and Honeymoons 2023
In a magical wedding hidden away in the enchanting Searles estate, Jessica and Casey tied the knot beneath the late-summer sun, surrounded by blooming greenery. The bride and groom were able to enjoy a lavish celebration in their unique venue, a castle with the medieval charm of a Tudor manor and modern, high-class amenities. “Every single aspect of the castle was just incredible, the bride gushes. “The grounds are well kept and gorgeous, and there are photo opportunities around every corner. even got to throw my bouquet out of a two-story tower!” The couple married in the rolling courtyards of the grounds, with the magnificent castle standing tall behind them and a bright, clear sky up above.
Joined by their closest friends and family, the newlyweds exchanged rings in a special ceremony intimate enough to be able to spend time with everyone, yet big enough for a party to remember… which, to the bride and groom, was the most important aspect of their wedding weekend. “As my Dad was walking me down the aisle, I could see the faces of all of our guests, and the biggest smile just came across my face,” the bride smiles. “In every direction I looked, I saw someone that I care so much about smiling back at me. Talk about feeling like you are surrounded by love!” The beautiful atmosphere enwrapping the celebration was enhanced by the genuine, heartfelt involvement of all of their favourite people, tying the bow on top of their perfect day.
Dazzling in her Stella York A-Line gown, Jessica fitted in seamlessly with the dignified estate. Delicate, floral embroidery on her corset and a long, flowing veil draped behind her, the bride may as well have stepped straight from a fairytale. The groom matched this charm and sophistication in his navy suit, the autumnal palette of his boutonnière bringing an extra pop of colour to his look. The warm coral of the bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s ties drew out the red sandstone accents of the castle, creating an aesthetic harmony between guests and venue alike.
Music was a significant element on the wedding day to this newly married couple, who provided their DJ with four very different playlists for the pre-ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing…
“We found this artist on Spotify, Stantough, who makes olde, medieval-style covers of popular songs. It made us giggle, and we figured our guests would find it as fun as we did as they waited for the ceremony to begin!” They settled on upbeat jazz for the cocktail hour, a mix-up of all of their favourite songs for the dinner, and dance-worthy classics to end the night.
“Everyone had a blast on the dance floor!”
The bride and groom’s weekend was filled with meaningful details – from their Friday Night Social the evening before the ceremony, to their emotional “first look’ photoshoot – making their wedding an event to remember for everyone involved.
DRESS: Stella York
PHOTOGRAPHY: A Photographic Memory
FLOWERS: Susanne’s Weddings
DJ: Get Down Tonight Entertainment
CAKE: Jacques Fine European Pastries
TRANSPORT: Black Tie Limousine Inc. & First Student Charter
HOTEL; Holiday In Salem
HAIR & MAKEUP: JW Artistry
DRESS ALTERATIONS: Brandy Design Studio