We could go on and on and on about Kayla and David’s ‘I do’s. When the bride is in the wedding biz, and the groom is a chef by trade, is it any wonder this wedding gave us goosebumps? Shot towers, bubbles and bows – there were plenty of playful details all wrapped up in an elegant old Hollywood glamour-inspired aesthetic.
We are OBSESSED with Kayla’s hot-AF black reception dress, which the bride designed herself along with her ceremony look. It’s true; these two aren’t afraid of a little DIY, even making their own cake and wedding spirits. Is there anything they can’t do? The high school sweethearts deemed every picture from photographer Kinship by Kristy “perfection,” and we 100% agree with that grade. There’s an abundance of inspo below. Get around it, lovers!
THE VENUE “As soon as we saw [the Peterborough Community Hall], we knew it was the one for us, located in the seaside village where we grew up and spent many summer days at the beach. I (David) started my chef’s apprenticeship at the Peterborough Pub, so the town is pretty special to both of us. It just felt so right for us.”
DIY “We made our own wedding cake/creme brulee and all of the spirits for the cocktails. We designed our cocktail menu, taste-testing many concoctions until we got them just right. I designed our save the dates, invites and menus. We did all of the setup and table configurations and steamed all of the linens [in the leadup].”
THE DRESS “I designed both of my gowns. Honestly, having studied fashion design and owning [bridal boutique] Ivory Bride, I felt a lot of pressure! For me the fit was very important, I wanted to ensure both gowns were true to my personal style. I have always loved Art Deco/Old Hollywood couture, so I knew the vision I wanted to create. I adore black, so I struggled with choosing which colour to wear, so in the end, I decided to do both. I loved working with Svitlana (Esty Style) to create two completely polar opposite looks. I referred to them as ‘good witch, bad witch’, which basically sums up my personality.”
WE’RE GLAD WE (David) “Kayla desperately wanted our guests to wear black and white, I wasn’t sure, but it looked so good! I’m really glad we did that. Our guests loved it, too.” (Kayla) “Instead [of a champagne tower] we created a Shots Tower and made a delicious cocktail to share as a shot. Having a formal sit-down meal with everyone we love in the same room was a moment I’ll cherish forever. I’m so glad we went back to our reception for canapés before heading off for our sunset photos; it slowed the day down and ensured we got to spend more time with everyone – highly recommend! And the live sax and bubble recessional was a vibe. Again, we didn’t know if this was something that we should do as we hadn’t seen it done before, but it ended up being one of my favourite moments.”
STANDOUT VENDORS “All of our vendors were AMAZING! Kristy our photographer was a dream, she made us feel so comfortable that we almost forgot she was there. EVERY image from her is perfection. She was the first vendor we locked in and I just knew she would capture the essence of our day authentically.”
Sucker for a little DIY? Us to. Here are some more DIY-heavy ‘I do’s we know you’ll love. But the happy snaps – better leave those to the professionals. Touch base with the legendary Kinship by Kristy here. Hungry for something other than wedding cake – here are some alternative ideas. And while we’re bucking traditions, check out these colourful bridal gowns.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Kinship By Kristy Cinematographer Our Wild Love Content Creator MTL Socials Event Planner Ivory Bride (Bride) Stylist Coeur Studio Florist Little Paddock Farm & Florals Stationery Vistaprint & Ink & Roses Calligraphy Ceremony Venue Private Property Reception Venue Peterborough Community Hall Catering Todd & Lisa (Friends) Cake Maker Kayla Retallack & David Fitzpatrick (Bride & Groom) Hire Items Kayla Retallack (Bride), Coeur Studio & Grand Events Signage S.W. Signs Balloons & Backdrops Entertainment Deus Sax Celebrant Celebrations with Kim Lynn Transport Father of the Groom THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Ivory Bride x Esty Style Bridal Boutique, Veil, Accessories & Getting Ready Robes Ivory Bride Shoes Bella Belle via The White Collection Hair Lady Jane Hair Makeup Nicole Neill Makeup Fragrance/Perfume Mad Love Katy Perry via Chemist Warehouse THE GROOM Suit, Jacket, Shirt, Pants & Shoes Soho Workshop Bow Tie Pitstop Menswear
