A Divine Affair: Caroline & William - July

Niagara Wedding Planner

Ukrainian Winery Wedding

Caroline and William's wedding day began at The Pearl Hotel in Burlington where the two of them and their respective wedding party's got ready for the big day. After Caroline was dressed, she had a lovely moment on the terrace of her suite overlooking the water as she shared a first look with her father. After her first look, all of the ladies started walking towards the Holy Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church which is only a 2 minute walk away and where the guys were already greeting the guests as they arrived.

Caroline and William had their first look within the entrance of the church just prior to the ceremony starting. They had a traditional Ukrainian Catholic Ceremony which had the wedding party walk down the aisle and then the priest along with the ring bearer met with Caroline and William at the start of the aisle for the ring exchange after the priest blesses the rings. After the ring exchange, they walked down the aisle together to the alter. During their ceremony, crowns in the form of a periwinkle wreath were placed on their heads during the crowning ritual. The crowns are a symbol of love, purity and fertility. They are placed on the heads of the couple to signify the dawn of a new kingdom to be ruled by the couple side by side. After this, an embroidered towel, interlaced with threads of various colours representing all aspects of human life: family, love, tradition, hardship and faith in God is used to tie their hands together during the ceremonial walk, emphasizing the unity they now share in their common journey. The priest then leads the bride and groom in a circle around the table on which are placed the Gospel and the Cross. The couple take their first steps as a married couple. During this walk around the table a hymn its sung to the Holy Martyrs reminding the newly married couple of the sacrificial love they are to have for each other in marriage - a love that seeks not its own but is willing to sacrifice for the other.

After their lovely ceremony, they walked back towards the waterfront for some photos before jumping in their bus which took them first to check in at Inn on the Twenty and then to Honsberger Estate Winery where their second ceremony and their reception was taking place. After their ceremony at Honsberger Estate Winery, they had their family photos taken while guests enjoyed cocktail hour out on the terrace. During cocktail hour, the music being played was jazz music performed and recorded by Caroline's late grandfather. Guests were encouraged to sign wooden cutting boards which were being used as their guestbook and each received a bottle of wine as their favour to take home.

Speeches took place throughout dinner along with the pie cutting and the Korovai Presentation. The beautifully decorated Korovai was presented to the newlyweds by Caroline's parents. After dinner, Caroline changed in to her second dress. Caroline and William are dancers and they choreographed a beautiful first dance for their guests to enjoy. After their dance, the dance floor opened, the party began and the dance floor was rocking.

Vendors Include:

Wedding Planner: A Divine Affair

Photographer: Amgfotography

Videographer: Truth & Tales

Decor: Simply Beautiful Decor

Florist: Westdale Florists

DJ: 905 DJCO

Hair & Makeup: Makeup Worx

Photo Booth: The Bloom Booth

Baker: Karlik Pastry

Transportation: Attridge buses

Bridal Shop: Blushing Bridal Boutique