Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” was Alison and Juan’s first dance song, but really it should just be their theme song. There’s such a swanky, just-you-and-me, easygoing energy between them!
Together, they planned a small wedding at The Millcroft Inn & Spa which began with the most important part—an outdoor ceremony before the trees. Then it was on to a celebration whose focus was family, love, and fun. And also dancing—Alison and Juan danced the night away and created what is now one of their favorite memories.
Following the big bash, these two went on a European honeymoon, hitting Paris, France; Bruges, Belgium; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Berlin, Germany; and Rome, Italy!
From Alison:
How did your sweetie propose?
“Juan proposed sitting on the rocks by Lake Ontario. We rode our motorcycle to a favourite restaurant near the lake and after dinner we went for a walk in the warm June evening air.”
bride’s finery: Lea-Ann Belter Abigail top + May skirt via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photography: Tom Armstrong | scroll down for full vendor list
How did you choose your gown?
“When I first started gown hunting with my mom, the only thing I knew was that I had to have lace incorporated into the gown somehow. After visiting almost every salon in Toronto, as well as Mississauga, I had tried on many silhouettes and was confused which style I wanted (keeping in mind what my husband-to-be liked and what suited me, as well as the venue). Thankfully I ended up visiting Lea-Ann Belter! I was so impressed with the selection of gowns and the attention Vanessa gave us during our appointment! With her patience and keen observations she helped me find the one! The gorgeous lace top and flowy skirt together was elegant, yet fun and sexy.”
Tell us about your day! Did you have a theme or style in mind?
“We both really wanted a rustic, simple, small wedding with an outdoor ceremony and many personal touches. We decided on September as we love fall and its beautiful colours. We fell in love with the venue as it is a beautiful inn with an outdoor wedding ceremony garden surrounded by trees and a small lake reminding us of our cottage up north. The day was perfect; sunny and bright with just a light chill in the air. Being an intimate wedding we enjoyed many laughs with our favourite people including Juan’s immediate family from Colombia and the U.S.”
What’s your funniest wedding day memory?
“My dad’s speech had some hilarious moments—poking fun at both of us—such as Juan’s fear of dragonflies or “those huge dangerous creatures.””
What was your favorite wedding day moment?
“Juan and I really enjoyed the party after dinner and speeches were over. We danced like nobody was watching with our close family and friends.
Our niece, Eva, also caused a big delay in the ceremony as she refused to walk down the aisle with her brother just before my entrance. My mom, Eva’s mom (who was a bridesmaid) and Eva’s dad (who was a groomsman) all made their way back down the aisle to try to convince her. My mom ended up carrying her to the altar, which was a cute moment. My brother who was playing guitar for the ceremony had to keep repeating the song for the processional over and over and over!”
Describe your wedding day in 5 words or less:
“Full of laughs and cheesiness.”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?
“Old: deodorant hahahah; new: dress; borrowed: pearl and diamond earrings; blue: nail polish”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“Paris, France; Bruges, Belgium; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Berlin, Germany; Rome, Italy”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
“Focus on what means the most to you on our wedding day and when the day comes don’t get overwhelmed or get tied up with formalities so much so that you don’t enjoy the wedding that you both wanted or you miss the little moments that will make your wedding memorable. We didn’t want to regret not dancing the night away!”
