Nicole + Scott - Married
Embracing the Moment
Photography by Chantelle Dione Photography, Winnipeg, MB
Nicole’s wedding was the embodiment of love, laughter, and joy. With her closest friends and fam-ily by her side, she planned a day that reflected who she and her partner, Scott, truly are: laid-back, fun, and deeply connected to the people they love most.
From the start, Nicole knew she wanted her wedding to be stress-free and intimate, more like a gathering of loved ones than a formal affair. “It was just a party with our closest friends and family,” she shared, fondly recalling the day. True to her vision, the wedding was everything she hoped it would be—an effortless celebration of love, without overwhelming pressure.
Personal and Meaningful
One of the key decisions Nicole made early on was to focus on keeping the day personal. She and Scott chose not to have a bridal party, which allowed them to focus solely on each other and the special people who joined them. This no-fuss approach set the tone for the entire event, making it feel like a heartfelt gathering rather than a traditional wedding.
The Importance of Photography
When it came to capturing the memories of the day, Nicole’s choice of photographer was equally important. She and Scott opted for Chantelle Dion, a portrait photographer, instead of a traditional wedding photographer. “We didn’t want those Instagram-perfect, posed photos. We wanted something that felt authentic and more in line with who we are,” Nicole explained.
The results were exactly what she had hoped for—candid moments that reflected the love, warmth, and connection that defined the day. Nicole believes the key to great wedding photos is communication. “Make sure your photographer understands what moments are important to you, even if they aren’t on the typical shot list,” she advises.
A Few Helpful Tips
Nicole has some valuable advice for future brides, the most important being: Start getting ready earlier than you think you need to. “Time goes by so fast, and before you know it, you’re running out of time to do all the little things,” she laughs. Despite the time crunch, the day ran smoothly, and Nicole loved the relaxed vibe they were able to create by planning ahead.
Intimate and Special Moments
Nicole was filled with gratitude for the personal touches that made her wedding uniquely theirs. From the intimate ceremony officiated by her best friend to the handwritten vows filled with hu-mor and heartfelt moments, every detail was a reflection of their love story. “I’m so glad we wrote our own vows,” she shared. “They were funny and quirky, and because our friends know us so well, everyone was in on the jokes. It just made the day that much more special.”
A Few Surprises
One of the standout moments from Nicole’s day was the surprise performance by local artist JD Edwards. “That was a huge surprise and such a highlight of the day,” she said. Those unexpected moments added even more magic to their wedding.
Post-Wedding Celebrations
The celebration didn’t stop with the wedding day. Nicole and Scott hosted a pool party the day after for their out-of-town guests, though the weather had its own plans. “We had a few chilly days in the middle of summer, so people were wrapped up in blankets instead of enjoying the pool,” she joked. But even with the unexpected weather, the post-wedding gathering was a hit, giving them more time with the people they love.
Looking Back with No Regrets
As Nicole reflects on the day, she wouldn’t change a thing. “It was perfect,” she said. “If I could offer any advice to brides, it would be to make sure you take time alone with your partner during the day. Things get so busy, and you want to savor those moments together.”
In the end, Nicole’s wedding was everything she had envisioned—a laid-back, love-filled celebra-tion surrounded by the people who matter most. And that’s what weddings are all about: the love, the joy, and the memories that will last a lifetime.