Jamie & Mark :: Scottish Eco-Chic

Jamie & Mark knew they wanted an eco-chic, scottish inspired Edmonton wedding when we began planning their wedding over a year ago. Living in Fort McMurray, the couple knew they’d need some assistance to pull their ideas together! Jamie knew she wanted a formal wedding at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, Empire Ballroom - but with being a fun-loving couple, many twists were planned!

From the start, the couple had a desire to reduce the impact of their wedding day. It all started with Mark’s committment to purchase only Canadian mined diamonds for Jamie’s engagement ring, to ensure they were not supporting ‘blood diamonds’. Jamie and Mark chose their invitations and stationery to be designed with FSC certified papers by Pink Polka Designs. Their invite included a tear-away rsvp that would work as postcard, so that an envelope wasn’t required.

In traditional style, they started their wedding day with a catholic ceremony at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church featuring their programs which were designed by Jenelle of Pink Polka Designs - to carry through the scottish elements of the tartan they wanted. Our groom, in his gordan tartan kilt and bride in a stunning white and navy gown looked absolutely radiant!

When we began planning for a November wedding, we were planning with the idea of having to contend with snow - but to the contrary, it was a stunningly beautiful fall day - so the couple was able to proceed with their photo session in downtown Edmonton.

As the couple arrived at the Hotel Fairmont MacDonald in Edmonton, they were greated with many elements of their eco-chic wedding. Guest arrived to see that the couple had made wedding donations to two worthly organizations, in lieu of wedding favors - they had donated to the Fort McMurray Food Bank, and Center of Hope (a Fort McMurray Shelter).

Jamie and Mark decided to do a photo guest book as well - but instead of just taking photos of couples as they came in - they set up a photobooth (with a backdrop, tripod and camera) and then had a basket of props available for guests to dress up with and have some fun. Guests loved the opportunity to pose at their leisure throughout the night - with feather boas, hats, glasses and much more! Now, not only will they be able to remember their guests, they get to see a different side of their personality shine through!

Guests enjoyed their signature cocktail, the ‘Mark*tini’ as they moved from the foyer into the Empire Ballroom. Jamie and Mark took particular care to ensure as many of their decor items were rented and could be reused. To reduce the use of florals in their wedding day - the couple opted to grow centerpieces made of wheatgrass. Instead of candles which produce petroleum emissions, the couple opted for a LED battery operated candle - and although it requires emissions to be produced, because it can be reused, it was a perfect choice for use at their wedding.

With the weather on our side, the couple was able to enjoy a leisurely photo session with their photographer, Nicole Medynski.

The evening festivities began with a piped in entrance - but we had a surprise in store for our groom! My groom Mark is a Star Wars fanantic, but Jamie had joked in the early stages of planning, that her formal wedding was not going to be turned into a Star Wars feature. So we planned to find a very special bagpiper - and we did in Cam Wallace. Cam piped in our wedding party to a traditional scottish tune, and when he returned to pipe in our wedding couple - the tune changed - to the Star Wars theme song!!! The crowd errupted in laughter, as everyone was well aware of Mark’s passion for this timeless movie! The picture above shows Mark’s expression as he caught on what was being played!

Now, wanting to make sure Jamie also had a surprise for the wedding day - I went to their graphic designer with a special request. I knew the couple was having Pink Polka design their seating chart. I asked Jenelle, to make a change to the seating chart after the couple had approved the proof. At the head table, was listed Mark and Jamie, but on the other side of Jamie’s name, we added ‘Jon Bon Jovi’ her most favorite musician, who she many times jokingly told Mark, she’d leave him at the alter if ‘Jon’ showed up. Many of the guests caught on when reading the seating chart, but Jamie needed a bit of prompting to take a closer look! It was a fun and personal touch that was easily added into her day!

The couple then proceeded to cut their cake (a carrot cake for an organic alternative) by Simply Elegant, and then had the cupcakes for guests to help themselves to throughout the night or to take home, with the couple’s ‘H’ monogram on the top.

This wedding was a special one, in that this wedding was the first official ‘green’ wedding at the Hotel Fairmont MacDonald, Edmonton. We worked with the chef to create a truely organic buffet menu, which featured produce and meats from local producers - keeping to the idea of the 100 mile menu. Guests enjoyed the feast, and enjoyed the organic wines from Bonterra in Californa.

When time for the garter toss, our couple had another little surprise. Originally, Jamie wasn’t too keen on doing a garter removal, but since Mark was wearing a kilt, we decided to have a little fun, and when time, Mark pretended he was getting ready to remove the garter from Jamie, but then stopped, put his leg up on her chair and Jamie removed the garter from HIS leg!! The crowd loved this unexpected twist on tradition!

Jamie & Mark - your day was a truly personal day - designed with your interests and lifestyle incorporated throughout so many of the details. Your love for one another filled the room! I hope you have many fantastic memories of your special day - to last you both a lifetime!!! You two were such a pleasure to work with, I truly enjoyed seeing all your plans come to life! Enjoy your honeymoon in Maui!!

Jolyn | Lead Wedding Planner
Nuance Occasions