Destination Station – LiUNA had the pleasure of hosting 150 of Priscilla and Sean’s favourite people for a celebration of a lifetime! Distance was no barrier as they traveled from Winnipeg, MB, for their nuptials and celebration that went off without a hitch! It was a day for the books, filled with exquisite details, the charm of the couple, and meticulous planning that came together to create a truly enchanting experience!
Tell us a bit about your event you hosted at LiUNA Station!
June 15, 2024, will forever be remembered as the most unforgettable day of our lives. After 16 years together, we finally made it official at LiUNA Station’s King George Ballroom. Although we now live in Winnipeg, MB, we brought 150 of our favorite people from across Ontario, Canada, and beyond to celebrate our long-anticipated nuptials in this iconic location.
Planning from Winnipeg in just five months was made easy with the help of our fantastic event coordinator, Michele from LiUNA Station. Despite the distance, everything went smoothly.
Our day began with a first look on the King George patio and formal photos in LiUNA Station’s beautiful gardens. The ceremony took place in the grand main lobby, setting a breathtaking scene for our vows. Afterward, we gathered for a memorable group photo on the front steps.
The celebration continued with a cocktail reception on the King George patio, featuring signature cocktails, great music from Avenue Inn, and cornhole. The grand entrance as newlyweds led to an amazing dinner, heartfelt speeches, cake cutting, formal dances, and a lively dance floor with Avenue Inn, who even learned our favorite songs.
With a delicious dinner, dessert, and midnight snack, no one went hungry. LiUNA Station’s stunning architecture and gardens provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of our perfect day.
What were some of the sources of inspiration behind the look and feel of your event?
Like many brides, I turned to Google Images and Pinterest for décor ideas, aiming to complement the venue’s historic charm and classic color palette. We envisioned a simple yet sophisticated summer theme with opulent gold accents, featured in our arch, centerpieces, flower vases, and signage. Floral arrangements with eucalyptus, white flowers, and lush greenery added elegance. For a romantic touch, we used hurricane lanterns with candles to enhance the timeless atmosphere. To reflect our love for aviation and travel, we included custom airplane place cards and gave each guest a unique framed travel photo taken by me.
Share with us your number one couldn’t live without décor piece or tastiest food option from our catered menu!
It’s tough to choose just one favorite décor piece, but the venue itself tops the list. We wanted a unique location with a stunning backdrop, and LiUNA Station exceeded all our expectations. Its rich history, breathtaking architecture, beautiful gardens, elegant patio, and exquisite decor perfectly matched our vision.
A standout personal touch was the custom cornhole game built by our dad, which became a guest favorite during our cocktail hour on the King George patio, complemented by live music from Avenue Inn. The flower wall photo booth for our guestbook was another highlight, offering a glamorous backdrop for memorable photos.
Our guests are still raving about LiUNA Station’s food, especially the Tiramisu dessert, which received the most compliments. Our signature drinks also proved to be a big hit, quickly becoming the evening’s favorite.
What is the one piece of advice you would give someone planning their big day!
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Despite your best efforts to perfect every detail, if something doesn’t come together, it probably won’t matter—unless it’s the food or drinks, which LiUNA Station will handle superbly. Your guests are there to celebrate you and your love, and they likely won’t notice any missing elements. Embrace a “Friends” moment and “pivot.” Laugh off the little issues and focus on each other. The day will pass quickly, so don’t let minor details spoil your memories.
What was it like planning our wedding from out of province?
Planning our wedding from another province came with unique challenges, but it was a rewarding experience. WeddingWire was crucial for finding venues and reading reviews. Since we couldn’t attend LiUNA Station’s Valentine’s Gala, we sent local friends to sample the food and assess the venue. Their feedback helped us finalize our menu and choose vendors. A month before the wedding, we toured the venue and used its online virtual tour to plan the layout and décor. Communication with vendors was smooth via email and phone.
Logistics
Having family and friends nearby made logistics easier. My Aunt helped with picking up décor items. We arrived a few days early to organize everything into labeled tubs for our day-of coordinator, which was essential. If you don’t have local contacts, consider hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator to manage setup and teardown.
Challenges
The main challenge was keeping all décor and supplies organized. Detailed lists were vital to prevent anything from being lost. Fortunately, everything went smoothly.
Remote Planning Tools
The WeddingWire app was invaluable for managing vendors, hosting our wedding website, sending out communications, collecting RSVPs, and creating the seating chart. It was a one-stop shop for our planning needs.
Final Preparations
We included our seating chart in the day-of program for easy updates. Arriving in Ontario the Wednesday before allowed us time to organize before the wedding.
Advice for Out-of-Province Brides
- Hire a Day-of Coordinator: This allows you to fully enjoy your day without worrying about logistics.
- Stay Organized: Document everything and share lists with helpers to streamline the process.
- Arrive Early: Get settled a day or two before the event.
- Source Supplies Locally: Minimize the number of items you bring from home and ensure ample luggage space. Always carry your dress on the plane.
Reflection
Planning from afar was less stressful than expected. Being detached from constant wedding details allowed us to enjoy the day with a clear mind. Looking back, everything came together perfectly, making our wedding truly unforgettable.
What moment during your event will forever be etched into your memory?
For Sean, the standout moment was when I blew the dust off my vows before reading them during the ceremony. After 16 years together, our wedding was long overdue, and I had to tease him about waiting so long.
For me, the most unforgettable moment was marrying the love of my life. This was closely followed by Avenue Inn’s lead singer, whose angelic voice performing songs by Rufus du Sol, Rebelution, and Tribal Seeds made me burst into tears—something I rarely do.
We’ll also always remember my sister’s speech. Her hilarious roast, filled with embarrassing stories, had everyone in stitches.
Tell us all your secrets! Your event was so beautiful and we must know your vendor list!
I can’t praise our amazing vendors enough. Their expertise and infectious personalities made our day perfect and magical.
Venue | LiUNA Station
Hotel | Sheraton Downtown Hamilton
Photographer | G3 Designs
Videographer | Emily Minor you can connect by email: [email protected]
Band | Avenue Inn
Cake | Enticing Icings Custom Cakery
Centerpieces | Lindsey Huyge at Pine Away Rustic Studio
Bouquet & Boutonnieres | House of Silk
Day of Decorator | Family Friend JJ
Hair | Priscilla – Candice at Freebird Beauty Co., Sean – Architect Hair Design
Makeup | Lina at Flawless Essentials
Dress | David’s Bridal
Suit | Eph Apparel
Jewelry | Priscilla – Independent Jewellers Limited, Sean – Harmony House Jewellers
MVP – What vendor couldn’t you live without?!
Michele at LiUNA Station was incredible! From our first call, we knew our dream wedding at LiUNA Station was meant to be. Our ideal date was one of the last available for 2024, and Michele promptly held it for us while we finalized the details. She made the planning process seamless, covering all bases and guiding us through every detail remotely. Michele’s expertise and support were crucial in bringing our vision to life, giving us peace of mind that everything would come together perfectly.
