You heard it here first – Fairytales DO exist! We just can’t get enough of Jude and Mark’s magical wedding that took place last month at Liuna Gardens. With a beautiful, beaming bride and handsome groom looking like they strolled out of a storybook, this wedding had happily ever after written all over it. Jude and Mark are just nicely back from their honeymoon and Jude was kind enough to catch up with us for a few minutes to fill us in on their experience at Liuna Gardens including her favourite moment from their special day, and why if they had to do it all over again, the couple would choose Liuna Gardens every time.
LG: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your husband?
JP: Mark and I met 5 years ago, but we did not start dating until 4 years ago (May 4, 2013). We purchased our house in Grimsby together just over 2 years ago and we were engaged just over a year ago. Mark works for Ford and I work for Hamilton Health Sciences, but I have also started to dabble in photography and making cake tiers out of vintage plates. We love the water! We live near the lake and bought a boat this year so we spend a lot of time out on it cruising and fishing. We just got back from our super romantic honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
LG: How did Mark pop the question?
JP: One of my favorite places nearby is Niagara on the Lake. Mark planned a day trip there in the spring of last year. We walked through the shops and went for lunch. Then we went for a horse and buggy ride. I was super excited because I always wanted to go on one but Mark never did. During the ride on the carriage he popped the question. It was truly a fairytale moment I will never forget.
LG: There are so many wedding and event venues out there – what made Liuna Gardens stand out among the rest?
JP: Originally I had wanted to get married in Niagara on the Lake where we were engaged. One weekend we toured the venues there and on our way home we just randomly decided to pop into Liuna Gardens. My in laws had raved about the food at Liuna as they had been to many events there. The moment we saw the gardens in the back and saw the ceremony location next to the lake we knew that we were meant to get married at Liuna Gardens. It was perfect for us! Then I saw the Renaissance Ballroom and it totally fit the elegant and romantic look I was dreaming of for our wedding.
LG: Tell us about your experience working with your wedding planner?
JP: My experience working with my wedding planner was very interesting as I was my wedding planner! I searched out all my vendors and chose every last detail of everything. I also ended up making quite a few things myself, which people were shocked to learn as they looked pretty professional. It was very stressful and a lot of work for me and I kept hoping that after the wedding day I would say it was all worth it….and it absolutely was! I could honestly do it all over again! I actually have a desire to plan more weddings and have been seriously entertaining the idea of becoming a party planner as my career at the hospital currently allows me to pursue other passions.
LG: Describe the meal that was served on your wedding day?
JP: The meal that was served at our wedding was wonderful. We continue to hear compliments on it from all of our family and friends. Food was very important to Mark and I and we loved all the options Liuna Gardens offered and they really worked with us to set a menu that we knew everyone would love. Our guests definitely did not go home hungry!
LG: Describe the quality of service you received at Gardens?
JP: The service we received at Liuna Gardens was fantastic! Especially on the day of! I had spoken with the woman who coordinates the setup the day of your wedding and she gave me so many great ideas and really eased my stress about the whole setup process. She was honestly a life saver! The day of we also had the pleasure of working with Hakim who made sure our every need was met right down to making sure Mark did not see me before the ceremony.
LG: Looking back, what would you say is your favourite memory form your special day?
JP: It is so hard to think of my favorite moment from our wedding day because I truly loved everything and I can honestly say it was the best day of my life! My ceremony was so beautiful and special to me. I wish I could do it over again and not be so nervous this time. The reception after went so smoothly and the party was fantastic! But I honestly have to say that my absolute favorite moment of the day was during the reception when Mark took me outside to tell me how amazing and well planned our wedding was and he was so proud of me for working so hard on it. That was the icing on the cake for me.
LG: Would you recommend Liuna Gardens to a friend for his or her next event? If so, why?
JP: I would absolutely recommend Liuna Gardens to a friend for their wedding! The grounds are out of a fairytale, the food is delicious and the staff go above and beyond to help make your wedding day everything you hope it will be. If I had to do it all over again….I would choose Liuna Gardens for my wedding venue every time.
I have to give a huge THANK YOU to all of the vendors that helped make my dream wedding come to life:
Photographer: Van Daele & Russell
DJ: DJ Emporium
Violinist: Michael of DJ Emporium
Décor: The Wedding Depot
Flowers: Lulabelles Floral Studio
Wedding Dress: Best for Brides
Make Up: Artistry by Chantal
Hair: Once Upon a Tina
We’d like to thank the gorgeous couple, Jude and Mark for sharing their love story and gifting us with the opportunity to host one of the most magical day of their lives. We wish them a lifetime of happiness!
Be sure to head over to the blog at Liuna Station to read about Erin and Frank’s wedding at Liuna Station and why their guests are still talking about it to this day!
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