Winter Wedding Magic
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
There’s something very different - maybe even magical - about being a part of someone’s wedding day. There’s the pressure of making sure everything is flawless, the excitement that they will remember this day the rest of their life, and the warmth of knowing you had the opportunity to be a part of someone’s love story.
(Yes we come off a little like the badasses in town but we can’t help but be a little sensitive with love stories).
This past winter we had the opportunity to be a part of Phyllis Oweni’s happily ever after and we couldn’t be more excited to finally share their story. Phyllis and her now husband grew up in Nigeria and met while in the A-Levels, however they didn’t start dating until they were reunited while studying at the University of Alberta here in Edmonton.
“We are soulmates destined to be together,” she says. “We have been together for a total of 8 years in December, 2018.”
Like a lot of brides Phyllis didn’t know about the Renaissance prior to being engaged. We know when people hear ‘Airport Hotel’ they probably won’t think about weddings. What people don’t know is that our Cartier Ballroom is nearly 7000 square feet and can accomodate 500 guests reception style or 320 guests in seated rounds. Our meeting planners are Marriott certified for weddings and have a years of experience working with brides, grooms, and their own wedding planners. They are literally in the business of making dreams into reality. Our events planner Robbie Zabos goes above and beyond for any event he plans but he knows the pressure that comes with a wedding. He goes to any length to take the stress away from the bride and groom.
“Robbie was fabulous, kind, meticulous, patient, and thoughtful,” Phyllis says. “He listened to all my crazy ideas of fabulosity and ensured that my vision was not compromised but actualized. He placed people in strategic areas that truly cared about the wedding and ensured everything went without a hitch.”
We know that nothing can run quite perfect. To expect no issues is naive, but knowing how to react when issues arise are what make the biggest difference. Most of us have guilty pleasure reality TV shows where we sit waiting to see a bride breakdown on their wedding day. At Renaissance we leave the drama to the reality stars. When or if our bride and groom have an issue arise the last thing we want to do is add on stress to a day filled with enough excitement as it is.
“Renaissance in conjunction with my decor team started to build and create the wedding of my dreams the night before,” Phyllis explains. “Renaissance was very flexible with the rehearsals, due to being a bit behind time wise as a couple of people were delayed due to late flight delays/arrivals.”
“The goal for me was to create a wedding that we were completely immersed in, and walk away after without having a single regret. I am glad to say we have no regret and would not change a single thing about the wedding.”
“The banquet hall was transformed into a royal winter wonderland complete with all white and crystal backdrops and decor. Also, service was impeccable. Not only did our food come piping hot on each individuals plate, we completed a four course meal in 1 hour.”
Looking back at the day Phyllis has so many memories. Her husband’s favourite was watching her walk down the aisle, and the walk itself was significant for Phyllis too. Plus there was dancing into the ballroom, the grand cake cutting, and the first dance.
“In my opinion, Renaissance is a hidden gem and as I earlier mentioned, the question for future brides should be ‘Why not Renaissance for my wedding?’”
Photos from: Pink Star Photography