Kira & Tristan Hughes
MARRIED MAY 21, 2016
Grade seven was when it all began. That’s when Tristan and I met for the first time. I quickly fell for his cute face, sporty style, and spiky hair. Tristan probably couldn’t have told you my name, but when my friend asked him out for me, he agreed to take me on a movie date. However, when date night came around, Tristan brought a friend on our date – so needless to say, there was no date number two (at least not for a while).
Through the years, we continued to see each other at random parties and in the hallways at high school. We would always be drawn into conversation with one another, yet never pursued anything more than that. After high school we went our separate ways, but as fate would have it, we ended up connecting again when I coached the soccer team Tristan’s younger sister, Devynn, played on. Devynn and I became instant friends. I would tease her about how I thought her brother was cute, and would always joke about marrying him one day. We even nicknamed each other ‘SLAW’ for Sister-in-Law. The more I hung out with Devynn and the more we talked about Tristan, I began to realize that I never got over my grade seven crush. So, when I found out on Facebook that Tristan was going to be attending my cousin’s Buck and Doe, I was beyond excited. And then Tristan never showed up that night. With liquid courage behind me, I sent Tristan a Facebook message which said, ever so romantically, ‘Heyy’. Apparently that simple ‘pick-up’ line sealed the deal, because we’ve been together ever since (over 4 years now)!
Tristan’s proposal was everything I hoped it would be – and anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a hopeless romantic with unrealistic expectations ;). It was a sunny day in Florida, and Tristan took me to the most romantic place in Orlando he could find: Lake Eola Park. Since we vacation together in Florida every year, and even more significant – because Lake Eola Park resembles Central Park in New York City (the place where we both admittedly fell in love with each other) – it was the perfect setting! There, Tristan took me for a dreamy ride on the swan paddle boats (which reminded us of Stratford, our home town). In the middle of the water, Tristan got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, with the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. The most amazing part? Tristan's Mom was capturing photos of the unforgettable moment Tristan proposed! It couldn't have been more perfect. I was overjoyed, and Tristan was relieved!
When it came time to choose our wedding venue, we chose St. Mary’s Golf & Country Club because, simply, it was exactly what we were looking for. We wanted a romantic and elegant feel to our wedding, and this venue is all of that and more. From the moment we walked into the Ballroom, we fell in love – the chairs, the ceiling, the gorgeous windows; I could go on and on. And the scenery – I mean, come on! Who wouldn’t want to get married with that view? Not to mention the fact that we could have our Ceremony and Reception just feet away from each other; it was so easy! The amazing staff? Well that was just a bonus! Ashton (Wedding & Event Manager) was absolutely wonderful throughout the whole process leading up to the big day. I consider myself a very organized person, and Ashton exceeded any of my expectations! She made the process feel so stress-free. The fact that I didn’t have to worry about a single thing on my wedding day was such a priceless pleasure that I can never thank Ashton and her assistant, Shaina (Wedding & Event Maitre D’), enough for! They really are the best at what they do, and we were so lucky to work with them.
What really sealed the deal though in choosing the St. Marys Golf Club? THE BRIDAL SUITE! Words cannot describe how fun it was to hang out and take photos in this beautiful room with my bridesmaids. It is a must see for any Bride looking for their dream venue – I guarantee you that you will be swept off your feet!
When the big day arrived, we could not have been happier with all of the vendors that we chose. The day started out with myself and the bridesmaids getting our hair and makeup done at Hair Room 1979, in Stratford. Pasqua Paola did an amazing job with our hair, and Elsa Fahraeus made us all beautiful with perfectly natural makeup! Designs by Cate did our flowers, and they were absolutely gorgeous! Above & Beyond took care of our decorations, and it was all that we dreamed it would be. Kim Foster (Owner and Creative Director of Above & Beyond) really knows how to make a vision come alive, and her attention to detail is on point! Our photographer, Nina Polidoro, exceeded all expectations and was so easy to work with. We actually didn’t meet her in person until our wedding day, but it was if we had known for her for years. She is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet, and her talent is extraordinary! And a special mention to Allure Bridals who designed the wedding dress of my dreams – I felt like a princess!
It’s impossible to pick just one thing that we loved most about our wedding day. Without being too cliché, it was honestly so perfect and we wouldn’t change a single thing! The day was everything we had hoped for and the staff at the Golf Club really helped make it an unforgettable day. Everything ran so smoothly, thanks to them. From telling us where to be and when to be there, to taking care of the groom when he was feeling ill, to treating our wedding party and family like they were old friends, the St. Marys staff really were there for anything and everything. It’s the little (sometimes unnoticed) things that make the day as special as it is, and they were outstanding for these little details. Huge thanks to the St. Mary’s Golf & Country Club for making our wedding day dreams come true!
Story by Kira Hughes
Photography by Nina Polidoro