Kourtni & John Zalenko
MARRIED OCTOBER 5, 2019
THE BEGINNING
How did you two meet?
Kourtni – We actually met on an online dating app (Tinder) in 2013. I thought John was good looking (obviously), and we ended up having a lot in common. Originally, I didn’t want to go – it was a blind date, and it would be the first time I had ever done anything like that. Thank goodness my best friend convinced me to go!
John – I thought she was goofy and playful, which really attracted me to her. She just had such an amazing personality, and I knew during that first date that I wanted to have a second date. First dates, especially blind dates, can be really awkward. But just ten minutes into our date, it was so comfortable and we completely clicked.
THE PROPOSAL
How did you pop the question, John?
John – It happened 4 years into our relationship. It’s kind of a funny story. We had plans to go to the dog beach with Kourtni’s sister. I usually run around on the beach with our dog Penny, but I was worried about the ring falling out of my pocket. So, in my head, I came up with a whole plan – I would leave the ring in the car, and tell Kourtni that I was going to ‘get my water bottle', when I would actually grab the ring. I even planned to have Kourtni’s sister play secret photographer and get photos of the big moment! But, we ended up walking 20 minutes down the beach, until we found a spot to sit and relax. I realized I would not be able to walk all the way back to the truck, get the ring, and walk back. Forty minutes would be too long of a hike and would seem suspicious.
Once we got home, I decided to propose there. I found a string and tied it to Penny's collar, and had her go over to Kourtni. I said some words that neither Kourtni or I really remember today, and she said ‘Yes!’.
Kourtni – I was so surprised and was not expecting it at all! I had pried a bit about a proposal, but I wasn't sure when or how it would happen. It was really nice that it took place in our home, just the two of us, and with Penny!
THE PLANNING
What made you choose St. Marys Weddings as your wedding venue?
Kourtni – We had looked at a couple other venues but nothing stuck out to us. I wanted a touch of rustic, balanced with elegance. SMGCC had been on our list from the start, and I had gone to the website several times to look at photos of the Ballroom with various decor. When I arrived at the venue for our first tour, and met Ashton, she was so welcoming and made us feel so comfortable. We saw the beautiful space and stunning ceremony view, and I knew that was it!
We chose SMGCC because we loved the venue and the people, and also that they would take care of everything for us. Ashton was our Wedding Planner, and she helped us make decisions and stay on track though the whole process. Taryn was our day-of Coordinator, and she ensured our day ran seamlessly and that we didn't have to worry about a thing!
Who did you work with for your decor?
Kourtni – I decided to work with Kim, from Above and Beyond Event Design, as she was at the top of SMGCC’s preferred vendor list. When I entered her studio and saw the ‘Copper Dreams’ backdrop, I knew that was going to be included in my elegant rustic look. I fell in love with the warmth and romance of the structure, and the fact that it could be illuminated with loads of candlelight behind our head table. To go with our theme, we incorporated fall colour tones of burgundy, ivory and champagne, with greenery and floral accents woven into the centrepieces and down the head table. Gold charger plates added a beautiful touch to each place setting, and we displayed our popcorn guest favours on a vintage wood road stand. With Kim’s amazing talent, my whole vision came to life so perfectly on our day.
THE ATTIRE
Who designed your wedding dress?
Kourtni – My wedding dress is a Kenneth Winston dress. We went to Sophie's Gown Shoppe in London and it was actually the first dress I tried on. I did try on a few others afterwards, but I kept coming back to the first one. That's how I knew it was THE dress. I couldn't stop thinking about it!
Tell us about the rest of your look. What did the Bridesmaids wear?
Kourtni – The bridesmaid dresses were from Sophie’s as well, and we chose a wine burgundy colour to pair with the moody accents in the room decor. My wedding veil belonged to my sister-in-law (something borrowed!), and I went to DSW for my shoes. I wore my heels all through the first look and wedding party photos, so, by the time the ceremony started, my feet were killing me. That's when my converse shoes came out, and I kept them on for the rest of the day!
THE BIG DAY
How did your day unfold?
Kourtni – Me and the girls got ready at a house in Stratford, where we drank champagne and had our hair and makeup done. It was such a nice, relaxed morning.
John had golfed with the guys the day before, so the morning of our wedding was super relaxed for him as well. They hung out at our house until it was time to get into their suits, and then the limo brought them to us in St. Marys.
We had our first look on the Grand Trunk Trail in St. Marys! I was so anxious at this point. I just wanted to see John, so that I could relax a little and get through the ceremony, as I am not a huge fan of having all eyes on me. Luckily John was not nervous at all! He was his happy, humorous self. After the first look, we took photos with our wedding party, and headed to SMGCC to relax before the ceremony.
What are some of the moments from your day that stand out?
Kourtni – Marrying John, of course! But I also think having everyone we love in one place, to celebrate us and our love, was amazing. We don't get to see all of those people often, and it was so nice to share our day with them. And our first dance! Other then the ceremony and our first look, it was the moment I remember feeling like it was the two of us.
John – Agreed! Having everyone in the same place was incredible. And having a smaller guest count of 115 people allowed us to mingle with everyone. Also, the food was amazing and everyone was raving to us all night (and after the wedding) about the menu. The DJ Alpha Company (another recommended vendor of SMGCC) killed it on the music too – the dance floor was full the whole night!
How would you describe your wedding experience?
Kourtni – Ashton was a dream! She took care of literally everything. It was so easy to enjoy our day and I was never stressed. Things were always just taken care of! And Taryn was the same way! She was always there when I needed something, and everything was done even before I asked or thought about it. We were very lucky to have such an amazing team for our wedding day!
John – Overall, we had such a surreal experience, thanks to the team at SMGCC. We recommend SMGCC to everyone we know who gets engaged. The day went by so quickly, and we wish we could do it all over again!
As told by Kourtni and John Zalenko
Photography by Haley Thuss Photography
