Win Your Wedding competition winners

Our competition winners were such a super couple and even after 30 years, it was obvious to all who met them that they simply adore each other! There is an amazing story to tell about why and how they entered the competition. Beautiful photos from their special day and more from their travels after (their mini honeymoon, if you like!)

It was as if they were meant to win as we had contacted 5 couples prior to them, who had either not responded back to us or who were unable to take the prize. (Not as simple as you'd think running a Win Your Wedding competition!)

Let's begin by introducing them - Alex & Sue Leach from Whitley Bay.

They have four grown children and two grandsons. They had been to Canada once before to see their son skate (that's as Sue first gave me the information, but more about this later) and I'm guessing this photo was taken there.

When they had been married for 25 years, Sue was sick and so Alex promised when she was better, they would do something REALLY special for their next milestone at 30 years. Obviously a man of his word, he enters our competition to try and win. And win, they did. To be perfectly honest, I'd all but given up on getting a winning couple having had FIVE, yes FIVE, couples either not responding or unable to take the prize for one reason or another. I was about to contact Air Transat with whom we had then flights booked to see if by any chance, the dates could be changed. As I scrolled through the Win Your Wedding at Valley Croft email inbox, the mouse seemed to want to stay highlighting an entry so I thought I'd give it one last chance. Off went the email and within 5 minutes, there was one very excited gentleman on the phone asking if it was true? Had they won? Really, had they won? And yes, they had! To be honest I was as excited as he was because I'd almost given up on anyone wanting to claim the prize. And that was just the beginning ..... many emails later, I finally met my prize winners in Toronto.

Sue has volunteered to help write "the story" and the next blog post will be from her.

I found a gem

Every now and then, I come across a venue that is perfect. From the moment I step on to the property, I just know it's one of those extra special places.

Early in December, I had an appointment to meet with an Innkeeper and look at her Inn. I was tired having had two full days of meetings in Toronto (starting an hour after I landed), it was raining, no, more heavy drizzle and grey. There was no sign of snow which brightens and lightens the landscape, it was just dreay, wet and grey. The journey was easily 3 hours in good weather and I knew I could add at least half an hour for the weather. So I was grumpy - very grumpy!! I think we'd taken a wrong turning at least 3 times and I was almost ready to phone my apology, turn round and go back to Collingwood. Suddenly the Inn sign was there and we turned into the estate ... and I knew, just knew that the journey had been worth it. My mood lifted and then as we turned a corner at the end of the Inn, I was met with the most amazing scenery - it really took my breath away. A lake, woodland, a beautiful old Canadian manor house and a mist across the water - the perfect setting for a wedding in any season. I'd choose sunset with snow but that's just me!

The Inn in Winter

The Manor House in snow

The Inn in Summer

The Manor House in Summer

One the estate's cabins

Sun loungers overlooking the lake - a possible ceremony location

A tranquil pond area could also serve as an outdoor ceremony location

An indoor reception area

Four poster bed suite in the House

A terrace bedroom in the Inn

A double room in the House

Winter sunset across the lake

Gay weddings in Ontario

I am often asked, why Canada, why Ontario?  Apart from the obvious I just LOVE it there and I want you to love it too. There are lots of other reasons -

- same sex weddings have been legal in Ontario since June 11th 2003. And that is weddings not civil partnerships.

- there are no citizenship or residency requirements; blood tests or medical certificates are not required;

- you can get married anywhere [as long as your feet are on dry land to sign the marriage license], so inside, outside, unique spots, including parks, gardens, castles, forests, boardwalks, bridges, in a canoe on the lake, a deserted beach, in the Skypod of the CN Tower, on the ice rink at Nathan Phillips Square, overlooking Niagara Falls - literally anywhere; 

- the ceremony can be held at any time from dawn to dusk or through the night; 

- if you want, you can write the ceremony yourself and the officiant will ensure that the words required to make it legal are incorporated; 

Photography plays a huge part in any wedding. Once the day is over, you'll have your memories but so many people say they don't remember very much about the day, that it was over in a flash and that's where the photography comes in. Yes, you can take a few camera shots or a friend with a camera can snap away but what if you loose your phone or the friend's camera plays up? It is honestly worth investing in a good photographer. Take a look at the images below and I think you'll see what I mean.

Now these guys really hit the jackpot! They entered a contest run by Tourism Toronto to publicize Toronto Pride. They won airfares, accommodation at the Windsor Arms and an official ceremony. (Don't forget, you can marry at any time, anywhere). The photography is by A BRIT & A BLONDE and how good is this?

 

And while I'm giving links to click - try this one for a STUNNING wedding video

http://www.jonthorpe.com/blog/2011/05/sarah-naomi-wedding-slideshow/

These are some stills from The Wedding Co website which gives all the details