Anika & Adam

Edmonton, AB

One of Novelle Bride Anika's favourite moments from her big day was taking the time to have a private first look with her future Husband- a memory they can truly treasure forever. We asked Anika to share her love story:

"The meeting of 'sweaty no-shoes- guy' and 'chatty back row girl' (our nicknames for one another at the gym) was accelerated by mutual right-swiping. Even if Adam lied by saying he wasn't 'that nerdy' and my profile had a bizarre photo of me killing a cockroach in a Thai bathroom, we kept 'hanging out' and now we're here. We are probably the only two people who travel across the world to run marathons that we don't train for as an excuse to eat multiple meals from market stalls - so it's a pretty great thing we found each other.

Adam proposed on a Monday in June 2018.  It was just the two of us on our patio at home and Adam had the ring on his person for approximately 45 minutes prior to popping the question as secrets aren't his forte. When the tears and family calls concluded, I actually asked in all seriousness, "you did actually order dinner, right?"

 Before we were even engaged, I knew Novelle would be on my bridal shopping list as many of my best friends had found their dream dresses there and loved the service- and of course, their dresses! I went for my first appointment shortly after getting engaged, and brought with me my Mom, sister and future mother in law. Katie was so cheery and friendly when she greeted us, and was up for the challenge when I said I wanted no embellishments, lace or glitz on the dress...which doesn't leave many options! Katie was the best cheerleader, making me feel great in every dress I tried on but also bringing experienced honesty- plus managing the many opinions swirling in the room and managing to focus in on what I wanted. Interestingly, the dress I  thought I liked on that first day wasn't the one that had me booking a second appointment at Novelle. When I returned I needed to try on the WTOO Avery again, and sure enough fell in love with the simplicity of the dress balanced with its unique features. It wasn't a cut I ever thought I would wear, but somehow it felt like exactly what I needed to be in when I walked down the aisle and I never second guessed my decision. When I returned to pick up my dress I remember feeling bridal for the first time, having THE dress on and trying on veils and shoes to compliment it. 

Our wedding was the fourth event of our 'wedding weekend', so by the time our Sunday wedding rolled around we had already seen most of our guests and worked through a lot of the nerves and stress. My bridesmaids, Mom, future mother in law and two of my honorary bridesmaids all came to the Sutton Place where we had a beautiful suite to have breakfast, mimosas, and get our hair and makeup done. Mom helped zip me into the dress and accessorize with some family jewelry  and glam studs, and my dad came in before my bridesmaids to see me in my dress. That moment with just myself and my parents is one I will cherish fondly forever...it was sort of the last calm before the storm and so special to share some privacy in a totally wild day.

From there, my totally stunning bridal party came and helped me get ready to get into our coach and head to the first look at the Hotel MacDonald. We were fortunate to be able to use the Wedgewood Room which couldn't have been more idyllic for the most special moment. Even with two photographers circulating in the room to capture each second, it truly felt like just the two of us. I would tell any person that's on the fence that a first look is the way to go- there are so few memories of just you and your spouse that day and this is one that we are so glad we embraced. 

We also did photos at the Walterdale bridge, Oliver Exchange and on the Hall D patio at the Edmonton Convention Center. We had a private ceremony with our parents, wedding party and signers prior to the main wedding ceremony where we signed our Ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) and marriage licence. It was actually probably a more emotional ceremony than the one in front of everyone because of its intimacy. Plus we really love our Rabbi and the personalized touches he added made it feel even more real and profound. When it was all said and done we proceeded to the ceremony which overlooked the river valley, thankfully just after a roaring storm. We had a family friend build our chuppah, drank from family heirloom goblets, and followed Jewish traditions including breaking the glass, to which all our guests exclaimed 'Mazel Tov!' and that quick recount is about as much of a blur as it felt to us!

Before we knew it the flip flops were out for the taking at the reception, and The Retrofitz got the party started with the hora, which made any effort at preserving my dress a lost cause (I'm not complaining!). We were lifted on chairs, spun in circles and every other hora game imaginable to work up an appetite for our late night snack. We both danced the night away with our curated playlist of all time favorites and ended the night with a part of our wedding party eating dim sum in china town just to stretch the day a little longer. 

We didn't want the day to end, and as we both predicted, the very best part was having all of our most cherished people in one place to share in the joy of our marriage."

Vendors:

Hair: Blush and Glow Artistry

Makeup: Amber Victoria Prepchuk

Dress: WTOO by Watters

Alterations and Veil: Debbie's Fashion Design

Groom's Tux: Indochino

Florals: Studio Bloom

Venue and Catering: Edmonton Convention Center

Planner: MB & Co 

Photographer: Bright Photography

Videographer: Plaid Collar Films