real weddings

Tracey and Mark Zimmer’s summer nuptials took place in a breathtaking country landscape at an Ontario winery, Hender Estate Wines, with the ceremony outside on the lush lawns and the reception inside the rustic hall, all captured by wedding photographer Justina Phippen. A vintage-themed color palette inspired the fashion choices, wedding cake and casual yet stylish decor touches.

“One of my favorite moments was getting ready with my bridesmaids and mom,” says Tracey. “We had the 90’s jams going, mimosas flowing and a talented team of hair and makeup angels to make us look beautiful.” Tracey, a fashion blogger, expressed her fashion sense with unique finds for herself and her bridesmaids. “I was completely in love with my wedding dress by Paloma Blanca and I liked the fact that it was made in Canada. I purchased most of my accessories on Etsy and mixed gold and silver. I fell in love with these silver drop earrings because they had peach in them, which was one of my wedding colors. I also opted for a large cocktail ring.”  The unexpected finishing touch: “On the morning of the wedding, Mark surprised me with this beautiful rose gold ring with a morganite stone and diamond accents.” Paisley clutch purses — gold for the bridesmaids and ivory for the bride — had the wedding date stitched on the mint-colored interior.

“There was a specific feeling I was trying to create for our wedding. A feeling of coziness, comfort and an overall relaxed atmosphere.” says Tracey. Cheeky signature cocktails, the music selections, whimsical centerpieces, the cake table and a vintage postcard guest book all helped to achieve that goal.

Tracey recalls these special moments: “My favorite part of the ceremony was the ‘ring warming’: our wedding rings were passed around to our parents and wedding party and each person held our rings and made a wish for us. At the very end of the night, when there was only our parents and the wedding party left, the DJ played ‘Holocene’ by Bon Iver. We had one final slow dance, while our loved ones formed a circle around us and cheered. That moment was what real, pure happiness is. Dancing with my husband (!!), surrounded by my favorite people, to my favorite song, in a beautiful gown. I never once took a moment of my wedding day for granted. The entire day from morning to night was so special. I spent so many days leading up to the wedding stressed out, but on that day I felt the most joy and love I have ever felt.”

The Wedding Makers
Venue: Hender Estate Wines, St. Catharines, Ontario
Photographer: Justina Phippen
Officiant: Cathy Davis
Wedding day coordinator: Meredith Walker, All the Bells & Whistles
Decor: KJ & Co and Trace of Vintage
Wedding dress: Paloma Blanca
Bridal salon: Baroness Bridal, Ottawa, Ontario
Bride’s earrings: Poetry Jewelry on Etsy
Cocktail ring: Heatherly Designs on Etsy
Bride’s garter: Lucy Bridal Boutique on Etsy
Gold and ivory clutches: Ella Winston
Wedding cake: Cake + Loaf
Invitations: Jade & Eve on Etsy
DJ: Alpha AV Solutions

To read more about their celebration, visit Tracey’s Just a Trace blog.