This week we received the wonderful news that our Little Black Book Blog editor Mallory welcomed her new baby boy into the world. My heart is positively bursting with joy for her. I’m not only giddy from the love that a new baby brings but I get the double bonus of getting to help out while Mallory enjoys her new bundle of joy. And let me tell you it is SO good to be back on the LBB Blog. Case and point, this absolutely exquisite wedding sent to us by cinematographers extraordinair Honey & Dear. It’s a beautifully elegant mix of culture, family, and flat-out romance. And did I mention that since the crazy handsome groom is a professional hockey player for the Tampa Bay Lightning, he and his gorgeous bride have braved a lot of distance in their 11 years together? Commitment is a beautiful thing and you can see even more right here.
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From Honey & Dear: The story began approximately eleven years ago when Mike and Lenna met in High school. When they had first met Lenna was unavailable and unaware that Mike was interested in her. They remained friends for a year before he built up the courage to ask her out. And it was not until his third attempt that she said yes. After three months of dating, Mike told Lenna that he had been drafted to the OHL and that he would be away for eight months of the year. This did not bother Lenna at all because at this point Lenna knew that Mike was the one for her. They did not anticipate that the road ahead would only get harder and that their relationship would remain long distance as Mike furthered in his career as a professional hockey player.
On June 4, 2010, Mike and Lenna were celebrating 8 years of dating. Mike was home for the summer and told Lenna that he wanted to take her out to dinner to celebrate. That night when Lenna was getting ready and about to leave her house, to her surprise she found a bouquet of roses and a note at her front door instructing her to drive to the first place they had kissed. Lenna knew exactly where to go and thought that maybe they were having dinner at one of the Italian restaurants on Unionville Main Street. However this was not the case, as Lenna was put on a scavenger hunt throughout Unionville to places that were milestones in their relationship. Finally she ended up at Mike’s house where she was lead through a pathway of rose pedals and candles leading her to the backyard. When Lenna got to the backyard she thought, how nice it was that Mike was going to cook dinner instead of going out. Lenna was completely oblivious to the fact that Mike was about to propose.
Lenna could not wait to share the news with the families so Mike and Lenna got into the car and drove all the way back to Lenna’s house. Little did Lenna know there was another surprise waiting for her. When she got home she was greeted with family and friends that were waiting to congratulate the newly engaged couple.
Two years later, on August 5, 2012, Mike and Lenna took the next step in their relationship and tied the knot. The process of planning the wedding was a lot of fun as they had many family members and friends that were very helpful along the way. Both of their families come from Macedonian descent and therefore they had many Macedonian traditions throughout the wedding. Including getting married at a Macedonian church where the service was performed by Lenna’s uncle, Bishop Demetirus.
The decision as to which venue the reception was to take place was an easy one. The Hazelton Manor is a spectacular venue, with amazing management and staff, as well as a place that accommodated their 575 guests. Hazelton Manor’s décor worked beautifully with the theme of their wedding and the flowers by Canadiana Flourists added the perfect accent to the venue.
The day was beautiful and both the bride and groom enjoyed every moment. Their most vivid and favourite moment at the wedding was when they were taking photos in between the ceremony and reception. There was one particular pose where they were standing at arms length from one another and reaching for one another’s hands. They both looked at eachother and got a little emotional as everything started to sink in. They were so excited to finally be married after ten years of dating.
Cinematography: Honey and Dear / Photography: The Last Forty Percent / Flowers: Canadiana Flowers / Event Planning: Lenna Angelidis / Ceremony Location: St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Church / Reception Location: Hazleton Manor / Invitations: Lenna Angelidis / Shoes: Aldo & Toms / Dress Designer: Sposaitalia / Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG / Men’s Fashion: Tip Top Tailors / Earrings: Bitter Sweet / Makeup: Fancy Face / Hair: Duyen Huynh