Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/307716
60 real weddings / Months of preparation were needed to ready the ocean-view site, owned by "a friend of a friend," for the summertime nuptials. "We had barn- cleaning parties," Kristine says. "Even in pouring rain in April, our friends would come out to help." And while Kristine's mother scoured thrift shops for décor pieces to create a "rustic and elegant" ambience — snapping up everything from an antique typewriter to brass candelabra — Kristine spent hours sur ng Pinterest for additional inspiration. She'd present a wish list of ideas to Matthew, a skilled handyman, who would invariably declare: "I think I can do that." e couple says it was perfect preparation for their future married life to spend seven months planning their nuptials. "I'm so glad we went through it together, learning to negotiate and compromise during the sometimes- stressful event of wedding planning," says Kristine. Luckily, they also received plenty of planning help from Kristine's mother and stepfather, Janice Parker and Terry Webber, who were "paid in love." When their wedding day nally arrived, Kristine was preceded down a makeshift aisle, set in an orchard where bales of hay served as seats, by half a dozen bridesmaids, each wearing customized navy-blue gowns. As lovely as they looked, the beautiful bride outshone them all in an ivory tulle and chi on dress by Japanese designer Enzoani. Clutching a bouquet of pink garden roses, Kristine happily exchanged vows with the man she calls "my best friend." For both bride and groom, the occasion was brimming with unforgettable moments — from heartfelt toasts, to live Motown music, to a group sing-along of "Amazing Grace" — that left the two of them "laughing and crying all night." But for Matthew, the biggest highlight of all came down to one simple fact: "I was marrying the woman of my dreams." rw Guests sent o the happy couple on their wedding night with the help of festive sparklers. See our iPad issue for even more photos p56-61_Kristine+Matt.indd 60 14-04-17 11:53 AM