As we reflect on the incredible year that was 2023, it's impossible not to be filled with gratitude and joy. Our journey throughout the year was a testament to the enduring power of love, and we are thrilled to share our year in review with you.
January: We kicked off the year with boundless enthusiasm as we hosted the Engaged Boutique Wedding Show through our sister company Engaged WPG. The hardworking women from our team, along with the dedicated Melanie Parent Events team, were the driving force behind making this event possible and ensuring it ran smoothly and beautifully. It was a dazzling event that brought together a remarkable community of local wedding vendors and offering a wealth of decor inspiration for everyone who walked through the doors. With over 700 guests in attendance, it set the tone for an extraordinary year of celebrations.
February: The month of love brought us to the Wonderful Wedding Show, a weekend of pure enjoyment as we connected with engaged couples and marveled at the creativity of fellow vendors. It was an event that reaffirmed our passion for what we do.
March: In March, with our sister company, Engaged WPG, we conducted a photo shoot at the Assiniboine Park Pavilion. During this event, we were interviewed by CTV Winnipeg to promote the Engaged Boutique Wedding Show in 2024. It was a lovely shoot featuring bright spring colours as we eagerly anticipated the end of winter.
April: In April we launched the first part to our three part Educational Workshop. In April, May, and June, we collaborated with Marissa Naylor Photography for a three-part educational workshop. The series began with a portfolio-building shoot at Fort Gibraltar in April, where we welcomed new photographers. The journey continued in May at Glendale Golf Club, with the highlight being a stunning baby's breath arch. In June, we concluded the workshop series at The Leaf, and the experience was simply amazing. Thank you to all of the photographers who took part in this series, it was so fun to do this alongside you!
May: As the spring blossomed, so did our wedding season. We embarked on a busy summer, orchestrating 57 beautiful weddings across Manitoba. From the enchanting settings of Hawthorn Estates, Lily Stone Gardens, The WAG, and The Fort Garry Hotel to the natural charm of White Poplar and Hecla Resort, and even intimate backyard weddings, each venue held its own magic. We reveled in the diversity and beauty of each space we worked in.
June-September: Each weekend from June to September was whirlwind of 2-5 weddings, filling our days with 16-hour stretches. While our feet ached and our eyes grew heavy by the 16th hour, our hearts brimmed with joy, knowing that we provided our couples with a stress-free day and seeing their smiles made the long hours more than worth it.
October-December: Although the wedding season was beginning to slow down, we still orchestrated a total of eight weddings between October to December, each unique and special in its own way. Additionally, we had the opportunity to plan an exquisite styled shoot at the St. Norbert Art Centre, which was a creative highlight for us. While the number of weddings may have decreased, our workload remained robust as we dedicated our efforts to preparing for the Engaged Boutique Wedding Show scheduled for January 14th, 2024. Simultaneously, we began meticulously designing and planning weddings for 2024 and even 2025, ensuring that each future celebration would be as unforgettable as the last. In December, we took a moment to come together as a team, celebrating the successful completion of the 2023 season. We shared stories, reflected on our accomplishments, and, most importantly, laughed together, strengthening our bonds and enthusiasm for the exciting year ahead.
New Additions: 2023 brought an exciting addition to our team as Jocelyn joined us as a lead planner alongside Tricia and Carley. Her passion for weddings, organization, and outgoing personality have made her an invaluable part of our lead team.
The Team's Achievements: Throughout the year, Tricia worked closely with our full planning couples, guiding couples through every detail of their dream weddings, ensuring each love story was uniquely celebrated. Tricia provided a stress-free planning journey for each couple as she handled budget, design, logistics and so much more. Meanwhile, Carley worked behind the scenes, crafting captivating mood boards, managing social media, and collaborating with wedding management couples to bring their visions to life.
Life Beyond Weddings: Amidst the bustling wedding season, we still managed to carve out time for some fun and relaxation. Tricia and her family traveled to Florida in February and enjoyed Disney World and the warm weather, they also embarked on a memorable road trip to British Columbia in July, and continued making cherished memories. Carley and her husband explored the wonders of Asia in April and enjoyed the magic of Disneyland in September. Jocelyn, in addition to her wedding planning role, embarked on the exciting journey of planning her own wedding for June 2024.
Styled Shoots: In 2023, we had the incredible opportunity to design and coordinate a multitude of stunning weddings, each reflecting a unique blend of styles, colours, and themes. Our creativity knew no bounds this year, as we embarked on numerous styled shoots that pushed the boundaries of our artistic expression.
One of the highlights of our year was in May, when we embarked on a creative journey to Willow Acres. Collaborating with the exceptionally talented Anna Froese Photography, we crafted a breathtaking neutral-themed shoot in the heart of this enchanting space. The result was a visual masterpiece that left a lasting impression, both on us and all those who had the pleasure of witnessing it.
As the year unfolded, December brought yet another styled shoot, marking the fifth of the year for our team. This particular shoot was a modern sage-style masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire our dreams. We are immensely grateful for the opportunities we had in 2023 to design so many weddings and styled shoots, and we look forward to bringing even more creativity and innovation to our future projects.
Reflecting on the tapestry of moments that wove together 2023, we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude. This remarkable year gifted us not only with beautiful moments but also with the opportunity to collaborate with incredible couples who trusted us to bring their dreams to life.
Each wedding was a unique love story, and witnessing these unions was a privilege that filled our hearts with joy. The laughter, the tears, and the pure, beautiful love that we were part of will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the remarkable vendors who joined us on this journey, adding their expertise, creativity, and passion to each celebration. Your unwavering support and dedication were instrumental in making every event a success.
Behind the scenes, our own team of dedicated and passionate assistants worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was perfectly in place. Your hard work and commitment did not go unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions.
Lastly, but certainly not least, we want to express our gratitude to our families. You cheered us on, supported us through the busy wedding season, and stood by our side, making it possible for us to do what we love.
As we say goodbye to 2023, we eagerly anticipate the stories, the countless smiles, and the shared celebrations that await us in 2024. Here's to another year of love, laughter, and all the unforgettable moments that are yet to be cherished and remembered.
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