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Modern urban jungle backyard wedding

January 5, 2017
Urban jungle wedding

We’ve seen a lot of backyard weddings in our days, but it’s not often you come across one with a city vibe like this one captured by Olive Photography in Toronto. Amanda + Markus had a relaxed, modern style with a “city backyard party” feel, which sounds like a ton of fun for guests, if you ask us. Airship37 even let them haul over the fire pit from their backyard, for guests to take a breather from the dance party and whip up s’mores that eve. Who wouldn’t want to be at that wedding?!

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But first, the proposal story… The proposal in a way was three years in the making. My grandfather in Trinidad started to decline in health, so we went to visit so that Markus could meet him before anything happened. Unbeknownst to me, Markus used that opportunity to ask my grandfather for permission to marry me. My grandfather came up to me during that trip (his memory was fading at the time) and congratulated me on my upcoming wedding. I was confused but figured he was just confusing me with someone else. Roughly three years later, in my final year of my masters, shortly after my 30th  birthday (he waited until exams were over and I was less distracted), Markus asked me to marry him in our home with our dog Olive by our side, in the glow of our Christmas tree with Christmas music playing in the background… I feel very fortunate that Markus was able to meet my grandfather just two months before our wedding, he passed away. Even though he lived far away he was so very important to me so it meant the world that we had his blessing.

Unique groom accessories Groom wedding favors Black wedding dresses Jenny Packham wedding dress

How stunning does our bride look in Jenny Packham ‘Willow’ from Powder Bridal & Evening?

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Their color palette was dictated by the greenery throughout: ferns, rosemary, and moss, and berry tones with accents of gray, black, and white to keep it from feeling too rustic.

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We had a lot of DIY items at our wedding. It can definitely help to save money in some areas but it takes a lot of time so be prepared to do a lot of work in advance if you undertake DIY projects. We were so fortunate to have amazingly talented friends and family to help out. One of my MOHs, Sarah, worked her calligraphy magic on everything—the envelope addressing, signs at our wedding, seating chart & place cards—she was so generous with her time. Another friend designed the invites and some signs we had outside our venue, and our mothers did all the bouquet’s, corsages, flowers on the table and even nursed some ferns + rosemary plants for two months.

Urban jungle wedding

Cheers to the happy couple!

See everyone who made their day happen in the credits below:

Photographer: Olive Photography / Venue: Airship37 from Berkeley Events / Day of Coordination: Angela Leung / Calligraphy: Jack & Dewey / Hanging Greenery: Patchouli Design / Leaf Wall: Vanharten & Tossell / Hair: Anthony Passero / Paper for Envelope Liners: Wrap / Candle Favors: Woodsmoke & Olive / Bride’s Dress: Jenny Packham”Willow” from Powder Bridal & Evening / Robe: Plum Pretty Sugar / Hairpiece: The Handmade Bride / Bracelet & Earrings: Olive + Piper / Dog’s Collar & Leash: The Rover Boutique / Groom’s Suit: Tiger of Sweden from Got Style / Tie: Seaward and Stern from Got Style  / Shoes & Belt: Johnston Murphy / Bridesmaids Dresses: Arroh & Bow from The Handmade Bride / Bridesmaids & Flower Girl Getting Ready Attire: Piyama / Bridesmaid’s clutches: VincentVDesigns / Flower girl’s dress: MillyWeddingshop