Reflecting on our Bridgerton-inspired Wedding Day

Wow. Planning a wedding is no joke, and truly, it’s not for the faint of heart. Hosting a wedding isn’t either. To say my husband and I pulled off the wedding of our dreams is honestly an understatement. Our wedding day was filled with sunshine and everything you’d imagine for a Bridgerton-inspired chapel ceremony. And while a few minor hiccups happened, the photos don’t lie—they captured a beauty we brought to life.

This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23

So, let me take you on a journey through our Bridgerton-inspired wedding day, from our morning calm to the evening’s last dance, sharing every detail that made this day unforgettable.

The morning calm

The morning began quietly, just as planned in my Google Calendar. I woke up around 5 a.m.—yes, that early!—and started the day with a shower, feeling fresh and ready. A hearty breakfast followed: avocado and egg on toast with turkey bacon, a household favourite. Since my husband and I were already legally married, we enjoyed this morning together. With everything loaded into the car the night before, all I had left to do was pack my dress, slip into a comfortable outfit, and head to the venue.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Our castle-like venue

Tyndale University, a historic Christian institution that looks straight out of a fairytale, was the setting for our Bridgerton-inspired wedding. This university, dedicated to preparing future leaders for a life of service, was especially meaningful to my family. And as it happens, my husband even took a course at Tyndale years ago and still has the T-shirt to prove it!

When I first saw this venue back in 2018, it instantly captured my heart. The marble details, the stained glass, the intricate stone carvings—it was timeless and “simply classic,” as my grandma said on our tour seven months before the wedding.

This chapel would be the centre of our day, setting the scene for a ceremony filled with meaning and tradition.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.

Psalm 127:1

Transforming the reception space

Tyndale offered a package that included a reception hall on-site, making it easy for guests to move from the ceremony to the celebration. While the reception space was a bit more institutional than I’d imagined—with red curtains and fixed school fixtures—we turned it into something nice.

Terralise Flowers, my mom’s balloon artistry, and some DIY decor brought life to the space. It took a village, but we made it happen.

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labour.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

The morning scramble

I arrived at Tyndale around 7:30 a.m. My mom was already there, setting up her blue, white and gold balloon decor for the sweetheart table and photo booth. We set up everything: table decor, candlelight, the seating chart.

By 10 a.m., with photographers on their way and guests due in an hour and a half, we still weren’t dressed. The morning was chaotic, but with teamwork from my husband, siblings, and coordinators, we somehow pulled it all together.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up

Galatians 6:9

A beautiful first look

After a rushed morning, it was finally time for my husband and I to meet for our first look. As I walked toward him, seeing him standing with his back turned, I felt all the tension of the morning melt away.

For just a few moments, it was only us—a quiet breath before the festivities began. I can’t recommend a first look enough; it’s such a peaceful, beautiful time before the ceremony.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.

Numbers 6:24-25

The chapel ceremony

When the ceremony began, emotions swept over me. Entering the chapel, arm in arm with my parents, I felt the significance of everything.

Our incredible violinist, one of my best friends from high school, played “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake as my husband and the bridal party walked down the aisle, and “Goodness of God” by Cece Winans as I followed. My husband’s uncle accompanied her on the piano, and their music filled the chapel with wonder.

Our ceremony included our engagement story, which the officiant shared, followed by our personalized vows.

Writing and reciting these vows was bittersweet for me; it was difficult not to think of my grandmothers, both of whom passed this year.

The love and loss came together in that moment, and our vows reflected the strength of the journey that brought us here.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Unity ceremony and blessing

For our unity ceremony, we prepared a time capsule with love letters and a small bottle of wine to open on a future anniversary.

A dear friend sang “The Blessing,” her angelic voice touching everyone. My mom also sang “How Great Thou Art” for all who had lost their mothers.

I later learned that many guests were moved to tears during the ceremony—each element made it deeply personal and spiritual.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Numbers 6:24

A refreshing cocktail hour

Cocktail hour wasn’t technically “cocktail hour,” since no alcohol was allowed on campus. But we served delicious bites, like cocktail patties from Patty World in Etobicoke, and adorable popcorn bags saying, “All Because He Popped the Question,” courtesy of my mom’s theatre-style popcorn machine.

During this time, our bridal party and family joined us for photos, capturing the day’s warmth and joy.

Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

1 Chronicles 16:10

Our joyful reception

Before the reception, I stole a quiet moment with my husband to catch my breath. If you’re planning a wedding, I can’t recommend a short break with your spouse enough. This brief time alone in our wedding day whirlwind helped us reset and recharge.

Be still, and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

We entered the reception to cheers, walking in to “Tokyo Drift.”

Our bridesmaids followed, some waving bubble blasters and fun cut-outs of our faces.

Our groomsmen entered with sunglasses and light sticks, honouring God even in the party with a remix of “Welcome to My House” called “Welcome to God’s House.”

Dinner was a Jamaican feast: jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, and more.

Reception games followed, and finally, our first dance, cake-cutting, and all the dancing we could manage!

It was a joyful, wholesome evening, and we ended it with a late-night bubble tea run with cousins and siblings.

They feasted and drank in abundance, and the joy of the Lord was their strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

Wabi-sabi: a perfectly imperfect day

Wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection, is how I’d describe our wedding day. It was filled with laughter, a few hiccups, and so many moments of grace.

The chapel ceremony was everything I prayed for, a transcendently spiritual experience for us and our guests. And the reception, though less formal, was real and joyful.

I’d give our Bridgerton-inspired wedding day a solid 90%, and I’m beyond grateful for everyone who helped and supported us.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.

James 1:17

Now, I’m working through handwritten thank-you cards to all who gifted us with their love and generosity—it’s a small way to show our appreciation.

A memorable rehearsal dinner

Our wedding journey also included a wonderful rehearsal dinner at Bao House. If you’re looking for delicious dumplings and noodles, I highly recommend it!

This wedding season was unforgettable, a testament to the support and love from our community, and a joyful, spiritual beginning to our married life.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1