1. Real Weddings

Tamara & Bradley: A Destination Wedding in Sutton, Quebec

Bradley's sunset proposal on the beach at Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego was only the beginning of a dream come true for Tamara. Sweet detail

Bradley's sunset proposal on the beach at Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego was only the beginning of a dream come true for Tamara. Sweet details and thoughtful gestures set the mood for the couple's summer nuptials in southern Quebec. The Bride Tamara Ensio, 29, Graphic Designer The Groom Bradley Johnson, 29, Sales Representative The Date August 7 College sweethearts Tamara and Bradley met as senior coeds through a mutual friend at their alma mater, Boston College. Bradley's romantic proposal seven years later -- at sunset on the beach in southern California -- was all the inspiration Tamara needed. As news of the engagement spread, Tamara undertook the task of planning her Canadian destination wedding all by herself. She began by deciding on a classic garden theme set in the backyard of her parents’ summer home. Tamara's sage and cream color scheme perfectly complemented her theme and wonderfully suited the setting of green fields and forests lush with birch, maple, and evergreen trees.

Fortunately, the rain did not put a damper on the chic soiree Tamara had planned for the reception. A wedding planner told me that you couldn’t have a beautiful reception in a tent, and I was determined to prove her wrong, Tamara giggles. Having searched for months, Tamara found the perfect sage and cream toile fabric and had tablecloths custom-made for the occasion.
The Escort Cards
Arrangements of cream and green hydrangeas, cream vendela roses, and cream lisianthus topped each of the tables, and the tent poles were dressed with birch branches.
The Location
The Couple
Tamara’s bridesmaids all wore silk, sage green, strapless dresses. The maid-of-honor’s dress was accented by an off-center, cream sash.
The First Dance
When the special day arrived, just over 100 guests gathered in downtown Knowlton at an old stone Anglican church for the ceremony. My parents were married in this same country church, Tamara says. It’s really pretty, with lots of old trees around it. The church’s entrance was decorated with white iceberg roses, cream hydrangeas, and lisianthus. Cream ribbons and lilies with greenery were placed on alternating pews and the altar was adorned with white iceberg roses, cream hydrangeas, and white casablanca lilies. The ceremony was really lovely and personal, Tamara recalls. Bradley's sisters gave two readings and his pastor from his home church was able to give the homily.