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Johanna and Mikhas' Wedding at The Fairmont Winnipeg

Couple:
Johanna & Mikhas
Wedding Date:
September 14, 2013
Hotel:
Fairmont Winnipeg
Hometown:
Winnipeg, MB, Canada

“Looking back we wouldn't change a thing...”

Congratulations on your wedding! What made you decide on having your wedding with us at Fairmont?

We decided to have our wedding at the Fairmont Winnipeg because we knew the food was delicious, the staff was hospitable and accommodating, and the ballrooms were classically beautiful. We also love the location of Fairmont Winnipeg – its at Portage and Main in the centre of the city. We knew that no matter what part of the city people were coming from, the location was in the centre of the city.

Where did you have your ceremony?

We had a traditional Ukrainian Catholic wedding at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church. A Ukrainian Catholic wedding, in our opinion, is such a beautiful, special and traditional ceremony of love and commitment. We had Hoosli Male Folk Ensemble (of which Mikhas and his father are both long-time members) sing the ceremony. There are many cultural customs incorporated in the Ukrainian wedding ceremony. For example, during the entire ceremony, the couple stands on a traditional embroidered cloth – ours was my paternal grandmother's. This symbolizes the couple is grounded in the roots of family, culture and heritage. There are several other cultural traditions in the wedding ceremony as well.

Tell us about the flowers you chose. Did you go traditional or contemporary?

I love bright flowers, so we decided to go with more elegant neutral suits and dresses and use the colour from the flowers to naturally brighten the attire. I chose very bright and colourful flowers for the bridesmaids because their dresses were a beautiful champagne-coloured silk. My bouquet was mostly whites and pale pinks with hints of myrtle and red berries – very bridal with a bit of Ukrainian influence. On the tables we had white orchids and white candles – simple and classic.

Tell us about the meal you served your guests. What type and flavor cake did you have at your reception?

The meal at the Fairmont Winnipeg was outstanding! Our guests continue to compliment the meal that was served at our wedding. We gave our guests a choice or beef tenderloin or stuffed chicken breast, and of course a delicious vegetarian option. The meal started with a tomato bisque soup and a salad with beets, apples, hazelnuts and greens. Mikhas' aunt made our stunning and delicious wedding cake. It was a square four-tiered ivory cake with a golden-champagne ribbon on each layer. We served this delicious lemon cake with berry filling for dessert to all our guests.

What element(s) did you add to make the wedding uniquely ‘yours’?

In terms of décor, we believe 'less is more' - the Fairmont Winnipeg ballroom is stunning with white linens, white candles and white flowers on each table. Our wedding day was distinctly ours because: the ceremony reflected our beliefs and Ukrainian traditions; our attire was exactly what we wanted to wear on our special day; we love good food and good food is what was served; the speeches were personal and touching; and we love to dance… and we danced! Looking back, we wouldn't change a thing!

Another integral part of the day is the wedding dress! Tell us about what you chose to wear. Did you follow the old English saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”?

I wore an ivory fitted lace dress with a crystal and silk belt. The dress was classic and a bit vintage. Both the front and back were low cut in a V shape that showed off my long neck and back. I did follow the tradition: I made a beautiful hair comb out of my maternal grandmother's crystal broach and loose pearls, and I wore my husband's maternal grandmother's earrings – that was my 'something old'. I bought a new pair of gorgeous peep-toe shoes as my something new. I borrowed an incredible diamond bracelet from my aunt, and my something blue was hidden under my dress!

What was the first song you danced to as newlyweds? Why did you pick that particular song?

We had a band at our wedding so we just wanted a classic love song as our first dance – Unchained Melodies.

Now that you are married and have had time to reflect on your wedding day, what was your favorite moment?

Our favourite part of the entire day was the ceremony. It was traditional, yet so special and felt so personal. The choir was amazing, and saying our vows in front of a church-full of friends and family was really incredible.

 

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For more information or to start planning your wedding at The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel:
www.fairmont.com/the-plaza-new-york/meetings-weddings/weddings/

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