23
October 14, 2018
Setting: The Village Well, Cambridge
(Hespeler Village on the River)
CANNABIS WEDDING STYLED SHOOT
To commemorate the eagerly awaited, end of cannabis prohibition in Canada, this wedding styled shoot was planned and styled by White Rabbit Events to highlight what an elegant cannabis event could look like with the hope of breaking some negative stereotypes. The intent was to honour the plant and its origins which deserve positive recognition for the myriad of medicinal properties in addition to the recreational aspects that Canadians may now legally enjoy. Cannabis should certainly be used responsibly, and with awareness, but it deserves a seat at the table recreationally with wine or spirits – not on their laps, but in its own chair.
The Village Well served as venue, an Irish pub known for its great atmosphere, delicious fare, friendly staff and beautiful, exposed stone walls. Set in an historic part of Cambridge, Ontario along the Speed River, the theme of cannabis was presented artfully, but without consumption. We were still a few days shy of October 17th, 2018 – and smoking of any sort within a public venue is of course prohibited. Festive green L-O-V-E and heart marquee lights from Marquee Marc lined the bar together with a Bob Marley calligraphy quote framed in gold and crafted by Blossoms & Ink: “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.”
Sandy Anger Studios (photography) and Amaros Media (videography) expertly and very creatively captured this event. We were lucky to have so much talent on board. The elegant invitation suite hand-painted with cannabis leaves by Jaye Designs is a nod to Sir William Brooke O'Shaughnessy, born in Limerick, Ireland, who in 1841, introduced extensive Cannabis research, specimens and seeds to western medicine. A brilliant surgeon, physician, professor of chemistry and scientist, Sir William also developed intravenous therapy as a treatment for cholera and engineered the first telegraph system in India. He was knighted in 1857 by Queen Victoria, who is also reputed to have used cannabis as a method of pain relief.
Our beautiful models, ‘bride’ Nicole Copp and ‘mother-of-the-bride’ Caron Hall, adorned convertible Henkaa Sakura gowns in white, olive green, burgundy and muted gold. The romantic Sakura can be configured in a myriad of different ways with little fuss and minor manipulation of the fabric cradling the neck, back, and waist. Our ‘groom’, William Eady, modelled a coordinating olive green tie, also from Henkaa, and fun, cannabis themed socks with his attire. Nicole and William are real-life loves, which you can probably guess from the ardent chemistry and love that shines through. The ladies stunned in Make-up By Elisha who always does such an incredible job in complimenting the unique beauty of each person and artfully coordinating with their attire. Hair by Soraya created gorgeous waves with Caron’s ginger locks and an oh-so-beautiful and romantic, upswept do for Nicole that was punctuated with white orchids.
A lush bouquet, boutonniere, corsage and beautiful table arrangements set in gold vases were beautifully crafted by Fairy Florals, with opulent roses, daisy mums and blooms in shades of green, gold and white. Sway Silver hand-crafted the beautiful gold leaf earrings, necklaces and wedding rings for the shoot, temporarily ‘swaying’ away from their beautiful and heartfelt niche of fingerprint pendants and charms. Wedding bands were etched with cannabis leaves and the engagement ring bore crystal and emerald coloured stones. A coordinating necklace and earrings set was hand painted with cannabis leaf impressions.
An incredible 3-layer cake with magnificent greenery was an enticing and festive creation by Lipstick Baker. The beautiful die-cut cake topper was the work of Polka Dot Cake Shop. The pairing was a perfect combination that exuded the elegance we were striving for.
Occassions Treats Parlour prepared festive sweets for the head tablescape including cake pops, macarons, cannabis themed cookies and wedding favours. The intricate details of the cannabis leaves and design were truly amazing but not surprising as they are masters at their craft. Crystal glass, candlesticks and gold accents including a gold geometric centrepiece gleamed against the wood table, green cannabis leaf placements and translucent gold runner. Menu and table cards, as well as marble place markers by Jaye Designs added a beautiful layer of sophistication. Royal Doulton china, gold flatware and exquisite brass dessert plates were sourced from Beyond the Pines Décor. The antique gold frame and calligraphy quote adorning fairy lights served as a beautiful and unique backdrop to the table.
The charming Village on the River was a perfect romantic setting for outdoor photos along the Speed River, and how fun was the incredible graffiti wall depicting Scooby Snacks. The talented artists are noted in the credits.
In closing, recreational cannabis is here, but we must not forget to keep medicinal cannabis at the forefront. Further education and research is needed to explore and back the mounting anecdotal evidence showing how cannabis has changed, and even saved lives. It has touched many I know personally in a positive way, including our very own model, Caron who has shown cancer who is boss in winning her fight with stage IV breast cancer. Cannabis has been an integral part of her treatment in addition to traditional and non-traditional therapies. I am so proud of this woman who is one of my dearest friends, and a beautiful person, inside and out. I’m grateful to all of the talented participants who made this styled shoot such a great success. I look forward to planning similar events and hope this feature brings further awareness and inspiration to all.
Editorial written by: Michelle Leroux, White Rabbit Events
Instagram handles (hyperlinks):
Event Planner & Stylist: @whiterabbitevents.kw
Photographer: @sandyangerstudios
Videographer: @amarosmedia
Cake: @lipstickbaker
Cookie Favours & Table Sweets: @occassions_treats_parlour
Dresses & Tie: @henkaa
Floral Designer: @fairyflorals
Hair: @hairbysoraya
MUA: @makeup.by.elisha
Marble Placeholders, Invitation & Menu Suite: @jayedesigns.byjill
Jewellery: @swaysilver
Marquee Lights: @marquee.marc
Plateware: @beyondthepinesdecor
Personalized cake topper: @polkadotpapershop
Sign (Calligraphy Quote): @blossomsandink
Venue: @the_village_well
Graffiti Wall: @ezee_e & @clickclickflashflash
Models: @caronnhall @colecopp & William Eady
(Note: William’s name is listed only as he does not have an Instagram)