This Modern Eco Wedding was spearheaded by myself, Leanne from Prairie Sky Events, and Amanda from Pearl and Birch Wedding Consignments. Amanda has made it her mission to provide Winnipeg couples with preloved wedding and formal gowns in an effort to mitigate the environmental impact of weddings. Leanne coordinated and styled the shoot, bringing vendors on board that are also dedicated to providing sustainable solutions for couples wanting to be environmentally conscious in their wedding planning. The dress worn by Tamara is one that is currently available at Pearl and Birch on consignment.
Lourdes from Masagana Flower Farm uses locally grown flowers for her arrangements, the flowers for the shoot were sourced from BLD Gardens, and practiced using a wet moss base for the installation that adorned the copper arch provided by Luxe Linens. Utilizing rentals instead of purchasing new decor items, meaning that the items are being utilized for many purposes aside from one single event, mitigating the carbon footprint of decor.
Kelly from The Artist Groupe was able to use green brands for the hair and makeup look created. As consumers push for products that take into consideration the environment, more and more brands are working towards that effort. It is important, though, for consumers to do their research to ensure that these brands are meeting key thresholds (ethically source products and labour, conscious waste reduction efforts, etc.) instead of simply "greenwashing" in order to make sales.
For Devon's suit, because we wanted to find a particular colour, we knew that renting may not be an option. We set our sites on purchasing and found a Canadian company that had the perfect shade of blue, RW & Co. Because suits are generally easier to re-wear as opposed to wedding gowns, we felt comfortable purchasing.
The bridal jewelry and accessories were from a local to Winnipeg small business that designs and handmakes each piece; Luna and Stone. The wedding rings are from a family-owned Winnipeg jeweler, Diamond Gallery. With their Canadian Jewellers Association Certified Appraisal Professional accreditation, consumers can be assured that your diamonds are conflict-free.
The paper goods featured in the shoot, including the invitations, the menus, the place cards, and table number, are created by Lily Blossom Press, who offers organic cotton paper, recycled paper, seed paper, and even fine art prints on elephant poop paper. Flour and Flower created the gorgeous (and delicious) cake, along with white-chocolate bark with edible flowers, creating all of it with beautiful, edible, organic, and pesticide-free flowers and herbs. And finally, the venue, Canadian Mennonite University, is climate-smart certified meaning that they track their greenhouse gas emissions year over year and create reduction strategies for implementation. CMU is a stunning setting that requires minimal decorating to create the perfect atmosphere.
Photography by Christina W. Kroeker Creative | Wedding planning by Prairie Sky Events | Floral Design by Masagana Flower Farm | Flowers by BLD Gardens | Hair and Makeup by The Artist Groupe | Dress from Pearl and Birch Wedding Consignments | Suit by RW&Co. | Linens and decor by Luxe Linens | Jewelry by Luna and Stone from Pearl and Birch Wedding Consignments | Rings from Diamond Gallery Winnipeg | Stationery by Lily Blossom Press | Cake and favours by Flour and Flower | Chair rentals from C&T Event Rentals | Venue Canadian Mennonite University | Models Tamara Fontaine and Devon Genaille |
