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| Wedding Essentials 2 0 1 4
a real-life wedding
VENUE: Iberostar Laguna Azul, Varadero, Cuba DESTINATION WEDDING: Transat Holidays BRIDE'S GOWN: Madison Collection, Sophie's Gown Shoppe | 905.270.6200
RINGS: Emilian Jewellery | 905-855-2477 GUEST FAVOURS: Canadian Cancer Society donation honouring Beau's godmother
PHOTOGRAPHY: Stan Switalski Photography | stanswitalski.com | 519.740.9828
CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHTS
It was especially meaningful when Yana's father, whom she
had not seen in more than a decade, flew 13 hours to walk her
down the aisle.
A Cuban musical trio performed while guests dined on local
specialties, including Cuban rice-with-bean salad and savoured
coconut martinis made with justly-famous Cuban rum.
The stage was set for Yana and Beau's very romantic first
dance to Marry Me by Train. A subtle island décor with
seashells, white lanterns and coral rose petals added to the
island ambiance.
Wedding photos were taken in various sites in Cuba, some
historic, some with lots of local colour, including a wonderful
pink classic convertible. Cuban locals chanted for Yana and
Beau to kiss during wedding photo ops on the streets of
Havana, a delightful part of the whole experience.
EUROPEAN HONEYMOON
Given Yana's Russian background and Beau's German and
Italian roots, the couple has decided on a month-long belated
honeymoon in 2014 in Europe to explore those cultures.
WE
Beau loves that "Yana is a strong and
independent woman with a big heart. She
encourages and supports me each day".
Yana loves Beau's intelligence and his
outgoing personality. "He is extremely
caring and thoughtful about others and
has strong family values."
Yana advises brides to "trust the people
you have hired to plan your wedding.
Don't stress out about the fact you cannot
oversee all the details as easily as you
could if you were planning a local
wedding. Don't forget why you opted for a
destination wedding--a simple, carefree
wedding away... so go with the flow".
Beau's suggestion for grooms is to
"keep it simple and support your bride
when she needs help".