Jessie and Jose’s wedding at the Dominion Arboretum and reception at North & Navy was unique and unconventional. I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. They wanted a chill day with their close family and friends plus their adorable dog Rambo.
If you’ve been to the Dominion Arboretum in Ottawa, you know how huge the park is. Knowing that there is a huge chance that guests would likely get lost if not given detailed instructions. I’m so glad Jessie and Jose took my advice and made such a great itinerary for their guests.
The ceremony was held under a beautiful willow tree with their family and friends standing around them. Immediately followed by a toast from the parents, I’ve seen a lot more couple split their speeches into two and do half of it after the ceremony. It’s kind for couples that don’t want everyone to sit through countless speeches during dinner and it’s a great way to mix it up.
North & Navy is such a gorgeous restaurant, conveniently located at downtown Ottawa. The restaurant serves such mouth-water food. If you are ever in the area definitely check them out! I’ll let Jessie and Jose tell you all about the experience….
What was your inspiration when planning your North & Navy wedding?
We we’re inspired to make the day simple, easy, and comfortable for us as well as our guests. We have very low-key personalities and we don’t like a lot of attention on us, so having a big party was just not in our natures.
We chose our reception location, North & Navy, for similar reasons—as a staple in Centretown, the first neighbourhood we lived in together, we enjoy their food and company and atmosphere. It was so lovely to share that with our loved ones.
What did you love about your wedding ceremony at the Dominion Arboretum?
We chose to get married at the Dominion Arboretum because of how simple it was to gather our closest friends and family in this beautiful outdoor space. The Experimental Farm also has a lot of significance to us as an important and iconic feature of our hometown, nearby the university we both graduated from while we dated.
What unique aspect did you add to your wedding day?
The most important thing for us when planning the wedding was keeping it intimate and true to us. We were really non-compromising about how we wanted the day to go, and we’re so happy with everything. We are also very grateful that we got to say our vows on Heart Island under a gorgeous willow tree.
What memory from your wedding do you remember the most strongly?
My (Jessie) strongest memory from our wedding is saying our vows. It was really special and powerful to declare my love so openly and honestly to Jose in front of his family and friends.
My (Jose) strongest memory is reciting our vows, holding hands and looking each other directly in the eyes. When Jessie said “I promise to love you unconditionally,” everything faded into nothing and I was reminded why we were there.
Funniest moments on your wedding day?
Our favourite funny moments were the stories our closest friends, Steve and Laura, told. It was really funny for us to hear about the night we met from another perspective. And since we lived with Steve, he had a very good insight into how we function as a couple. It was so funny to hear him bring up our couch forts. (photo included below!)
What advice would you give to future couples who are getting married?
The only advice we’d give is to set clear boundaries and expectations for anyone’s involvement in planning the day. Don’t let other people’s expectations about your wedding shape it. And do it together!
What was it like working with your wedding photographer?
Working with Mary was the best. She is an incredibly sweet and kind person, and her joy for us was palpable. Mary offered so much support throughout the entire process, and on the day of she was on-hand to help with anything and everything. We’re not used to being photographed but Mary made it easy and natural. We couldn’t be happier with the final images, which really captured our whole day so beautifully.
Jessie + Jose
Wedding Vendors
ceremony location: arboretum // dinner: north & navy // florist: am florals // officiant, Elaine Kicknosway: all seasons weddings // stationary: studio lavender // ring: open fire // dress: revelle bridal // suit: third son
