Wedding #1 July 11, 2009: High-style in Niagara Falls

When I awoke that morning to sideways rain and fear of a tornado, the weather didn't look promising; but, aside from a bit of humidity, Brian and Laura couldn't have asked for better weather.

I know these two through Tony as he works with Brian. Aside from that one episode of Rich Bride, Poor Bride, I've never seen a groom so into the wedding planning. He took care of pretty much all of the details, and was happy and excited to do so.

The ceremony took place at a quaint, historic stone church in Niagara-on-the-Lake (which by the way, is impossible to park in). Brian and Laura went off to have their photos taken and we checked into the Hilton, which was just an over-the-road pathway away from the Fallsview Casino where the reception was held.

Punch and hors d'ouevres were served in the lounge area before we all lined up for the longest receiving line in history – luckily there were shots of Ouzo and Baileys at the end of it. The wedding took place in the Grand Ballroom (A, B and C so you can imagine how many guests that is). We made our way through the wedding party, picked up on bonbonnieres of actual Casino playing cards and die and came out at the beginning of the seafood and cheese buffet, which was complete with an ice sculpture with the bride and groom's names and the wedding date.

The ballroom was magnificent – already naturally beautiful décor of chandeliers and mood lighting, it was accented with crystal ball-like high top centrepieces and hues of dark purple (the wedding colour) strewn about the room.

The couple shared their first dance following their grand entrance – something I've never seen before. Then we all buckled down for the long haul of six Italian courses. I was still full when they brought out the cake and ice cream dessert bar later in the night, unfortunately for my taste buds but not my expanding stomach.

Guests were entertained by an award-winning live band that was truly amazing. One of the singers' rapping skills even got some break dancers to break out of their shell as he got off the stage and interacted in the dancing crowd.

With the Falls just minutes from the ballroom balcony, the after-hours party at the casino and the plethora of food, this extravagant wedding is not one I will soon forget – despite some of groom-zillas frustrations with the venue, which I can guarantee, no one else noticed.