Out & About #581 | MaKen it Memorable

The third and final wedding of 2019 for me was none other than stenoodie's.

Over a post-Christmas catch-up session in the seemingly not-so-distant past, she had recapped the proposal to me, recalling each stage in extreme detail, then subsequently requesting my attendance at the monumental moment itself. Suffice to say that September 8th had long been booked off in my calendar.

Her planning process was not without obstacles - that's for certain. Although the precise points of vexation are unknownst to me, I did catch a few frustrated outbursts leading up to the event. Upon stepping onto the premises, however, I knew that the situation had been ironed out (more or less) giving way to an extraordinary final product.

Paradise Banquet Hall in Vaughan was the venue of choice. Housing several standalone areas, there were quite a handful events taking place at my time of arrival. Between the numerous other wedding and baptism ceremonies, I managed to hunt down the MaKen couple to the Queen Anne building. It wasn't visible from the Doughton street entrance, but a member of staff managed to point me in the correct direction.

My star sign twin, whom I later learned to share twin-like qualities with in more than one aspect, quickly came to my assistance as well. She had attended the tear-jerking ceremony in all its glory, and proceeded to discuss its highlights as I settled into my new surroundings.

​The reception area was brightly illuminated, making it appear more vast than it was in actuality. To one end were empty cups perched atop low tables lined with white tablecloths, presumably what had been remained from hors d'oeuvres hour (or prematurely put into place for later use). At the other were items that called for guest engagement: a photobook in which guests could leave heartfelt messages, a games station to guess the locations of the couple's previous travels together, and a glass capsule ready to be filled with "wise words".
Beside the photobook, which, might I add, contained some of the most stunning captures I have ever laid eyes on, was an LED monitor bearing a display generally unacquainted to weddings.

​In place of your normal table map was an Arrivals board listing each attendee in alphabetical order, their point of origin, and their designated seating arrangements (by "destination country" and table number). The view prompted a flashback to the wedding invitations themselves, which had been designed to resemble upscale boarding passes. ("Upscale" since the average boarding pass bears no more than two colours at most.)
A distinct theme was in place. It wasn't until later that I discovered the significance of the table names: all the future travel destinations that assumed spots on the newlywed's bucket list.

​I had missed the ceremony and caught only glimpses of what had existed just a few hours prior. The details are fuzzy, but I vaguely remember a charcuterie board (with brie!) and bruschetta being mentioned alongside used silverware.
The table consisted of a gorgeous floral centrepiece, condiments such as butter, chili oil, and Parmesan cheese, and a napkin-lined bread basket that many of us took to munching on while anticipating the start of the reception.

​Quite the rigid schedule was to be executed; while I had my initial doubts that all sections would be carried out exactly according to schedule, an on-site wedding coordinator ensured that no single segment would stray from plan.
Following the introduction of both families and the bridesmaid/groomsmen lineup, the MaKen couple eased their way into the dining hall with a bubbly display of affection.

The couple's first dance was a page plucked directly from a fairy tale:
Clad in a breathtaking ball gown, stenoodie gazed lovingly at her new husband. Hand in hand, they fluttered across the dance floor before the eyes of hundreds - her dazzling dress out-sparkling the shimmer of the chandelier, her complexion beaming brighter than the collective bursts of flash photography. The honour to witness such a sweetness was truly ours.

​Halfway into my chewy bread roll came the first dish of the evening: an all-too-familiar sighting that sent shivers down my spine. Chinese-style roast pork was a fearful item to behold, as it implied the nature of the plates to follow. Members of staff proceeded to set unevenly portioned platters before us; I passed mine along to my star sign twin without a shred of hesitation, then silently prayed for a change in cuisine type.

They were answered with the arrival of a potato-based soup, scooped from a pot and ladled into shallow, ceramic bowls. Rather tacky in consistency, I dipped the remainder of my bread roll into the formula before deeming it too peculiar to finish.
Risotto was an unexpected follow-up contender, having garnered renowned status as a hit-or-miss creation. Softened mushrooms provided great contrast and texture, though the general consensus was blandness warranting heavy dumps of Parmesan, pepper, and/or chili oil.

​Entrées were presented near the midway point of the reception, just after the (very early) bouquet toss and in conjunction with photobooth operation. The two of us had snuck outside to beat the photobooth crowds, only to discover our mains be turned away from us upon re-seating ourselves. Servers had automatically assumed our absence, albeit the apparent evidence of our existence persisting on the chairs. Filet Mignon & Salmon plates were delivered shortly afterwards, with another partial glass of champagne.

​Despite the Filet Mignon being a bit raw for my preferences, it remained tender. The Salmon had been done to perfection; zucchini roll-ups with carrots and green beans was a solid method of incorporating greens, especially when the salad sported more oil in comparison.

Throughout the evening were speeches from the bride and groom's families and close friends, a slideshow depicting their travels together, a video tribute to the parents, and, shockingly enough, a video compilation of the day's happenings up until the First Dance. 2Deer really outdid themselves.

The evening concluded with a small scoop of gelatini, otherwise referred to as Lemon Sorbet. More desserts, as well as a Poutinerie, were relayed to be positioned outside the dining area. I took to a few chocolatey picks, including brownie-in-a-jar and mini mousse cups, before concluding the assortment to be too sweet. I could have easily ingested a second round of citrusy-ness though.

​Admittedly, I was shattered to observe majority of the attendees making their immediate departure with the closing comments. Not a single participant remained for dancing, nor was the atmosphere modified for such intent. Lights remained blinding and music choices were...not dance-able, to say in the least. My star sign twin had also abandoned me later on in the evening, guilted into leaving early by a chauffeuring offer from her new beau.

Alas, the consequences of the circumstances that arose were not completely in vain. As we all know (and dread), Monday mornings are preceded by Sunday evenings; it was, unfortunately, a work day for many, including myself.
I bid farewell to stenoodie, decked out in a gold-tinged qipao and red heels, and swung by the photobooth once more to capture the day with the bride.

Then back into the cold it was.

​On a lasting note, I'd like to draw attention to the cohesive concept of exhibited throughout the wedding. Whether it be the seating arrangement map, placeholders, menu, wedding gifts, or "Where Were We?" game, the presence of the travelling turtle duo was unmistakable. Noteworthy not only for its consistent appearance throughout the duration of the event, it emerged as a medium for guests to actively participate in the experience rather than adopting the standard role of an onlooker. Needless to say, the amount of attention to detail was outstanding. Knowing stenoodie, I oughtn't have been surprised, but the splendour of it all was truly incredible

To the new husband-and-wife duo, thank you for MaKen it memorable!!