It’s easy to understand why people write their own wedding vows, it’s one of the most special ways to make your big day more unique. We always love hearing all the romantic personal vows during ceremonies at the Canoe Club Ballroom. Having personalized vows can bring tears of joy to your guest’s eyes! Don't your worry if you are not a poet, we have gathered up great ideas to start your wedding vows and have you put pen to paper!

One Month Out

Start your vows one month before you wedding day  - your planning will be almost all done, and you can focus on your vows.

Begin Separately

Schedule some alone time to write your wedding vows independently, before sharing them with your significant other.

Ask Questions

How did you two fall in love? What do you admire about your partner? How do you see your future for the two of you? Asking these questions will easily translate into wedding vows.

Books & Poems

Once you are done with your personal thoughts, look through books and poems that you love to read. Add your favorties to your vows.

Make Promises

Focus on what your marriage means to you? What are you saying yes to? Think to your future and what you want the future to be for the two of you. 

Practice, Practice, Practice

Make sure to practice what your plan to say before the big day! Practice makes perfect! 

Having an engagement session is a great way to work with your photographer prior to your big day, as well as becoming more comfortable in front of the camera with your significant other. The perfect engagement session doesn’t have to be glamorous if that isn’t your style. At the end of the day you want your pictures to reflect your personality. You don’t want to force things that will feel unnatural for the two of you.

Some great ways to incorporate your laid back engagement session is to have an awesome portrait at your wedding, welcoming guests. Another wonderful idea is having a canvas print of your favorite photo and use it as a “guest book”. We just love both of those ideas here at the Canoe Club Ballroom. After the wedding, you can place them in your home for a forever keepsake!

Not quite sure how to achieve the perfect laid back engagement session? We have gathered some seriously “chill” engagement photo sessions to inspire you!

Wheather it's in your kitchen your your cozy bedroom you want to have fun during your photo shoot! 
 

Picking the right location will ensure you love your photos for years to come!
 

Wear something that makes you  you two happy. It doesn't have to match, just coordinate.

Spontaneous laughs and natural hugs and kisses will ensure that you love yoru engagament photos!
 

Some may assume the beautiful hues of berry only work well for autumn weddings, but you’d be mistaken. Take it from us, here at the Canoe Club Ballroom we see this lovely color popping up from summer to winter to fall! If you’re getting married in the cool crisp months of autumn or in the thick of summer, there are so many great ways to bring this rich shade into your color palette.

When planning your wedding the luxurious berry hue makes a beautiful statement against a simple backdrop. You can add gold sparkle or rich wood grain – bringing the dramatic color center stage! Softer than fuchsia, but brighter than wine, berry can be bold and dramatic while still being sophisticated it can even add elegant touch to a rustic look. This lush color works perfectly in our ballroom, any time of year! 

Big beautiful blooms with burts of berry.

Charming details in the signature color.

Wedding heels add a pop of color to your look.

This amazing cake is perfect with color and texture.

Berry & blush blooms make a dramatic statement.

The handsome groom in a stylish berry suit.

Berry and greenery compliment the light grey bridesmaid dresses.

Floral crowns for the flower girls are an adorable way to add the color.

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment!

We are in the midst of wedding season here at the Canoe Club Ballroom, and we are loving every minute of it! We meet newly engaged couples all the time, and we are constantly hearing about all the wonderful proposal stories! So today on the blog we will talk about what to do when after you get engaged! Here are five things to do right after the engagement! 

Make an announcement

Time to shout it from the roof tops and make it Facebook official! Start posting all those ring selfies, and celebrate with close friends and family!

Start Dreaming about your Wedding

You may have had an idea of what you wanted before your engagement. Now it’s time to narrow your focus for what you really want for the big day! Pick your top three must-haves and then go from there.

Set Budget

Time for the budget talk! Now that you have a more fine-tuned idea of what you two are looking for, and keeping your top three must -haves in mind. Figure out what will work best for the two of you, and start saving those pennies! 

Guest List

I suggest putting a VIP list together, all the nearest and dearest people who have been there for you two will be on this list. If you two both have large guests list, keep in mind this may affect your budget.

Chose Venue & Set Date

 
Finally, as you begin the search for the perfect venue. It’s so important to look at all the venues you two are interested in, and try to meet the people who will be part of the planning process as well as day of duties. Once you chose the venue, book a date that is perfect for the two of you!

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment! 

We are taking a trip down memory lane with a lovely wedding from last September. Hannah & Ryan had a romantic wedding with us in our gazebo area surrounded by friends and family! The celebration continued into the ballroom where guests danced the night away!

 
Beautiful photo of the happy couple after their ceremony! 
 

We just loved their outdoor ceremony decorations! 

Cupcake tower with a great cake topper! 

Picture perfect couple! 

"My husband and I got married at the Canoe Club Ballroom two weeks ago on September 23rd, we wanted a fairytale wedding in a ballroom with me wearing a princess dress, and let me tell you that we got exactly what we envisioned! We first visited in December 2015 and immediately fell in love with the venue and the staff! I had butterflies walking through the venue and we left knowing it was going to be where we would get married! Stacy and Jillian and the rest of the staff are AMAZING from the first day we went to the countless emails and meetings, rehearsal and finally our big day they were there taking care of everything from start to finish and they truly want to make your day special! I had zero stress on my day and wasn't the least bit worried in anything not going as planned because of how professional the canoe club staff handled everything. They set everything up just the way we wanted with all of the decorations we brought in, and they also packed everything up for us and made sure it got it my car safely for my brother to take care of it all from there. We didn't have to worry about anything. Which we were so grateful for! The grounds outside are beautiful! My husband and I always wanted to get married outside even before we knew eachother so we were so grateful the rain held off till our reception and we had a beautiful ceremony outside, and then our formal pictures outside. Our wedding day was absolutely perfect! Thank you everyone at the Canoe Club Ballroom for making our dream wedding come true!"
- Hannah and Ryan

When you start envisioning your wedding theme you want one that suites your personal style. Also think colors, patterns and symbols that are meaningful to you. Today we will be highlighting a beautiful theme “Old-World Glam Meets Modern Romance”. We have had the pleasure in seeing this trend grow over the last wedding season, it’s romantic, classic, and timeless all rolled into one! We think this theme would go perfectly here at the CCB, with our natural setting and grand ballroom! With this theme, think gilded touches and ruby-red blooms to set the formal tone. An easy way you  can offset the formality is to choose romantic lace tablecloths and natural accents like pebbles and greenery. We have gathered up some beautiful photos for inspiration for your wedding planning needs! 

Invitations 

Elegant invitations to set the tone for your big day! 

Decor 

Gilded chair decor, is perfectly placed at the sweet heart table for the birde and groom. 

Tables 

Greenery & ruby red florals adorn the tables perfectly. 

Details 

Place cards are delicately displayed on pebbles for a natural effect. 

Flowers 

Big blooms add a dramatic touch!
 

Cake 

Classic in shape, with romantic details fits the theme perfectly! 

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment! 

Here at the Canoe Club Ballroom, we have had the opportunity to see many beautiful bridal gowns over the years. Wedding gown shopping is a big part of the wedding planning process, it may seem overwhelming when you first start, try not to worry and enjoy this happy time! Here are a few things you want to keep in mind when searching for your dream gown! 

Silhouette 

When choosing the style of the gown, you have many options when it comes to silhouettes.  Whether you choose a classic A-line or a sultry mermaid, make sure to try on different styles. Many brides are surprised when they like the fit of a gown they never might have tried on otherwise.

Neckline

The classic strapless gown will never go out of style because it flatters every neckline. You can always add a strap of lace or even look for something that has an sheer neckline. The possibilities are endless!

Fabric

The fabric of your gown is just as important when choosing your prefect dress and it helps set the tone of how formal of a look you are trying to accomplish. Also, you want to keep the time of year in mind.  For instance, an organza gown will have a light delicate feel possibly for a summer event, whereas satin might be a perfect fabric for the cooler months.

Color

Designers have many different colors to choose from aside from the traditional white. Ivory might be a nice choice since it compliments many skin tones. Don’t forget many brides are even incorporating subtle colors like blush and soft dusty blue.

Length of Gown

Most of the time bridal shops will offer full length gowns, but more and more, brides are choosing to do an ankle length or tea length. There are even little white dresses out there to choose from!

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment!

Real Wedding

Amanda & Matthew

4-22-17

Amanda & Matthew were married in a romantic indoor ceremony this past April. They chose hues of silver, coral and turquoise to decorate the ballroom. After a passing shower, they were able to take wonderful photos in our courtyard! The reception was amazing and everyone danced the night away! 

"My now husband Matt and I were married at the Canoe Club on 4/22/17. We had an amazing experience working with Stacy and Jillian, they were both very attentive and responsive to all questions and concerns. They helped us have a beautiful wedding despite the rainy day we ended up with, we couldn't have asked for better and we now have wonderful memories of our special day to last us a life time."

A lovely photo of the happy couple in the courtyard!

A beautiful welcomes guests as they enter the venue.
 

Candlelit centerpieces with amazing ceiling drapery! 

A fun photo with the birdal party! 

Cake cutting and a cupcake tower! 

~We would like to wish Amanda & Matthew a lifetime of happiness and love! 

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment! 

Your ceremony was picture perfect, and your wedding reception was an epic party! Now it’s time to get your life back in order and start your after wedding duties! We have gathered up some great tips on what to do when your special day is over!

Thank You Notes

After your honeymoon, schedule a block of time for you and your partner to start writing your thank you cards.

Order Your Wedding Album

You’ve posted your digital photos to your social media, now it’s time to set up a time with your new spouse to order your album!

Review Your Vendors

Express your gratitude for your vendors who worked tirelessly to make your day perfect and magical! Be sure to write a thoughtful review on their Facebook page and other wedding websites.

Return or Exchange Unwanted Gifts

There are always double gifts and some gifts that might not be your style, be sure to do this sooner than later so you can get something that you can use.

Purchase Gifts (you still want)

This part is important if there is anything you didn’t get that comes at part of a set, you may have only received five of the eight place setting your wanted, or two out of the five towels. Also, you want to put those gift cards to good use!

Name Change

If you are planning to change your name, changing your name on social media is easy, but you also have to make sure to do it legally. Commit to your name change early so you can have an easy transition into married life! 
 

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment! 
 

If you love everything about fairy tale endings, from stunning ball gowns to enchanted carriage rides. You may want to add a little whimsy to your wedding day! A perfect way to do that, is to add Disney into your wedding day! Here at the CCB we are all about Disney! We love seeing brides incorporate fun Disney details into their wedding day! We have gathered some amazing ways to elevate sweet Disney ideas into wedding-worthy decor for your ceremony to your reception! 

Enchanted Invites

Beautiful invitations set the tone for your enchanted wedding! 

Welcome Your Guests 

Beauty and The Beast Welcome Sign 

Cocktail Hour

Alice & Wonderland cocktail hour tags 

Place Setting 

Snow White inspired table decor 

Centerpiece 

Beauty and The Beast Centerpiece

Cake

An adorable Cinderella themed cake!

Little Details 

A cocktail napkin with the perfect quote.

Accessories 

Micky Mouse cufflinks are a great subtle detail. 

Treats For All 

Micky Mouse Candy for Favors 

A Grand Exit 

Leave in style with a horse and carriage ride! 

Don't forget to call the Canoe Club Ballroom for a Tour & Bridal Appointment!