When our couple decided to plan their wedding, they wanted it to reflect them—unique, personal, and anything but traditional. No cookie-cutter wedding— as a same-sex couple, they wanted a heartfelt celebration of their love, designed their way.
🖤Instead of a first look, they chose to get ready together and do couple photos downtown. They then came to Le Belvedere guest house for more photos together, with VIP friends and immediate family. Then a private ceremony and paper signing done by their friend in the Garden house.
🤍Guest came off the shuttle to a punch and water station which immediately set the vibe. When it was time for the main ceremony under the arbour, our couple walked together down the aisle—cue tears all around, especially from Taylor and myself.
🖤Since the paperwork was already signed, we skipped the traditional signing table and instead focused on their heartfelt.
🤍Cocktail hour was a hit with a champagne wall, signature cocktails, mocktails, and mouthwatering canapés like oysters. Our couple mingled with their guests while everyone enjoyed a surprise magician and a portrait station.
🖤Dinner was a four-course feast featuring upgraded wines and an incredible menu.
🖤Instead of a traditional wedding cake, our couple wowed guests with an espresso martini tower, kicking off a high-energy dance party.
🤍Late-night food kept the energy high—think late night savouries, Suzy Q donuts, a fun “Costco” table stocked with chips, chocolate, and Gatorade for the ride home.
🖤The dance floor highlight was definitely slipping on Rescue Flats, dancing to our amazing DJ and then the surprise shots tray featuring a crowd favourite- Sour Puss.
🤍No one will forget this wedding that was a reflection of this amazing couple they came to celebrate -heartfelt, FUN, and completely unforgettable.
❤️Thanks to Le Belvédère’s flexibility, we turned tradition on its head and created a day that felt uniquely theirs.
✅️Ready to plan a wedding that’s authentically you? Let’s make it happen! ✨
Tap to see vendors
#lebelvederewedding
#lebelvedere #OttawaWeddings #ontariovenue #Quebecvenue #loveislove #samesexwedding
Ottawa area`s only clifftop views for your wedding.
Things I love about this wedding venue
✅️ Beautiful views and outdoor spaces
✅️ Neutral interior to make your own
✅️ Specifically built for weddings in mind
✅️ Delicious food
✅️ A team that wants your wedding day to be unique and everything you`ve ever dreamed of.
Things worth considering:
➡️ Booking a guest shuttle to ensure everyone arrives safely
➡️ Picking your date well in advance/ being open to a weekday wedding, Le Belvedere is a popular spot that books up quickly!
Tell me below are you getting married / considering this gorgeous spot? Any questions, ask away!
#lebelvederewedding #lebelvedere #ericairwinweddings #ontariovenue #Quebecvenue #OttawaWeddings #ottawaweddingplanner
Photos @agatharowland
Venue @lebelvedereweddings
Tap photo to see other vendors
I set a goal to have 100 x 5🌟 Google reviews and also hit 1000 Instagram posts for my birthday.
And guys we did it! Huge thank you to all our amazing clients who posted beautiful reviews that make me so freaking proud and of course cry a little with such sweet words of what we were able to do on their wedding days.
My cup is so full so thanks everyone!!
Drop your fav drink emoji below and let`s celebrate!!
🍷🍸🍹🍻🥂☕️
❤️Thanks also for just being in this community and following along.❤️
#WeddingPlannerLife #weddingplanner #OttawaWeddings #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawawedvendors
Please please please stop asking for "day of" only. And Planners who offer this .. STOP.
No one can step in just on your day and take over what you`ve planned for a year or more and execute that perfectly.
☑️ Instead, you want to be looking for someone who is offering partial planning, wedding management or something with a similar name.
This is when there is consultations, check ins, guidance and review before your day, time to catch holes in the plan, review contracts, touch base with vendors, look at floorplans, do your timelines, get to know you two as well and more. THEN be there for your rehearsal and your wedding day.
❤️Having done hundreds of weddings we know where the holes lie and wouldn`t you want to know ahead of time than be "surprised" on your best day ever?
‼️Planners offering "day of" are generally newer to the business and will in time learn this is a terrible approach. They shouldn`t be learning on your day you`ve planned for so long.
So I actually want you to be wary when you see this as an offering
When I get asked my reply is "All my packages include day of coordination".
⬇️Comment your questions below I`m always happy to help!
↪️Want to learn more about our partial planning or full planning send me a DM or use the link in my bio to book a consultation. All my pricing is on my website too!
I used to say, `I don’t want to be a 50-year-old wedding planner,` thinking you had to be young and cute to succeed in this industry.
❤️ I was so wrong. Some of the wedding industry GREATS are over 50—@mindyweiss, @eastonevents, @colincowie, @marcyblum, and more.
And let’s be real: the weddings they’ve created after turning 50? Some of their absolute BEST.
I’ve learned that my couples—busy professionals—value my experience. They’re not keen on entrusting their once-in-a-lifetime day (and a significant investment) to someone just starting out. They appreciate my honesty, my years of deep industry connections, and my expertise.
➡️ Do you know my backstory?
Before weddings, I was in high-tech. One day, a friend asked, `What do you want to be when you grow up?` I laughed—I was already grown! But I blurted out, `A Party Planner.` No clue where that came from.
Fast forward: after my 4th mat leave, frustrated by male colleagues taking over my accounts, I got the chance to take a layoff package. With almost a year’s severance, I said, `Why not?` My husband built me a website, and with photos from just one wedding, Erica Irwin Weddings & Events was born.
My superpower? That `I can do that, how hard can it be?` mindset.
15+ years later, I’m incredibly proud of the weddings we create and the amazing couples who become lifelong friends.
🥂 So here’s to the big 5-0! Just watch—things are only getting better. Cheers to what’s next! 🥂
Drop a 🎂 or 🍾 to help me celebrate!
Video by the amazing @greyloftvideo
Cover photo @scotthwilson
#50andfabulous #happybirthdaytome #weddingplanner #ottawaweddingplanner #LuxuryWeddingPlanner #OttawaWeddings #CanadianWeddingPlanner #WeddingIndustryExperts #50andThriving #MilestoneMoments #WeddingPlannerLife #EntrepreneurJourney #EventPlanner #LoveWhatYouDo
I bet you can`t guess what the most photographed (besides the two of you) thing is on your wedding day.
Your bouquet. It`s in SO many photos so make it a gorgeous one.
It`s not a place to skimp I promise.
Also FYI don`t try and reuse your bouquets as decor in your reception room somewhere front and center. They go all over town with you. In the heat and cold and by dinner time they are looking a little worn out.
I often hear florist making this "tip" to reuse them as decor, please don`t!
Comment below any that I missed!
Photos @greyloftstudio
Planning @ericairwinweddings
Florals @wedecor_inc
Hair @showponyhair
Makeup @onefinebeauty
Venue @fairmontlaurier
#bridalbouquet #weddingtip #weddingplannertip #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner #ericairwinweddings #chateaulaurierwedding #chateaulaurier
Looking for one of Ottawa`s prettiest rooms to hold your wedding? Then check out the newly renovated Adam room at Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
I love a 150 person guest count in this room, with a big center dance floor under the chandelier. The dusty pale blue is iconic but not overpowering.
With Sabrin and Marvin`s design we did a combination of curved tables, long tables and rounds and it was beautiful.
Tell me below your favourite part!
Want to know anything else, ask in the comments or send me a DM. I love a Chateau Laurier wedding and I am always willing to help.
Planning @ericairwinweddings
Decor/ rentals/ florals @moesignaturedesign
#chateaulaurier #chateaulaurierwedding #fairmontchateaulaurier #chateauwedding #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner #canadianwedding #destinationscanadawedding
✨️Wedding timeline math!✨️
When planning out your wedding day, here is a quick way to see why hair and makeup have to start so early. With services ranging from 45 to 1.5 hours x number of people for both hair AND makeup, it can quickly make your morning go by very quickly.
This timeline example is for with a first look and a majority of your photos done before ceremony which we see a lot of as couples are leaning more into attending their own cocktail hour and prioritizing time with each other and their guests .
If you prefer no first look, you just need to adjust accordingly.
Comment below your thoughts or anything I forgot!
For couples working with me as their Planner don`t worry I do full, over the top timelines so nothing is forgotten! No wedding timeline math required! Just go ahead and enjoy your day ❤️
Planner @ericairwinweddings
Photo/ video @palmtreewedding
Hair @showponyhair
Makeup @klavaz.makeup @klavazbeautyteam
#Weddingtimeline #weddingtips #weddingday #weddingadvice #weddingplanner #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner #nationalgallerywedding #nationalgalleryofcanada
One of the highlights of my 2024 wedding season was this tent wedding for a family that stole my heart
15 months of planning so many tiny, meaningful details turned this day into one that no guest will soon forget. It was actually difficult to remember to mention it all in this walk through.
The number of emails, texts, DMs with all of our ideas buzzing between us resulted in a magical day that took an enormous amount of effort and heart to pull together.
A huge and wonderful vendor team and over a week of on site set up and take down to build the most beautiful “venue” at this family’s dream location, their cottage.
The behind the scene work from everyone was truly an undertaking but the result was perfection.
Happy married life to these two wonderful people
A-team of the best:
Planner: @ericairwinweddings
Venue: Private Estate
Video: @greyloftvideo
Photo: @Laurenphoto.ca
Decor Florals: @wedecor_inc
Catering: @mycateringgroup
DJ: @djdoubledown @heart.beat.events
Live Music: @jeffrogersmusic @beatsnkeysmusic
Hair: @byrne_krystal
Make-up: @onefinebeauty
Bride Dress: @revellebridal
Groom Suit: @mariouomoinc
Rings: @goldform_ottawa
Officiant: @allseasonsweddings
Transportation: @417busline
Tent Rental: @valley_tent
#tentwedding #colorfultentwedding #sailclothtentwedding #luxurytentwedding #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawaweddingvendors #colorfulwedding
🦇🦇Spooky times 🦇🦇
Tell me what I missed in your wedding "nightmares"?
Happy Halloweeen everyone 🎃
#hauntedhouse #hauntedhousetrend #weddingnightmare #OttawaWeddings #ottawaweddingplanner
Want to see what a design looks like that is ALL acrylic tables and chairs and also round tables mixed with rectangular?
This National Gallery wedding had not a linen in site and the entire room felt like it was floating.
Anchored by a massive custom dancefloor put on the diamond, lined with long rectangular tables, it`s one of the prettiest layouts the gallery team had seen.
Tell us below what your favourite part was?
Full planning by @ericairwinweddings
Decor, rentals and florals & dancefloor
@wedecor_inc
Photo team @palmtreewedding
Catering and bar by @mycateringgroup
Venue @natgallerycan
🚫 Wedding Myth Busted: Why Rectangular Tables are Better for Conversation! 🚫
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a round table in your design, but here is why working in long tables is a major WIN in your design:
❤️❤️Here’s why I am a lover of long tables:
Closer Connections:
Round tables are typically 5–6 feet across, meaning you’ll only be able to chat with the guests immediately next to you. With all that distance (plus background noise!), chit chat is tough.
Better Layouts for Socializing:
Rectangular tables are designed for conversation! At just 30–48 inches across, you can chat comfortably with the people beside and directly across from you, creating a friendlier, more connected vibe.
More Design Flexibility:
You can seat bigger groups of friends or family all together at longs instead of breaking them up over the rounds, I also LOVE lots of candles and low florals down the middle for that cozy feeling
Improved Space Management:
Rectangles make better use of your reception area. I know … another myth busted. Rounds are NOT necessarily more space efficient. Many times with big guest counts in tight spaces, I have moved to all rectangular tables to get everyone in.
A Stunning Aesthetic:
I mean who doesn’t love those photos of guests all cheers their wine glasses down a big long table? To do that at a round you have to STAND.
Ready to take your wedding layout to the next level? 🎉
As a Planner with experience at the top venues, I love creating customized floor plans that bring people closer together. Let’s design a guest experience that shines!
👉 Tell me in the comments—did you believe that myth until I just busted it? And what’s your preference rounds, rectangular or mix of both?
#WeddingPlanningTips #WeddingMythsBusted #LuxuryWeddingPlanner #WeddingTableDesign #GuestExperienceMatters #WeddingReceptionDesign #ModernWeddingIdeas #IntimateWeddingSetup #TablescapeInspo #ElevatedWeddingDesign #LuxuryWeddingCanada #OttawaWeddingPlanner #TopWeddingVenues #UniqueWeddingIdeas #WeddingDecorInspo #WeddingDetailsMatter #2024WeddingTrends #WeddingReceptionGoals #DesignYourDay #BridalTips
🤍Have all the feels on your wedding day, after all you’re marrying your best friend🤍
Brittany and Chris had a dream day at the @fairmontalaurier and today just happens to be their anniversary so let’s celebrate with them. 🍾One year as newlywed🍾
↪️Hit follow so you never miss my daily tips and inspo
➡️Send to someone getting married
Planning @ericairwinweddings
Venue @fairmontlaurier
Photo/ video @palmtreewedding
Reel made by @undercapture.you
Decor and florals @wedecor_inc
Hair @showponyhair
Makeup @onefinebeauty
Gown @renewedwithlovebridaloutlet
DJ @dynamixproductions
#chateaulaurierwedding #chateauwedding #destinationcanadawedding #weddingday #weddingmoments #WeddingPlanning #ottawaweddingplanner
As a Wedding Planner we wear a lot of black so how excited was I to have an event to go to where we were encouraged to wear green!
I wore this @aw.bridal gown called the "Dey dress" which was perfect. I got so many compliments, and it was so fun to dress up and be a guest.
I used their option to custom size it through their site and added pockets of course!
This is the hunter green in the satin charmeuse colour!
Use my code of EricaIrwin for 15% off
Tell me in the comments what you think? Should I go back to black or is green my new black?
Gown was #gifted by AW Bridal.
#weddingplanner #weddingplanneroutfit #bridesmaiddress #ottawaweddingplanner #awbridal #awbridal #bridesmaiddresses #wedding #vendor #partnership #weddingdress #dress #bridesmaid #lordelgin
🤍I think you need to hear this reminder🤍
It`s your wedding day, it`s the only time in your lives everyone you love is all in one room celebrating your love.
💕There is no do-over`s and you don`t need to apologize for being extra or going overboard or doing any of the ideas that you want to do. This day is for you two so do what you want.
💕Make memories have fun celebrate.
↪️Now send this to someone getting married Save it if you need a reminder every once in awhile
✅️Make sure you follow to get your daily dose of wedding tips and inspo from me.
Cover photo by @greyloftstudio
Planning by @ericairwinweddings
#weddingreminder #weddingadvice #weddingmemories #weddingplanner #ottawawedding #ottawaweddingplanner #chateaulaurierwedding #fairmontlaurier #chateauwedding #canadiandestinationwedding
These two just had the best time soaking in all the fun photo moments and it shows I`m their photos!
Tell me below are you more a spotlight person or hiding from it?
Planner @ericairwinweddings
Photo @ageofindie
Venue @fairmontlaurier
I could write a SERIES of books on wedding mishaps at this point, and the core issue often comes down to couples making these mistakes when choosing their vendors:
➡️ Opting for someone they know
➡️ Trying to save a little
➡️ Not asking their vendors for referrals
➡️ Skipping hiring a planner who knows the local scene
✨️Here are some real-life examples of what can happen on your day if these mistakes are made:
🚫 A cake with only one side decorated
🚫 A DJ with no power bars, extension cords, or mic
🚫 An officiant who tells the groom to turn his back as the bride walks down the aisle
🚫 A florist who didn`t bring enough flowers and starts pulling from the venue`s garden
🚫 A photographer who watches the first dance instead of photographing it
🚫 A videographer who sets up a massive camera on wheels right in front of the couple during the ceremony
🚫 A band that`s too tipsy or high to perform
🚫 A limo with no air conditioning
🚫 A day-of coordinator who has no plan and leaves before dinner
✨️ Your wedding vendor team is the backbone of your day. They`re the ones who bring your dreams to life and ensure everything goes smoothly, because there are no do-overs.
🔑 The key? Hire professional, experienced vendors who know their stuff. They are the true `A team.`
⬇️ Comment below with your wildest wedding stories or advice I missed! Let’s hear them!
#ottawaweddingvendors #ottawawedding #Quebecvenue #Ontariovenue #canadiandestinationwedding #ottawaweddingplanner #weddingvendors #ottweddingvendors #613wedding #lebelvederewedding #lebelvedere #ericairwinweddings
Almost every couple I work with either follows me, found me, or checked me out on Instagram before saying YES to having me as their planner.
So yeah, most couples use Instagram to see the kinds of weddings we do, check out my feed as my portfolio, watch my stories to get a vibe for my personality, and save posts for inspo.
When we pour 400+ hours into planning a wedding, we REALLY appreciate it when couples let us post about their day. Of course, some couples have restrictions—whether it’s because of their jobs or just wanting more privacy.
Maybe they don’t want to be tagged, maybe they only want their décor shown, not their faces. Whatever it is, that’s totally fine with me.
I’m super mindful of not oversharing unless I know my couple LOVES seeing their day on the ‘gram.
So from all vendors, thank you for trusting us to post respectfully about your wedding day because it’s hard to show your work, show representation of different couples we work with, show the amount of love and hours we put into a wedding if we cannot share it.
⬇️Comment your thoughts and questions!
↪️ make sure you`re following so you don`t miss daily tips and inspo!
Cover photo by @palmtreewedding
#LuxuryWeddings #WeddingPlanning #BehindTheScenes #WeddingInspo #WeddingPlannerLife #InstagramWeddings #RespectfulPosting
#OttawaWeddingPlanner #OttawaWeddingVendor #OttawaWeddings #OttawaWeddingInspo #OttawaWeddingIndustry #WeddingsInOttawa #OttawaLuxuryWeddings #OttawaWeddingCommunity #YOWWedding
So in love with this very soft and feminine look for our bride!
This season was mostly a "hair down" kind of year.
What do you prefer, up, down or maybe half up?
Comment below and let me know!
Share or save for wedding day inspo!
Hair by @showponyhair @lori_showpony
Makeup by @tarynmakeup @tarynmakeupstudio
Planner @ericairwinweddings
Photos by @studiogrmartin
#ottawawedding #ottawaweddinghair #ottawaweddingmakeup #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawabride #bride #bridalhair #bridalmakeup
Because we love taking your breath away, exceeding your dreams, tears of joy, speech mentions, 5 star reviews and just generally seeing you both so happy on your best day ever.
Planning @ericairwinweddings
Decor/ florals/ design @moesignaturedesign
Venue @natgallerycan
Dance floor @ottawadancefloors
Stationery @distinctlylabeled
#nationalgallery #nationalgallerywedding #nationalgalleryofcanada #modernwedding #gardeninspired #ottawaweddingplanning #ottawawedding #jewishwedding #persianwedding
Your once-in-a-lifetime wedding deserves an extraordinary planning experience. Follow me on