After an incredible wedding season, stepping out as a guest at our industry`s most anticipated night of the year—@noelennoir masquerade—was pure magic. From amazing entertainment and delicious oysters to cocktails and non-stop dancing, it was the perfect way to celebrate!
🩶The big decision? What to wear, of course! I knew I wanted something formal, NOT black, and most importantly, something I could dance in all night.
After a lot of frustration, searching at the mall, ordering online and returning I decided on the Willow gown from @aw.bridal because I could send in my measurements and have it fit me perfectly. It checked my boxes:
✅️Formal? Check.
✅️Pockets? Essential.
✅️Not black? Absolutely—I wear enough black as a planner! This vibrant navy felt just right.
Paired with a mask from @amazonca and a glittery bag from @__ai.co I was ready for the night.
💙And spoiler alert: this gown matched my energy right up until the last song! What a way to end the 2024 wedding season—celebrating with the best in the industry while feeling amazing!
Gown @aw.bridal Willow in navy ➡️➡️ use my code EricaIrwin for 15% off!
Venue @lebelvedereweddings
Makeup @klavaz.makeup
#AWBridal #AWBridalGown #FormalGown #WillowGown #gifted #GownsWithPockets #MasqueradeBall #MasqueradeGown #NoelenNoir #MaskedElegance #MasqueradeMagic #BelvedereWeddings #OttawaVenues #TheBelvedereOttawa #OttawaWeddingPlanner #LuxuryWeddingPlanner #CanadianWeddingPlanner #OttawaLuxuryWeddings #WeddingProLife #DanceTheNightAway #WeddingSeasonWrapUp #PlannerTurnedGuest
National Gallery of Canada! Here`s how we created a day that felt so “them”
We took all their ideas and pulled them into a plan that flowed so beautifully and it went like this:
🤍Getting ready at reStays with just their VIPs
🤍First look under a weeping willow at Stanley park
🤍A Persian-Jewish “fusion” ceremony under the water ceiling in the Gallery’s foyer
🤍First-ever terrace cocktail hour! Signature drinks, amazing canapés, and a grazing station to wow the guests
🤍Reception like no other in the iconic Great Hall
🤍With candle light reflecting off all the windows and Ottawa cityspace lighting up the night.
🤍Perfectly designed floorplan that was so unique and made the cavernous space feel warm and inviting.
🤍A Vegas-style bar, elevated DJ, custom dance floor
🤍A breathtaking tablescape, with blooms specially imported just for this day!
🤍Tearful speeches filled with love and laughter
🤍Cake crafted by a pastry chef cousin
🤍Sweet Send-off: Custom candy bags with the couple’s favorites and monogrammed matchboxes as keepsakes
🤍Dance Floor Moments not soon forgotten: Choreographed first dance, a lively horah, and a surprise pickleback shot station with a vintage cart!
💕 Raphi and Javid`s wedding wasn’t just beautiful—it was a celebration filled with love, joy, and unforgettable details.
🌟 Ready to plan your dream wedding at the National Gallery of Canada? Let’s create something magical together! 🌟
⬇️Tell me what “wowed” you or ask any questions below!
Venue: @natgallerycan
Planner: @ericairwinweddings
Florals, rentals & decor: @moesignaturedesign
Video: @greyloftvideo
Photo: @scotthwilson
Catering: @mycateringgroup
Dancefloor: @ottawadancefloors
Invitations and programs @minted
All other stationery and signage @distinctlylabeled
DJ: @heart.beat.events
Hair: @topknothairstylist
MUA: @onefinebeauty
Photobooth: @flavaphotoboothco
Car: @elite.limousine
Ceremony Live Music: @logandoingstuff
Bride Dress: @alexiasbridal @enauranewyork
Groom Suit: @thirdsontailorshop
A dress change is the new wedding MUST. After a long hot (sweaty) day it feels so good to change into something meant for the dance floor.
So tell me below are you doing a dress change and if so are you doing an entrance back into the room to a certain song like our Swiftie bride did to " Bejeweled", because she sure did shimmer!
Planner @ericairwinweddings
#shimmer #bejeweled #swiftiebride #swiftie #grandentrance #weddingdresschange #weddingdancefloor #chateaumontebellowedding #ottawaweddingplanner
I had to share these gorgeous photos from @laurenphoto.ca also let me introduce you to the people who work super freaking hard in the background of your wedding day.
First, Farhan and Gracie were not with us on this wedding since they were at Chateau Laurier.
So with me at our tent wedding were Cara, Isy and Mia.
💛Cara, if you have been following me for a while you know her well. She’s incredibly sweet, majorly goofy and THE task master! She loves a checklist and her obsession with finding all the small details out of place, make her our final walk thru gal. We now have a verb for it “Can you Cara this room one last time before detail photos?”
🩵Isy is amazing at working quickly, smile on her face and happy to be bossed around by Cara … well as her sister she is used to it!
🩷Mia is just in love with all wedding details, everything is exciting and awesome and being basically 6 foot and in her last year at St Lawrence college in Police Foundations, she is the BEST at moving guests to ceremony or from cocktail to dinner.
I have been so lucky in surrounding myself with just the best people.
So drop a comment below so these three ladies can feel the LOVE! 💚💙💜🩷
#weddingplanner #bestweddingplannerassistant #ottawaweddingplanner #ottawawedding #tentwedding #canadianwedding #destinationweddingcanada
Our couple wanted a fun but beautiful wedding at @lebelvedereweddings . The day started with hair and makeup in the Garden house and the guys met up in the Guest house. All photos were done on site, though when you look through the gallery of @rubiconphotogs you can see there are so many spots to choose from!
There was a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in the downstairs space and then an outfit change for a ceremony outside under the arbour. The couple joined their guests for cocktail hour and then a delicious dinner followed by some of the best dance moves I have ever seen at a wedding!
As far as the design, our bride described their style as "organic, not rustic, greenery and white and aesthetic". @wedecor_inc absolutely nailed it! With only greenery, textured linens, touches of gold, those gorgeous chairs and so many candles.
Tell me below what is your fav part?
Planning @ericairwinweddings
Venue @lebelvedereweddings
Photo @rubiconphotogs
Décor/ florals/ rentals @wedecor_inc
Cake @dulcecakedesign
#organicwedding #elegantwedding #greenerywedding #whitewedding #lebelvedereweddings #lebelvederewedding #wedecor #ottawawedding #lebelvedereweddingphotos #lebelvedere #ottawaweddingvenue #ottawaweddingplanner #ottwedvendor #wedecor #ericairwinweddings #ottawaweddingcake #ottawaweddingphotographer
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
Your once-in-a-lifetime wedding deserves an extraordinary planning experience. Follow me on