Gorgeous Cultural Fusion Wedding Videography at The Waterside Inn, Mississauga
Couple: Sofija and Ashwin
Date: July 31st, 2022
Filmed by: Branden Murphy
Edited by: Sarah Bernier
Article by: Larissa Murphy
Sofija and Ashwin's wedding day dawned bright and clear, promising to be a beautiful day filled with love and joy. The happy couple had planned everything down to the smallest detail, ensuring that their big day would be a memorable one.
The day started early, with the groom getting ready at his home in Mississauga, surrounded by his closest friends and family. As he buttoned up his crisp white shirt and tied his tie, Ashwin couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building in his chest. Today was the day he would finally marry his best friend.
Adamson Estate, Mississauga | Sofija and Ashwin
Meanwhile, just a short drive away, the bride was getting ready at her childhood home. Her bridesmaids bustled around her, popping champagne, rejoicing with the stunning bride, and making sure every detail was perfect. Sofija couldn't believe the day had finally arrived—the day she would marry the love of her life.
Everything about their day was so beautiful and meticulously planned. The house was adorned with stunning flowers and exquisite wedding decorations, and the car was also elegantly decorated, poised to fulfill its role in this unforgettable occasion. Love was palpable in every corner!
One fascinating aspect of Sofija and Ashwin's wedding was their amalgamation of both Serbian and Indian cultural traditions. In Serbia, it is customary to "buy your bride" before arriving at the altar. The groom's party travels to the bride's house to retrieve her, but they must first negotiate with her family to establish a "fair price." Hence, Sofija and Ashwin decided that this would be the perfect moment to do their First Look.
After the groomsmen helped Ashwin with his final touch-ups, they all left to retrieve the bride. Meanwhile, Sofija’s mom helped her put on her dress and made sure that she was immaculate for her beloved.
Adamson Estate, Mississauga | Sofija and Ashwin
The groom’s party arrived at the bride’s house, beaming with huge smiles, clapping their hands, and brimming with enthusiasm for their cherished friend. The negotiation started, and they couldn't contain their excitement. Ashwin watched closely as the deal came to an end.
This was it—here she comes! This was the moment Ashwin would see his bride for the first time! As he eagerly anticipated her arrival, he noticed someone coming his way. However, the magic of the moment was short-lived, as it turned out to be someone dressed as Sofija attempting to impersonate her. This is a popular prank that many couples partake in during the "buying of the bride." Oh man, what a good laugh they had! This funny moment became even more amusing with the groomsmen serenading them with Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way," and the fake bride attempting to win over the groom.
This moment was funny and all, but Ashwin yearned for his true bride, as he rightfully deserved to see her! So after waiting for a bit, they finally arranged for the reveal to happen. Sofija walked towards Ashwin in her breathtaking white gown, and he was just captivated by her stunning beauty. This moment was nothing short of emotional and enchanting.
Now that Ashwin had his bride, it was time to tie the knot! The ceremony was held at the Canadian Coptic Centre, where friends and family gathered to witness the couple exchange vows and commit to a lifetime of love and happiness.
Adamson Estate, Mississauga | Sofija and Ashwin
The beautiful Coptic Catholic ceremony started as Ashwin walked down the aisle accompanied by his wonderful parents. You could see in everyone’s eyes how happy and excited they were to witness this. The wedding party walked in, and the ceremony unfolded. Everything led up to this moment, from the flower girl sprinkling petals to the ring bearer presenting the rings and the congregation singing songs. As the violin crescendoed, everyone eagerly anticipated the bride's entrance, but none more so than Ashwin. He had been waiting for this moment for ten years, and he could hardly contain his excitement to marry the woman of his dreams.
The magnificent wooden doors opened, revealing Sofija, the stunning bride, standing with her father. As they walked towards Ashwin, tears flowed freely, as it was an awe-inspiring moment. Ashwin hugged Sofija's father before taking her by the hand and leading her to the altar. The wedding mass continued from there.
The priest then took the stage, reminding everyone of the sacrament of holy matrimony and the blessing of God. He wished the couple an abundant life filled with love and good fortune.
Following a series of Coptic wedding customs and traditions, Sofija and Ashwin were officially pronounced husband and wife, and they shared their first kiss as a married couple. Everyone cheered and clapped, happy for the newlyweds and excited for the journey they were about to embark upon.
The next few hours passed in a blur, with the couple posing for photos and videos at Adamson Estates, capturing every moment of their special day. As the sun began to set, they made their way to the banquet hall The Waterside Inn for their cocktail hour and reception, surrounded by family and friends who had all come together to celebrate their love.
As the reception began, the couple danced together, surrounded by their loved ones. They were the picture of happiness and love, and everyone could feel the energy in the air.
Following their grand entrance, Ashwin took the microphone to express his heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their love and support. He spoke passionately about the love he held for his new bride and how much she meant to him. Ashwin also conveyed his appreciation for having her in his life and his eagerness to spend the remainder of his days by her side. It was a scene straight out of a romantic movie, especially when he exclaimed, "This feels like the part of the movie where the hero gets the girl." His words were so sincere that everyone present was deeply moved.
Sofija also took the microphone to express her happiness and gratitude. She spoke about how wonderful it was to have Ashwin as her husband and how she knew he would continue to be an amazing partner through all of life's ups and downs. She described him as her best friend and credited him for making the last decade of her life so much more vibrant and colourful.
As the night unfolded, loved ones shared heartfelt speeches brimming with love and joy. I was truly awed by the tenderness and emotion conveyed in each speech. It was easy to see just how deeply cherished Sofija and Ashwin were by their family and friends.
It's truly heartwarming to witness the union of two families, and in this case, it was no different. More than just two individuals coming together, their families embraced each other, and you could see their cultures blending seamlessly.
As the night drew to a close, it was evident that Sofija and Ashwin's wedding day had surpassed all their expectations. The day had been filled with love, laughter, and joy, not to mention the delicious ice cream. Although the day had passed by so quickly, they both knew that their love would last a lifetime. As husband and wife, they were ready to face whatever challenges life had in store for them, united. This day would forever hold a special place in their hearts, marking the beginning of an incredible journey together.
Vendors that Made the Day Happen
Videography: Parallel Weddings (https://www.parallelweddings.ca)
Venue: The Waterside Inn (https://www.watersideinn.ca/)
Photography: Everglow Photography (https://everglow-photo.com/)
Make-up Artist: Lumiere Beauty (https://www.instagram.com/lumieremakeuparts/)
Coordinator: Impresario Events (https://impresarioevents.ca/)
Florist: Ruth Chin Events (https://www.ruthchinevents.com/)
Rentals: Fantastik Trading & Rentals (https://fantastiktrading.com/)
Musician: Sounds of Joy Toronto (https://www.soundsofjoytoronto.com/)