Erica Irwin Weddings & Events

Erica Irwin Weddings & Events Helping busy professionals plan an exceptional wedding with impeccable attention to detail
Let's chat Services:
*Full Planning*
Our big sigh of relief option!
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At Erica Irwin Weddings, we understand that your love story deserves nothing less than a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind and incredibly FUN celebration. Led by Ottawa’s very own “Wedding Planning Fairy Godmother,” Erica Irwin and her caring team, are the preferred and trusted Planners at all of Ottawa’s top tier venues. Our commitment to creating beautiful, unforgettable and meticulously planned weddi

ngs sets us apart in Ottawa’s wedding planning scene. Your wedding is the biggest, baddest party you will ever throw so you want your guests to remember your day and we also want you two to enjoy every second! We’ve got you. Our Full Planning service is for busy couples who don’t WANT to spend 400+ stress-filled hours of their precious free time planning their wedding. Instead, you get to enjoy all the fun parts and leave the nitty gritty to us! We have the knowledge and experience to save you endless research hours by sharing our expertise and a curated list of Ottawa’s best vendors that Erica has built relationships with over the last 15 years. With us overseeing every detail, you, your family, and your guests can rest assured, knowing that your exquisitely styled wedding is in expert hands.

*Partial Planning*
You’ve got this, we’ll guide you there! Our Partial Planning services are for those who feel they have the time and motivation to plan their own wedding but would like some direction, recommendations, and on-site wedding day help. Take away the stress of doing this alone, knowing that with our guidance, you are on the right path forward! We don’t believe in only offering “day of” wedding coordination services since 95% of the planning is done ahead of time. Let us guide you to creating a successful plan, and on your wedding day, you can trust that we will flawlessly execute that well-thought-out plan! Ready to have the weight of wedding planning lifted off your shoulders? Let’s talk. We can schedule a complimentary consultation to see how I can make your perfect wedding day come to life! Can’t wait to hear from you.

💕Today is Jodi and Turner’s wedding day and we couldn’t be more excited! What a gorgeous summer day to spend surrounded ...
07/21/2024

💕Today is Jodi and Turner’s wedding day and we couldn’t be more excited! What a gorgeous summer day to spend surrounded by all your family and friends.

🍁I love how they chose a fall engagement session since they were having a summer wedding. So nice to have different seasons and colours for their photos!

❤️And choosing the Stinson family cottage was even more special as this is a very special place for Jodi’s family and now also Turner.

🥂🤍Happy wedding day guys! Excited to spend the day with all your closest people.
Drop a congratulations to these two in the comments 🥂🤍

Planner
Photo/ video
Venue
Décor/ florals/ rentals
Hair
Makeup
Music
Bride’s gown
Grooms attire
Cake
Transportation .limousine

Want to reduce feeling overwhelmed or anxious on your wedding day? 💍✨Big breathe and sigh of relief coming below! Here a...
07/11/2024

Want to reduce feeling overwhelmed or anxious on your wedding day? 💍✨

Big breathe and sigh of relief coming below! Here are my top strategies to keep your most amazing day ever stress-free and filled with joy. 💍💕 Swipe through to learn how to simplify your wedding day:

Try THESE strategies to make your special day stress-free and unforgettable! 💕 Swipe through these amazing tips!

✨ Combine “to-dos”:
Do your grand entrance, first dance, cake cutting, and speech all before dinner.
✨ Limit activities:
Have no more than 5 speeches, each 3 minutes MAX.
Shorten the first dance and parent dances.
✨ Simplify logistics:
Have everything in one location: getting ready spots, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
✨ Reduce the drama:
Skip the big wedding party. Have 1 person each, and invite VIP friends for getting ready and photos.
✨ Consider your guest list:
Fewer guests can mean less stress.
✨ Do a first look:
Take photos before the ceremony to calm nerves and spend more time with each other and your guests.
🩷Enjoy your day to the fullest—it goes by so fast! 🩷

Comment below if you have any other tips! 💬

  "

When you want more than just a wedding DAY!Danielle and Zee’s unforgettable weekend getaway wedding at the stunning Fair...
07/04/2024

When you want more than just a wedding DAY!

Danielle and Zee’s unforgettable weekend getaway wedding at the stunning Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, just an hour from Ottawa was one no one will ever forget! From vibrant florals to heartfelt vows by the waterfront, this wedding was a true colourful masterpiece. 🌸✨

I just posted the story of this wedding on my blog!

🩷 18 months planning this wedding with this incredible family was my honour and privilege and I cannot thank the entire vendor team who helped me make this dream wedding come true.

❤️Want to know more about how you can create your own memorable wedding experience in Canada? 🌲🏞️ Comment “BLOG” below, and I’ll send you the link to read the full story!

➡️ Follow me if you like USEFUL wedding planning tips
💜Here’s the A-team:
Planning Erica Irwin Weddings & Events
Décor, florals, rentals and stationery WEDECOR
Venue
Photo Scott H Wilson
Video Films by Jinbon
Makeup One Fine Beauty
Hair Showpony
Reception music Sole Power Productions
Ceremony and cocktail music Canto Sentimento Strings

🥂 These two celebrated their 2 year anniversary this week! After multiple rescheduling, knowing they wanted to throw the...
06/29/2024

🥂 These two celebrated their 2 year anniversary this week! After multiple rescheduling, knowing they wanted to throw the biggest, baddest party weekend for their friends and family, they finally got that in 2022.

🩷The staff at Chateau Montebello still talk about that epic weekend. Spa trips, golf rounds, s***t shooting, a Friday pool party, then BBQ dinner for all guests followed by a bonfire party with DJ and then the main event Saturday wedding day!

❤️I have loved watching their family grow this part year too with the addition of a very handsome little man.

🍾🥂 Happy anniversary Jen and Dan. Was my absolute pleasure planning with you two xo

Planning
Photos
Video
Venue
Audio guest book and photo booth
Band/ DJ
Hair
Makeup .makeup

Let's hear it for the white dinner jacket it's one of my favorites for our grooms. Caleb is totally rocking it but let's...
06/24/2024

Let's hear it for the white dinner jacket it's one of my favorites for our grooms. Caleb is totally rocking it but let's face it, he was styled by his gorgeous bride Saxon. So classy and classic. What do you think would you go white dinner jacket or stick to a black text jacket?
Photo by
Tap for other vendors

Happy 3rd anniversary to these two.2021 was a TOUGH year for weddings. The hoops we had to jump through to make a small ...
06/12/2024

Happy 3rd anniversary to these two.
2021 was a TOUGH year for weddings. The hoops we had to jump through to make a small wedding happen was unbelievable.
Now they are happily married with a new little man in their lives too 🩵
Wishing these two all the love.
Drop a 🥂🥂 to congratulate them!
Venue
Planner
Decor and florals
Photo

A little story about Danielle and Zee for you who are getting married today! Danielle's Mom and Dad are from Ottawa and ...
06/08/2024

A little story about Danielle and Zee for you who are getting married today! Danielle's Mom and Dad are from Ottawa and were high school sweethearts, her Dad Terry played for the OHL before realizing he wanted to pursue post secondary education. They raised Danielle in Ottawa until both parents' jobs called them for positions in the US. Danielle went to Dickinson College where she met Zee and became COLLEGE sweethearts. Even though this family lives in the US, their hearts belong in Canada, and since holds so many special family memories, this HAD to be the spot to host their wedding weekend 💖
So all their friends and family traveled here to come together to celebrate these two finally getting married!
So drop a 🥂🥂 to congratulate these two awesome people and say a little prayer for no rain today 🙏🏼 🌞
Photo

What gets me is this touch of blue in the gorgeous envelope liner! Who even knew about envelop liners right?? Now that y...
06/06/2024

What gets me is this touch of blue in the gorgeous envelope liner! Who even knew about envelop liners right?? Now that you know you CAN'T unknow. This is how I feel about so many things in wedding planning. Once you know about a detail or a moment or something that can go right vs wrong ... it's like a curse.
Name something below that's like that for you, something you can't unsee / not do now.
Stationery
Photo
Planning

You are going to want to save and share this stunner of a bouquet!The all white bouquet with orchids and roses is a clas...
05/20/2024

You are going to want to save and share this stunner of a bouquet!
The all white bouquet with orchids and roses is a classic and elegant choice by the discerning bride. Also so easy to pair with your bridesmaids. Here only the beautiful bride had orchids and bridesmaids had all roses.
Tell me what you think? Is all white for you?
Share with someone getting married in 2024 or 2025!
bouquet by
Planning by Erica Irwin Weddings & Events
Photo by Loft Studio

Got a text this week from these two inviting me to their 10 YEAR anniversary party!There are just some couples that real...
05/18/2024

Got a text this week from these two inviting me to their 10 YEAR anniversary party!
There are just some couples that really stick with you as a Planner. These two were:
1) My main website photo forever and a day. There is a such a funny story about why they are smiling so big here. Check the comments for more on that.
2) They were my first wedding that just absolutely embraced so much colour!
3) They were my first wedding with GOLD accents. I remember Annie and I having to convince Grant it wasn't "80s" to have gold. And its still kicking 10 years later.
4) They were my first published wedding. thank you.
5) I THINK this was my first ever first look! Sold ever since.
Love looking through their photos today and honestly not feeling like this wedding has aged at all over the years.
So happy anniversary guys! Love watching your sweet family grow too over the years.
Photos by

🍹To punch or not to punch? 🍹Bet you think that punch is a very outdated thing to have at a wedding but I am here to tell...
05/15/2024

🍹To punch or not to punch? 🍹
Bet you think that punch is a very outdated thing to have at a wedding but I am here to tell you why it's a nice to have.
While some venues include it in their wedding packages, other's its an add on.
The reasons I like it are:

1️⃣ Welcoming Vibes: Picture this - your thirsty guests walk into your cocktail hour, greeted by the aroma of fruity punch. Instantly, they have something fun coloured in their hand and have something to drink! Also fun way to encourage "cheers" photos!

2️⃣Conversation Starter: Punch stations encourage mingling and conversation among guests. It's like a built-in icebreaker! People naturally gather around, say hello and make new connections while getting themselves a glass.

3️⃣Variety & Versatility: Whether it's a classic sangria, a refreshing citrus blend, or a non-alcoholic option, punch offers something for everyone. Customize it to match your wedding theme or season, adding a personal touch to your special day.

4️⃣Budget-Friendly: Offering punch is a budget-friendly way to elevate your cocktail hour. Especially if your venue charges on consumption instead of a bar package, this is one way to help keep your costing down.

So there you have it! Consider adding a punch station to your cocktail hour for an extra dash of hospitability. Your guests will thank you!
⬇️⬇️Comment what punch you would chooose!
Fruit punch, sangria (white or red), rum punch or another concoction!
Photo Tree Studio
Venue

Oh hi there! So many names and faces around here 🙂Welcome to Erica Irwin Weddings and my little part in the IG universe....
05/14/2024

Oh hi there! So many names and faces around here 🙂
Welcome to Erica Irwin Weddings and my little part in the IG universe. I'm thrilled to be your go-to source for all things weddings and if you are planning in the Ottawa area, your EXPERT guide with 15 years of experience. I literally was called "Miss Know it all" by someone in a comment, and I take it as a compliment 😘
Flip through this little carousel to see what it's like to have me and my team on your wedding day. We freaking love weddings and are obsessed with you two loving every minute of your day but also your planning experience.
So welcome and stay tuned for inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes peeks into the magic of wedding planning.
Photo by Palm Tree Studio
Decor by WEDECOR
Venue Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Can you guess the 2 flowers that are the MOST popular when couples show us any inspirations photos? Answer:The peony and...
05/13/2024

Can you guess the 2 flowers that are the MOST popular when couples show us any inspirations photos?
Answer:
The peony and then varieties of roses, especially those big huge gorgeous ones!
✅Then the next question about peonies is "are they in season though?" MOST peonies though aren't from Canada though so "in season" in different than the small sliver of time we have them here.
✅Then if there are any gardeners they ask "but we don't want ants in them". This makes me giggle because yes when I cut them from my garden they have ants but no for wedding bouquets there are no ants.
Did you know this already or did you just learn something new?
Photo Grey Loft Studio
Bouquet
Gown Monique Lhuillier Bride

Moms this one is for you! (so share with your MOMS!)A question I get asked often is "My Mom is looking for her dress and...
05/01/2024

Moms this one is for you! (so share with your MOMS!)
A question I get asked often is "My Mom is looking for her dress and can't find something she loves." A lot of "Mother of the Bride/ Groom" dresses are really not attractive. These Moms absolutely nailed their styles though. So comment below some great shops for Moms who want to look fabulous!
Photo by Scott H Wilson
Hair by Pärla Hair
Planning by me
Bouquet by The Gathering Event Company

💐 Steal my list of options for your wedding ceremony processional!You'll be amazed at the variety of ways you can person...
04/30/2024

💐 Steal my list of options for your wedding ceremony processional!

You'll be amazed at the variety of ways you can personalize your special moment. From traditional to modern twists, there's something for every couple. LOTS of options I have seen pop up over the last 15 years of planning. It’s your wedding so choose one of these options or mix and match to make it YOURS.

⬇Comment your favorite combo below and make your ceremony uniquely yours! ❤️

Are you ready to have fun at your wedding?Tell me below what are you doing to ensure it's the best day ever for you, you...
04/24/2024

Are you ready to have fun at your wedding?
Tell me below what are you doing to ensure it's the best day ever for you, your friends and family?
⬇️ tell us what's on your list for FUN⬇️

Planning
Photo and video
Florals/ rentals/ printing
Venue
Hair
Makeup
Photobooth
Musicians

My toxic trait? I can't help but help. Ask my kids. Takes everything in me to butt out when I know I can make something ...
04/23/2024

My toxic trait?
I can't help but help. Ask my kids. Takes everything in me to butt out when I know I can make something better for you.

🩷That's why being a wedding planner is the best for me. Through the plannig, I am constantly with my couples making decisions, giving guidance, crossing off those mundane tasks they don't want to deal with off my checklist.

🩵Then come the wedding day that's when the hard work PAYS 🩵 OFF🩵 because we all know the end result an amazing wedding day is in the planning.

😍Executing the day is fun part. 😍
That's when I want you enjoy every last drop of your day with the people you love and the person you love most in the world 🌎
So tell me, do you help or are more the type to avoid a situation where you're needed?

ALWAYS remember to get a photo of the back of your dress. Often there are so many beautiful details about your dress tha...
04/04/2024

ALWAYS remember to get a photo of the back of your dress. Often there are so many beautiful details about your dress that you won't remember but having a photo helps.
Those tiny buttons, that elegant lace, maybe even a bow or other detailing on the back.
Also the same goes for your hair!
Comment if you knew this tip already or just learned something new and also tell me about the back of your dress, does it have beautiful detailing?
Gown With Love Bridal Boutique
Photo Palm Tree Studio
Planning Erica Irwin Weddings & Events



Full transparency. Most of our weddings barely use what's available from the venue. For example, chairs are usually rent...
04/03/2024

Full transparency. Most of our weddings barely use what's available from the venue. For example, chairs are usually rented (with the exception of 1 or 2 venues who carry wedding chairs not banquet chairs), linens, candles, charger plates, cutlery, glassware, table numbers, menus, dance floor cover and even tables sometimes. Recently someone asked in a post what was rented and what was provided by the venue and I thought this was such a good topic. Because it's hard for you if you are planning your wedding to understand ALL the things that go into making a wedding design. It's not just flowers put on tables!

So I will try and let you guys know when I post what was provided by the venue vs rented. Because the truth is, what is provided by a venue vs what you see on my Instagram are very different.
Comment: Is this helpful to you? Anything else you would want to know?
Photos by Agatha Rowland Photography
Decor/ rentals/ florals/ printing/ dance floor WEDECOR
Menus Chateau Laurier
Planner Erica Irwin Weddings & Events
Venue Fairmont Château Laurier

One of the MOST asked questions when it comes to weddings and invitations. How do I politely say "no kids" for our weddi...
04/03/2024

One of the MOST asked questions when it comes to weddings and invitations. How do I politely say "no kids" for our wedding!
Here are 4 options and 1 bonus if you are ok with SPECIFIC kids but not everyone's kids.
⬇️Comment which one you like best and tell me how you feel about kids at a wedding!
You'll likely read through the comments and see how I feel about it 😉
✅️ Save this so you don't forget when it comes to invitation time
✅️ Send to someone getting married!
🩷Make sure you follow me for USEFUL daily wedding planning tips too!! 🩷

When your bouquet and your  gown are the essence of SPRING!Lisa wanted a gown that was not a typical all white gown. We ...
03/28/2024

When your bouquet and your gown are the essence of SPRING!
Lisa wanted a gown that was not a typical all white gown. We toyed with all sorts of non-traditional options and then she found this one in Boston and it couldn't be more perfect for her spring wedding at . Then add in her specially designed bouquet by to complement it all.
What do you think? Could you do cilourful gown and bouquet or just one or the other or are you more an all white kind of bride?
Photos by

One of the most iconic staircases to have your photos on in Ottawa. Let’s see how good your Ottawa trivia is, where was ...
03/25/2024

One of the most iconic staircases to have your photos on in Ottawa. Let’s see how good your Ottawa trivia is, where was this taken?

Did you know you can only take photos at the Chateau Laurier though if you are holding your wedding there? The reason is that otherwise the hotel would be flooded with couples wanting to take photos and it would quite honestly cause a lineup.

I love how timeless this is though. This photo could have been at any point in history,

Comment below other “iconic” spots in Ottawa that you want photos taken for your wedding or HAD photos taken!

           

03/21/2024

It doesn’t have to be much🤍

Some times, the simplest portraits, the simple backdrop, no insane lighting, is all you need.

Don’t get me wrong, of course I love a good golden hour, a scenic backdrop, some amazing flash, but if you strip it down, you get photos like these and to me, they’re just as beautiful. Xo

Second shot for
Planner extraordinaire

Did you know that the white orchid and rose bouquet combination was one of the most requested ones we saw in 2023?I thin...
03/20/2024

Did you know that the white orchid and rose bouquet combination was one of the most requested ones we saw in 2023?
I think it's because it's classic, but it's also modern! Swipe to see what our bride Sophie paired her bouquet with for her bridemaids! And then André's boutonniere.
Just keep in mind that those orchids are delicate, so be very gentle with this beauty if you are considering it for your bouquet.
What do you think? Did you pin any rose/ orchid combos for your bouquet?
Planning
Photo
Florals
Venue

Something I add to my timeline is who is helping you put on your gown. I HIGHLY recommend this be a quiet moment with ju...
03/13/2024

Something I add to my timeline is who is helping you put on your gown. I HIGHLY recommend this be a quiet moment with just your Mom or your sister or maid of honour when possible. Some brides like to have everyone around, but the reason I like it to be a quiet moment is so you can just take it all in. Also, it's a special moment. It's your wedding day and likely the first time you've seen your gown on you with hair and makeup done! Just another way I try and add in another little moment into your day for you to slow down and enjoy.
⬇️Comment below who you want helping with yours or if you are now married who did help with yours?⬇️
And as always follow me more USEFUL wedding tips 🩷
Photo by

Happy birthday to Nancy  ! This is a funny story. At Stephanie and Mike's wedding I jokingly said let's get a photo toge...
03/12/2024

Happy birthday to Nancy ! This is a funny story. At Stephanie and Mike's wedding I jokingly said let's get a photo together so I have something to post on your birthday! So here we are 😆😂 I think we need to normalize taking photos with people for birthday posts right??
All kidding aside, there are a lot of talented people I get to work with in this industry and everyone works hard making dreams come true. I call Nancy a magician all the time she's taking people's inspiration photos and then making it their own kind of magic. So drop a 🥂or a 🎂 and wish her a happy birthday!
Photo by
At the

Walk into your wedding day feeling confident and stress-free with my tips and tricks for a perfect wedding rehearsal! My...
02/28/2024

Walk into your wedding day feeling confident and stress-free with my tips and tricks for a perfect wedding rehearsal! My expert guide covers everything from smooth processionals to picture-perfect kisses. Make sure you save this comprehensive list and ensure your special day flows seamlessly. ✨ Trust us to make your dream wedding a reality!

Comment below with any tips you want to add.

Tag a friend getting married!💖

Everything you ever wanted to know and MORE about getting married at the Chateau Laurier up on my blog today. I am putti...
02/27/2024

Everything you ever wanted to know and MORE about getting married at the Chateau Laurier up on my blog today. I am putting a lot of info out there about all the different rooms, the food, the service … you know me it’s A LOT of info but if you are looking at this wedding venue I am sure you want to know it all right?

I covered the highlight version a couple months back but since my blog is my own I can give you guys all the scoop without having to worry about the number of characters on IG!

So comment below BLOG and I’ll send you the link or use the link in my bio to go to my website and navigate on over to blog.

If you have any questions, you can add them in the comments after you read through my blog.

PS I do dish on there about the most controversial part of booking this venue… if you know you know.

Planning by
Photo by
Décor, florals, rentals and stationery by
Venue


It feels like spring but we all know it's "fake spring" so don't start putting your winter stuff away quite yet. In the ...
02/26/2024

It feels like spring but we all know it's "fake spring" so don't start putting your winter stuff away quite yet. In the meantime you can look at this soft and bright wedding for Saxon and Caleb, hosted at her family Art Gallery with two special paintings behind her headtable specially made by Saxon's Mom. They were made just weeks before the wedding, designed after the florals and decor proposed by . We also surprised the bride by not only having their wedding published but they were on the cover of ! Still one of my fav memories 💓
Comment below are you into pops of colour or prefer all white?
Planning
Photo
Decor
Hair .hair
Gown

Doing your wedding photos in downtown Ottawa can make you feel like a movie star! Cars often honk their congratulations ...
02/24/2024

Doing your wedding photos in downtown Ottawa can make you feel like a movie star! Cars often honk their congratulations and there are just so many awesome photo locations to choose from.

It's also a great place to have your out of town guests stay because then they get a real sense of Ottawa and in their down time they can do a little sightseeing.

Even couples who choose to get married just outside of Ottawa often still book a room block downtown.

Comment below with your favourite places to do any of the following in downtown Ottawa:

1. Do wedding photos
2. Hotels you love
3. Restaurants you love
4. Little hidden gems
Tag someone getting married below so they can share on their wedding website maybe!

Photo by
Planning
Bouquet
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1741 Dunkirk Crescent
Ottawa, ON
K1H5T3

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Truly memorable weddings don’t just happen, they are planned … in GREAT detail. Your wedding day should be perfect yet fun and stress-free. I want to help you host the best party you will ever throw and make sure you enjoy every minute of it! Erica Irwin Weddings and Events is an Ottawa based award winning, full-service event planning company that offers the experience, vendor relationships, creativity and integrity necessary to make your wedding a success.

I love working with busy couples to create fabulous, stylish and timeless weddings from the rustic chic to the classically elegant. At the heart of making this possible, I make a point of limiting the number of couples I work with each year to only twelve and never book more than one wedding a weekend. I want to be at your wedding, thinking only of your wedding. Although others from my team of professionals may be involved, you will always have ME on your wedding day. No interns. No associate planners. I’m here to work with you from the beginning right through to that last tear-filled hug as we say goodbye.

Services: Full Wedding Planning In your dreams, every detail matters! The Full Wedding Planning option is perfect for the busy couple that doesn’t have the hundreds of hours required to plan a wedding! Many brides like the idea of planning their own wedding but don’t have the time or even know where to start. This option allows you to be in control but know that your wedding vision, budget, timeline and all your vendors are being carefully managed by a planner who knows how to build your dream wedding around you. I work with the city’s top wedding vendors to create a custom event designed especially for you that is planned to perfection and remembered always! “Month Of ” Coordination Your perfect day come to life! The “Month Of” Coordination option is for the couple that feels they have the time to plan their own wedding and just need “month of” assistance and “day of” on-site help, giving their friends and families the freedom to have fun! With two pre-wedding meetings, I help you finalize your plans, organize your day of timeline and make suggestions for those last little details. Ceremony rehearsal and wedding day are executed with precision so you can truly enjoy your greatest day with all the people who love you. So go on, and dance the night away! Ready to get started? First came love, then came a plan … So let’s talk! We can schedule a complimentary consultation to see how I can make your perfect wedding day come to life! Can’t wait to hear from you.