Lis Simon Bride Alison
Handmade With Love: A Valentine’s-Inspired Wedding at Remai Modern
Hosted at the modern and artful Remai Modern Art Gallery in Saskatoon, Lis Simon Bride Alison and Carter’s February wedding was a celebration of creativity, romance, and personal flair. Inspired by Valentine’s Day, their reception embraced an eclectic, heartfelt aesthetic—complete with handmade touches and a rich palette dreamed up by the bride herself.
THE LOVE STORY
Alison and Carter are two prairie-raised souls from Saskatchewan who grew up in different cities but met halfway around the world during a gap year trip to Australia—she was 18, he was 19. After their time abroad, both ended up in Calgary for university, where they remained close friends for three years before their friendship quietly turned into something more. They began dating in 2020.
“Carter and I are two very different people who come together and balance one another out” Carter is calm and steady, while Alison is full of energy and enthusiasm—their differences balance each other in all the right ways. After three years together, Carter proposed in October 2023, marking the start of their next chapter.
THE PROPOSAL
October 28th, 2023
In October 2023, Carter planned a trip back to Calgary around Halloween to visit some of their old college friends. Alison had a feeling something was up—it was a spontaneous trip, and she had a sense that a proposal might be coming soon.
When they arrived in Calgary, Carter said they’d be stopping by his grandparents’ house before dinner. While Alison loved seeing them, it wasn’t something they often did, which only added to her suspicions—especially when Carter suggested they go for a walk, even though it was windy and snowing. On the way, he mentioned they needed to stop at a store to pick up supplies for that night’s plans with friends. Alison pointed out they had already passed two stores, but Carter insisted there was a specific one he had in mind. “Little did I know while we were inside the store, two of my friends were outside setting up blankets, pillows, and candles in the bed of Carter's truck”.
After they got back in the car, Carter drove to a nearby park where they had gone on one of their first dates. That date had also taken place in the back of his truck, where they painted together while overlooking the city. When they pulled into the lot, the energy was high—Alison knew what was coming, and so did Carter.
He opened the back of the truck to reveal the cozy setup. Then, he handed Alison a painting that read “Will you marry me?”—a sweet nod to that early date. He got down on one knee and proposed. “I jumped and screamed and turned to see a photographer Carter hired come out of hiding”.
Afterward, they took some photos and went to dinner at their favourite restaurant. Later that evening, Carter brought Alison to what she thought was a Halloween party—but it turned out to be a surprise Halloween/engagement party, thoughtfully planned by Carter to celebrate both the proposal and Alison’s favourite holiday. The night was spent surrounded by friends and family, full of joy and celebration.
THE DRESS
Beaded OKO
“Dress shopping was something I was most excited about while wedding planning.”
In December 2023, she visited three or four bridal shops with her family and friends. At each store, she always found herself torn between two styles—one that was simple and timeless with pearl details, and another that was much more sparkly and fun. “Once I tried on my dress, it perfectly combined the classic elegance I was looking for with the special shine I loved”!
WEDDING & RECEPTION
February 15th, 2025 at Remai Modern Art Gallery
Their reception was an eclectic and romantic celebration, inspired by Valentine’s Day and filled with love. Surrounded by friends and family, the evening was full of warmth and joy.
“I spent A LOT of time hand-making and designing elements of the wedding with much love and detail. I am someone who loves to do DIY or craft so this wedding was my arena for over a year!”
FAVOURITE MOMENTS
“My top moments were definitely in the morning getting ready with my crew. I loved spending time with some of my favourite people and they helped so much with my nerves about the day. The other moment was during the dance where I got to serenade my lovely husband with One less lonely girl by Justin Bieber”.
PREPARATIONS & INSPIRATIONS
While looking for venues after getting engaged, Alison found one she loved—but it had limited dates. One of the only options was February 15, 2025. She thought it would be cute to have a wedding near Valentine’s Day.
A little while later, she had a dream about a Valentine’s wedding, complete with colours and details. When she told Carter, he was all for it—and that’s how their Valentine’s-themed wedding came to be.
“I have always been an eclectic and eccentric person and wanted to shine through the details of our wedding–from the dresses of my bridesmaids to the matchbox thank-you gifts. Pinterest has been my best friend. After the wedding I sadly had to retire my wedding board that had accumulated 1.4K pins and has 19 separate sections to it”.
HONEYMOON
Jasmine and Joshua traveled to Riviera Maya, Mexico for their honeymoon. Their flight was just six hours after their reception ended, making the experience even more exciting. A few hours later, they landed and spent the day on the beach, soaking up the sun and reliving memories from their wedding night.
FROM ALISON
Weddings can be so stressful. Takinga deep breath and remembering why you’re getting married is cliche but the best advice I got. At the end of the day this celebration is about you and your partner so sneak those special details in just for you!
Special thanks to:
Bridal boutique: Exquisite Fashion and Bridal
Photographer: Ninth Ave Studios
Videographer: Love Laura Videos
Florist: Highblush Floral
