Coaster to Coaster Founder Stephanie LaChance and Toronto Maple Leafs hockey player Mitchell Marner first met in elementary school. Nearly 10 years later, the two reconnected in Ontario as Steph was attending Western University while Mitch was playing hockey for the London Knights. After six years together, Mitch proposed on the water as the sun set in front of the couple’s lakefront home. “He surprised me with our family back at the cottage,” Steph recalls. “I had no idea it was coming but he absolutely nailed it!”
Shortly after, they chose yet another lakefront destination for their July wedding. “We both wanted a venue outside of Toronto, but not too far as we wanted to ensure our guests were able to attend,” Steph notes. “We always loved the winery vibe, so we chose The Peller Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake.”
The couple worked with Ellie Eccleton of Muse Event Co. to plan the weekend’s events and hired Mike Caringi of 515 Photo Co. to lens every moment while Wild & Free Films videoed. Paper & Poste’s invitation suite featured a custom illustration of the couple’s beloved dog, Zeus.
The bride envisioned a wedding that emulated the ultimate storybook romance and in turn her wardrobe was sure to follow. She fell in love with an Ines Di Santo wedding dress. “Then I wanted to have something more comfortable and fun for the evening, so I changed into a low-back beaded gown for the reception made by Made with Love Bridal.”
Earrings that Steph’s mother wore on her wedding day and jewels that once belonged to her grandmother completed the look. On the day-of, Allison Kam and Fancy Face Inc. applied the finishing touches to the bride’s hair and makeup.
Bridesmaids wore sage-colored styles by Shona Joy. And, as for the groom, Mitch donned a navy blue tuxedo for the ceremony then switched into a Garrison white dinner jacket for the dancing that inevitably followed. “Then for the late night part of the evening, we changed into custom jerseys and sneakers,” the groom explains. “They were a hit.”
The formal celebrations began on Friday when guests gathered for the intimate rehearsal dinner amidst the vines at Two Sisters Vineyards. Local vendors Bloom & Co. and Simply Beautiful Decor embellished the tablescapes.
On July 29, 2023, little ones—accompanied by Zeus—walked down the aisle before Steph took her father by hand and met Mitch before Rachel A Clingen’s cascading floral arch. Views of the vineyard at Riverbend Inn set the scene as the two exchanged vows and shared a first kiss as newlyweds before exiting the ceremony to “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine. “Words can’t describe the immense amount of love we felt during that day,” Steph shares. “To see all of our friends and family there meant the world to us. It was a very special moment.”
Following an oyster-clad cocktail hour, everyone met under a bright greenhouse-inspired space for dinner. Rachel A. Clingen added flowers to every corner of the tent, while Detailz Rentals provided all the furniture. Sentimental toasts by the newlyweds’ parents, maid of honor, and best man had nearly everyone emotional. Afterward, Sole Power played Michael Buble’s “Everything” for Mitch and Steph’s first dance.
Guests joined in as the celebrations amped up. “The dance floor was truly electric. Dancing on the dance floor all night—being surrounded by your wife and all of your favorite people was definitely a highlight,” Mitch says. The newlyweds cut into their Nadia & Co. cake, and after a night on the dance floor, those left standing headed down to the wine cellar, where late-night bites fueled the revelry and a deejay kept the party rocking until the morning hours.
Looking back, Steph remembers the day like a dream. “We can’t thank everyone enough,” she adds. “It was amazing to see our vision come to life and it was truly a fairytale. The most magical, perfect day we could have ever imagined. We would do it all over again!”
