From the Creative Team:
On July 27th, interior designer Lauren Kyle and hockey’s biggest star, Connor McDavid, exchanged vows in a breathtaking lakeside wedding in Muskoka. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, lush forests, and charming small towns, Muskoka is a premier summer destination in Canada, making it an ideal setting for an extraordinary wedding. The celebration unfolded on Old Woman Island, a stunning 16-acre private estate featuring seven buildings and six picturesque beaches. Throughout the weekend, the couple hosted four lavish events across various locations on the island, creating a grand and luxurious celebration fit for hockey royalty.
The Rehearsal Dinner
The celebration began with a rehearsal dinner aboard a steamship cruising the lake around Old Woman Island. Guests were invited to don “old money attire” to enhance the steamship’s charm and complement the “old world” theme of the wedding ceremony. The table settings featured vintage trinkets, beautiful florals and romantic candles, while framed photos of the couple’s grandparents adorned the boat, adding a personal touch to the evening.
For this event, Lauren Kyle dazzled in a vintage Ralph Lauren dress that perfectly encapsulated the evening’s “old money” theme. The gown featured a plunging cowl neck and an intricate bejewelled appliqué, adding extra glamour to Kyle’s look. To complete her ensemble, Lauren chose Tiffany & Co. jewelry, whose classic designs beautifully complemented the vintage aesthetic of her dress. Finished with strappy heels by Magda Butrym, this look made Kyle the epitome of grace and style.
The Welcome Dinner
The following night, the welcome dinner was hosted on the property’s tennis court, featuring a European summer theme. The evening featured a spritz bar and a jazz band, perfectly capturing the relaxed, elegant vibes of a European soirée. Pastel pink and purple hydrangeas were specially planted for the occasion, creating a stunning garden backdrop. Guests were encouraged to dress in similar pastel hues to complement the theme. Kyle’s bridesmaids wore custom pastel feather dresses that harmonized beautifully with the vibrant flowers, adding an extra layer of detail to the event.
Determined to incorporate some colour into her wedding wardrobe, Lauren dazzled in a butter yellow gown by New York designer Danielle Frankel. This strapless creation, crafted with a silk lining and a soft tulle-lace overlay, featured a graceful draped silhouette and a playful bubble hem. The gown also included a matching scarf detail that cascades into a low back, adding an extra touch of elegance. Lauren opted to forgo jewelry, allowing the dress to shine on its own and achieving an effortlessly chic look ideal for a European summer.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place atop a specially constructed dock on the lake, offering a stunning and unique setting for the wedding. The grand dock was adorned with lush green grass, and the aisle was beautifully lined with glamorous bouquets. The bridesmaids wore custom white gowns made of either silk or lace, and Australian artist Jack Botts was flown in to sing as Lauren walked down the aisle. Against the picturesque backdrop of Muskoka Lake, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, creating an emotional and personal ceremony that not only showcased the beauty of their favourite place but the depth of their love and commitment to each other
Lauren’s custom Vivienne Westwood gown was a masterful blend of timeless elegance and modern allure. The gown featured a sleek, sophisticated design that effortlessly created a refined and captivating look. Lauren wore a delicate sheer veil to compliment her dress perfectly and carried a simple white bouquet. Her choice of accessories included pearl drop earrings from Tiffany & Co., which provided a touch of understated luxury, and ivory Jimmy Choo pumps for a stylish and classic look.
The Reception
After the ceremony and cocktail hour, it was time for the reception to begin. Embracing a fairytale forest theme, it took place in a serene wooded area of the island. The space was adorned with natural elements: grasses and chandeliers cascaded from a wooden frame, while white chiffon curtains draped gracefully around the sides. The tables featured simple arrangements of white and purple florals, complemented with flickering candle sticks in glass vases. Olive trees were strategically placed around the softly lit venue, enhancing the enchanting and romantic forest ambiance.
To complement the reception’s theme, Lauren changed into a nude illusion gown by Oscar de la Renta, intricately embroidered with crystals. The vine-patterned embroidery harmonized beautifully with the forest-inspired decor, adding a touch of extra sparkle to the ambiance. The gown also featured a delicate tulle accent at the back. Lauren completed the look with a diamond tennis bracelet, earrings from Tiffany & Co., and crystal-studded heels by Christian Dior.
The Afterparty
After the four extravagant events concluded, it was time for the after-party. With Canadian DJ duo Loud Luxury headlining, the couple and their guests danced the night away in celebration. The venue was adorned with disco balls, colourful party lights, and fog machines, creating an electric and festive atmosphere.
Kyle chose to wear a light blue mini dress by Chloé for the final event. Lauren fell in love with this iconic piece after seeing a photograph of supermodel Kate Moss wearing it on the 1997 runway. With a strapless silhouette, beaded tassel and intricate embroidery, Kyle knew it would be her perfect “something blue.” After a lengthy hunt, she found the dress at a vintage store in New York City. Lauren wore the original piece for the initial part of the after-party before changing into a recreation to help preserve the vintage ensemble.
This wedding was a grand display of lakeside luxury that effortlessly blended natural beauty with opulent elegance. It was not just a series of events, but a masterful execution of the couple’s vision, where every detail contributed to a cohesive and enchanting celebration. The couple’s vision was not just realized, but elevated, creating a lasting impression that will be cherished for years.
