If you are planning a wedding then you must check out our wedding guide for North Bay!
North Bay Ontario is an absolute vision, especially during the summer months. Its waterfronts and sunsets are comparable to something out of a movie. Its gorgeous parks and beaches (with water that welcomes swimming) are great for afternoon picnics, walks on the beach or taking your bike or rollerblades down the Kate Pace way, while you enjoy the fresh air. In addition to its scenic atmosphere, it can also be more affordable than nearby Muskoka. The city’s local entrepreneurs offer a wide variety of services to cater to these special events. This is why so many couples choose to marry in North Bay. I have had the pleasure of working with many of North Bay’s businesses and vendors over the past ten years of owning my own business. My name is Kim Bean and I’ve been offering beauty services in North Bay (and surrounding areas) for more than a decade. If these options don’t suit your wedding day needs, I’ve included a few other options which you may be interested in.
Sunset Dreaming over Lake Nipissing – photographer: Scott Edworthy
Wedding Venues
There are many different venues available in North Bay and they suit a variety of aesthetics. Be sure to book in advance, like caterers, hair and makeup artists it is not uncommon for these facilities and services to be reserved a year or two a head of time.
From rustic and rural, historical and polished or ultra formal and modern here are some of the most beautiful venues to host both your ceremony and reception:
The North Bay Museum in the downtown and waterfront area or The Grande Event Centre on Main Street, Or, if you are going for more of a rustic country vibe then check out The Mel Gibson Ranch Co Inc, Black Saddle Barn Wedding and Event Venue, Aubrey Acres, Woodbridge Acres, and Barn and Bliss.
The Grande Event Centre
The Mel Gibson Ranch Co
Accommodations
My mobile beauty services business has taken me to most of North Bay’s hotels and my favourite option is the Homewood Suites. This recently built location is within walking distance to the beach. It’s also close to many different bars and restaurants located on Algonquin Avenue and in the downtown core. If you’re someone who needs to prepare their own meals (or is travelling with a young family) many units also offer a kitchen and have spacious layouts.
In addition to Homewood Suites, North Bay has many other wonderful accommodations for your wedding guests. Visit the Tourism North Bay website where you can find a detailed list of hotels, motels, cottages, and B&B’s.
Tent and Party Shelter Rentals
Though I haven’t been married, I’ve attended over a hundred weddings in the past decade, and I know exactly who I’d call if or when he pops the question. In terms of the event itself, All Shelter Sales and Rentals is phenomenal in their customer service, wide selection of textiles, tables, tents, seating and the pieces available for rent are top quality, standing out in person and in photos. Their showroom is also incredibly helpful for those who need inspiration or prefer to see their options in person.
Wildflower Event Rentals is another great option, run by a young married couple who bring new and fresh rental options to North Bay. Whether it be customized wedding décor, or an event tent, Wildflower will ensure your personal touch is all over your wedding festivities.
Rustic Wine Barrels rentals by Wildflower Event Rentals
Wedding Planners
When speaking to brides, a lot of them have told me that hiring a planner is vital when it comes to maintaining your sanity and remembering your special day after it happens. Tickled Pink Brides is a wedding planning service that assist with coordinating the needs for those getting married in North Bay or the surrounding area. This is an inclusive business who provides services such as full theme creation and floor plan designs while staying within your budget. For those who already know what they want, they also offer partial wedding planning packages designed to save you time, money, and stress.
Heart to Heart Celebrations is another fantastic option for helping you raise your wedding to the next level by totally customizing your ceremony with you, they help to turn all your wedding dreams into reality.
Flowers
When purchasing flowers, I always try to enlist Flourish By Hava, a small business run by a female entrepreneur who has a keen eye for complimentary colours and offers delivery. Her arrangements are customizable, incredibly fresh, eye-catching, lush and affordable.
Jackman’s Flower Shop has been a floral staple in North Bay, dating all the way back to 1908. There is nobody more experienced in fulfilling floral needs than Jackman’s. Offering customized wedding flowers and bouquets, Jackman’s and their experienced designers provide quality and detail, within your budget, to ensure your flowers are exactly as you imagined them to be.
Flowers by Flourish by Hava
Hairstyling
When I’m unable to provide hair services, I like to recommend someone I trust completely: Sherisse Mondoux of Hair Designers, a North Bay institution that has been in business for thirty-five years. Sherisse has been a hairstylist for two decades. I trust her with my colour, highlights, haircuts, treatments, and styles. I’m incredibly picky and I’m not the easiest client. My standards are high. Sherisse has created beautiful styles and colours for my grandmother, aunt, and mother – all women of different generations and who have very high standards. Sherisse never disappoints.
A few other options are Melissa Koprash Hair, and Bay Beauty Salon.
Hair Makeup and Nails by Kim Bean
Makeup
Hiring a professional to do your makeup provides you (and your wedding party) a huge sense of relief on a very busy day. If you’re not someone who uses makeup on a regular basis, I highly recommend that you do not take on this challenge.
A professional can stay on schedule and ensure that you look your best (both in person and in the photos that you will look back on, fondly). I have a lot of knowledge in this area with my own professional makeup service, What’s Bean Happening and have made up celebrities, models, musicians, and hundreds of brides. Each client gets the same star treatment no matter what. My aesthetic is both natural and glamorous.
Every makeup application is customized to reflect my clients’ individuality and personal preference. This is determined through a trial that takes place anywhere from 4 months to 4 days before the ceremony. The client is made to feel like their absolute best authentic selves on their wedding day.
Most brides book one to two years in advance with a few exceptions when dates change, and appointments open.
Hair Makeup and Nails by Kim Bean
Photography
When it comes to capturing the moment Table and Pine is an absolute genius. No wedding is ever the same. Every photograph is incredibly personal, intimate, and full of love. Emily is a true artist who see’s special moments, which are sometimes fleeting, and makes sure that they are shared with the people who will cherish them most.
Other photographers to look at are Black Saddle Photography, Sabrina Johnson Photography, TanyaSeanExpressions or try The Cultivated Lens.
Backyard Boho Wedding – photographer: The Cultivated Lens
Catering
I am a serious foodie so when it comes to bakers and caterers, I’ve likely tried them. So here are my thoughts:
The first is AR Donuts, a small business that is fairly new to North Bay. They make a variety of homemade donuts ranging from chocolate to coconut. You can buy them by the dozen, or they can cater to your every reception need.
When shopping for a cake, I would go to Opera Bakery. I love the old-world vibe in their physical location, but they also have the most delicious, decadent baked goods and homemade foods. Their cake designs are both classic, themed and/or intricate, beautiful, and customizable. If you’ve ever thought that no one could compete with your grandma’s baking, Opera Bakery could be the one to change your mind!
In terms of delicious appetizers and mains, I have always been a devout Churchills customer. If you love premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood, great wine pairings, seasonal vegetables, and artistry when it comes to food, you need to look into this locally owned fine dining restaurant.
Another option for cakes and donuts is Good Glaze.
Cake and Donuts by Good Glaze
In conclusion, in North Bay, you’ll be immersed in a small town, northern environment, and whichever team you put together to make your big day perfect, you can trust that it will be a personalized and wonderful experience. In North Bay, there is no shortage of beautiful locations to read your vows or local experts who will help form your perfect wedding day support team. Say “I do” to your wedding in North Bay and toast a glass to a perfect magical ceremony.
