Latest news with #MattDavis
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Beyoncé-Themed Wedding Weekend With a Sneaker Chic Dress Code, a Sing-Along Ceremony, and a Cowboy Carter After-Party
When Matt Davis and Calvin Gaines first met, they bonded over their shared love of Nike Blazers, a shoe that would one day feature heavily in their wedding. At the time, however, it just seemed like they were kindred spirits—two people who shared a number of overlapping interests, one of which that happened to be a specific style of sneakers. Over time, their relationship grew and became romantic. In August of 2023, Matt proposed to Calvin in a Paris garden, and the two spent the rest of the day shopping for rings. A few months later on November 27, 2023, they were legally married in London, and from that day on, the number 27 felt significant in their relationship. When they chose to have a follow-up celebration attended by all their family and friends, they let their lucky number help them set the date: When the couple toured The Bordone in New York City, a venue they were drawn to due to its modern architecture and city views, they realized there was just one open date available for the fall, and it aligned with their lucky number. Without giving it a second thought, they set the date for September 27, 2024, then got to work planning a wedding weekend no one would forget. Since their wedding would be a destination event for the majority of their 140 guests, Matt and Calvin wanted to host a weekend of activities to keep everyone busy. Still, they wanted to do things their own way, so the flipped the traditional wedding weekend order of events, starting with a wedding on Friday, September 27, followed by a more intimate post-wedding party at The Little Owl Townhouse on September 28; both events were inspired by Calvin's love of Beyoncé, the grooms' shared interest in sneakers, and their desire emphasize "creative, personal, and non-traditional" details. "From the very beginning, we knew we wanted our wedding to be a true reflection of who we are—our style, our love story, and the things that bring us joy,' Matt says. 'Every detail was intentionally designed to feel personal, meaningful, and unapologetically us.' Matt and Calvin knew they needed a visionary wedding planner to help them pull off all of their ideas, so they hired planner Lauren Gordon of Cherish Events to all the custom details. From a custom MTV-inspired logo and a sing-along style wedding ceremony to their "sneaker chic" dress code and "Act II" after-party, you won't want to miss any of the details captured in the photos by Larisa Shorina Photography. Related: Why Couples Are Incorporating Wellness Practices Into Their Wedding Weekends—And 11 of the Most Popular Ones Matt and Calvin designed their wedding attire to be in keeping with the day's color scheme, which was emerald green and champagne with pops of rust, gold, pink, and orange. For the ceremony, Matt wore a custom champagne linen three-piece suit from Savile Road in London. When he couldn't find a tie that matched his look, he had one made from Cad & The Dandy. He accessorized with vintage Gucci cufflinks and leather suspenders. Calvin wore a custom green suits from Cad & The Dandy, which featured a subtle orange plaid pattern made from 100% bamboo fabric. Calvin also bought matching bracelets for him and Matt to wear on the wedding day. Matt worked with MattB Customs to create custom Nike Blazer sneakers, which featured his and Calvin's custom logo and color palette. Their wedding party wore matching sneakers as a nod to the shoes Calvin was wearing when the couple first met. The couple asked their groomsmen to wear rust-colored suits from Indochino. 'From the beginning, we wanted our wedding party's attire to feel cohesive but not overly uniform, reflecting both our carefully curated wedding palette and the personalities of the people standing by our side,' Matt says. The groomsmen paired their suits with white shirts, champagne-colored ties, and their own custom Nike sneakers. The bridesmaids and other female members of the wedding party wore their choice of dress in metallic or rust colors. As guests arrived for Matt and Calvin's wedding, they were served pre-ceremony refreshments and given programs outlining the order of events. The programs also included lyrics to Tina Turner's 'The Best' on the back, which allowed everyone in attendance to join in on a sing-along at the end of the ceremony. "We are both sneakerheads, and our love story started over a pair of Nike Blazers, so it only made sense that sneakers played a major role in our wedding," the grooms explain. A "sneaker chic" dress code emerged, and guests were encouraged to pair their formalwear with fun, unique shoes. Attendees went all out, helping to make Matt and Calvin's vision a reality in the form of brightly colored footwear with unique accessories. Related: 9 Trending Dress Codes You're Bound to See at Modern Weddings Instead of traditional bouquets, Matt and Calvin had their wedding party walk down the aisle with champagne flutes and jello shot syringes, which had been finished with custom ribbons matching their color palette. 'Since we're very social and love hosting, we thought this was the perfect way to make the ceremony interactive while keeping the energy fun and celebratory,' Calvin says. The grooms and their wedding planner chose a semi-circle design for their rooftop ceremony, which helped to create an intimate vow exchange experience in which they were surrounded by their guests as they reaffirmed their commitment to one another. They also chose a circular structure as their altar, which reinforced the day's theme of unity. Matt and Calvin each walked down the aisle solo, which was important to them. They wrote their own vows and exchanged them in front of their guests before celebrating back up the aisle during a sing-along recessional. 'Live musician Najah Moser led all of our guests in an epic sing-along of Tina Turner's 'The Best,'' Matt says. 'This moment was electric—everyone singing, clapping, and celebrating as we exited together, completely surrounded by love and joy.' In keeping with the party vibe they had started at the beginning of their ceremony, the couple also created a tequila shot wall that doubled as their seating chart display. They also served signature pink lemonade cocktails they called the Pink Pony. 'We found 1950s-style Pink Pony Club diner signs on Etsy and incorporated them into the bar design and drink trays,' Calvin says. Matt and Calvin created a custom logo inspired by the 1980s MTV logo incorporating their special number, 27. The logo itself became a focal point of the wedding day's décor, seen on everything from the seating chart display to the menus and even the drink and food trays. At the reception, the couple and their planner incorporated a mix of textures and colors into the evening's designing, including organic floral centerpieces in shades of rust, gold, pink, orange, and green in mixed metallic and tinted glass vessels. Each table was named after a song title as a nod to Beyoncé's Renaissance album. 'The linen selections were just as intentional as every other element, pulling directly from their custom-designed color palette,' Matt says. They chose gold-rimmed chargers and flatware to add a pop of metallic color to each table. Place settings were marked with a personalized menu that matched their invitation suite and featured the couple's custom logo, which was also projected onto the dance floor. Lighting was also important to Matt and Calvin, so they worked with their planner to choose lights that helped enhance the ambience they wanted for the evening. A custom overhead installation of greenery and neon light tubing created a modern and artistic focal point in the space while spotlights and color changing lighting were brought to the dance floor to enhance the party atmosphere. Matt and Calvin changed into their reception outfits, which also featured a sneaker change. Matt wore a deep orange suit and Calvin changed into a bright pink suit, both from The Edit, London. They shared their first dance to 'Lover' by Taylor Swift before dancing with their moms to Beyoncé's 'Protector." The couple hired Electric Boulevard as their band and DJ, which they acknowledge as the easiest choice of the wedding planning process. The festivities continued into the evening, with an after-party that kept the revelry going. Matt and Calvin changed into fun sequined outfits from ASOS. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, they chose to serve passed dessert bites and late-night snacks, including mini bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches (a New York staple) on croissants. The next evening, Matt and Calvin invited their out-of-town guests to join them for a Cowboy Carter-themed post-wedding party at The Little Owl Townhouse in West Village, New York City. They encouraged everyone to come dressed in their best cowboy-inspired or sequined outfits. The grooms dressed the part, too, wearing western-style hats and footwear that nodded to the evening's theme. Instead of another sit-down dinner, Matt and Calvin made the evening's meal a bit more interactive: They chosen an 11-course dining experience served from trays to keep the energy flowing. Guests also enjoyed signature cocktails called 'Jolene' and 'Honey Buckin' Margarita' as a nod to the night's playful country-meets-pop theme. The grooms worked with the venue to create a custom Act II mural to elevate the space and served custom cookies inspired by the theme. Najah Moser returned for another live performance, keeping everyone on the dance floor. 'Guests embraced the themed fashion, making the night feel immersive and unforgettable,' Matt says. 'It was the perfect way to wrap up a weekend full of love, creativity, and celebration!' After their wedding weekend officially wrapped, the couple spent their honeymoon relaxing and reminiscing in Greece. To other pairs current planning a wedding, Matt and Calvin offer this simple but sweet advice: 'Double your budget and hire Lauren.'Wedding Photographer Larisa Shorina Photography Wedding Planning and Design Cherish Events Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue The Bordone Act II Venue The Little Owl Townhouse Flowers Fern Botanica Music Najah Moser, Electric Boulevard Catering Great Performances Rentals Atlas Party Rentals, Patina Rentals Hair Marci Saucedo Up Next: 30 Wedding Theme Ideas for Every Style of Celebration Read the original article on Brides
CTV News
13-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Canadians love dining outdoors, new data has found. Here are the top 100 restaurants in Canada for al fresco dining in 2025
Dogs on a Kitchener patio Pet-friendly dining is also top of mind for those dining outside, with OpenTable data revealing a 25 per cent uptick year-over-year in reservations at 'pet-friendly' restaurants. Fifty-six per cent of dog owners have reported dining out with their pet at a restaurant/café at least once a month in the summer, while 36 per cent indicated they would 'definitely' dine out more often with their pet if dog-friendly options were easier to locate. 'We are seeing a demand for pet-friendly patios in real time, as dining is growing 11 per cent higher year-over-year at pet friendly restaurants than those that don't allow pets,' said Matt Davis, OpenTable Canada's senior country director, in a news release. (Heather Senoran / CTV News Kitchener)
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Calgary's most picturesque patios unveiled on new list
Eight Calgary restaurants have made a new list of the best places for outdoor dining in Canada. The list from online restaurant reservation site OpenTable was released on Thursday and draws upon the data from one million reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners across Canada between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. The list features 56 restaurants in Ontario, 19 in British Columbia, 16 in Alberta, four in Quebec, three in Nova Scotia, one in Manitoba and one in Saskatchewan. Of those featured in Alberta, three are in Edmonton, two are in Banff (Lupo and Three Bears), one is in Canmore (Bridgette Bar) and one is in Bragg Creek (Italian Farmhouse). The Calgary eateries featured on the list of picturesque patios include: OpenTable noted that Barbarella, Bonterra and the Bow Valley Ranche are all dog-friendly patios. 'We are seeing a demand for pet-friendly patios in real time, as dining is growing 11 per cent higher year-over-year at pet-friendly restaurants than those that don't allow pets,' said spokesperson Matt Davis in a news release. Click here to view OpenTable's complete list of the 100 Most Popular Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Canada for 2025.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
White Sharks now found in this new US location
Source: National Geographic In recent years, shark sightings have increased significantly in areas like New York and Massachusetts. Great white sharks, once rare in these regions, are now frequently spotted in new waters. A recent study tracked dozens of sharks off the Maine coast, confirming a growing population. Researchers attribute this rise to conservation efforts and a rebound in prey species such as seals. As a result, white sharks are now expected to be annual visitors to the Atlantic Ocean near the north eastern U.S. This shift highlights changing marine ecosystems and the importance of continued monitoring and safety awareness along coastal areas. Great white sharks found off the Coast of Maine According to the A-Z-Animals reports, for over a decade, great white sharks have been increasingly appearing off Maine's coast. Initially, it was not a concern, but the trend took a deadly turn in 2020. In response to this unexpected shift, over 100 individual sharks were found at the place, and the researchers published their study in Frontiers in Marine Science. After the first fatal shark attack in Maine's history—off the coast of Harpswell—researchers from multiple organizations, including the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, and others, collaborated on the study. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The data they collected revealed patterns in the presence and movement of great white sharks off the Maine coast. According to Matt Davis of the Maine Department of Marine Resources and the study's lead author, the proximity of sharks to shore and the time of the day they were spotted could be predicted only during the months the sharks were most active. 'We are excited to have this study published and continue to expand our understanding of white sharks in the western North Atlantic and the coastal waters in Marine,' Davis explains. 'This work could not have been done without the collaboration of many researchers and organizations, and we thank everyone involved'. The one point that the study did not discuss was why a great number of sharks are being found off the coast of Maine, and specifically in the Gulf of Maine. Why great white sharks are being found in the Gulf of Maine As great white sharks bulk up in preparation for winter, the Gulf of Maine has become a seasonal home for them. While there are several theories explaining the increase in their population, the exact reason remains unclear. Historically, Maine's waters were thought to be too cold to support a large white shark population. However, due to climate change and warming ocean temperatures, the waters off Maine's coast are no longer too cold for these apex predators. The Gulf of Maine is experiencing unprecedented ocean warming, with surface temperatures rising 97% faster than the global average. Record-breaking temperatures in 2021 and 2022—rising by 4.15°F and 3.72°F, respectively—have created ideal conditions for white sharks. Water temperatures between 55°F and 60°F, combined with a booming seal population, have drawn large numbers of sharks to the area. The seal population, which rebounded from a low of 6,000 in the early 1970s to now includes five diverse species, provides an abundant food source for the sharks. Places where white sharks are traditionally found In the past, only a few great white sharks migrated up to Maine during the summer and fall to feed before heading south for warmer waters in the winter. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in their numbers off the Maine coast. Before this surge, great white sharks were more commonly found off the coasts of North and South Carolina and Virginia. Shark attacks in northern waters were rare, as the sharks found ample prey in the Atlantic Ocean further south and had no need to venture north. However, as seal populations have increased off the coasts of New York, Massachusetts, and Maine, great white sharks have followed. This has expanded their range along the East Coast, making their presence no longer unusual, but a permanent fixture in the warmer summer waters of the North Atlantic. Also read| Most expensive Koi fish sold for a worth of $1.8 million; here's what makes the fish so special
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Mourners heartbroken as graveyard turned to ash in 'shocking act'
Mourners heartbroken as graveyard turned to ash in 'shocking act' Part of the Bedwellty graveyard was damaged by vandals Gravestones at the church have been significantly damaged (Image: Google Maps ) Around 20 graves were left with significant damage after the historic graveyard of a rural Welsh church was set on fire. The vicar described the damage as "shocking" and said he and his congregation were "suitably outraged". St Sannan's, in Bedwellty near Caerphilly, is home to a gravestone dating back to the 1770s. Reverend Matt Davis said the fire on Sunday morning had damaged a 100 square-metre area and "significantly damaged around" 20 graves but they haven't yet been able to properly access it as the ground is still hot. Rev Davis said as soon as volunteers could get safe access to the area they would be in contact with the families of the affected graves. Stay informed on Caerphilly news by signing up to our newsletter here . Reverend Davis believes around 20 graves have been damaged (Image: Parish of Bedwellty & New Tredegar ) Rev Davis said: "We only found out about it when one of my wardens saw the fire engines at the church on Sunday morning. It's quite an isolated church and we don't have any direct neighbours in the area where the fire took place. "There's nothing there which can just magically catch fire and where the fire came from there is a tree which is due to be removed so it seems they've set fire to some dead wood that was there and it's travelled across the grass. Article continues below "It is quite shocking. The pictures don't do it justice in showing how far the fire has gone or how far it could have gone. "Myself and the church community are very upset and sympathetic and suitably outraged as much of the family would be as those in the graves." Rev Davis also said they are looking for volunteers to help with the clear-up and general upkeep of the graveyard. "If anyone would be interested feel free to contact us," he added. People with family buried there flocked to the comments of a Facebook post to express their concern. One person wrote: "My grandparents are buried here. How low can some people go? No respect for anything or anyone." Someone else said: "That's disgusting. My great-grandparents are buried there in the old part." Article continues below A spokesman for South Wales Fire and Rescue said of Sunday's incident: "SWFRS received a call at approximately 11.46am to reports of smoke near St Sannans Church, Bedwellty. "Crews and an appliance from Aberbargoed attended the scene and extinguished a grass fire using a hose reel jet. Stop message was received around 12.59pm."
