Horse Farm Wedding in Burlington, Ontario

Taylor and Brad came up from Ohio to celebrate their big day on her uncle's horse farm here in Ontario. The estate had a special place in Taylor's heart and right from the moment we met I knew I wanted to be involved. I then fell in love with the stunning countryside estate and I knew this horse farm wedding was going to be one full of love! Planning a tent wedding is difficult enough but doing so from out of town creates an added level of complexity. I was happy to help them with both the planning and styling of the event. It was important to Taylor that the beautiful landscape be the focal point so we were careful to pull inspiration from our surroundings.

THE DESIGN

We used wood harvest tables for the head table and buffet tables to relax the beautiful champagne linens used to dress up the guest tables. Each centerpiece was carefully assembled by Ashley Elaine Florals in heirloom trophies won by the family's horses over the years. Using a bright palette in shades of pinks and greens, we anchored it all with a deep raspberry colour. Brad handmade the table numbers out of horseshoes as a subtle nod to the beautiful animals that mean so much to Taylor.

THE FOOD

Jake's Grillhouse handled the catering and oh my goodness, it was yummy! During cocktail hour canapes were passed while oysters were shucked in front of guests at the beautifully prepared oyster bar. As for dinner, we wanted to be mindful of budget and the relaxed outdoor environment so we opted for buffet style. Buffet tends to get a bad rap, but the longer it has to sit the better the flavours get! Is also allows for more flexibility in terms of timing with speeches and event flow.

Flowers Ashley Elaine Florals
Photography The Wayfarers
Catering Jake's Grillhouse
Tent and Rentals Special Event Rentals
Hair and Makeup Pretty in Pink Mobile Makeup
Videography Archangel Productions
DJ Jarek Gora
Ceremony Musician Chantal Dube

Gift Etiquette at Destination Weddings

Proper etiquette dictates that for every wedding invitation, regardless of where the wedding is being held and whether you are attending, a gift is required. I would even go as far to say that if a couple has clearly indicated that your presence is gift enough, a small gift to celebrate their marriage is always a lovely gesture anyways.

I know this can be a hard one to grasp when you're already spending loads of money for your flight, accommodations, spending money, etc., but it doesn't have to be much. Honestly, don’t worry if you are spending less than what you usually might! Maybe just a credit towards a couples massage at the resort or a beautiful bottle of wine to enjoy that week! If you'd rather give them a gift from their wedding registry you may just be able to snag a great sale if you keep an eye out.

It's also totally fine to send the wedding gift as soon as the wedding invitation is received, so if you are not planning or able to attend the wedding, I suggest sending the gift at the same time as you send your response card. That way, you won't forget as you near closer to the wedding! If you do intend to join the celebration, purchasing ahead of time may also very much allow you to better budget.

Remember, though, don't ever bring a physical gift with you to a destination wedding. Every store with a wedding registry has options to ship the gift to their 'home store'. In other words, the location closest to their house, which makes both of your lives easier!

Lastly, remember that it is the thought that counts, not the value. So do what you can afford; it'll show that you really care!

1486 Photography

Niagara on the Lake Orchard Wedding

A bright, colourful, fun Niagara on the Lake Wedding.

Aly and Tim came up from the States to have a destination Niagara on the Lake wedding and they couldn't have been more fun! Right from the get-go I knew these two were unique, bringing all of their friends and family across the border to the sweet, intimate town for a wedding-filled weekend. It's obvious that the two families have a heck of a lot of fun together and that it was going to be one rockin' party! Niagara on the Lake, a quick jaunt across the border, is a gorgeous spot for a destination wedding. Especially when the US dollar is doing so well! Intimate accommodations and endless locally sourced food options await wedding guests, making it a full weekend experience.Aly and Tim chose a stunning orchard property to host their wedding. The perfect setting for their bright, casual and refined affair.Keep scrolling to see and read more about one of our favourite Niagara on the Lake weddings this year!

THE DESIGN

Having already chosen their wedding when they came to me, I was so honoured to have been presented with the opportunity to make their design dreams come to life. We settled on a bright, colourful palette that was lush with purple and pink hues then accented by a light turquoise.The venue provided the gorgeous live edge tables and chiavari chairs, giving the tented space that casual, but refined vibe. We added beautiful iron hoop chandeliers to brighten up the space. Two centerpiece styles were used to create some visual interest complimented by lots of candlelight to warm up the tent at night.We created a unique table layout where the bride and groom were literally surrounded by their closest family and friends. This allowed all guests an equal view of the bride and groom throughout the evening and left room for a large dance floor so everyone could boogie down to the live band!Aly and Tim, congratulations and thank you trusting that, together, we would throw one awesome party! Now go and enjoy your Hawaii honeymoon!

Photography M.K. Photographics
Florals Bloom and Co.
Calligraphy Plume Calligraphy
Chandeliers and Napkins Simply Beautiful Decor
Orchard Wedding in Niagara on the Lake

Earth to Table Farm Wedding, Flamborough

Alicia and Gary's Earth to Table Farm wedding was one of the most memorable events from last season for a few reasons. The excitement in which Alicia and her mother approached the wedding and their design plans. The amazing florals that perfectly paired the rustic scenery with the gorgeous renovated barn. The amazing food that the chef prepared with the use of a temporary kitchen. The fact that it was one of the first weddings at this venue. The rain held off long enough to have the wedding ceremony outdoors overlooking the valley. Guests were then quickly ushered indoors to enjoy the warmth and comfort of the stunning renovated barn.  Then we get to the tiny details of the sparkly Kate Spade shoes, pashmina's covering the back of the ladies' chairs, and the darling moments the bride and groom snuck a wedding selfie to post on Instagram.Earth To Table Farm is the latest venture by Pearle Hospitality who also owns Spencer's at the Waterfront, The Ancaster Mill, Whistle Bear Golf Club, just to name a few. Their attention to detail, locally sourced ingredients, and incredible customer service set them apart from many of the other Halton Region's wedding venues.

Venue Earth to Table Farm
Photography HRM Photography
Florals Euro Style Flower Market
Candy Table Candy by Katie

The Farewell Brunch; A Lovely Tradition

I can hardly believe the busiest weekend of my career is over. After months upon months of planning, a gorgeous wedding weekend is complete. When my client asked me to style the farewell brunch they were hosting at the family home in Oakville, I was ecstatic. The aesthetic decisions we had made with the other design-related vendors were going to make this one heck of a brunch. The event came together dreamily and I can't wait to share pictures of the wedding. Until then, here's a peek of some shots I took of the farewell brunch to wet your whistle!

I can hardly believe the busiest weekend of my career is over. After months upon months of planning, a gorgeous wedding weekend is complete. When my client asked me to style the farewell brunch they were hosting at the family home in Oakville, I was ecstatic. The aesthetic decisions we had made with the other design-related vendors were going to make this one heck of a brunch. The event came together dreamily and I can't wait to share pictures of the wedding. Until then, here's a peek of some shots I took of the farewell brunch to wet your whistle!

Venue Private estate in Oakville, Ontario
Catering Jennifer's Kitchen
Florals Forget Me Not Flowers