Earth to Table Farm Wedding

Hold your hats, people, because this one is a stunner. Lauren and Craig's Earth to Table Farm wedding in Flamborough took my breath away at multiple points throughout the planning and, of course, on the wedding day itself. I have been trying to find the words to describe exactly how wonderful this day was, but my emotions get the better of me and all I want to use are the words that describe love in various ways. I have been sitting on these images so beautifully captured by Christine Lim, since shortly after their September wedding. Not because I don't love them, but because I was so terrified I wouldn't put together the right collection of images to showcase this day in the way it deserves to be shown.The respect and love that Lauren and Craig have for each other is something that is a once-in-a-century. They love keeping beautiful traditions alive. He is a true gentleman and her etiquette is impeccable.They wanted to create something colourful and incorporated their love for antiquing but was elegant and formal. Most importantly, it had to feel authentic and I think we did it. I think the images speak for themselves beyond that lead-in, so I'll leave you to peruse the gorgeousness below. Keep scrolling for details on the amazing team who helped bring this Earth to Table Farm wedding together.

Photography Christine Lim Weddings
Florals Ashley Elaine Florals
Planning and Design Laura Olsen Events
Venue Earth to Table Farm, Pearle Weddings
Hair Ashley Readings
Makeup Caitlin Keddie

Sweets Table Sweet Celebrations Wedding Cakes
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musicians Barrell Boys
Band Oldies 990
Production Metalworks
Videography Pocket Change Productions
Linens Simply Beautiful Decor

How to Plan a Sophisticated Bachelorette Party

Not every bride dreams of hitting the dance floor in a white boa. Whether you are the Maid of Honour or planning it yourself, here are ten fresh ideas about how to plan a sophisticated bachelorette party that'll make your party unique (and Instagram-appropriate!)!

1. Remember the old days—before boys—when we’d pile into our bestie’s living room and watch movies all night? Long live girls’ nights in with popcorn, flicks, mixtapes and makeovers! Make it extra special with bubbly, pretty sweets and even a mobile manicure service!

Pro-tip: it’s a great low-budget option if you’re concerned about cost.

Olive Photography

Olive Photography

You could also…

2. Raise the barre! Hit a high-intensity cardio class like spin or barre and reward yourself with a steam, spa day, or cocktails. Pro-tip: many city hotels offer spa day passes that include a steam and soak by the pool.3. Looking for a rustic option? Try glamping! Go where the wild things are and head out of town for a girls’ weekend in the woods4. Opting for urban? Attend a high tea, private dinner at your favourite restaurant, or something new like belly dancing lessons!

And speaking of learning…

Olive Photography

5. Cooking classes! These can range greatly in price tag so choose the option that works for you from full course meals to (super-fun) fish-mongering at the local market.

6. Make scents of it all. There are numerous perfumeries that have workshops on how to make your own blends. Same goes for patisseries, cosmetics, tea, and jewelry. You’ll go home with a treat, too! Keep an eye on Bloom School here in Toronto as they are always running fun, unique workshops that could be perfect for a sophisticated bachelorette!

Some other mid-range options include…

7. An escape room, murder mystery, or a night at the comedy club! If it’s hilarity you’re looking for…8. Sign the gals up for something that none of you has ever done before. Be it a golf lesson, high-speed go-kart racing, horseback riding or even dog sledding, you’re bound for laughs when everyone is a beginner.

For bigger budgets…

9. There’s no place like Ohm. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) Yoga retreats are an ideal getaway for gals because they typically already have itineraries, meals, and sometimes even spa options.

10. Looking to really splurge? Pack your bags and find your best jet-setting aviators. Head to a new city and try a culinary tour of New Orleans, take in the architecture of Chicago, or get jazzy at the festivals in Montreal.

BONUS IDEA: How to PLAN a Sophisticated Bachelorette Party

Olive Photography

Grab your girls and head to the spa! It could be as simple as spending the afternoon somewhere like the Scandinavian Spa at Blue Mountain in their glorious Scandinavian Baths and sipping on mimosas, or something closer to home such as Her Majesty’s Pleasure, a global award-winning salon/spa and cocktail bar. Afterwards, get dolled up and head out for a beautiful dinner, just the girls! Breaking it up into a couple of experiences throughout the day or weekend makes it easier to cater to varying budgets and schedules!

Above all else, bond. The bachelorette is absolutely about celebrating the bride, yes, but it’s also a chance to spend time with just the girls. Try to pick something that will suit everyone’s style, comfort level, and budget.

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

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