The best weddings seem to have one element (or two) that went off-kilter for the big day and that's precisely what makes them so great. The beauty that happens when all the wedding guests pull together to create a makeshift ceremony after the tent is blown into a ditch right before the Bride walks down the aisle - well, that's the truest of true support and there is no better way to wed than surrounded by those people in your life. Oh, and did I mention that every single one of Sweet Heirloom Photography's images of this day by Savvy Events by Shawna are exquisite and breathtaking all their own? You can see them all right here in the gallery.
Abbotsford Barn Wedding from Sweet Heirloom Photography
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From the Bride... I tried to do as much of our wedding myself as possible, which included the invitations, programs, centerpieces and table runners. It was partly to save money, but I really did enjoy doing the projects. The biggest project was probably the table runners. I purchased a large amount of burlap which over the course of several months and would sew one or two table runners during my time off. With the extra burlap, I added some scalloped edges to my programs and even made some bunting for the bar, dessert table and the head table.
One of my favorite moments: Leading up to our first look photo, it was a pretty dull and cloudy day. However, walking through the winery to Nick, the sun slowly started to peek out. As soon as Nick turned around, we kissed and it was as thought the sun totally broke out of the clouds! I don't know if I was imagining this, but my sister swears it happened as well. It was a beautiful moment that I will never forget. And lucky for us, the sun stayed out for the rest of the bridal party photos.
The story that I am still telling people when they ask about our wedding is the time period right before the ceremony. We rented a huge tent for the outdoor ceremony in case of rain. As the wedding party was arriving in the limo, the weather had suddenly turned sour and there were strong winds with sideways rain! Getting closer to the barn, I looked at my bridesmaids and asked, "WHERE'S THE TENT??!" We couldn't see it anymore, and I wasn't sure what had happened. When we reached the barn, I realized that the tent had blown into the ditch. I saw water flooding the entrance to the barn and the guests running inside to take cover. Inside, I freaked out for a minute, but then my sister gave me a glass of champagne and told me there was nothing I could do about it. She was right. I just sat back and knew that everything would be taken care of. The ceremony was pushed back 15 minutes and by the time I got out of the limo, the rain had stopped. I didn't know what was going on inside until I was walking down the aisle with my dad. Everyone had pitched in and moved all the tables and chairs inside the barn to prepare for the ceremony. They even made an altar with extra candles and flowers. The ceremony turned out perfect. Thinking about how hard everyone worked in a pinch, to make it perfect for my husband and me, made it so touching and special. The rest of the wedding went off without a hitch!
Photography: Sweet Heirloom Photography / Wedding Venue: Saar Bank Farm in Abbotsford, British Columbia / Event Design: The Bride + Savvy Events by Shawna / Event Planning: Savvy Events by Shawna / Floral Design: She's My Florist / Catering: Sugar Mountain Catering / Wedding Cake: Nessi Cakes / DJ: Audio Edge / Rentals: Trove Vintage Rentals / Wedding Dress: Couture Collection via Ivory Bridal / Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Hair: Emily Zenzen / Makeup: Michelle Lindsay / Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bebe, French Connection + Aritzia / Bridesmaids' Shoes: Luichiny / Groom's Attire: Dunn's Tailors / Groomsmen's Attire: Debonair Formal Wear