Ontario Winter Wedding from Ellyn Lilly + Johnny Lam Photography
With temperatures creeping up near 112 degrees this past weekend (I'm the SMPer that lives in a MUCH hotter climate), I have to say that this stunning Ontario wedding couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Because not only is this a drop-dead gorgeous kind of day, it also happens to take place in Winter, one of my favorite seasons and a serious breath of fresh, cold air. It's the beautiful florals and stylings of Ellyn Lilly meets some sweet DIY details meets the gorgeous images of Johnny Lam, aka, the perfect way to spend a seriously hot Wednesday. Join me in the gallery for some cool down pretty.
From Steen Lin and Rachel Cravit of Ellyn Lilly... This winter wedding was such a treat for us! We not only had the pleasure of collaborating with phenomenal photographer Johnny Lam but we also got to work with Janice and Chris, an adorable duo who envisioned a cozy celebration with close friends and family during their favourite season. Cambridge Mill, a beautiful farm-to-table restaurant just outside Toronto, was the perfect location. Janice told us: "We wanted our wedding to be simple with a rustic feel, yet romantic and elegant at the same time. When we found Cambridge Mill we immediately fell in love with the place! The dining room has amazing stone walls with wooden pillars and chandeliers, and the solarium has these incredible floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Grand River. It's perfect for giving you the feeling of being outdoors without having to be out in the cold!"
One thing we really loved about Janice and Chris' vision was that they didn't want a typical winter-themed wedding. Instead of the usual icy palette, we created bouquets awash in warm shades of oranges, yellows and peaches, like a cozy little fire. It was also important for the floral designs to be lush and free-flowing to reflect the elegant, rustic setting. Fortunately, the bride and her girls were well prepared for the elements with shawls and snow boots!
For the reception, we created tablescapes with fresh blooms and an eclectic assortment of lanterns, jars and mercury vases. Janice DIY'd several of the details herself, including the invitations, programs, table numbers and the glorious chalkboard sign which directed guests to their tables. Janice said: "To keep with our theme, we wanted the dining room to be filled with candlelight, lanterns and organic floral arrangements. Ellyn Lilly did an amazing job in playing with the space to create our vision."
Everything about Janice and Chris' wedding was completely charming, just like the couple themselves. (Our team at Ellyn Lilly is still gushing over the snow boots, several months later!)
From Johnny Lam... When Janice and Chris came to my farm in Prince Edward County for their engagement shoot, I knew right away they were going to be a joy to work with. Janice has such a classic, graceful look; combined with Chris's quiet and confident way, the pair was fantastic in front of the camera.
Their wedding brought me to Cambridge Mill for the first time. I was in awe when I arrived at the beautifully converted historical site. The river looked seemingly frozen in the February cold but the powerful flow hidden beneath the ice brought water crushing down, creating a spectacular waterfall as it hit the dam. Guests mingled about the reception, dazzled by the breathtaking panoramic view.
I often say less is more, but keeping things simple is harder than you think. Janice and Chris' floral designers at Ellyn Lilly achieved this perfectly. The palette was soft and subtle, yet expertly put together. The most impressive detail to me was the seating chart; Janice had spent a whole weekend hand writing everyone's name on the black board with the finest, tidiest writing.
With her keen attention to detail and gentle touches, it is fair to say Janice orchestrated her perfect wedding with some of the industry's best talents.
Wedding Photography: Johnny Lam | Ceremony Venue: St. John's Church | Reception Venue: Cambridge Mill | Floral + Event Design: Ellyn Lilly | Cake + Cupcakes: Tiny Cakes | Cinematography: Goody Cambay | Invitations, Programs, Signs and Table Numbers: DIY by Bride | Wedding Dress: Mikaella Bridal | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Hair + Makeup: Maggie Ng | Men's Attire: Indochino | DJ: Thunder DJ
One thing we really loved about Janice and Chris' vision was that they didn't want a typical winter-themed wedding. Instead of the usual icy palette, we created bouquets awash in warm shades of oranges, yellows and peaches, like a cozy little fire. It was also important for the floral designs to be lush and free-flowing to reflect the elegant, rustic setting. Fortunately, the bride and her girls were well prepared for the elements with shawls and snow boots!
For the reception, we created tablescapes with fresh blooms and an eclectic assortment of lanterns, jars and mercury vases. Janice DIY'd several of the details herself, including the invitations, programs, table numbers and the glorious chalkboard sign which directed guests to their tables. Janice said: "To keep with our theme, we wanted the dining room to be filled with candlelight, lanterns and organic floral arrangements. Ellyn Lilly did an amazing job in playing with the space to create our vision."
Everything about Janice and Chris' wedding was completely charming, just like the couple themselves. (Our team at Ellyn Lilly is still gushing over the snow boots, several months later!)
From Johnny Lam... When Janice and Chris came to my farm in Prince Edward County for their engagement shoot, I knew right away they were going to be a joy to work with. Janice has such a classic, graceful look; combined with Chris's quiet and confident way, the pair was fantastic in front of the camera.
Their wedding brought me to Cambridge Mill for the first time. I was in awe when I arrived at the beautifully converted historical site. The river looked seemingly frozen in the February cold but the powerful flow hidden beneath the ice brought water crushing down, creating a spectacular waterfall as it hit the dam. Guests mingled about the reception, dazzled by the breathtaking panoramic view.
I often say less is more, but keeping things simple is harder than you think. Janice and Chris' floral designers at Ellyn Lilly achieved this perfectly. The palette was soft and subtle, yet expertly put together. The most impressive detail to me was the seating chart; Janice had spent a whole weekend hand writing everyone's name on the black board with the finest, tidiest writing.
With her keen attention to detail and gentle touches, it is fair to say Janice orchestrated her perfect wedding with some of the industry's best talents.
Wedding Photography: Johnny Lam | Ceremony Venue: St. John's Church | Reception Venue: Cambridge Mill | Floral + Event Design: Ellyn Lilly | Cake + Cupcakes: Tiny Cakes | Cinematography: Goody Cambay | Invitations, Programs, Signs and Table Numbers: DIY by Bride | Wedding Dress: Mikaella Bridal | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Hair + Makeup: Maggie Ng | Men's Attire: Indochino | DJ: Thunder DJ