There’s something intangibly majestic about expansive wilderness. So when your family has a cottage in the middle of said majestic wilderness, the wedding venue is a given. Just take a look at this breath-taking ceremony on the shores Lake Simcoe in Orillia. Add in family, friends, fleece blankets, camp fires, and maple syrup, and that my friends is a party! Mango Studios was there to capture the event.
From the bride… After 6 years together, JD and I got engaged and we just knew our wedding
had to be at my family’s cottage. It is a beautiful spot in a bay on Lake Simcoe,
where we had shared so many memories with family, friends and each other. We
wanted our wedding to feel like a cottage weekend of celebration and love with
our family and closest friends. We wanted it to be natural, relaxed and lots of fun!
My parents had been a bit apprehensive, knowing that planning a wedding on
the property would be a lot more work than having everything taken care of at a
venue. But we were prepared for that, rain or shine.
Our wedding day was incredible! We were married under our favourite trees,
overlooking the lake and the weather held up for the outdoor ceremony. A friend
of JD’s family officiated and we wrote our own vows. After the ceremony, guests
mingled and enjoyed cocktails and appetizers as our incredible photographers
captured special moments and the overall scene.
We then moved under the tent for the reception. We had a local caterer with a
wood-fired oven serving all sorts of delicious starters and fresh gourmet pizzas
and salads for dinner. The food was amazing! My aunt made pies for dessert,
my friend Lindsey baked the cakes and cupcakes and one of my bridesmaid’s
made cookies. We laughed and cried during the speeches and we danced the
night away thanks to our brilliant DJ. Late-night homemade sliders were served
by campfire. It was perfect. The whole day was magical but one of the most
memorable moments has to be our first look on the dock. After all of the build up,
I was so happy to finally see my husband-to-be.
I could not have planned this wedding without my sister, who was my sounding
board, helping me with all of the decisions and details, big or small. She knew
my vision and helped me with all of the DIY details; sewing the burlap and lace
runners for the tables, the bunting flags to decorate the tent, the chalkboard signs
and more. Our wedding was a labour of love. My mom planted gardens all over
the property. My sisters helped plan the late-night snacks, build signs and fill jars
of maple syrup for favours. JD and I were lucky to have a wonderful and multi-
talented group of friends in our wedding party to help us set up the day before
and with all of the last minute details on the day. My wedding planner, who was
also one of my bridesmaids, and my brother-in-law were amazing and vital to
the day’s events running smoothly. It took all of us working together to make it
happen which made our incredible day that much more special. It really was a
dream come true!
Photography: Mango Studios | Event Planning: My Promise to You | Florist: Streets' Flower | Wedding Dress: Ivy And Aster | Caterer: All Fired Up | Make-Up: Ashleigh Scott | DJ: Jimmy Bills | Cake Artist: Lindsey Bakes | Rentals: Muskoka Party Rentals