Teri and Keith are university sweethearts and have been together for over a decade. Their wedding was meticulously planned and every detail either handmade or designed with utmost significance.

The venue was Keith’s family lake in Haliburton, Ontario which the family has possessed since the 1970s, and even bares the family name. The rustic green cabin they got married in front of was the original dwelling, though a larger cottage has since been built on the lot since. The couple considers this sacred land, tying the family together and representing their past, present, and future.

Everything from the wooden pew benches, ceremony arch, hot sauce favors and even the canoe which delivered Teri to the wedding was handmade! Their personal style and flair were evident throughout.

The layout of the day was unconventional but made everything flow seamlessly. We started with the couple and wedding party photoshoot allowing us to take our time and enjoy the area before the guests arrived. Teri then went to the neighbouring cottage where the reception was being held to wait for her moment to arrive. Guests came in on big yellow school buses and had the opportunity to mingle over cocktails, oysters, and charcuterie. Teri made her grand entrance to the party by paddling with her father across the lake in the aforementioned custom-built canoe. It was quite a moment!

Teri and Keith envisioned a sunset ceremony so they had some time to greet guests and relax while the sun was going down. At just the right moment, when the sky was turning a golden red, the guests were assembled together and the ceremony began. It was casual and sentimental – much like the rest of the day – and officiated by a family friend.

Following the ceremony, everyone walked a few minutes down the country road to the reception across the lake. Over the summer, the family had been working around the clock to construct the building that would accommodate the reception. It was beautifully decked out in draped ceiling fabrics, amber bottle flower arrangements, copper “disco balls” and a whole lot of candles. Outside there was a fire pit, hay bale couches, and a coffee station yurt.

After a delicious buffet and some hilarious speeches, people stayed warm by tearing up the dance floor or stargazing by the roaring firepit.

This was one of my favourite weddings to date. Not only were Teri and Keith the most amazing, caring and chilled out couple, but they created a setting that was a photographer dream! From every handmade detail to the magic of the land, it was such a pleasure to create images and capture memories for them.

Vendors
Officiant / Don Finnie
Venue Coordinator / Darlene Paguendas
Hair  /  Lisa Finnie – Family Friend  |  Makeup  /  Stephanie Vanalstyne
DJ  /  Brandon Miller – DJ Acquittal
Catering  /  Chef Charlotte Langley
Baked Goods  /  Whole Lotta Yum
Bridal Gown -Dress  /  Junko Yoshioka from Mrs Bridal
Dress Alterations  /  My Bridal Alteration
Flower Crown + Combs / Shelly from Lady Hayes
Groom’s Outfit  /  Theodore 1922
Bridesmaids  /  ASOS / Etsy
Florals  /  Carey’s Garden Centre
Custom wood, mirror + glass signs  /  Halliewood Designs
Hot Sauce Favours  / Chef Kevin Rickey @  Foodbenders
Canoe  /  Greybeard Canoes