June 22, 2016

Jen and Dan’s wedding is imprinted in my mind. It was a DREAM. Not to mention the bride and groom had connectivity that made your heart melt.

Every single detail about this wedding was thoughtfully planned and executed and all in 3 months! Yes people – it can be done! You do however need the right help and that couldn’t go any smoother than with wedding planner extraordinaire, Alexandra McNamara from Blush + Bowties. This relaxed elegance theme carried through the entire day and suited Jen and Dan quite perfectly.

Anais Annette designed this simple gown that fit Jen like a glove!

Lavender was used for the boutonnieres for the gentlemen and was also incorporated into the bouquets for the ladies.

Dan had worked in Africa for a safari company living in safari camp tents with Jen, so a wedding theme that encompassed both the outdoors and camp vibes suited the down-to-earth couple. Dan’s South African roots and love for safari and the outdoors meshed well with Jen’s simple, family oriented and laid-back personality.

Luckily the couple found Sagewood Farms to host their unique celebration, allowing guests to feel as though they could experience a huge part of Jen and Dan that was left in Africa.

Sagewood hosts a tree tunnel that is just perfect for a first look!

Lesley Lebel is the owner and creator of Sagewood Farms. She has a gift for styling and collecting antiques and goodies from all around the world. Her eclectic vision and personal collection is what helped kick-start the vision for the wedding.

Corn, mushroom and soy bean fields surround the farm and a treed tunnel stretches as far as the eye can see. Lesley also has a plethora of vintage vehicles to rent, a shaded ceremony space and outdoor bar that is connected to the barn. The sun sets over the fields and creates a magical orange glow for the dreamiest of photos to complete this vintage fairytale.

Lesley’s collection ranges from vintage teacups and saucers, to vintage cutlery, old window panes, furniture and props. She created a honeymoon tent for the bride and groom and styled it to the nines with Canadiana decor that makes it feel like a cozy boutique cabin. This farm not only has Lesley’s creative input but it is set on acreage of land that will blow any photographers mind.

The beautiful bouquet was a creation of the talented folks at Blush and Bloom.

Here is the shaded ceremony space that looks picture perfect on these perfectly lime green field!

A lemon water stand greets guests before they sit down at the ceremony.

A special moment for the groom as he’s escorted down the aisle by his mom and dad.

Those feelings of nerves mixed with excitement as you walk down the aisle and see your husband to be standing at the altar waiting for you.

The two-some shared heart-felt vows and I don’t think there was a dry eye under the tree.

The warm and supportive hand of the best man lets the groom know that he’s there for him and to be strong and get the rest of his vows out!!!

That moment of wedded bliss….they got through their emotional vows and now it’s time to relax and have some fun!

Cocktails ensue on the other side of the barn under the warm sun while servers walk around with delicious treats!

I loved the attention to detail in the wedding decor. How adorable are these mason jar vases and flowers?

The reception area is gorgeously vintage and stylish with each guest sitting at a unique antique chair. a burlap table runner, runs down the rows of harvest tables and chandeliers set the tone for the night ahead.

The guest tables were adorned with these gorgeous, floral centerpieces courtesy of Blush and Bloom.

An elephant cake topper sets the African vibe once again on this simple and pretty 3 tiered cake.

A toast to the new bride and groom…let the festivities begin!

Even the plates were beautiful!

Even though it was a rustic farm wedding, the chandeliers were a nice touch and added an elegant feel to the barn.

As the sun sets over the soy bean field, we jumped out of the barn to snag some last minute shots with the couple. Lesley let us use her lovebird bicycle for these shots! How cute!

One of my favourite shots of the whole day. I just love how the sun is shining so perfectly in the background and gives this photo such an ethereal feel.

The weather couldn’t have been better. The sky was calm and clear and luckily, I was able to capture the stars that night.

As night fell, Jen’s favourite band “Ride the Tiger” played the night away and people dispersed around the farm.

Some guests sat quietly at the bon-fire roasting marshmallows, while others danced the night away and some took in the starry sky in a romantic moment.

The honeymoon tent looked so beautiful lit up against the night sky.

 The party started quickly and a surprise Hora was revealed to the couple from friends and family.

The wedding cake, created by Le Dolci, was simple and lovely, and perfect for this casually elegant country wedding.

I would have to say that for barely knowing anyone – I felt like one of Jen and Dan’s friends. This group of people were close and shared their love and energy with the people that surrounded them. I felt touched by the majesticness of the day and by the beautiful people these two love birds had connected to them in their lives. You can tell a lot about a person by their friends – and I feel certain that Jen and Dan will grow old in love together. Thank you both for choosing me to capture your beautiful wedding day. I wish you many more travel adventures together!

xx – april

You can also view this wedding on one of my favourite wedding blogs : 100 Layer Cake.

xx – april

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venue, decor + styling: Sagewood Farm, Port Perry, Ontario // event design & planning: Alexandra McNamara of Blush & Bowties  // bouquets & boutonnieres: Blush + Bloom // centerpieces: Blush & Bowties & Groom’s Mother Christine Achber // hair & makeup: Kim Timbol // invitations: Paper & Poste // cake: Le Dolci // catering: Niche Catering // vintage furniture & décor: Style Me Vintage // VW classic cars: Sweet Vintage Caravan Co. // band: Ride the Tiger // bride’s dress: Anais Anette ‘Beatrice’ from Vogue Sposa // belt: Vogue Sposa // shoes: Cubanas // earrings: Bride’s Friend’s from Swarovski // wedding rings: Matsu Jewellers  // lipstick: MAC Mattene in 40s Pink // groom’s suit: Elliot Falovitch // shoes: Kenneth Cole // tie: Gotstyle // cufflinks: Bride’s Dad // maid of honor’s dress: BCBG