beautiful, beautiful muskoka!

Steph + Alex’s wedding felt like a true Canadian cottage weekend - chilled out, easy going, and very go with the flow. Everyone was relaxed, everyone was having fun, and with the hotel suites and venue being right on the water, it really felt like you could just go for a dip!

Nothing could have prepared us for how beautiful the backdrop was for such a lovely day + all of the details made really enhanced the beauty that was already there. Steph + Alex got married outside on the 18th hole of the gold course at the Beaumaris Yacht Club, with the boathouse venue just a short walk away. Both the ceremony and venue helped to underscore the laid back vibe of the day, and both the participants and guests of the wedding were there to have nothing more than a great time with each other

The champagne fountain that Steph + Alex poured at the beginning of their reception really set the mood; Stephanie’s aunt wasn’t shy + put together and performed a song for the newlyweds which was hilarious and the speeches didn’t hold back either!

After dinner, the couple decided to enjoy their first dance as husband + wife in front of a sea of sparklers held by guests! One Paddle shot + a few White Russian’s later, everyone was tearing up the dance floor +the vibes were just so, so right!! Having spent the day with Steph + Alex, we learned how adventurous, fun + kind they are -- so happy to have been able to document this day for them!

a few words from the couple

How did you decide on your venue?

We got engaged in Muskoka very close to our venue and basically decided that day. Ontario cottage country is our happy place and we knew we wanted an outdoor ceremony on the water. We also both love fall so we wanted a venue where we could enjoy all the fall colours! It’s a special place where my family has spent lots of time at over the years. My Aunt was also married there!

What was your wedding inspiration when putting together all the details? (Theme, vibe)

Our venue was stunning with a cottagey/Americana vibe that we wanted to compliment. Since it was fall we added lots of texture with rustic/boho details like dried flowers, pampas grass and lots of greenery!

What was your favourite detail from the day? (i.e. bouquet, cake, vows)

Our cake! It was delicious and pretty and I spent a week making it with my best friends. Alex and I both love chocolate chip cookies so we made a giant underbaked cookie cake layered with a bourbon buttercream. Our caterers served it with White Russian shots to get everyone going before dancing. We also wrote our own vows which was sweet and personal and amazing!

Muskoka wedding pizza party groom groomsmen getting ready silly fun

How/where did you find your dress? Why did you pick it?

I found my dress at the Bridal Boutique in Calgary run by the gorgeous Lyia. I was originally looking for something more boho/lacy and form fitting. I grabbed this dress last minute to try on something different and fell in love. I could move and dance and twirl and felt like a princess. My Mom cried when I tried it on so I knew it was a keeper.

What song did you walk down the aisle to?

Girl from the north country by Johnny Cash/Bob Dylan

What song played for your first dance?

You and Me by Penny & The Quarters

Any standout moments from the day?

CHAMPAGNE FOUNTAIN TOAST
Our guests lighting up our first dance with sparklers
Alex’s Aunt Susie, my sister Carter & our friend Riley singing.
Dancing to Lizzo at the end of the night while painting everyone’s face with glitter.

Were you nervous? If so, what did you do to overcome that?

I was nervous that I would bawl uncontrollably during the ceremony. A friend reminded us that this was our day. If we needed to cry, then cry. Your guests are there to share in your love. If it takes you ten minutes to get through your vows - who cares. It’s not everyday people get to experience that special kind of emotion.

What does ‘marriage’ mean to you?

Finding your favourite person on the planet and legally binding them to you so they can’t leave.

What advice would you give to future couples for their wedding?

Sneaking off to take a few minutes alone together in the heat of things. The night goes by so quickly. Taking a moment for yourselves to bask in the awesomeness of having everyone you love in the same place really slows down time.

There’s no right or wrong way to get married. Do what’s right for you.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. You are marrying your best friend and that’s what matters.

What vendors were standout? Who went above and beyond the call of duty?

All of them!!! We planned our Muskoka wedding while living in Calgary so we relied on recommendations and google!

Our amazing videographer Kathryn Fudurich went to summer camp with Alex. It was amazing having a pal as cool as Kath document our wedding. Our caterer Alex Flye is a goddess. She took our vision and made it real! She literally made magic happen. Our florist from Blooming Muskoka, my hair stylist Carla from ES Bridal. Of course Jess and Matt! They put us at ease right away and were a dream to work with. They are the loveliest couple and amazing photographers. Our photos turned out so much better than we could have ever imagined - we are constantly looking at them. So much love for these two.

How did you feel at the end of the day?

Like we never wanted it to end.