Brittany, the bride, has captured my heart with her vision of a rustic yet refined wedding celebration. Her outdoor ceremony at Kurtz Orchards in Niagara on the Lake, expertly photographed by Katie Nicolle Photography, exuded elegance and charm without sacrificing a hint of whimsy. The couple’s thoughtful planning paid off as their orchard backdrop transformed into a Tuscan-inspired haven, complete with lush foliage and long tables beneath a majestic marquee.
Even the bridal party got in on the styling action, with the groomsmen looking dapper in their navy suits, the bridesmaids radiant in blush-hued Monique Lhuillier gowns, and Brittany herself, a vision in her strapless Sottero and Midgley gown. As we delve into the details of this enchanting day, I’m convinced you’ll find inspiration aplenty to borrow for your own special celebration.
Wedding Day Snapshot
Brittany, the bride, has captured my heart with her vision of a rustic yet refined wedding celebration. Her outdoor ceremony at Kurtz Orchards in Niagara on the Lake, expertly photographed by Katie Nicolle Photography, exuded elegance and charm without sacrificing a hint of whimsy. The couple’s thoughtful planning paid off as their orchard backdrop transformed into a Tuscan-inspired haven, complete with lush foliage and long tables beneath a majestic marquee.
Even the bridal party got in on the styling action, with the groomsmen looking dapper in their navy suits, the bridesmaids radiant in blush-hued Monique Lhuillier gowns, and Brittany herself, a vision in her strapless Sottero and Midgley gown. As we delve into the details of this enchanting day, I’m convinced you’ll find inspiration aplenty to borrow for your own special celebration.
The Ceremony
When it came time for Jeff and me to write our own wedding vows, we decided to keep them under wraps from each other. It was amusing to think that despite not knowing what the other had planned, both of us independently mentioned how much we looked forward to the everyday moments – like sharing taco Tuesdays, snuggling up on the couch together, and taking our loyal Australian Shepherd Eli for walks in the park.
The Photography
We’re still grateful for our photographer’s timely intervention, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With only a limited time available before the ceremony, Katie took on the challenge of capturing family portraits, couple shots, bridal party photos, and even venue explorations – all within the cocktail hour. To say she did an impressive job would be an understatement.
Having seen her work beforehand, I was confident that she would bring our wedding story to life with precision and skill. And indeed, her expertise put us at ease, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the celebration while knowing that our memories were in good hands.
The Inspiration
As soon as we started envisioning our special day, we knew that an outdoor setting surrounded by trees was the perfect fit for us. The rustic charm of an orchard resonated deeply with both Jeff and me. We wanted a venue that would allow us to bring our unique vision to life, without any restrictions. Our chosen spot did just that – it provided us with the freedom to plan every aspect of the day exactly as we had imagined.
I often joke about our theme being ‘Tuscan, Rustic, Elegance,’ and Jeff lovingly teases me about my enthusiasm for this aesthetic. To capture the essence of Tuscany, we opted for a long-table setup with rows of seats, alternating between tables adorned with lush flower arrangements and those featuring garland trailing down the center, surrounded by peaches, candles, and rosemary sprigs.
Each place setting included a fragrant rosemary sprig, adding an extra touch of elegance to the overall atmosphere. During cocktail hour, our venue went above and beyond in preparing an impressive charcuterie board that not only looked stunning but was incredibly delicious. To incorporate rustic elements into our décor, we used wine barrels as podiums and cocktail tables, a barn door as a bar top, and beautiful live-edge walnut wood tables throughout the space.
Foliage adorned all of the tables, while my talented groomsman, Matt, added a personal touch by engraving special sayings onto wooden blocks provided by my family’s lumber company. The chandelier from Simply Beautiful Décor and gold trim charger plates brought a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthenticity. To create visual interest, we used a lace overlay down the center of the head table, which contrasted beautifully with the natural live edge.
Behind the head table, we created a stunning greenery wall featuring a tree branch adorned with blooms taken from our ceremony arch – a perfect symbol of our love story.
Favourite Moments
We’ve often found ourselves reminiscing about the moments that unexpectedly stole the show – our charismatic emcee, a canine crasher, and a friend’s uncanny rendition of Slim Shady being just a few examples. These unscripted moments not only brought us immense joy but also created an atmosphere filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. The outpouring of affection from our loved ones has been truly remarkable, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Our wedding party deserves endless gratitude for their unwavering support and camaraderie; one of our greatest desires was to create a dance floor frenzy, and thanks to our talented DJ and the infectious energy of our guests, we most certainly achieved that. The whiskey bar may have also played its part in keeping the revelry going.
The Refreshments
Jeff’s family has a rich tradition of baking, with his mom and aunt whipping up delicious cupcakes for us to enjoy. The wedding topper was an especially unique touch – we opted for lookalike bobble heads that now take pride of place on our bedroom dresser. It’s become quite the conversation starter in the mornings, having my miniature likeness staring back at me as I wake up.
The Honeymoon
As we navigated the complexities of wedding planning, the thought of a honeymoon seemed almost impossible to fathom. Yet, on the eve of our special day, Jeff surprised me with an anniversary gift – booking a trip to Hawaii for us to share as newlyweds. A month later, we embarked on this romantic getaway, just a week after exchanging our vows.
Reflecting on the whirlwind of wedding celebrations and entering married life together, I’m grateful we took the time to relax, recharge, and savor the joy of our union in paradise.
Advice for Other Couples
As you prepare to walk down the aisle, remember that everything will come together on your special day. The joy of marrying your best friend surrounded by loved ones is what truly matters, regardless of the venue or details. Take time to find vendors who align with your vision and let them do their thing, trusting that they’ll help bring your wedding dreams to life. While things may not always go as planned, you’ll be too caught up in the magic of the day to worry about minor mishaps.
In fact, we learned this firsthand when a fire restriction forced us to adjust our original plans for releasing dream lanterns at night instead, we’re hosting a celebration with our loved ones and releasing the lanterns on a later date. It’s amazing how an excuse to relive the day can be just as special. I’m still swooning over the beautiful tablescapes and Katie Nicolle’s stunning photography – it truly captures the essence of this romantic couple’s big day.
And what a romantic gesture by Jeff, proposing to his lovely bride in such a thoughtful way. We’re grateful to Katie Nicolle Photography for sharing their story with us and Brittany and Jeff for allowing us to be a part of their celebration.