One misconception many couples often realize far too late is, although cottage planning seems like an easy idea (heck, you already have the location), more often than not, it’s quite the opposite. Sure googling a tent company is a great first step, but than the questions start to pile up - How many people can fit under this tent? Do we need a permit? Will the neighbors be okay with all of this? Do I need event insurance? Where will guests park? How do they know where to go? What about catering? What if it rains? … All these things easily become overwhelming to anyone doing this for the first time (or 10th time). I even get bouts of nerves from time to time (cool as a cucumber on the outside though), as cottage planning no matter the experience is different at every property.

Gigi & Izzy wisely knew this from the second they started diving into their wedding day discussions. The Newton’s cottage aka “Colibri” (hummingbird, en français) is a very special to place to both bride’s, but certainly a piece of home for Izzy who grew up there. Dreams were built on the idea she would one day walk down the aisle on this very property. But the questions remained, is it even possible?!

The vision; 80 guests celebrating under the stars, overlooking Lake Joseph, embracing the property and all it’s natural beauty. Loving, laughing and making memories.

The reality: We had a very narrow (one-way) driveway to navigate, an enclosed tennis court that needed to stay in performance condition once we were finished with setting an entire venue ontop of it and our power supply was limited to one available outlet. I never back down from a challenge, so I jumped into this one head on, not alone though, Our vendors were the real magicians!

The outcome (aka wedding day): These bride’s got exactly what they had hoped for (and I like to think more). A weekend with their most favourite people, encouraged to pitch a tent and make a full experience out of it. Being the thoughtful hostesses they are, included beverages and snacks, a fully functioning washroom trailer, strung lighting, mapping (to give the full effect) and the epic beach views were free - Not such a bad site to wake up to and say ‘Hey, it’s Gigi & Izzy’s wedding day’!

So although there is a good chance I slept 8 hours the whole wedding prep week. It was all worth it to watch Izzy live out her dream at Colibri cottage, mom and dad beside her every step of the way, And Gigi who initially may have not been most keen on the center of attention aspect, would embrace the day, beaming at every detail.

(This would be a much longer post if weather did not cooperate)… All I can say is, Hallelujah!