This story began back in the summer of 2014, while I was serving beers at the Nottawasaga golf course, a dream job for someone just out of college but not me, I was trying to figure out what someone at the age of 28 should be doing. Although not invested in the job, I was open to new connections and boy am I glad I was, especially when a bubbly, kind and hilarious blonde named Lindsay came bopping around the corner. She quickly became my beverage cart idol (shhh don’t tell my sister, she also worked there), but this girl knew everything and was always so organized! The connection between Lindsay and me was instant. We spent the summer “working” hard, laughing lots and sharing stories.. doing all we could to ignore the looming “adult reality” which would face us come October. It was a great and fulfilling summer but the season indeed ended, and we went in our different directions.

Four years later, I anxiously awaited my first wedding show where I would finally and officially launch “All Things Love” - and was questioning just about everything you could imagine. What if nobody came? Was my booth good enough? Am I ready for this? What do I say? I’m so nervous! And then, to my absolute delight, one of the first visitors to my booth was my old friend Lindsay, there with her family and excited to be entering the early stages of wedding planning. It was like fate put us both there at that moment, and I felt completely assured that “I’ve totally got this.” And even more special and assuring, Lindsay and her fiancé Mitch would be one of the first clients to book me!

Now, my girl Lindsay is a straight shooter, super laid back and hilarious; her groom, Mitch, is the sweetest most perfect complement. Our correspondence began just over a year before the big day - I was excited because they were clear about their vision to simply incorporate all the things they enjoy to do together: “We would just like a super relaxed, backyard party type vibe for our wedding. We have a bunch of lawn games we want to set up, there will be no head table or assigned seating and we want to use paper plates. Menu is Tacos, Burritos and salads”. Genius! Laid back atmosphere, delicious (and fun) food, fun and games… a recipe for success.

Ceremony. Simply put, it was enchanting! A charming sign would guide guests down a path to an opening in the woods where rows of custom wood benches were set up, decorated with logs, greenery and lanterns. A super romantic aisle carefully lined with candles was awaiting the bride’s entry. (Not to worry, no forest fires were created in the making of this setup!) This much anticipated and beautiful moment was not without many tears, as personal vows and the memory of loved ones filled the space with such support!

Cocktails. So Lindsay might just be the DIY queen. She transformed the barn into her own little oasis – it felt just like an extension of her home! Baskets, blankets, photos, candles, custom signs… and games for whomever wished to play. All so very creative, and a great way to enjoy some beverages and get guests engaging with each other. The selection of games was wide and as per the bride’s request, beer pong was a feature table!

Reception. The reception tent was positioned next to the barn and inside was an atmosphere designed for guests to sit back, relax and enjoy their food (burritos!). Picnic tables were lined with garland, candles galore (about 150, as I recall lighting them all) and the cutest of take-home gifts was positioned on the cutlery pouch of each setting: a homemade candle scented with the comforting aromas of campfire or sugared doughnut.

And what is the perfect end to any summer day? ICE CREAM! That’s right, and Lindsay and Mitch arranged for the Collingwood Ice Cream truck to serve up some delicious ice cream treats. The couple snuck in some cute, candid photo shots while ordering up their favourites (and sharing of course). The night was still far from over though, as the bride’s grandma made a scrumptious dessert table still to be devoured, the dance floor remained crowded and the massive pitchers of Margaritas needed constant refilling!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Greene, both on your nuptials and on pulling off a simply wonderful wedding!

Cinematic Montage by Patrick G Films