Nuptials in Nature
August 9, 2014
compiled by Lindsay Ruck
photos by Michel Gauthier assisted by Annie-Carrier Gagnon
A tour travelling through the beautiful Oceanian country of Australia is where Chloe and Marcin’s love story begins.
“From first sight we were hooked. And those weeks together were an exciting whirlwind of adventures and fun memories.”
As the tour came to a close, Chloe returned to England to continue her university studies and Marcin headed back to Canada for work. Although the trip was over, the love between the two travellers had just begun.
“We did the long-distance relationship for just under a year; both travelling between Canada and England. It was very exciting! We fell in love with each other across the oceans.”
Marcin eventually made the move to England while Chloe completed her studies. Upon graduation, the pair made the permanent move to Canada.
In May 2012, after the purchase of their first home, Marcin asked Chloe to be his wife at the top of Mont Royal Park in Montreal. Under the glow of the moon and the city lights, Chloe said, “yes.”
The couple’s vision of a relaxed outdoor celebration with a waterfront backdrop and al-fresco dining was found in Calabogie, Ontario.
“We found the perfect location at a private rentable cottage in Calabogie. Think barefoot, flowers in hair, laid back hippie style; harking back to the days that we spent together travelling.”
It was also the perfect setting for 40 of their closest friends and family members.
“We kept our guest count low to achieve a more intimate wedding celebration. We wanted to spend as much quality time with our loved ones and have a more meaningful day.”
Another nod to their travels was the colour combination of turquoise – a shade reminiscent of the beaches in Australia – gold, and shades of soft pink.
Opting out of a wedding coordinator, the couple, along with ready and willing family and friends, took on all of the planning tasks for the day.
“There was an intentional DIY-Pinterest feeling to the decorations, which was fun to do!”
Lights were strung from the trees, wildflowers and baby’s breath were found on the tables and in the bride’s bouquet, chalkboard signs welcomed guests, and tulle was draped amongst two trees where the bride and groom exchanged vows.
With her mother and father by her side, Chloe donned a Mikaella creation from With Love Bridal Boutique in Stittsville. The simple and elegant strapless lace design featured a plunging back with a satin sash bow and a small train that was bustled following the ceremony.
“I couldn’t imagine not having both of them with me at such an important moment of my life; particularly as they are in England. I miss them and wanted them both close to me.”
The bride held a bouquet of wildflowers combined with white and pink roses (the first flowers Marcin sent to Chloe whilst they were apart). As Chloe’s grandmother was unable to attend the special day, her ruby necklace was a sparkling accessory to the bouquet.
A fashionable four-legged guest was the couple’s three-year old dog, Reef. The German shepherd complemented the chosen colours by sporting a turquoise bow tie.
Following the ceremony, the reception was just steps away. Guests enjoyed cocktails while an iPod playlist of the couple’s favourite songs played throughout the evening.
Dinner was served under the twinkling lights thanks to Bytown Catering.
Mason jars with tea lights and turquoise and gold bows adorned the tables. Guests were encouraged to grab a prop and strike a Polaroid pose which would then be signed and used for the guest book.
“Our first dance was to Jack Johnson’s Better Together, a Hawaiian acoustic artist we both listened to on the beaches in Australia.”
The cake, made by Aleks Nowicka of Holy Moly Cakes, was a simple white buttercream with chocolate sponge and vanilla icing. Gold flakes, wildflowers and roses were sprinkled on the sweet creation to complement the bride’s bouquet.
The newlyweds enjoyed an evening of beautiful weather, a stunning rustic backdrop and an overwhelming love from family and friends – the perfect start to their next adventure as man and wife.
“Having everything occur outdoors was what made our wedding unique. It was everything we could have hoped and dreamed for and turned out even better than we had imagined. We were really very lucky.”
