A Day Like No Other
compiled by Lindsay Ruck
photos by Phillipa Maitland Photography
August 15, 2015
Justine met Tyler at a broomball tournament.
“We became friends after that and went back and forth for about five years of liking each other, but it was just never the right time.”
But the timing was perfect when Tyler popped the question after dinner at his family’s home. An elaborate story would precede the proposal, giving Justine zero reason to believe that this night would be one of the most memorable moments of her life.
“When we were leaving his parents’ he asked if we could run to the barn to get some corn to put out for the deer. He came running out of the barn and told me there was a cow calving. I followed in behind him excited to see the cow, but to my surprise when I walked in Tyler was down on one knee holding a beautiful ring!”
The pair returned to the barn the following year for the summer wedding of their dreams.
As Tyler and Justine both grew up on farms, the couple drew inspiration from their surroundings and planned a day filled with several country accents – including hopping on Justine’s bright red tractor for a quick turn around the property post-ceremony.
With a colour palette of green, peach, and ivory, their picturesque vision was turned into a reality.
“My mom made [the bridal party’s] jewellery, flowers, and the boutonnieres for the guys. She also did the makeup with help from her friend. My aunt, uncle, grandma and grandpa decorated.”
The bride donned a stunning Stella York A-line gown featuring ivory lace and diamanté beading. Purchased at Bridals by Al-Mor in Winchester, Ontario, it’s safe to say when Tyler saw his bride, he was blown away by her beauty.
Arranged by the bride’s mother, each bridesmaid carried a bouquet of ivory peonies, closed peach roses, cream gardenias, bouvardias, boxwood greenery and light green and white floral fillers scattered throughout.
Under the sweltering sun, and surrounded by 190 loved ones, the couple exchanged vows amidst a backdrop of green pastures peppered with cows, and work boots filled with florals.
“It was probably the hottest day of the summer.”
With 300-plus guests invited to the reception, the celebration was held at the Toledo Legion.
“We loved the setup and the space. Plus they have two bars!”
For a modern sweet treat, Justine’s elementary school teacher, Kim MacKinnon, made a beautiful naked cake accented with silk white, green, and peach florals.
“I knew she would do an amazing job and wanted her to be a part of our special day.”
Another element of sweetness came in the form of wedding favours. Each guest received a small jar of maple syrup prepared by Justine’s father.
Justine’s father also surprised the wedding party with special gifts crafted from cherry wood trees he had cut down during an ice storm. From display cabinets and hope chests to ping-pong ball shooting pistols and jewellery boxes, each gift was made with love for the day.
Surrounded by family and their closest friends, the pair enjoyed a perfect day on the farm.
