Rustic Romance
July 4, 2015
compiled by Lindsay Ruck
photos by Brittany Lee Photography
Sometimes you meet the love of your life in the unlikeliest of places. Stacey and Marty’s love story began at the grocery store.
“He helped me get something from a higher shelf and then we connected. We had coffee after and just couldn’t stop talking.”
Fast-forward to the morning of Stacey’s birthday. Just before she was ready to leave for an early-morning run, Marty presented his bride- to-be with a wrapped box.
“As I started to open it, he went down on one knee and asked me to marry him. All before 6 a.m.”
Stacey then realized she had a little more to celebrate that evening besides turning another year older.
“Unknowingly, I had planned my birthday party and engagement party for myself that night.”
The couple’s ceremony was held at Stacey’s family church, Holy Cross, in Kemptville.
The bride donned a Stella York lace gown with a trumpet silhouette and lace scalloping along the neckline and hem. The ivory stunner was purchased at Bridals by Al-Mor in Winchester, Ontario.
As Stacey entered the church with both parents by her side, Marty held back tears of joy.
“My friends Kim and James sang at the wedding ceremony. They did a beautiful job.”
Upon announcement of man and wife, Marty, a farmer, had one special surprise for his bride. Awaiting the couple was Marty’s newly polished tractor – the perfect “getaway vehicle.”
“He even made white stairs to get up into the tractor.”
Their 140 guests were invited to celebrate with the newlyweds at the Baldachin Inn in beautiful Merrickville. The stately ballroom featuring high ceilings, stone walls, and a picturesque backdrop was the perfect venue for their rustic-chic wedding.
“Merrickville is on the water. I’ve always loved water and had been dreaming of wedding photos in the ruins since I was young.”
Post photo shoot, the couple joined their guests in a ballroom filled with several burlap and birch accents.
Tables were adorned with birch table number holders and anchored by beautiful hydrangea centrepieces provided by Flower Essence in Kemptville.
For a sweet treat, Edible Sins in Merrickville prepared delectable French vanilla cupcakes with buttercream icing. To tie in the rustic element, Marty crafted cupcake stands using trees he had cut down on the couple’s property.
To see the couple kiss, guests were challenged to sing a song with “love” in the title.
“It was incredibly entertaining and fun. My favourite of the night was the song, Can you Feel the Love Tonight? from The Lion King that the bridesmaids did. They acted it out as if they were lions. It was hilarious.”
Another musical surprise was especially for Stacey’s mom.
“We surprised my mom with the song Stacey’s Mom (Has Got it Going On). My husband grabbed her for the dance. The dance floor was full for that song and for the entire night.” W
