Date

Guests

75

May 23, 2015

Ever since they bonded over exams and assignments at university, Ashley and Denny knew they were meant to be. Flash forward almost ten years later to New Year's Eve 2014, and Denny was down on one knee in the yard at Ashley's childhood home, (snow and all!) asking her to spend the rest of her life with him.

The bride was just as adamant about saying "yes!" to Denny's proposal as she was about creating a rustic, vintage country theme for her spring wedding. As a country girl, Ashley adores everything old-fashioned and shabby-chic. And with Denny's love for the peace and quiet of the countryside, the wedding theme was a no-brainer.

Along with quaint touches like lace, baby's breath and a quilt-making station, the decor was infused with touches of Tiffany blue, the bride's favourite colour. The classic hue was used in details throughout the ceremony and reception like the signage, the cake, floral vases and the reception backdrop, which was made of hundreds of adorable paper hearts.

The couple also added several personalized elements to the ceremony and the reception to give the entire event an ultra-unique feel. As part of the ceremony, Ashley and Denny gifted each guest with a customized note featuring a funny, heartfelt message. "All the guests loved the individualized notes!" Ashley says. The homemade jam favours decorated with handmade doilies, crocheted by the bride's grandmother, also fit with the theme of country charm and distinctive whimsy.

Other family-oriented touches included the personalized pocket squares made for each of the family members and the antique crystal water glasses used at the reception dinner, passed down from the bride's great-grandmother. "The family crystal was a definite stand-out wedding detail," Ashley says.

Not only was the décor unique and customized, but the bride had her gown custom-made for her big day. "I loved every second of the dress-making process. The dress fit like a glove, and it was exactly what I had envisioned," she says.

In addition to the mother-daughter dance to "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison and the bride and groom's first dance to "Amazed" by Lonestar, one of the couple's favourite moments of the day was their first introduction as husband and wife. "We designed the entry point and path of travel so that we walked through the entire venue space, and were able to see all of the décor and design features come together, along with our guests," Ashley.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: Polmenna Barn
Bridal gown: Vici Taylor
Cake: Rising Flours
Caterer: Farm and Wild
Flowers: Green Apple Events
Hair and makeup: Love Your Locks
Stationery: Paper Ideas
Band: Arden and the Tourists
Wedding planner: Amanda Bradshaw and Sophie McKenna of Green Apple Events