The Colorful, Locally-Sourced Flowers at This Ontario Wedding Awed Everyone in Attendance

After getting engaged in Lake Placid in December 2018, Danielle and Filipe knew they wanted to get married on her parents' farm in King, Ontario—so they planned a September 12, 2020, wedding for 175 guests. "We wanted to have an event that was as environmentally conscious as possible, brought everyone close to nature, and made our guests feel warm, comfortable, and well taken care of throughout the evening," explains Danielle. "We wanted our wedding to highlight the seasonal beauty of our local surroundings, so we used local products whenever we could."

But as the wedding date approached, plans changed. "As soon as COVID hit in March, we originally thought, 'There's no way this is going to go on long enough to affect events in September!'" says Danielle. "As the weeks went on, we realized how serious it was and began to think about how we would change our special day if we needed to." They didn't want to compromise on their date and didn't need to change their venue, but by June, it was clear they wouldn't be able host their planned guest list. "We made the hard decision of cutting our guest list down to the bare minimum, which ended up being 41," says Danielle. "We were truly blessed with amazing vendors, who were so flexible and made every effort to keep the planning process exciting throughout the uncertainty of the pandemic."

The couple's intimate ceremony and reception didn't sacrifice any style or personality, though: As a small-scale organic farmer, Danielle prioritized an aesthetic based around local, organic flowers; the couple served a sustainable, locally-sourced meal; they posed for photos in a field of sunflowers Danielle planted herself; and they sent guests home with sweet favors—honey from the couple's own beehives. "I would say, that it truly was a blessing in disguise to have our wedding become a micro wedding," says Danielle. "I found my stress levels decreased, because I knew everyone who was in attendance was our nearest and dearest, and everyone who was there truly wanted to be there. It was a blessing because we felt like we could truly connect with every guest in attendance, and make everyone feel special."

A casual floral theme connected the wedding décor—starting with the paper suite from Brooklin Paper Co., which included hand-torn edges and a delicate wildflower illustration. "The invitations were made on recycled cotton paper, which was part of how we wanted to be environmentally conscious," says Danielle. "The motif was a beautiful wildflower border which hinted at the wildflower arrangements and florals that were used on our wedding day."

Danielle's Pronovias wedding dress paired a full skirt with an illusion lace bodice and deep V-neck; she wore teardrop earrings, a ring from her mother-in-law, and light blue flats. "I just felt like me the moment I put it on," she says. She carried a loose bouquet of colorful local flowers and greenery from Blush and Bloom.

Filipe chose a blue-gray suit and beige wool tie from Suit Supply—"a modern take on an Old-World wool suit," says Danielle. "He wanted to invest in a suit that would last him many years."

Custom signage welcomed guests to "An Evening to Remember," and displayed the evening's schedule, including the ceremony, photos and cocktail hour, dinner and tributes, parent dances, and fireworks.

Danielle and Filipe chose a tented hilltop spot for their ceremony, which guests accessed by passing through a paddock fence gate draped in flowers, with buckets of blooms by the entrance. "We have always loved the view from the top of this particular hill, and thought it would provide a beautiful backdrop for our vows," says Danielle.

Under the tent, a squared-off floral installation was covered with organic local wildflowers in a variety of tones and textures, from deep pink and sunny yellow to bright orange and creamy ivory.

While Danielle got ready with some of her closest friends, Filipe made a memorable ceremony entrance.

Danielle and Filipe chose not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen, but did have mini attendants, who walked down the aisle in matching bow ties and with a sign that read, "Here Comes Auntie Da."

Danielle's father escorted her to the ceremony across the farm's wide, lush fields.

Danielle and Filipe incorporated a tree planting into their ceremony, during which they placed an evergreen into a pre-dug hole—choosing a long-lasting tree that will mark the spot where they said "I do."

After exchanging traditional vows in a ceremony led by officiant Dean Kennedy, the newlyweds shared their first kiss as husband and wife. "Standing in one of our favorite spots in the world, surrounded by our closest family and friends, saying my vows to my best friend—I will never forget how the breeze felt on my face, how the flower arch framed the view so perfectly, and how the light surrounded my future husband as we exchanged rings," says Danielle. "One of the best moments of our lives."

Guests tossed petals from paper cones, showering Danielle and Filipe as they left the tent after the ceremony.

The couple chose several spots around the farm for their portraits, including a colorful patch of sunflowers with a very special history. "How amazing it felt to take our wedding photos in a field of sunflowers that I planted!" says Danielle. "It was exhilarating to feel so connected to a field of flowers and all the bees and butterflies that came with it."

The couple's dog joined the portrait session for a few quick photos. "Even if it feels like your dream wedding has fallen apart due to the present circumstances, try to see the beauty that comes with intimate celebrations," says Danielle. "It may surprise you how the stress dissipates and how lovely it is to spend true quality moments with your closest family and friends."

Bouquets of wildflowers wrapped in simple brown paper cones served as escort cards at the couple's reception. "I hope our wedding can show other Ontario couples that they don't need to look far to find beautiful flowers, because they are right in our own backyard," says Danielle. "Hopefully this will increase the demand for local flowers and help local growers expand their business and scope."

Guests sat at round dining tables or long, wooden harvest tables, where upholstered linen loveseats contrasted with dark wooden crossback chairs. Colorful pillows along the sofas showed off a wildflower pattern that coordinated with the design's other floral elements. Potted herbs, autumn-toned taper candles, and colorful centerpieces complemented the bare tables.

At the place settings, natural grass mat chargers were a textured backdrop for blue ceramic accent plates, green cotton gauze napkins, and menus printed on recycled cotton paper.

Locally-sourced dried flowers were pressed between crisp sheets of acrylic to create a background for carefully-sketched table numbers.

Danielle and Filipe asked Nadia and Co. bakery to recreate their original large wedding cake design—and flavor: vegan vanilla salted caramel with honeycomb—on miniature sweets for each guest. "We'll have the full version at our bigger celebration in June!" says Danielle. "Each cake featured pressed edible flower around the entirety. They were absolutely mouthwateringly delicious."

The couple chose "Annie's Song" by John Denver for their first dance. "We are both big folk music fans, and so John Denver is someone we both love," says Danielle. "This song represents a love for another human being, but also how that love is also manifested in a love for nature and the natural world."

Photography, Andrew Mark Photography
Event Planning, Shealyn Angus Weddings and Events
Catering, Victor Dries
Flowers, Blush and Bloom
Videography, Rebecca Wood
Officiant, Dean Kennedy
Stationery, Brooklin Paper Co.
Cake, Nadia and Co.
Music, SolePower
Rentals, Chairman Mills; Contemporary Furniture Rental; Guelph Tent Rentals; Plate Occasions
Bride's Gown and Veil, Pronovias
Hair, Your Hair Guru
Makeup, Vanessa Baudner
Groom's Suit, Suit Supply
Bride's Rings, James Allen
Groom's Wedding Ring, Armand Jewellers