Y’all. Ashley and Matt are awesome.
They also wear their hearts on their sleeves – in the best kind of way.
When they are ecstatic, you can expect happy tears.
Ah, the happy tears.
The speeches were hilarious as we were reminded to look around the room and just see how many times certain family members were crying. We all laughed so hard.
They know how to have a great time, and their save the dates and programs showcased their humour. (You can see them in the photos below!)
And Matt loves wrestling so he and his guys donned Luchador masks for some snaps – too dang funny!
The weather was wet for much of the day so we had to re-jig where we did their first look and some portraits, but the charming Knollwood Golf and Country Club Inn has an adorable wrap-around porch that was perfect.
I absolutely *loved* working with Ashley and Matt – you guys are the sweetest and I’m super honoured to have been a part of your love story!
— Now for some photos! Also don’t miss their reflections of their big day at the bottom of the post!
KEY PLAYERS:
– Bride’s dress designer: Bonny Bridal
– Boutique where dress was found: Sheila’s Bridal Ancaster, ON (Plus size gown specialist and highly recommended!)
– Bouquets: Sobey’s Ancaster, ON (This was my greatest wedding bargain and I’m so happy how they turned out!)
– Hair: Sarah Davis of Wilde Hair Boutique Grimsby, ON
– Makeup: Makeup by Carmela
– Groom’s Suit: Moore’s
– Groom’s Accessories: Moore’s
– Centrepieces: Handmade with love
– Invitations: Designed by the groom and printed at TPH
– Cake: L.A. Cupcake Boutique
– Cookie Table: Bab’s Bakes owned by the bride’s mom, Barb
– Favours: Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa handmade with love
– Cake Topper: The Threaded Hook
– Getting Ready Location: Knollwood Inn
– Ceremony Venue: Knollwood Golf Course
– Photo location: Knollwood Golf Course
– Reception Venue: Knollwood Golf Course
– Other details of note: Christina Robbins of Knollwood was heaven sent and made all of our wishes come true!
– Photographer: Olive Photography
– A little bit about where you met?
We like to say we met where digital love goes to die, otherwise known as the website Plenty of Fish!
– What was the style/vibe of your wedding, and why did you choose to make it that way?
We wanted our wedding to feel relaxed, warm and inviting. When we saw our venue with the copper-hooded fireplace and the wood beams we knew it was the perfect fit! We also didn’t want everything to be cookie-cutter, so we tried to incorporate lots of details like Matt’s love for wrestling (incorporated into our vows, groomsmen pictures and sugar cookies). Our bear-themed nicknames were also incorporated into our crocheted cake topper.
– What made you choose to have your wedding in the season you did?
We both love fall and we were hoping for seasonal temperatures and beautiful fall colours. We ended up getting gale-force winds and rain blowing from all directions, but it still worked out beautifully. Our ceremony was moved inside and lit by candles in the windows, which we loved.
– What was your favourite wedding moment (bride & groom)?
Ashley: Ah! So hard to choose, but probably our vows. We laughed and cried and immediately after the ceremony that “Oh my gah! We’re married!” moment is incredible.
Matthew: I have two. The first was breaking down when I saw Ashley in a window’s reflection during our first look. The second was scanning the room after the speeches and seeing everyone we know laughing and having a good time. The dance floor was packed right to the end.
– Any advice for engaged couples planning their wedding?
It is so cliche but relax and enjoy everything. We spent so much time ahead of the wedding worrying about the “what ifs” and when the day came, it just melted away. There isn’t much you can do the day of, so enjoy the ride.
Also, use your vendors to meet other vendors. We found our make up artist and sourced our cake topper through Anastasia!
– Any final thoughts about the big day/experience of getting married that you’d like to share?
Don’t underestimate the amount of work and detail that goes into pulling a wedding together, but also know that it’s not as bad as it seems when you’re stressed out. Chip away at it a few nights each week, knocking items off your To-Do List as you go along. It’s completely manageable even if it seems like a mountain at first. Make time for yourselves and talk about things other than the wedding!
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If you enjoyed this rainy day wedding at a cool, rustic GTA venue, you may also like this one at the Cambridge Mill!