Toronto Wedding|Barefoot Bride

When Elle was a young girl, she dreamed of walking down the aisle with blades of grass tickling her toes on a warm summers’ day. Dreams do come true!

This DIY vintage-bohemian themed wedding was fully inspired by the bride with her loving husband-to-be by her side every step of the way. Elle and Dan’s love for each other is undeniable, however, their respect for creation and the natural elements shone through in the details of this celebration. With hiking and camping topping the list of this couple’s favourite activities, their choice to be married outdoors among the willow trees with a botanical garden reception couldn’t be more perfect. Even more fitting, their rings were cast from the branch of a willow tree.

Elle’s favourite moments… I had two favourite moments of the day. The first was standing in my makeshift tent waiting for the ceremony to start while being surrounded by the friends and families who had helped get me to that place. The love and support present in that tent will remain with me always. My other favourite moment was our first look photos. Seeing the man I was going to marry for the first time that day (and he seeing me) was profoundly special. It reminded both of us of how much we love each other and that this day was the celebration of our commitment to us. It was like falling in love all over again!

   

Minimizing their environmental footprint while being cost-conscious was a priority for this bride and groom. The groom’s suit was thrifted for $21 (including his shoes!); there was no need for groomsmen to invest in suits; the bridesmaids were given a colour palette and chose their own dresses – whether new, borrowed, or thrifted; lavender was sourced from a local farmer; and the flowers were from an environmentally and socially sustainable florist.

Music Selections
Processional-Bridal Party: You are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
Processional-Bride: Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Recessional: Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons
First Dance: Without Haste by Mumford & Sons

Elle and Dan’s personalities were wrapped up in every meaning-filled detail… and there were a lot of details! Most of which were DIY projects – from the carefully packaged invitations that were sealed with wax, to the centrepieces, decor elements, even the music playlist for the dance party; all were thoughtfully planned and executed by Elle and Dan.

From beginning to end, this special day was truly an extension of the bride and groom, their love for each other, for their family and friends, and for the world around them.

Supporting Cast
Photography: Kevin & Sheryl Photography
Stylist: Tiffany Pratt
Florist: EcoStems
Ceremony Venue: Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket
Reception Venue: Madsen’s Gardens
Cupcake Design: Foodalie by Natalie Ott