A stunning lakeside setting and an intimate reception are the focal points of today’s budget savvy wedding. Nicole and Adam’s careful attention to the details is evident throughout all of their wedding, from the reception decor to the stunning couple photos after the ceremony. I especially love their favors. Enjoy today’s cottage wedding! xoxo, Jessica

Nicole + Adam

August 8, 2015

Calabogie, Ontario  |  Private Family Cottage

What was your budget?

The wedding ended up totaling just under $9000. I have included a rough estimate of our costs below:

Photography: $2750

Catering/Beverages: $1400

Rental Items (tent, chairs, tables, dishes, cutlery, etc.): $1000

Officiant: $350

Flowers: $200

Wedding Bands: $1500

Dress: $1000

Groom’s Attire: $200

Bride’s Makeup: $70

Other (invitations, decor, gifts for family, etc.): $400

How many guests did you have?

We had a total of 18 guests (including ourselves and two photographers).

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

The wedding venue was very personal for us because we got married on the dock at Adam’s parents’ cottage. The cottage is one of our favourite places and we have made many happy memories there together. Keeping with the cottage theme and our love of the outdoors, after the marriage ceremony we had a tree planting ceremony using soil from our parents’ homes. We also gave our guests tree saplings wrapped in burlap to take home and plant somewhere special.

In terms of creativity, I made almost all of the décor which allowed me to put my personal touch on everything. My craft room was a sea of purple for months as I worked on many DIY projects for the wedding. There were signs, chalkboards, centerpieces, a photo tribute to our parents (who have been married a combined total of 70 years), and the Polaroid guest book was personalized with cartoons of each guest. To ensure guests were comfortable during our outdoor event we offered fun sunglasses for them to keep, fans on each seat, and had bug spray available. There was lawn Yahtzee during cocktail hour and my husband made a ‘Wedding Plinko’ board instead of the traditional clinking of the glasses for a kiss.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

Although it wasn’t why we chose it, getting married at the cottage ended up saving us the most because we didn’t have to pay any venue fees.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

My advice would be to do what makes you and your partner happy and remember that regardless of how you celebrate, the important thing is that you are getting married to the person you love.

What was your biggest splurge?

Our biggest splurge was photography. We hired a team of two amazing photographers because it was really important to us to have great photos. The wedding day really does pass quickly so we’re incredibly happy that we have beautiful photos documenting the entire day.

What was your favorite detail?

My favourite detail was a bouquet pendant with a photo of my (deceased) Grandmother on it; it was a gift from my Aunt. My Grandma and I were really close and it was so nice to have that with me on the big day. 

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

The whole day was really wonderful but I think one of my favourite and most memorable parts was when my husband and I went paddle boarding together at sunset. We were alone out on the lake while our friends and family (plus some of the neighbors) were celebrating on the shore and it was such a perfect moment that allowed us to enjoy and reflect on the day together.

VENDORS 

Photography: Kandid Weddings Photography • Rentals: Prior Engagements • Catering: The Good Food Company • Officiant: John Hyland from All Seasons Weddings • Dress: All That Glitters Bridal • Wedding Bands: The Wedding Jewelers • Flowers: Mel’s Flowers and Decorating