Lionel and Nicole searched the french (as in France) countryside for the ideal place to get married....ultimately they chose us and we are glad they did. With half the guest list coming in directly from Paris there was a great deal of input in how things were to happen and that resulted in a touch of continental influence. The wines for example - many of them came directly from France in guest luggage. Cheeses, a wonderful mix of nuts and olives had clearly come from sources beyond our local area.
For this wedding we prepared champagne and mojitos poured and ready for guests to consume right after the ceremony.
The cermony was held at the pondsite - but rather than use chairs the couple opted for us to set up bales of hay with 2X10 planks to sit on.
Guests then proceeded to the sheep shed for hors d'ouvres served by East and Main out of Wellington and of course the drinks we had pre-charged. Guests not tempted by the choice of lemon aid, beers on ice or the signature cocktails were in some cases
. lured into our corn maze - particularly the children as there were a great number in attendance - and yes we did have translated question sheets which they could take in with them so they would be out in time for dinner.
Curtains on our barn doors softened the look considerably. In fact we have kept them up since this wedding waiting until someone asked us to take them down.
Off to the side you may see a chicken wire set of louvered doors - everyone's name was clipped to this frame as seating directions
The tables were all rectangular and the effect is one of my favourites. These tables allow for a really efficient use of space but I understand its not everyones choice to opt out of round tables - rather than look across at guests you have to look down the aisle...still
Note the head table is in front of the stage
A lovely touch was to set up an old typewriter - guests were asked to type a note to the bride and groom. Items such as these were available locally from one of the many antique shops in the area...Dead People's Stuff if I recall correctly - but who could forget with a name like that!
Children were given activities - colouring books, for example, at their tables have worked very well at any number of weddings - this one as well
Note the use of burlap as an overlay - effective and one of the least expensive options possible to evoke a rural mood contrasting well with the formal place setting
Dinner was a multi-course event - and as I may have mentioned on any number of tours through the barn, the caterer opted to wash plates between courses rather than introduce a plate outside of our 5 piece set.
As the evening proceeded a slide show ran - the weather cooperated and a great deal of french wine was consumed.
and I think a good time was had by all.
Nicole and Lionel are now back living in Paris - our best wishes go out to them from John I, John C,Tara, Kailey,Lynne,Bethany and Me