Every bride-to-be dreams of designing her picture-perfect wedding day and every Canadian country girl dreams of finding the "one" - no, not the hunky cowboy (he's already "roped" and willing by this point) - that "one" picture perfect venue encompassing just the right blend of rustic and chic to set the romantic scene for the most important day of her life.
My clients, Alexandra and Dan, were elated when they found their ideal venue - a barn situated on a beautiful property in northern Ontario's Oro-Medonte county, at the Lazy Dayz B&B. The perfect setting for their September 28, 2013 "country" themed wedding. The barn's upper level, decorated with elegant white hanging paper lanterns, would host a most fabulous reception. BBQ style catering by Men With Knives featuring pork ribs, grilled salmon, veggies, corn-on-the-cob and gourmet mack and cheese would accentuate the country theme along with signature his & hers cocktails. The barn's lower level, complete with bar, would serve for dancing the night away to the lively tunes of party band, Everglo.
Plans were set in motion, vendors were hired, the smallest details were meticulously executed and I came on board to do Day-of Coordination for this super sweet and organized DIY couple. I had not worked with a more passionate and dedicated pair.
Alexandra and Dan were ready to rock their wedding day when suddenly, less than 48 hours from tying the knot, they received a call from the venue's owner notifying them that the Fire Marshal had paid an unexpected visit and completely shut down use of the barn's upper level. Hearts sank and panic set in as the challenging reality of the situation came to light. Where would 100 guests be relocated for the wedding reception in under 48 hours and how would it all get done in time?
Well, after what had been a consistently wet and cool summer, by some incredible miracle, mother nature came through with an early wedding gift - clear skies and no sign of rain in the forecast for Saturday. With an immediate serge of support from family and friends, Alexandra and Dan dug deep to subdue their feelings of disappointment. Relying on the strength of their love for each other, bold determination and the advise of their Wedding Coordinator, a decision was made to relocate the reception outdoors, the logistics were juggled, the new plan was set in motion and the result...was absolute perfection! The Atkins barn wedding went off without a hitch - the Bride and Groom got hitched, the weather was beautiful and the party was off the hook!
Dan and Alexandra were challenged so unexpectedly in the final hours before their wedding and I was blown away, not only by their incredible courage and strength of love for each other, but also by the unwavering surge of support from family and friends willing to step in to do whatever was needed to get the Bride and Groom the celebration they had envisioned. I will forever remember the Atkins wedding...not because of the disaster it almost was, but because it serves me as reminder of what a wedding day is really all about: the willful gathering of a community in support of two individuals who share their hearts and the joyful celebration of those two hearts joining as one. Without further adieu, I present the Atkins barn wedding!
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