Where do I even begin? After 13 years together, two beautiful kiddos, countless memories, Justin and I finally said “I do” at our farm: our favourite place in the world. And it was everything we ever dreamed of… and more. 🥹🤍
In case you missed it, we kicked off the wedding celebrations with a traditional church ceremony. You can read all about it here! The evening of the church ceremony, we also had an intimate Italian-themed rehearsal dinner in our backyard, which I’ll be sharing all about on the blog.
The Day Before the Wedding
The following day, Justin and I spent quality time with our bridesmaids and groomsmen. The girls worked out at Pranify Yoga Studio with my dear friend Jenn Pike, then had lunch (and a few margaritas) at Cactus Club. The boys went water skiing and boating, then we all met up at the farm for our rehearsal in the evening. It was such a special day!
Getting Ready with my Girls
Fast forward to the morning of the farm wedding! This morning was one that I’ll never forget. Getting ready with all of my girls felt so special. Plus, having Annie, my mama, and my mother-in-law there by my side made it even more meaningful. These women have shaped me, supported me, and walked with me through every stage of life… to share that morning with them was such a gift. We popped bubbly, blasted Shania Twain, and had so much fun. I still can’t believe how calm I was! Kaitlin, who’s been doing my makeup for YEARS did my bridal makeup and Nicole make my wedding hair dreams come true, I was so happy with how it all turned out.
Once we were ready, I did a first look with both my parents and Annie. I could cry again just thinking about it. My parents and I have been through so much together, and this moment with them was one that I’ll never forget.
After lots of tears, photos, and last-minute touch ups… it was time to head to the farm!
Saying “I Do” Under the Willow Tree
Walking out to the ceremony, I had to pinch myself. For years, Justin and I dreamed of saying our vows under the willow tree at the farm. That tree has seen so much life already: birthdays, dock days, family dinners, and quiet summer nights with just us four. To stand beneath it, surrounded by 176 of our family and friends, felt surreal. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and our incredible team of vendors created the most romantic, whimsical setting. Laurence from Fleurich Creations outdid herself with the florals, and Yuriko from Vintage Origami transformed our farm into the dreamiest backdrop with the help of Smitten Events. I still can’t believe how perfect it turned out.
I had a vision of a stone staircase leading down the hill, with a rose bush arching overhead, and Justin brought my vision to life. Walking through it and down the stairs with my sweet dad was so special.
When the music started and I saw Justin, Leo and Annie waiting for me at the end of the aisle, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so happy. It was like every twist and turn we’d taken to get here suddenly made sense.
One of the most unforgettable parts of our ceremony was having Leo and Annie involved. Watching them walk down the aisle and stand with us as we said our vows was better than I ever could have imagined. It meant the world to us that they got to witness the moment their parents became husband and wife.
The ceremony itself was heartfelt, intimate, and so “us.” Our vows were a mix of laughter and tears (which is pretty much our whole relationship in a nutshell LOL). As the willow tree swayed above us and our friends and family (and our boy Nacho under the tree) looked on, it was truly one of the happiest moments of our lives.
One of my favourite details of our ceremony was our beautiful “in loving memory table” at the end of the aisle. The table had photos of our family members who are no longer with us, and it was such a special way to include them in our wedding day.
Our hearts are still exploding with gratitude, for our families who’ve supported us, our friends who’ve celebrated with us through every stage of life, and for every single person who showed up to celebrate with us. Truly, it felt like we were living in a dream!!!
I’m going to share more details on the cocktail hour, florals, reception and more… but for now, click the link below to view our farm wedding ceremony photo gallery!
The Gallery
Our Incredible Vendors
This day would not have been possible without the most amazing team of vendors and friends, many of whom we’ve worked with for years and who know our hearts so well.
- Videography: @lumina.weddings
- Event Planners: @smitten_events
- Catering: @whitetablecatering
- Dress: @cande.bridal
- Justin’s Tux: @harryroseninc
- Photography: @mintedphotography
- Hair Stylist: @pomme_salon
- Makeup Artist: @jennymckinneymua
- Bridal Makeup: @kaithargreaves
- Rings: @minichiellojewellers
- Floral Designer: @fleurichcreations
- Event Designer: @vintage.origami.weddings
- Tent & Rentals: @avalonrents
- Decor Rentals: @purplerhinoevents
- Bartending: @sip.n.celebrate
- Beverage Cart: @okanaganbubblesandco
- Reception Band: @sideoneband
- Cake: @kakesbykathie
- Table Top Rentals: @the.curated.plate.co
- Late Night Pizza: @mysticpizzaok
- Event Stationery: @minted
Standing under that willow tree, looking at Justin, with Leo and Annie by our sides, and being surrounded by so much love… it felt like every chapter of our story had led to this exact moment. And now, a whole new chapter begins as husband and wife!
Next up on the blog, we’re sharing all about our cocktail hour and reception! Stay tuned for all the juicy details!
xo
Jilly & Justin
