After 8 years of love together, Andrea + Jake wanted to get married. A + J did not invite people the traditional way and instead told everyone (26 people) face-to-face about the elopement style wedding.
"We personally invited all of our family and friends over dinner, drinks, or a nice visit. Once they processed the information printed on the invite and after their immediate excitement, they all commented how this was very "us". They were very happy to see we were doing it exactly how we wished and thrilled that they were a part of it."
A + J both knew they didn't want too much tradition or that big of a wedding, and knew they wanted it to be small, intimate, and unique while being surrounded by their best friends and family. They knew exactly what they wanted.
"Being together for over 8 years, we always knew that if we decided to marry, it would be small and intimate in order to celebrate with those most dear to us. These are the people that helped shape who we are individually and as a couple! We had 3 months to plan our wedding! The first thing we actually booked for our wedding was a large cottage in the Muskokas. We booked this for the weekend of the wedding so we could invite our friends and continue the celebration. Once that was in place, we determined that there were 4 important aspects to our elopement-style wedding: a photographer to capture the day (this was an obvious choice), the venue (something small and intimate), a florist (Jackie, the owner of The Flower Studio who I know through work), and an officiant who kept the ceremony simple yet personal to us (Paul Filsinger- weddingsbypaul.ca). "
After doing some research on venues, Andrea and Jake came across Timeless Cafe + Bakery in Waterloo, Ontario. Timeless is a small farm that has been converted into a little cafe/bakery as well as an antique/old materials shop in the barn.
"Choosing the Timeless Cafe was an easy choice. It's an intimate space, offers great food and desserts, simple decor, and plenty of awesome photo opportunities. "
The day was filled with laughter, tears and fun. It was a beautiful snowy day for the wedding and made for an even more amazing weekend getaway with their friends. After the reception, A + J and 14 of their closest friends drove up to Bala and celebrated for the next 3 days.
"We wanted to have a getaway with our friends immediately prior to the reception because to us, our friends are just like family. We wanted to treat them to an extended weekend away and show our appreciation. It's tough to get everyone together these days, so we thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate!"
As a photographer, A + J are the "dream couple" you always want to work with. From being beautiful inside and out, relaxed/laid back and just overall fun and kind people, I am so thankful and fortunate to have been the one to capture their day. So A + J, THANK YOU!
