Lauren, 24 & Geoff, 26

Prince Edward County, Ontario

Wedding Date: July 18, 2009

Number of Guests: 65

Wedding Cost: $35,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: The Grange of Prince Edward Winery (The ceremony was by a pond next to the winery’s historic farmhouse.)

Wedding Reception Location: The Grange of Prince Edward Winery (The Grange is one of southern Ontario’s most historic wineries — originally a working farm, transformed into a lush, rolling vineyard. It really reflects the region’s rustic, Loyalist past. It’s reception area is in a beautifully restored barn, with towering cathedral ceilings and exposed beams, a tasting bar, and courtyard patio.)

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We both have small families, so we knew that a small, intimate wedding was a possibility. We spend a lot of time in Prince Edward County because Geoff’s father owns a farm there, and we had been to the Grange many times for wine tasting. We decided that we wanted to have a wedding at one of Prince Edward County’s wineries and when we visited the Grange, we decided that it was the perfect place. The venue could only accomodate up to 75 guests, so our upper limit for guests was already set! It was nice to think more about who we wanted to join us for the wedding, rather than who we could invite to fill a large venue.

I missed out on strawberry picking this year and hence didn’t get to make strawberry jam. That’s one of the highlights of early summer – so I’m determined not to miss out on raspberry jam.

A while back, we made some cute printable jam labels for you to download here.

If you are making something other than raspberry or strawberry jam, check out the free printable jam labels from Eat Drink Chic. Perfect for the wild blueberry homemade jam that I am dreaming about!

I recently read an article in MacLean’s Magazine about designer donuts. They’re one of the hottest trends in desserts, and they’re starting to show up on wedding dessert tables instead of cupcakes and macarons.

Who doesn’t love a good donut? And if you’ve ever experienced a homemade donut made to perfection, then you wouldn’t scoff at the idea of having them at your wedding.

I still remember (with great fondness!) the homemade glazed donuts I got at a little hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee when I was a kid. Every morning for the entire week that we vacationed there, there would be a knock at the door and a kind soul bearing freshly squeezed orange juice, hot chocolate and warm, melt-in-your-mouth homemade donuts would magically appear. It’s one of my fondest memories of Tennessee!

If you dared to serve donuts at your wedding, what kind would you serve?

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Whether it’s on one of Lake Erie’s sandy beaches, or on a sprawling lakefront lawn, a waterfront wedding on the shore of Lake Erie is a beautiful thing.

 After all, what better backdrop to say “I do” than a big, blue sparkling lake?

 Outdoor weddings on the water are becoming increasingly popular, and more and more outdoor wedding venues are popping up to meet the demands.

 Many public parks now offer outdoor weddings, as well as bed and breakfasts and restaurants. Backyard waterfront weddings are also a great option if a couple lives on the water or has a friend or relative with lakefront property.

 Cleveland Ohio’s Wendy Park, is one waterfront facility that’s gaining popularity with couples who want a waterfront wedding.

 Debbie Greenwaldt, special events manager for the 22-acre county owned park, says most weddings at the park are less formal than traditional indoor weddings. She says couples have the option of getting married on the beach, or on the lawn.

 “We charge a site fee based on the number of people,” she says, adding that the fee ranges from $250 -$500.

 Couples can rent a tent, or choose to have their wedding in the open air.

 “We advise that they rent a tent, but it’s up to them,” she says.

 She points out that on a nice day even couples who rent a tent, can give their guests the option of enjoying the open air.

 “We put picnic tables between the lake and tent so people can sit outside and be closer to the lake,” she says.

 According to Greenwaldt, most weddings at the park occur on Saturday evenings. She says that even when the weather is hot, there’s usually a lake breeze.

 “It’s such a great location,” she says.

  Not for worry warts

 Despite their popularity, and the great variety of Lake Erie wedding locations, outdoor waterfront weddings are not for everyone.

 An outdoor wedding generally takes more planning than an indoor wedding, and it can be just as expensive – sometimes costing even more.

 And because brides and grooms are at the mercy of the elements, they’re also a bigger risk. Mother Nature can be glorious, but she is often unpredictable – and unkind. She won’t hesitate to offer up a deluge during the most delightful of days.

 For that reason, outdoor weddings are not for worry warts. Wedding planning can be stressful enough, without having to worry about the weather.

 “Some people are all depressed if it rains. If you are going to be disappointed, plan it inside,” says Cheryl Gilbert, owner of Windsor, Ontario’s Tent Palace, a company that offers event tent rentals.

 Sometimes a great view of the lake is all you need.

Tired of vintage mason jars, chandeliers hanging from trees, bunting strung over vintage tablecloths and old typewiters? Looking for some fresh outdoor wedding ideas?

I pulled together some images that might just inspire you to create a wedding that is entirely unique!

Ever heard of glamping? I didn’t until I saw this photo on Giver’s Log. Amazing.

What about these whimsical swings hanging from the trees instead of chandeliers?

Chill in this old school caravan on your wedding day. (If you live in the UK you can rent it.)

Or get married here at Isaih Zabar’s Magic Garden in Philadelphia. They do host weddings!