Summer Wedding at YMCA Geneva Park in Orillia

It's official, Jen and Ty tie the knot (see how crafty I was there) at the YMCA Geneva Park in Orillia this past weekend!  Getting back to my outdoorsy, lake and forest roots had me gitty for this day.  I had the opportunity to get out and scout the massive grounds at Geneva Park ahead of time with their event co-ordindator Wendy Roberts.  This place has everything a rustic wedding bride could want... forests, fields, lakes, dirt roads and older style facilities on mature, tree-line grassways (yes I totally made up grassways).

Another huge bonus was shooting this wedding with my crazy-talented daughter Kindsey!  She shoots with me a few times each year locally and down south, her talent blows me away every time.  I had to catch myself a few times watching with pride as she hopped around hunting her next shot.It's been wonderful getting to know Jen and Ty this past year from our first of several consultations to the engagement shoot last fall culminating in this beautiful lakeside wedding at Geneva Park.  

Brides should consider Geneva if you're looking for an exclusive (they only accept a limited number of weddings each year), rustic venue with cabins and rooms for guests - it's a real all-in-one solution.But enough from me, let's hear a from the King and his Queen...

WHAT DID THEY LOVE MOST ABOUT THEIR DAY?

JEN:  It's impossible to pick just one thing. I loved that everything was just so beautiful- the weather, the lake-side setting, our vows, the decorations, the flowers, our dogs with their flower corsages, my brooch bouquet exclusively made by Ty, the food, and all of our most favourite people. I loved that our wedding was reflective of our personalities:)

TY:  Exchanging our vows which were a surprise to each other.

ANYTHING THEY WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY LOOKING BACK:

JEN:  We still can't believe that everything went better than we could have ever expected so we both agree that we have no regrets. If we could, we would have slowed down time because the day went by way too fast. We want to relive the day again and again. In fact, if we could do it again, we'd like to be guests at our own wedding lol

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF THE DAY:

JEN:  Unexpectedly receiving the most beautiful long-stem roses from Ty the hour before our early reveal and the intimacy of the early reveal.

TY:  The first look at "my stunning bride".

COMMENTS ABOUT THEIR GENEVA PARK WEDDING

We were so impressed with the talent of each vendor and grateful to have each of you be apart of our day. You all far exceeded our expectations and can't thank-you enough.

PHOTOGRAPHER:  Vaughn and Kindsey of Vaughn Barry Photography... we were more than pleased with our beautiful engagement photos and you've outdone yourself with our wedding photos. Our photos are magical and reflect the breath taking scenery of the lake-side which for us is home. Having Kindsey come along for the day was an added bonus and we feel so lucky to have had her there, not only to take the additional photos but to share in conversation with her throughout the day. I especially appreciate your ability to run a tight ship to get the job done while keeping things light-hearted. Thanks for your easy-going attitude yet equally important professionalism.

WEDDING CO-ORDINATOR:  Wendy Roberts at Geneva Park was incredibly energetic, friendly and very knowledgeable. She made us feel taken care of from start to finish. All the staff at Geneva Park were friendly and accommodating. The chief at Geneva Park made the most outstanding BBQ'd meal.

DECORATOR:  Jackie Moreau and the decorating team at Joyful Moments blew us away with the beautiful décor at the ceremony site, the dining and reception hall. The details in all aspects of their decorations were so pretty and reflected the romantic theme we were looking for.

DJ:  Ken Lindsey was so personable and an outright entertainer to say the least. He provided live entertainment by singing and playing the harmonica and he kept the dance floor moving all night long.

MUSICIAN:  Chris Lemay is an amazingly talented musician who is a walking playlist of every genre. We just love listening to him!

OFFICIANT:  Tom Cook, eased our nerves with his kindness and sense of humour. He made our ceremony extra special with the exchange of roses.

CAKE:  Bonnie Dennis, at That Added Touch works extra hard to please. Her attention to detail is reflected in the beautiful work of art that she creates. The cupcakes and cake she made us were so pretty and equally delicious.

FLORIST:  Art in Bloem, owned and operated by the most lovely couple we've ever met. Our flowers were absolutely gorgeous and made with love. We knew they were the florists for us when they offered to make flower corsages for our dogs.

HAIR/MAKEUP: Mary Ellen from The Art of Hair and Make-up is very personable yet equally professional. My hair and make-up looked as good at the end of the night as it did when she completed it.

STATIONARY:  Screen Machine Promotions- are always there for our printing needs, even with short notice.