The Sunlight of Love

May their joys be as bright as the morning, and their sorrows but shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.
~ Minna Thomas Antrim

June is the traditional month for weddings. I've had this post in my drafts for a couple of years and since June has come around once again, I thought it would be time to dust it off and present it - although this wedding took place just a tad later in the summer.

Back in July of 2014, we attended a wedding. The groom was the handsome Brodie and his bride was the lovely Andrée. It was an outdoor venue - a ranch in Bethany, Ontario. And it was a beautiful, semi-casual/semi-formal and totally-charming event.


It was just off of Highway 7A in southern Ontario, which is not to be confused with Highway 7 in southern Ontario. And yet we did confuse the two which is why we arrived late - but just in time to see the couple pronounced married. Just a few seats over from the right, you can see Lisa (aunt to the groom) turning back to snap a photo of the latecomers.








The happy newlyweds Andrée and Brodie.








While the wedding party was off having photos taken by the professional, it was time for the rest of us to sit back and enjoy a drink. We were each assigned our own Mason jar mugs to keep through the day, and from which to drink our beer, wine or other.








Folks explored the barn where we found sweet, thoughtful and endearing touches everywhere. These tree saplings were gifts from the couple to their guests. Along with their names, it bore the message "Plant a tree and watch our love grow."*








Nearby was a decorative vintage claw foot tub. As far as I know, nobody made use of it that day.








And the place cards for table settings hung with clothespins above the word LOVE - created with branches and tree trunk rings.








Isn't this a thoughtful gesture? A basket filled with just about anything you might need at an outdoor venue - bug spray, insect bite treatment, gum, hand cream, deodorant, toothpicks, nail files, antihistamines, pain killers, calamine lotion, tissues, sunscreen, tampons and even flip flops in case your feet got tired from walking around in fancier shoes. The bride and groom were looking out for their guests.








We were eventually seated at long tables in the barn's loft, ready to await the bride and groom. The table settings were simple and elegant. The wedding party arrived dancing, one couple at a time but the lighting was low and I wasn't able to photograph anything but smiling blurs.








Flowers set in mason jars and wrapped in canvas, ribbon and lace (just as the invitations were). I loved all of the creative details.








Soft, subtle and sweetly scented.








Just the view of the entrance way from the loft. There's a tree which had grown the full height of the second floor and the staircase kind of winds around it.








I couldn't resist snapping this pair of flashy, shocking pink socks. I'd say that he had happy feet.








May this be the one and only rocky road that this sweet woman and her husband must ever travel.








One of the outdoor decorative touches.








There was a rustic, covered bridge on the property.








Here's the barn - the reception took place upstairs.








As night began to fall, the mosquitoes came out in full force which signaled the end of the evening and the beginning of scratching.

Thank you for having such an enchanting wedding, Brodie and Andrée. May you live happily ever after.

*As for the cards which stated "Plant a tree and watch our love grow," their love has indeed grown. It's now two years later and the bride and groom are expecting their first child a little later this summer. 
True love is wonderful!