How Did You Choose Your Venue & Wedding Vibe?
We were actually living in Australia when we got engaged so we had to search for venues virtually. We knew we wanted an outdoor wedding and a relaxed vibe for the wedding. We almost went ahead with a venue in Tulum, Mexico but decided against it because it was proving logistically challenging. That’s when I stumbled across Gracewood Estate, Kurtz Orchards via an Instagram hashtag. We had to send my parents to go check it out since we were still in Melbourne and they raved about it. The venue only had 1 summer weekend left so we booked it right away and that was that!
What was your favorite moment from your wedding day?
How do you choose a favourite moment from the best day or your life… There were so many good ones! We’d have to name a few: Walking down the aisle after having sealed the deal, sitting down for dinner at those beautiful Tuscan style long tables for the first time and seeing all of our friends and family around us ready to enjoy the perfect meal together and then the last 30 minutes of the dance floor when things really got turned up haha. It was all magical.
How did you choose your wedding photographer?
We knew we wanted a photographer whose style focused more on candid moments, the overall vibe of the day and who we could be friends with. We found Brandon and Jess via Instagram and we’re instantly in awe of their style and talent. Their shots were all so raw and moody. We met them for coffee and had a great connection so we booked them right away. They shot our engagement photos, rehearsal dinner and wedding. We really milked it : )
Why did you decide to get married at Kutrz Orchards?
Micaela is from Toronto and Brent from Hamilton so it’s central Niagara on the Lake location felt like a destination wedding whilst still being really convenient for most of our guests (save all of the Australians who flew over). When we moved back, we drove up to see the venue we’d book while abroad for the first time and were blown away by the property. It offers so much: a pear orchard, Italian style gardens, beautiful and oak trees, vineyards in every direction, Tuscan style dining under cherry trees, a gorgeous tent with wood floors for the party, what more could you want? Not to mention the food is at beyond what you would normally expect from a more traditional wedding venue. That butternut squash ravioli and short rib…wow. Kurtz are true professionals and absolutely nailed every aspect of the day.
Any wedding planning advice to future brides?
Start early, take your time. You don’t need to do everything at once. I was lucky to have a two year engagement so I had the luxury of being able to search around for vendors that I felt really fit our personalities and style. Take a chance on people. Not every element has to be at a huge cost or by a well known vendor. Look for local people who know your venue and area as they will offer more value and it will feel more authentic. For example, instead of a big band, we booked a single flamenco guitarist to play our ceremony and cocktail hour. It was unique and set the tone perfectly and definitely didn’t break the bank. Our wedding cake was made by a sole trader, not a fancy commercial events bakery. Our cake was so unique and immaculately decorated and she delivered it herself the night before the wedding. It was absolutely stunning and so delicious. All of this made our wedding feel more intimate as we had the opportunity to work one on one with everyone. I would also say just generally, not to sweat the small stuff. Everyone says this but it’s really the best advice. Everyone is there to celebrate your love so try and let go of the more minute aspects and just let it all happen. All your hard work has finally come together, so soak every second of it in! This is once in a lifetime, baby!
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Getting Ready at the Charles Hotel
Wedding Held At Gracewood Estate / Kurtz Orchards
Wedding Decor Simply Beautiful Decor
Wedding Florals Ooh La La Designs
Cake Sarah Joy Sweets
Make UP Robyn Jeige & Olivia McCullough
Wedding Dress by Grace Loves Lace