Renfrew Winter Wedding
“Getting married in Alberta wasn’t an option. We wanted to bring the mountains back to the Ottawa Valley in a way that captured a rustic, wintery feel yet warm with love. Cross those qualities with the simplistic beauty of the Ottawa Valley that we both grew up with and details that showcase our roots (plaid), we hope to have a wedding that is the best of both worlds and encapsulates our experiences that lead to our future together. “
The Proposal – It was Thanksgiving and he was scheduled to come home for a long overdue visit. We had been talking over FaceTime for a few weeks about what we could do for the long weekend. He had mentioned that he had a surprise date for me. This was not out of the ordinary for him as he has done this before. Saturday comes and we get ready to go out. The only information given to me was that I needed to dress for the weather. We get into my car and I tell him he has to give me some directions as to where to drive. He says to head to Calabogie. As we are driving there the weather isn’t cooperating and is insistent on “raining on my parade.” We arrive at Calabogie Peaks. He really wanted to take me on the chairlift to see all of the wonderful fall coloured leaves. We get to the lift and the attendant says “We are closed because of the weather, you could come back tomorrow.” Jeff is visibly down. I told him no worries, we could still make the most of the rainy day – there were at least 2 craft sales going on in Ottawa, not to mention the museums and movie theaters that would easily make for a good date together. Defeated, he gets into my car. On the drive back to town he says “Pull over I have to pee.” I was like…. hmm alright. There is this little park along the Madawaska River that looks onto the water and is perfect for a picnic or just a space to take in all of its sheer beauty. I swing the car in quickly and park. I tell him that I’m going to get out to go look at the water while he takes care of business. He follows me. I try to shoo him away and that’s when he takes both of my hands and tells me how much he loves me. I can see him slowly starting to kneel down. I start bawling and saying “no, no, no”. NOT because I didn’t want to marry him…. but because of my complete and utter shock. He pulls out a gorgeous ring (one that I had loved on Instagram but never in my wildest dreams thought I would have the honour of wearing) and puts it onto my ringer. I’m crying, covering my mouth almost as if to pick it up from the ground, still in shock. He says “Well, what’s your answer?” and of course I say yes!!! I give him a huge hug and then check my hand again to see if this is for sure actually happening. It was definitely the biggest surprise he has ever given me. We now call that little park “our spot.”

- Second Photographer Casey Snyder Design
- Venue Cobden Agricultural Society Hall
- AirBnB : Andi Marcus – Luxury Century Farm House
- Makeup: Robyn Cunningham – The Beauty Corner
- Hair Miranda Heins – Haven Salon
- Bride’s Dress Crazy Beautiful Dresses
- Designer Kenneth Winston
- Engagement Ring MaeVona
- Wedding Bands People’s Jewellers
- Florals DIY
- Groovy Linen Ottawa, Valley Tent + Party Rentals Pembroke, Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm Pakenham
- Officiant Fr. Brennan St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church
- Groom’s Suit Tip Top Tailors
- DJ Maestro Joe
- Schmidt’s Catering Pembroke
- Video Katie Kok – Goose Creek Productions
these are absolutely the most beautiful wedding photos I have ever seen!!! you can feel the laughter, the love, the fun in each photo…..that is talent to capture those feelings. awesome job!!!