Jennifer and Jason first met at a music festival in 2015 and briefly dated before going their separate ways. Years later, after traveling, building careers, and figuring out what they truly wanted, they found their way back to each other through a friend’s Instagram post. “I think our time apart really allowed us to grow and change into the adults that we are now,” Jennifer shared.
What followed moved quickly, but with clarity. They spent 2023 traveling, moved in together after five months, and eventually bought a quiet piece of land in the countryside. That same property would later become the setting for their wedding—a natural extension of their story rather than a backdrop chosen for the occasion.
What We Love About This Wedding:
- The long, winding dinner table that curved through the trees and around the greenhouse
- A bold orange color palette that stood out beautifully against the greenery
- A custom bridal look with tailored pants, heirloom details, and a statement cape
- Their dog Leo casually becoming part of the ceremony entrance
- A timeline built around golden hour and the natural pace of the day
Making Quick Wedding Decisions Without Overthinking
Pulling together a wedding at home in just two months could have felt rushed, but Jennifer approached it with a clear sense of what mattered.
“Since I’m in the wedding industry, I’ve been taking notes on elements of wedding days for more than a decade,” she said.
Instead of trying to replicate a traditional format, they focused on what felt right for them. They kept the structure loose, removed anything that felt unnecessary, and made space for the parts they were actually excited about.
The day still followed a familiar rhythm, but it never felt rigid. For couples working with a shorter timeline, this approach can make all the difference. When you’re not trying to do everything, it becomes easier to focus on what will actually make the day feel like yours.
Using Their Property as the Starting Point for Design
Because their wedding at home took place entirely outdoors, the property naturally set the tone.
“We wanted our guests to be immersed in the property and landscape of our home,” Jennifer shared. For many of their guests, it was their first time visiting, so the day doubled as an introduction to the space.
To balance all the green, they brought in orange as an accent color. It added warmth without overpowering the surroundings and worked especially well with the tones of their log house and the evening light.
Dinner became one of the most memorable parts of the design. A single long table was arranged in a gentle curve through the trees and around the greenhouse, creating a layout that felt both intentional and relaxed. It encouraged movement, conversation, and gave everyone a different perspective of the property.
Letting the Wedding Day Flow Without a Strict Schedule
Rather than structuring every moment, Jennifer and Jason let their wedding at home unfold at its own pace.
They started with a first look, giving them a quiet moment together before everything began. Earlier that day, Jennifer also carved out time with her dad, sharing margaritas while watching guests arrive from inside the house.
The ceremony itself was deeply personal. Jennifer wrote the script, weaving in themes of nature, adventure, and their connection to the land. She was walked down the aisle by both her dad and stepdad, with Leo following behind—completely unplanned and somehow perfect.
After the ceremony, guests moved straight into cocktails, lawn games, and conversation. Dinner wrapped just before sunset, which had been intentionally built into the timeline.
Everyone gathered on the hill to watch the light shift before the evening split naturally into two directions. Some guests stayed by the fire with coffee and dessert, while others headed straight for the dance floor.
Featured Vendor:
Shari + Mike Photographers
Rethinking Wedding Fashion Beyond Tradition
Jennifer’s approach to fashion was clear from the start. After more than a decade of photographing weddings, she knew a traditional gown wasn’t for her.
Instead, she worked with Toronto designer Catherine Langlois to create custom wedding pants paired with a crop top that incorporated elements from her mother’s dress. The buttons and beading added a subtle but meaningful connection to her family.
At the last minute, she added a feathered, sequined cape that caught the light in the best way—something that felt playful without being over the top.
After the ceremony, she shifted her look again, adding a handmade felt hat, a neck scarf, and cowboy boots that once belonged to her mom.
Jason kept things equally considered with a beige linen suit and black shirt, a small change that made the look feel more current.
One of their favorite details was the set of matching satin scarves worn by Jennifer, Jason, and their dog Leo. “I think that was my favourite attire element,” she said.
Choosing Vendors They Already Know and Work Well With
As a Junebug photographer, Jennifer has spent years working closely with some of the best in the industry, so when it came time to plan her own wedding, she didn’t have to start from scratch.
For their wedding at home, they chose people they had already worked with and genuinely trusted. “I felt very lucky that I had seen pretty much everyone in action,” she said.
To make scheduling easier, they chose a Friday wedding date, which gave them a better chance of securing their top picks on short notice.
Their officiant was even closer to home—their neighbor—which added a layer of familiarity and meaning to the ceremony.
It’s a good reminder that beyond talent, it helps to work with people who understand your energy and how you want the day to feel.
Turning Everyday Favorites Into Wedding Details
Having a wedding at home made it easy to incorporate personal details.
Jennifer’s love of charcuterie showed up in more ways than one. Not only was it part of the dining experience, but it also inspired their seating chart. Each guest’s name was vinyl-cut onto individual boards, turning something practical into something interactive.
They also created “fun fact” cards for each table to help spark conversation, especially among guests who were meeting for the first time.
Even their accessories reflected their lives. Jason’s wedding band came from his own jewelry company, while Jennifer’s necklace and hat details were sourced from their shared creative work.
None of these elements felt forced. They simply reflected who they are and what they enjoy.
Extending the Celebration With a Local Gathering
Instead of a traditional rehearsal dinner, they chose to host a post-wedding brunch at Rolling Grape Winery, a place they already loved.
“It felt great supporting another local business,” Jennifer shared.
The setting made it easy for everyone to relax, reconnect, and talk through the highlights of the night before without any pressure or structure.
Staying Focused on What Actually Matters
If there’s one thing Jennifer and Jason would pass on to other couples, it’s this:
“Plan a day that you actually want to attend.”
They skipped traditions that didn’t feel relevant and focused on what would make the experience enjoyable for them and their guests. That meant building in time to slow down, prioritizing good food and drinks, and creating space for both quiet moments and a full-on dance party.
Their wedding at home is a reminder that the most memorable celebrations aren’t built around expectations—they’re built around intention.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Shari + Mike
Floral Design – Flower Treasures
Catering – Hawley Crescent
Officiant – Valerie Russell
DJ – DJ Rich Sweet
Videography – Jennifer Van Son
Makeup + Hair Styling – Erynn Shannon
Wedding Dress – Catherine Langlois
Bridal Accessories – Vitaly
Groom’s Apparel – Tom’s Place
Groom’s Wedding Band – Clocks and Colours
Bride’s Wedding Band – Ring Come True
Engagement Ring – Veronica Windsor
Rentals – Perfect Party Rentals
Transportation – Century Transportation
Content Creator – Bride Flicks
.jpg "Photographers")
