Megan and Christian’s whimsical micro-wedding in Ontario, Canada, was a masterclass in sustainability and sentimental family involvement. Megan, an environmentalist by training, ensured their big day was as eco-friendly as possible. With loved ones pitching in to cook the wedding meal, bake the cake, and craft accessories and rings, this union was truly a labor of love.
The couple’s creative approach extended to decor, opting for foraged and thrifted elements that complemented the natural surroundings beautifully. Minimal styling allowed the stunning locations to shine, while dried flowers added a delicate touch.
Don’t miss the adorable pup making an appearance, the emotional first look, or the enchanting outdoor first dance – it was truly magical. Two Cheeks Studio is grateful for the opportunity to capture these breathtaking moments from this special eco-friendly wedding.
The Meadows Stirling Wedding
The Proposal
I’ll never forget our first date, orchestrated by my best friend and Christian’s sister, who thought we’d be a great match – and they were right! That initial encounter has become a recurring joke among our friends and family, thanks to its unconventional ending. Instead of a romantic kiss, it culminated with me politely seeing him off at the front door. A more dramatic description might call it ‘slammed,’ but I think that’s a bit of an exaggeration.
Fast-forward to January 2020, when we were taking our dog Kona for a winter stroll on a picturesque snowy afternoon. Christian began waxing poetic about the future and love, prompting me to try and maintain my pace. He eventually managed to coax me into stopping, then dropped down onto one knee. When he proposed, I initially asked what would happen if I said no – which didn’t quite sit well with him! Of course, I ultimately said yes, and we started planning our wedding within a month.
The Vision
As we began planning our special day, we didn’t have a specific theme in mind, but we did know that we wanted to exchange our vows outside. This led us to discover a picturesque venue with an enchanting forest area that stole our hearts. Once the venue was settled, everything else fell into place naturally.The rustic elegance of the barn at our chosen venue served as inspiration for our decor theme. We also made a conscious effort to avoid purchasing new items that would be used only once, opting instead for vintage and second-hand pieces that added a unique touch to our celebration.Initially, we envisioned a wedding with 75+ guests and a full bridal party, but life had other plans. Our guest list ended up being much smaller at 19 people, and our sisters took on the roles of maid of honour and best woman. Looking back, it’s clear that having an intimate gathering was exactly what we desired; it allowed us to truly connect with each and every one of our loved ones in attendance. Additionally, our families, who hadn’t had much opportunity to spend time together prior to the wedding, were able to form meaningful bonds, which meant the world to us.
Your Outfits
The wedding attire for the big day was a collaborative effort between me and my partner. He had one non-negotiable requirement – a navy suit, which he paired with his grandfather’s watch and cufflinks, as well as a dusty rose tie that harmoniously matched the maid of honor’s dress color. Meanwhile, I ventured into uncharted territory by departing from my original vision for my wedding dress. Instead, I left the bridal store with an entirely different design. But amidst the uncertainty, I did have some practical considerations in mind. As our furry friend would undoubtedly be joining us on the big day, I prioritized a dress without a train that wouldn’t get in the way of our dog’s movements. I also opted for something lightweight and effortless to wear. The scorching heat on our outdoor wedding day – it was a balmy 40+ degrees Celsius – made my practical choice an excellent one. I surprised myself by deciding to don a veil, but it was a wise decision, as it wouldn’t pose any tripping hazards. I skipped heels altogether and instead chose the comfort of my blush-colored sandals. My accessories were thoughtfully borrowed from my now mother-in-law, featuring earrings and a necklace that complemented my overall look.
The Styling & Decor
We opted for a venue that handled all the decorating for our ceremony. In contrast, our reception took a more hands-on approach – or should I say, hands-off? We decided to get creative and make it a DIY affair. To accommodate our guests, we rented two Airbnb properties, transforming them into unique event spaces. The decor was a true reflection of our resourcefulness and love for upcycling. We scoured local thrift stores for bud vases and candle holders, which became the base for our centerpieces. The beautiful florals on display were picked from the great outdoors and dried to perfection. Fabric from the fabric store was cut to size and used as table runners, while twinkle lights were hung from posts and trees to create a magical ambiance. And the pièce de résistance? A stunning circular rug, sourced second-hand off Facebook Marketplace, served as our dance floor.
Personalised Touches
Our intimate celebration was a true reflection of our love for family, as it brought together 19 cherished guests – all of whom were loved ones. The personalized touches were evident throughout, from the homemade cuisine prepared by our families to the cake lovingly crafted by the mother of the groom. Our loyal companion, Kona, was an integral part of the day’s festivities, enjoying every moment with us.As a testament to the importance of family, various aspects of the ceremony held sentimental value. The groom wore his great-grandfather’s watch and grandfather’s cufflinks, while I exchanged vows adorned by diamonds from my mother’s treasured jewelry pieces, transformed into an engagement ring and wedding band. In addition, the groom’s ring was a meaningful heirloom passed down from his grandfather.The atmosphere was further enhanced by our decision to stay in two Airbnb’s situated on the same property, allowing for effortless mingling and quality time with our loved ones. This unique setting fostered a sense of community and closeness among our family and friends, making the day truly unforgettable.
The Flowers
Opting for dried and artificial florals proved to be a wise decision. Not only did it simplify the planning process, eliminating concerns about wilting arrangements or water transportation, but it also allowed us to preserve the beautiful keepsakes for years to come. Our floral arrangements were deliberately understated, with a show-stopping bouquet for the bride, smaller yet still elegant bouquets for the maid of honor and best woman, and a charming boutonniere for the groom. Meanwhile, our centerpieces were crafted from an assortment of dried grasses and wildflowers gathered along the roadside. This rustic yet effortless approach perfectly complemented the wedding’s laid-back atmosphere, all while being budget-friendly.
Memorable Moments
As Christian and I prepared to exchange our wedding vows, there were several moments that stood out as particularly meaningful. One such moment was the first look we shared before the ceremony – a quiet, intimate moment just for us two. It’s a memory we’ll always treasure.For me, the highlight of the day was hearing each other’s personalized vows. We decided to write our own promises to one another, which made the experience all the more special. Having that opportunity to make those commitments to each other in front of our loved ones was truly unforgettable.
