This is the cute couple from our previous post who had the most amazing “Love Actually” first look. The rest of their day was equally as sweet, and definitely one worth sharing.

We took a few things we knew about Bill & Sarah and helped plan their perfect winter wonderland elopement.

For them, the most important aspects of their elopement included:

Memorable wow factor / winter wonderland / Christmas in Muskoka theme (Hey S… that’s 3-in-1!!)
Romantic
Relaxing and comfortable

Although they call Muskoka “home”, full time, this area is still fairly new to both of them, having moved up here only a year or so ago. We wanted to show them the most idyllic Winter experience… and thankfully the weather cooperated. The region was blanketed with snow, and the temperatures rose past -30 so it wasn’t unbearable to be outside!

We rented them a cottage in a Forest & Wildlife Reserve - it was quiet, calm, and the cabin had an awesome picture window overlooking a lake. They arrived the day before their I do’s which gave them a chance to settle in, and have a calm morning ‘in the woods’ with coffee (one of their favourite weekend activities), and just each other.

Our team swooped in early afternoon and pulled together all the moving pieces. After Bill and Sarah’s emotional first look, we moved down to the water (ICE) for their ceremony. The remainder of their time with us was spent wandering the trails with Carlyn (photog extraordinaire)... which we obviously pre-picked and combed through prior to their big day - efficiency is key on elopement days… our goal is to always find the best locations and best “scenes” for photos without it feeling rushed OR prescribed. We think they landed some pretty epic shots!

OH.. and check out that Kissing Ball (in lieu of mistletoe)!

It was sad to say goodbye to this lovely couple when our time had run up... however; we knew what was in store for them. We had helped plan a really special night. Their day had really, just begun.

Bill and Sarah ventured off to a lovely dinner reservation at an amazing Italian Restaurant in town (where Bill was surprising Sarah with some flowers). With bellies full and hearts content, they carried on to an equestrian centre who took them around on a romantic torch (and moonlit) horse-drawn sleigh ride. I mean, com’on! After some bubbly around a private bonfire, they toured back to their cabin in the woods where we had secretly planted rose petals all over their bedroom - yet another surprise that Bill just said YES to with zero hesitation.

May there be more amazing days like this in our future! (I honestly think I get more joy in planning these, than I would living them)… DON’T tell my husband I said that, romantic gestures are always welcome… I just really love my job that much!