Julie & Dave's Camp Wedding in Parry Sound
If you think the craziest thing about Julie & Dave’s wedding is that we had less than 24hrs notice about it, you have to keep reading…
Julie and Dave's original photographer unfortunately ended up catching the flu a couple of days before their wedding and (understandably) couldn't make it. Through a network of friends and some sheer good luck we ended up hearing "wedding TOMORROW in Parry Sound" and immediately said yes- why not, right? While we've never taken on a wedding this last minute, we had the the 3 hour car ride at 7AM to think of all the questions we needed answers to- including, but not limited to, who are the bride and groom? what's happening? how many people are going to be there? what time is the ceremony?
We didn't get to speak with Julie and Dave before arriving because they had a killer pre-wedding party Friday night. Instead, one of their friends, Jennifer, was our liaison for the day bringing us on board, helping us with the schedule, location, introducing us to everyone, you name it. We truly could not have done it without her!
All we really heard before the wedding (AKA Friday night) was that it was an outdoor, cottage, wedding in Parry Sound. All we discovered on the wedding day (AKA Saturday morning) was a real life camp, like the ones you see in movies!! Never having been to a summer camp before we were fascinated all day long; there were so many activities to keep guests entertained all weekend long, the camp grounds we huge, and the cabins were all wooden and exactly how I imagined the Canadian version of Parent Trap would be like.
When we arrived we walked in on Julie and Dave rehearsing their ceremony (perfect!) and after a quick introduction and chat with them, our instructions were clear: Run around camp all day and photograph everyone hanging out, in yoga, at the high ropes, kayaking, running, biking etc. and reconvene around 3PM. For as stressful as we thought it was going to be, considering we went in blind, having a very simple and easy to follow vibe for the day was reassuring and relaxing!
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After picking up our jaw off of the floor with the incredible decorations
All of which were done by Julie and Dave's friends (!!), we popped into a complimentary workout and yoga class held by both the couple's friends, and Dave's sister! Lunch was served 'camp style', which Julie and her sister say brought back lots of their own camp memories and everyone was free to hang out for the rest of the afternoon until the ceremony started!
Julie and Dave are truly the most athletic people we've ever met before- they frequently spend their time outside, playing hockey in the winter, joining in on triathlons in the summer, Julie even runs a killer girl gang biking group with Bikes On Wheels- they wanted to their wedding weekend to represent their active lifestyle, and have their friends and family bond (some even, meet for the first time) while participating in their favourite activities.
Lots of guests brought their bikes up to the camp with them, we passed an insane amount of runners when we arrived in the morning, there was even an archery station set up for everyone to try out! Along with kayaking, tether ball, baseball diamond and a basketball court there was also the most insane high rope area that even Julie's dad successfully climbed.
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If you’re still not convinced that this is the coolest wedding ever, continue reading…
When the time finally came for the wedding to happen Julie did her own hair, make up, and manicure all in 30 minutes! Julie and Dave legally got married a week before their crazy camp wedding weekend so they had both of their sisters conduct the ceremony and guess what? They. Canoed. In. A definite first for not only us, but their guests as well, as they were all so excited and cheering as they pulled up to the dock!
Following the ceremony we did a big group photo during sunset, had the guys head to the docks for photos (which clearly were not meant to hold 20+ grown men, oops), and ate the most delicious food! Sticking with the non-traditional instead of having guests clank their glasses or sing something with the word love in it, Julie and Dave had their guests perform impressive athletic maneuverers if they wanted to see them kiss- think: a human pyramid!
We stayed right up until their first dance ended and as much as we really wanted to stay even later, given the last minute notice for even being there, we didn't have time to sort out our accommodations or even pack a bag for a last minute hotel stint. The 3 hour drive back home was peaceful and the perfect way to digest such an incredible and constantly surprising fun filled day! (And also to belt out to some loud music as 'Drive straight for 250km', let me tell you, can get pretty boring).
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PHOTOGRAPHED ON THE TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF THE anishinaabe, Wasauksing, Shawanaga, Magnetawan, Dokis and Henvey Inlet First Nations
As crazy and as hectic as everything was, thank you so much for having us at #CampBabarr, Julie + Dave! We couldn't have imagined that one of our favourite weddings ever would be one so last minute, but you both are the most amazing people that it's hard for it not to be! Thank you to Jennifer for being our rock for the day- we truly would have not have been able to do it without you! And to Lisa at Sweet Woodruff who saved my life by donating her running shoes for me to wear- while I usually carry an extra set of rain boots in the car I didn't have much time to think it through this time and my Toms in the cold, wet grass and mud would have made me slip and fall all day long haha
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Vendors:
Venue: Camp Manitou
Wedding Co-orindator: Kristin Campbell
Wedding Stamp/Logo: Hyedie Hashimotodie at Happy D Designs
Bride's Wedding Ring: Elena at Kco Bespoke
Groom's Wedding Band: Fair Trade Jewllery Co.
Bride's Dress: Claire Pettibone from Kleinfeld's (sample closet!)
Bride's Shoes: Browns
Bride's Hair/Make Up: Bride (in 30 minutes!!)
Groom's Suit: Suit Supply
Groom's Bowtie: Sydney's
Floral: Sweet Woodruff
Catering: Camp Manitou
Wedding Cake: Fiona Bryne of Scullery Cafe
Rentals: Applause Party Rentals and Plate Occasions
Band: Soul Motivators