Date

Guests

60

September 8, 2012

Nikki and Barry had been working together for a few years, but it wasn't until they both joined the company softball team that they had the opportunity to get to know each other. "I was injured during one of the games, and Barry came to my rescue that night at the hospital. Fate took it from there!" says Nikki.

The couple booked a trip to Barry's homeland, Scotland, so Nikki could see the country for the first time and meet Barry's extended family. Halfway through the trip, Barry took Nikki to one of his favourite spots, the gorgeous Glamis Castle, the site of a sprawling arboretum featuring trees from all over the world. After a week of rain and grey skies, the sun was shining as the twosome made their way through the ancient trees and took a seat on a park bench facing the arboretum. This is where Barry shocked Nikki by getting down on one knee and asking her to be his wife. "Barry still laughs when he tells the story, I guess I was so surprised I forgot to say "yes!" and just took the ring and started crying." laughs Nikki.

The couple had planned an outdoor backyard ceremony with an open tent reception, but torrential rain forced them to make last minute changes and squeeze their guests into the tent for both the ceremony and reception. "We were so disappointed about the weather at the time, but looking back it made for a very cozy and informal gathering. Some of my favorite memories are of friends and family dancing up a storm in rain boots on the mud covered dance floor!"

"We really wanted to keep our backyard wedding as casual as possible," says Nikki. "We had simple Mason jars with flowers and candles as centrepieces, a self-serve open bar, homemade desserts and late-night pulled pork sandwiches, which were a favourite among the guests." Nikki and Barry loosely themed the day's decor on trees, to pay homage to the proposal outside the arboretum in Scotland. Their table names were different tree species, their seating chart was a branch with hanging names as ornaments, and they incorporated a beautiful signature poster of a tree where each guest signed a different leaf - a favorite keepsake from the day, which now hangs their family room.

Photography courtesy of Fleischer Photography.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Private residence in Ashton, Ontario
Bridal gown: Haley Nelson
Bridal party attire: RW & Co.
Groom's tux: Hector Russell
Cake: Homemade cupcakes and treats
Caterer: Bytown Catering
Favours: Homemade pulled pork sandwiches in paper bags to-go
Music: Jamie Whiteside
Hair: Courtney Cable
Flowers: Bloomfields and Costco
Stationery: DIY
Signature Tree Poster: Peachwik on Etsy
Tent: Cody Party

See all the photos from this garden party in Ottawa, Ontario.