Three words to sum up Russel + Ansel’s farm-to-table wedding: food, flowers, and FUN! (We mean, you see the colorful parade above, right!?) These two had actually said I Do at city hall, but regretted not sharing it with their loved ones. So two years later, they decided to renew their vows in an eclectic, rustic barn wedding at South Pond Farms in Canada, with every detail inspired by their love of amazing food, nature, and good times. Thanks to Lustre Events and Magnolia Studios for sending these good vibes our way!
Their first foodie-inspired detail? The groom’s chili pepper boutonniere!
Russel’s fave flowers are orchids, so she opted for a simple white bouquet while the rest of the blooms from Patchouli Design were more colorful and wild.
On the details… Their seating chart was a hanging wall of cutting boards framed with cascading grape vines. They had a signature drink, a Manila Sunshine to represent the bride’s Filipino roots and a whole pig roasting over the fire. Their decor included berries, figs, radishes, grapes, tomatoes and plums to add pops of color and a true organic feel. Loved ones were served a gorgeous family style meal and an ice cream sundae bar for dessert. Everyone took home jars of edible delights made at South Pond like spice rubs and garlic jam.
The barn was filled with mismatched chairs for a cozy country vibe as well as décor and flowers in deep reds, navy, and greens. The menu was displayed on a charcuterie board on each table. It all gave off the feel of a huge (140 guests), family style dinner which was exactly what they wanted!
All of the wooden signage and foodie-inspired board menus were super unique DIY projects they took on.
Russel and Ansel explain, South Pond Farms is a hidden gem nestled in the Bethany hills in Southern Ontario. We chose this venue because we both love the outdoors and Russel always dreamed of having a “destination wedding” but with all the loved ones able to attend. As a couple, we share the love for family gatherings, which are always best if they have GREAT food! South Pond Farms offered that amazing food that can only be had with local farm to table practice, and the traditional environment for people to gather around the table and enjoy it. Not to mention, South Pond Farms’ beautiful outdoors gave us that feeling that the wedding was just ours and surrounded only by those we love. The ceremony area overlooked the pond that set the perfect tone for such an intimate moment, and the stunning restored open space barn gave us the flawless space to dance and enjoy everyone’s company with no barriers.
Imagine their surprise when, after the ceremony, guests were given ribbon wands, maracas, lantern wands, and cow bells to dance their way down from the pond to the barn to celebrate. Best idea ever!
So cute!
Their story… We met in Saudi Arabia, he was a paramedic and I was an Emergency Registered Nurse. As cliché as it may have started, we both ended up in Saudi Arabia for different reasons. Both had financial motivations, but there was also something else that drew us—opaque but persistent. As if we thought we would find something good there. We didn’t know we would meet each other, travel together and share our love of good food together. We didn’t know that our relationship could be that real thing, but that’s what happened. Halfway around the world we fell in love.
1000% meant to be. Best wishes to the happy couple!
Photography: Magnolia Studios / Videography: Patrick Hodgson / Venue: South Pond Farms in The Kawarthas, Canada / Event Design & Planning: Lustre Events / Florals: Patchouli Design / Hair: Puzzle Creations / Makeup: Rhia Amio / Paper Goods: Minted / Cake: The Rolling Pin / Wedding Dress: Pronovios ‘Oreste’ from Kleinfield / Veil: Lauta Jayne / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Groom Suit: Custom Tuxedo from Garrison Bespoke / Shoes: Allen Edmonds / Groomsmen Suits: Indochino
