Georgian Bay Wedding
EMILY & MORGAN - 2024
On August 24th, 2024, we celebrated our love at the stunning Georgian Hills Vineyard. Our journey began in 2017 when we first met during a snowy weekend getaway at a cottage on Lake of Bays. We hit it off right away, quickly becoming friends, and before long, that friendship blossomed into something more. After a few bumps along the way, we moved in together in early 2021, ready to take the next step in our relationship.
Our proposal was an unforgettable moment. On Christmas Day 2021, Morgan asked my family for my hand in marriage, though I had no idea what was happening at the time. A year later, Morgan planned the perfect proposal weekend. We stayed in a charming A-frame cottage near Diamond Lake in Haliburton County, where we enjoyed a Scandinavian-inspired retreat with a cold plunge, hot tub, and sauna. In front of a snowy backdrop, Morgan proposed, and I said yes! With champagne and a candle-lit winter wonderland surrounding us, the moment was secretly filmed, allowing us to relive it for years to come.
Choosing our wedding venue was a breeze. We visited Georgian Hills Vineyard and immediately felt it was the right place for us. The lush meadow, large trees, and picturesque bridge created the intimate and romantic setting we envisioned. It was everything we wanted for our special day. When planning, we knew our priorities: amazing food, an open bar, and great music. We wanted the day to feel intimate, genuine and filled with love and laughter. Many guests told us how beautifully the day reflected who we were as a couple.
One of the most special parts of planning was Morgan’s involvement. Though I had a clear vision, Morgan jumped in with enthusiasm, and we worked together on DIY projects like building and painting decorations. A standout moment was the A-frame arbour, built by my dad (Jeff Pugh) and Morgan. Standing under it as we exchanged vows was so meaningful. To stay connected and keep things stress-free, we created a tradition called “Wedding Wednesdays.” Every week, we’d set aside time for a date lunch or date night to talk about wedding details. It helped us stay organized while ensuring we didn’t feel overwhelmed by planning.
The day before our wedding was full of excitement and anticipation. On the wedding day, we were both calm and ready. It felt so right to finally become husband and wife. After the ceremony, we took a 10-minute retreat to enjoy a quiet moment alone, which was one of our favourite parts of the day. Following the wedding, we were still on a high, wishing we could relive it all. It all passed by quickly, but we were so happy with how everything turned out.
Our 63-person guest list created an intimate atmosphere that allowed us to truly take in every moment. The first look, exchanging private vows, and our brief retreat after the ceremony were unforgettable. We also added personal touches, like featuring our dog Bentley on the drink menus and cocktail napkins and incorporating our personal monogram throughout the day.
Our wedding was everything we had hoped for: romantic, intimate, and filled with love. The venue was perfect, and every detail was meaningful to us. As we begin our life together as husband and wife, we’ll always remember this unforgettable day and the love that surrounded us.