I found a gem

Every now and then, I come across a venue that is perfect. From the moment I step on to the property, I just know it's one of those extra special places.

Early in December, I had an appointment to meet with an Innkeeper and look at her Inn. I was tired having had two full days of meetings in Toronto (starting an hour after I landed), it was raining, no, more heavy drizzle and grey. There was no sign of snow which brightens and lightens the landscape, it was just dreay, wet and grey. The journey was easily 3 hours in good weather and I knew I could add at least half an hour for the weather. So I was grumpy - very grumpy!! I think we'd taken a wrong turning at least 3 times and I was almost ready to phone my apology, turn round and go back to Collingwood. Suddenly the Inn sign was there and we turned into the estate ... and I knew, just knew that the journey had been worth it. My mood lifted and then as we turned a corner at the end of the Inn, I was met with the most amazing scenery - it really took my breath away. A lake, woodland, a beautiful old Canadian manor house and a mist across the water - the perfect setting for a wedding in any season. I'd choose sunset with snow but that's just me!

The Inn in Winter

The Manor House in snow

The Inn in Summer

The Manor House in Summer

One the estate's cabins

Sun loungers overlooking the lake - a possible ceremony location

A tranquil pond area could also serve as an outdoor ceremony location

An indoor reception area

Four poster bed suite in the House

A terrace bedroom in the Inn

A double room in the House

Winter sunset across the lake

Intimate wedding at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons

It is quite difficult for us to attend weddings as we nearly always view them from 'the outside' and end up quietly thinking, well - wouldn't have done that like that or why on earth did they do that. Not good, I know. HOWEVER, this wedding was different. We were not only guests, but 'insiders' with my husband being the Best Man as the Groom was a long-standing friend since the kids were small and all at school together.

I described it before as intimate but that actually sounds a little cold somehow. It was small, casual and very family/friend intimate. Quite traditional in some ways, but totally not in others. The Ceremony was at 5.00pm so outside it was dark and flare or floodlit. Inside was soft light with candles.

My photos, on the whole are not good so you need to wait until the 'official' images are available. I'll post them as soon as I have them. In the meantime, take a look at the venue - Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

Unfortunately, there was no snow. As you can imagine, I was disappointed but not too much as it's just such a pretty setting and looked wonderful - there were even Christmas trees in the garden covered with twinkling lights. 

The next three images are mine so apologies for their quality.

This is a luxury venue and the suites and rooms are just beautiful. As it was only 2 January, each suite/room still had it's own christmas tree, obviously decorated to match the decor. These images are where some guests choose to stay.

Lavande

 Provence

Snow Queen

The Dovecote

Vettriano

This is my photo of the tree in our room

There you have it ... a taster of the venue with the wedding images still to come. But one last picture for you.  The information folder said toys were available for children and expecting Ivy, I 'ordered' toys. Now even I didn't expect that a venue like this would tarnish it's reputation with a cardboard box, but nor did I expect

THE TOY BOX filled with toys including an airplane, which as we were flying to Canada was very appropriate. Full marks!!!