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

Snow time

The last few days around Southern Georgian Bay have been fabulous winter weather - cold, yes but with sun and blue skies. If you like to ski, board - or just play in the snow, this is a great time to visit. Obviously, we can organise your wedding whilst you are there anywhere your fancy takes you. Horse drawn sleigh, dog-sled, carriage, hummer - we can arrange any of those alongside the more traditional aspects of a wedding like the celebrant [know a great one whose son plays ice-hockey locally], photographer, flowers and food. Accommodation in this area isn't a problem either, there are lots of high quality b&b's, hotels and chalets.

Here are some photos

Or take a look at our video - Snow Time 

Locations & dates for 2012

Wedding venues - especially the nice ones - book months, let's be honest years, in advance. Everyone gives the advice, "Go for a weekday, it's cheaper". Oh, really? That bandwagon has been jumped on, at least, here in the UK it has. A destination wedding however, can be different - to begin with airline flights are cheaper Monday to Thursday. And in Canada, where else, being able to get married any where and at any time considerably widens your options.

Also thinking about dates ... 12.12.12 is, of course, the one that's being pushed this year ... but f you like to play with numbers, try 12.6.12 [a good summer date] or 21.6.12 [same whichever way you read it which obviously works for all single digit months and November]. Here are some location ideas and dates.

12.12.12 [Wednesday]

at 12.12am

Going to be cold for sure but wrap up, get married and then run home to bed!

or at 12.12pm

Still cold but brighter - and you have some company!

21.2.12 [Tuesday]

Clear, bright, fab blue sky - and you're almost guaranteed the snow!

(I'll be over there - we could just about do it, would be a push for Feb but COULD happen; 

easily done for 21.3.21 [Wednesday])

21.4.12 [Saturday]

Temperatures should be warming up a little now with Spring flowers appearing so you could think about Wards Island, a short ferry ride across the lake from Toronto

12.6.12 [Thursday]

Playing with the 12th again cos half 12 is 6 and the 6th month is half the year?!? ... 

Bright sunshine, fab temperature, surrounded by grapevines - what more could you want?

21.7.12 [Saturday]

You HAVE to believe me. Ontario can get hot! At this time last year, the temperature on 21 July was 37.4 degrees (that 's more than 99F) in the Niagara Peninsula area. When this picture was taken the following week, I was told it had topped 40!! As you can see the Bridegroom did the sensible thing- took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves AND doesn't he look good?

21.8.12 [Tuesday]

August for us, always means a visit to wine country - either Niagara or, for the first time last year, Prince Edward County which is towards the north end of Lake Ontario. We found the area quite rustic, with some of the friendliest folk we've encountered anywhere. It's busy but quiet if that makes sense. Gentle not harsh,

beautiful scenic spots, lots of colonial heritage, great accommodation, fabulous food  oh and, nearly forgot, superb wine.

 

21.9.12 [Friday]

Fall's on  it's way. 

It can still be quite warm but the leaves are turning to their fab autumnal colours. 

Let's go back to the city 

and then to the Pumpkin Patch

Have I got you thinking?   Anywhere you like?   Maybe not quite sure? 

Email me - mapleleafweddings@btconnect.com to ask about any of these locations and local venues or just tell me what we could do to help.