While enjoying their anniversary at Clay Cafe, Jennifer Parsons had no idea the Christmas ornament she and Derrick Cottreau were making would end up holding her ring a couple of weeks later. But that was the holiday surprise, and only the first of the DIY touches that would celebrate their love. The bride opted to contribute as much as she could to the intimate gathering in Yarmouth. “We wanted my family and his family to get to know each other...we tried to keep everything vintage-inspired,” she says. To brighten up that autumn antique-feel, Jennifer chose accents of burlap, ivory and cranberry, then recruited her friends and family to help with everything from homemade favours and self-arranged bouquets to centrepieces crafted by her father-in-law: “The more things homemade, the better, for me!” Beyond the slight frustration of coordinating things out of town, everything went off without a hitch. “The church staff, salon and the people at Rudders Pub were amazing to work with. They had everything under control,” says Jennifer. “I had a blast and really was able to enjoy each moment.” Looking back, that’s the advice she’d give to other couples---don’t be afraid to think small. “It was difficult because we were constantly worried about insulting someone. But everyone was incredibly understanding. I felt that I was able to talk to everyone there that night! It was exactly what I wanted.”
DETAILS
DRESS
Wtoo “Lycette” (Felicity Bridal)
VEIL
Bandeau birdcage (Etsy)
BELT/HAIRPIECE/GARTER
Feather facinator with rhinestone clip (Etsy)
HAIR/MAKEUP
Renee & Catherine (Design Line, Yarmouth)
SHOES
Badgely Mischka (Unicorn, Bishop’s Landing)
JEWELLERY
Double pearl bracelet made by the bride, sapphire earrings
GROOM'S CLOTHING
Moores
RINGS
Hers: “Lace” (Ben Moss) His: White gold band with wave-like etches (Inglis Jewelers)
VENUE/CATERER
Rudders Restaurant and Brew Pub in Yarmouth
FLOWERS
Pete’s, arrangement by the bride and wedding party
CEREMONY
St Josephs Catholic Church, Surette’s Island
CAKE/DESSERT
Michelle Hunter
INVITATIONS
Melissa McCarthy
REGISTRIES
Geddes Furniture
NUMBER OF GUESTS60
PHOTOGRAPHY Evan McMaster
