Describe the vision/theme you had for your wedding in 5 words or less:
Muskoka, fresh, fun, relaxing, memorable

What are you favorite memories of your wedding day?
Bride: Everything, it was a dream come true.  I married my high school sweetheart at such a charming resort hidden in the woods of Muskoka, surrounded by all the people we love in our life.
Groom: Watching my bride walk down the dock and the midnight surprise ice cream treat.

Best wedding related decision:
The Venue at Port Cunnington Lodge, Dwight, ON

Favourite detail:
Hand painted wooden signs throughout the resort and the guest favors individually made by Mr. and Mrs. Towsnend – “Muskoka Cedar Planters”

Advice for future brides & grooms:
Advice #1: Enjoy every moment of it, once everything is organized try to sit back and take a deep breath and soak it all in.  Enjoy the moment of being surrounded by all the people you love in your life.  It is such an amazing feeling, cherish it forever.

Would you change anything if you could do it all over again?
Although our grandparents were watching us from above, we would have loved to have our grandparents present.

Best surprise of the day:
1) Our MC Steve Iocco did such a fantastic job with a creative slide show, showcasing our wedding party introductions.
2) Our Maid of Honour Liisa Sefton spent many long hard working hours capturing all of our friends, families and our 15 year relationship in a memorable slideshow.
3) The groom was surprised at midnight with a large bin of his favourite flavoured ice cream Praline’s and Cream from Kawartha dairy and ice cream cones to top it off.

Anything else you’d like to add:
Advice for future Bride and Grooms #2: We would highly recommend HRM Photography.  Heather and her family stayed at Port Cunnington Lodge for the entire weekend. Beginning from our Firday night welcome BBQ, waterfront bonfire, Saturday afternoon scenic waterfront dock ceremony on the Lake of Bays, to Sunday’s “throw the dress back on”  and jump in a canoe,  Heather simply captured our dream with a click of her camera and a creative eye!

VENDORS: Ceremony & Reception Location: Port Cunnington Lodge Dwight, ON | Officiant: My Maid of Honours Mother, Justice of the Peace Anne Puusaari | Cake: Decadance by JK (Judith Clair- Barrie) Good Friend | Dress: Mikella Design/Mona Richie Boutique Woodbridge | Wedding Planner: The Bride with the help of Martha Stewart! | Flowers/Decorator: Huntsville Jane Marshalls Flowers Mandy Davis | Hair Salon: Status Barrie | Make-up: Terri-Lynn Banks – Gemini Salon Huntsville | DJ – Muskoka Touring Company, Rob McIssac | Violinist: Celeste Katherine & Sarah Jane Johnson | Save the Dates/Thank you Cards: Northlands Printing Newmarket

Guest Favors in each room: Cedar Planter Box made by Tom Townsend (brides father), Muskoka Magazine provided by Don Smith Muskoka Magazine, Muskoka Beer provided by Muskoka Brewery, Muskoka maps and books provided by Muskoka Tourism,  Moose Droppings (chocolate covered cranberries) from Bulk Barn, Bottle of wine made by Cottage Winery

WEDDING SONGS: Processional – Jesu, Joy of Man`s Desiring by J.S. Bach | Entrance – Canon in D by Pachelbel | Signing of the Register – Sheep May Safely Graze by J.S. Bach | Recessional – Hornpipe from the Water music by Handel | Before Wedding Party Enters – 100 Years, Artist Five for Fighting | Wedding Party Entrance  – OMG Artist Usher feat. Will I Am | Bride and Groom Entrance Tonight’s going to be a good night –  Black Eyed Peas | First Dance – I Can’t Help Falling In Love – Artist Elvis Presley | Father of the Bride – Dance with your daughter – John McDermit | Mother of the Bride – Dance You raise me up – Arist Josh Groban | Garter Toss Foxy Lady –  Jimi Hendrix | Bouquet Toss I’ve had the time of my life – Dirty Dancing Theme Song –  Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes | Cake Cutting I’m Yours –  Jason Mraz | Last Song at the end of  the night – Somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

One last kiss from her groom before Shannon starts hair & makeup

Favorite HRM picture from the day (and why?):
Kissing canoe shot on the Lake of Bays the morning after the wedding! The picture depicts our relationship, we love the out doors, relaxed, outgoing, and fun!