“Pink Hollyhocks and a Warm Summer Breeze” – We have had the privilege of hosting many weddings over the years here at the Gathered. There are always those few that stick in your mind and your heart, Brett and Haley’s day was one of those. Their wedding was filled with the kindest guests, full of laughter and so much joy. The love they had for each other was reflected throughout the entire day!

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENTS OF THE DAY?

Brett:

• Seeing Haley walking down the aisle! It is a longer walk so I faced away till Haley was close enough for her to see my reaction and we could enjoy that moment together. She looked absolutely stunning. I was in so much shock my suspenders shot off my back!
• Our speeches were one of my favourite parts, it felt very intimate in the tent. We utilized putting a head table in the middle of the room to feel like we were surrounded by those who loved us. We forged the traditional podium so that it felt like a conversation. 

Haley

• I loved our first dance! I was so nervous, but it was so romantic. I loved that we did as the sun was setting under the sparkly lights outside. As he dipped me it felt like a fairy tale as cheesy as that sounds!
• Walking back up the aisle with Brett was so amazing. We were honestly still on the wildest adrenaline rush. We couldn’t stop smiling and talking about we loved every second of our ceremony.
• I loved our reception entrances! Everyone in the bridal party had something fun to do as they entered and it was so much fun to watch the creativity. They killed it!
• As silly as this is I loved watching Lucas care for my grandma. He treated her like the queen that she is and it was hilariously amazing.

DID YOU INCORPORATE ANY PERSONAL MEMENTOS OR FAMILY HEIRLOOMS IN YOUR WEDDING?

Both Brett and I have very special relationships with our grandparents, those who are still with us and those who have passed. We really wanted to honour the people we love the most. So we decided to print black and white photos of our grandparents who are now watching over us and placed them near the tent under a beautiful tree. It felt like they were there with us.

We also love our Westie pup Winston we had a small little figurine of a Westie on the welcome table as people walked in. Although we couldn’t have him there (he’s way too crazy!) it felt like he was saying, “Hi!” to all the guests as they arrived.

DID YOU HAVE ANY DIY PROJECTS FOR YOUR WEDDING?

We had a few DIY projects that we absolutely adored! It was all hands on deck to create a lot of these. My father (Haley’s Dad) took the time to make our custom hanging piece that went above the head table. He painted, stained and cut the whole thing. To get it to fit in the truck he even added a hinge so it could bend in half! All of our signage was created by the two of us. We ordered the grids from Uline and printed everything at a local copy shop. Together we spray-painted mirrors and frames from Ikea from the original gold to the black shade we wanted! Seeing it all come together on the big day was amazing. It was exactly what we envisioned and knowing how much love went into it all made it that much more special.

WAS THERE A SPECIFIC WAY YOU HANDLED THE NERVES OF PLANNING A WEDDING?

We sat down and talked LOTS and were very well organized. Communication was at the forefront of our planning. Constantly asking each other; “What do you want out of this day?” “What is important to you?” “What is something you would miss if we didn’t have?” etc. It is important to utilize each other’s strengths. Brett is definitely more the planner and organizer and Haley is the creative one. We each had tasks that we enjoyed doing and made sure to split everything, however always keeping an open line of communication while doing so. It can be fun. There were lots of date days for planning! We definitely did not leave things to the last minute!

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT AN OUTDOOR WEDDING? 

Well, we always thought our venue needed to feel “magical” or “special” in some way. We wanted to find somewhere that brought in the beauty of what Alberta has to offer like the mountains, prairies, and lakes. Something outdoor was the icing on the cake! Once we found The Gathered we did not want to get married anywhere else. It was exactly the “magical” place we envisioned. There is something about seeing the sunset and night sky through the clear tent that we would gladly do over and over again.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE PLANNING AN OUTDOOR WEDDING?

The Gathered was amazing in that they had a rain plan already in place. However, our wedding took place during a heat wave! It was 30+ degrees so we had to make sure there was some shade for our guests. We brought a sun umbrella down to the ceremony site for some of our older guests to sit under and provided water for all of them while they were waiting for the event to start. It was also very windy! We would definitely suggest bringing things like tape/tacks/weights etc. to keep all decor in place just in case! We definitely made that mistake! 

Haley – Lots and lots of bobby pins and a makeup touch-up kit! Lots of tears (and sweat! Haha!)

WERE THERE ANY PLANS YOU STARTED WITH THAT YOU CHANGED LAST MINUTE?

We were actually going to have a private sunset video shoot but our timing and how much fun we were having overshadowed that. The sun had set and we both looked at our videographer and all realized we missed that because we were having so much fun! No big deal!

WAS THERE SOMETHING YOU OBSESSED ABOUT THAT YOU EITHER FORGOT ABOUT OR DIDN’T MATTER IN THE END?

Honestly, we planned like crazy and made sure to have conversations about things we didn’t “need” (we may have wanted them!) There was nothing we forgot about because made sure everything was necessary or really loved by both of us.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE ABOUT HAVING YOUR WEDDING AT THE GATHERED FARM?

Brett – I loved working with the family who placed a lot of value on what we wanted and what we envisioned. They were so easy to work with. We loved the staff! Everyone was so friendly and caring. Our guests continuously commented on that. Our bartenders Sean and Jonny were amazing. They made the night so fun and kept the party going! The food was UNBELIEVABLE. Farm-to-table just can’t be beaten. Everyone (ourselves included) can not stop talking about the burgers and how amazing they were. Everything was absolutely delicious.  

Haley – The first word that comes to mind when I think of working with The Gathered is “Family.” You become a part of their family and they become a part of yours. I honestly think this is what makes The Gathered what it is. We feel so blessed to have had all the staff be there that day. Obviously, I think words cannot express the atmosphere that the tent creates. The moment the sun goes down it’s intimate, sparkly, and stunning. I wish I could sit in that tent every night! I think the photos speak for themselves!

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WISH YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF?

We definitely would have worked on our timing of the day more! There was just so much love to give from everyone in the speeches that our timing became a little off which shortened our dance! The Gathered was awesome though and accommodated a time change of dessert and midnight lunch because we were running so behind!

WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT SURPRISED YOU?

One thing that surprised us that day was how fast our dance went by! We were having loads of fun and wished we lived in that moment a bit more! Make sure to take the time just the two of you to take a step back and look at everything going on around you and just be so grateful! 

IS THERE SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR WEDDING PEOPLE KEEP TALKING ABOUT?

Everyone we know has mentioned that it was such an emotional wedding. Friends and family have said it was one of the most “loving” weddings they’ve ever been to. There were lots of tears that day and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES IN THE PLANNING PROCESS?

GET A VIDEOGRAPHER. We’ve watched this video a million times and we strongly believe our videographer Savannah Lewis Film captured not just what happened during the day, but the feeling of the day. We know it can be pricey but we think that is worth a splurge!

DO YOU HAVE ONE SPECIFIC MEMORY THAT YOU WILL CHERISH AS A COUPLE?

One moment we both equally loved was our “First Touch.” We chose to read letters to one another as we held hands right before the ceremony started. It was so private and intimate and we were able to discuss our nerves. We both sobbed uncontrollably so we were able to get out all those initial emotions!  Looking back, we agree we felt so much love at that moment and excitement. This is definitely something we would recommend to everyone! The little house and garden was a perfect spot for that!

Photos: Cassidy Rae Photo