Just Married in Algonquin Park
Those who know us are well aware that we have a soft spot for Algonquin Park. Not only is Algonquin the quintessential getaway to the Canadian wilderness, it’s also the location of our first date, which coincidentally happened on the 125th anniversary of the Park in 2018.
Since our first weekend together, we have seen many majestic moose (and even Canadian lynxes); enjoyed countless backcountry paddles across clear waters, backpacking trips at peak leaf-change and challenging snowshoe routes ending in a bounties of maple taffy.
To us, after four years of exploring, Algonquin Park was the only backdrop that made sense for our wedding.
On August 17th, we paddled to the (still unnamed) Lake of Two Rivers island before sunrise and waited for the sky to light up. Accompanied by our photographers, officiant and two close friends, we cached our canoes on the rocky shore and discovered the perfect patch of Earth to say “I do” on.
With less than desirable weather showing in the forecast, Mother Nature seemingly changed her plans just in time for our nuptials and displayed all the elements of a truly magnificent Algonquin morning - an epic, orange sunrise; misty, calm waters and even yodelling loons!
A short and intimate ceremony took place with loons and the gentle lapping of water serenading us. There are no words to describe our morning, other than “simply perfect” and “just right for us.”
Our day was a bit unconventional, to say the least - we’re nearly positive we are the only ambitious bride and groom to have gotten ready before 4 a.m. on their wedding day and paddled to their destination. (Our afternoon nap may be the main indicator as to why!?)
Following our vows, we returned to a private cabin at Bartlett Lodge and enjoyed one of the best meals in Muskoka.
For those interested in learning more about our meet-cute story, read the digital version of our six page spread in the 2023 edition of ‘Algonquin Life’ magazine here on MuskokaRegion.com.
You’ll discover Wayne Simpson’s photographs from our day below. Simply click on a thumbnail to enlarge it and tab through the collection with your left and right arrow keys.
There are many to thank for making our dream a reality:
Thank you to Wayne Simpson and his beautiful wife, Candice for being our photographers. You captured us in our element in the place we love most! Your combined enthusiasm and positivity made the shoot fun and memorable.
Thank you to Morwen Galway for joining us on the island as our officiant. Your words were the perfect reflection of our relationship and moved us to tears. Not only did you make us feel comfortable, but you went above and beyond to ensure every detail was personal to us. We’re so happy you agreed to marry us!
Thank you to Malcolm Robertson for being willing to help where needed, especially in the canoe and for capturing video of the ceremony for our family. As someone who shares the love of Algonquin as much as we do, we were happy you joined us!
Thank you, Steve Dunsford. It meant the world to us that you witnessed our vows and paddled alongside us on our new adventure together. As we’ve witnessed many special moments in the Park together (not the least of which being moose sightings), it meant a lot that you could experience this one, too. Thank you!
A very special thanks to Kristy Macklaim for crafting the most gorgeous bouquet a girl could ask for, sourced from Muskoka Flowers. We are so grateful to you and Stefan - your friendship has been the sweetest gift since we decided to call Baysville home.
Thank you to Alex, Stirling, Sky, Dave, Marilyn and the rest of the amazing staff at Bartlett Lodge! We had our first date at the lodge and you’ve always treated us like old friends.
Thank you to Candice Hurley of Algonquin Outfitters for donating a canoe to our photography team for the journey! We appreciate you going above and beyond on such short notice.
Thank you, Andrea and Tyler of Cast Iron Restaurant for serving up the most delicious spread! We couldn’t have hosted our BBQ without you!
And finally, thank you Mellissa Smith for the most gorgeous “Birch” wedding cake and assortment of cupcakes that capture our love of the Great Outdoors. We’ve been having leftovers for breakfast every day since!
Snippets from our vows…
“Our lives seem to be built upon exploration and adventures. I can’t imagine sharing this adventure with anyone else, but you. I want to see the world with you, and more importantly, be the world for you. You’re my best friend, the love of my life and my soul mate. Today, I promise to paddle by your side and to love you always and forever…” - Jesse
“I fell in love with you the way I fall asleep - slowly and then all at once.
You are a constant reminder that a different type of life is possible. That if you’re outgoing enough, risk tolerant enough and have calloused enough feet you don’t have to spend money to live a life of dizzying adventure. You show me again and again that the world is infinitely huge and mysterious…” - Susan
