Author: I'm married! On June 19th, 2021, Adam and I tied the knot. Woo-hoo! I literally couldn't be happier or feel luckier. It was such a special day so I wanted to share a little of it with you. ❤️
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our original guest list of 120 was whittled down to just 13 of us (Adam and I included). So here is what my micro-wedding during a pandemic looked like.
And before we get started, a HUGE thank you goes to the amazing Brittany Williams @brittanymwilliams who took all of these gorgeous photos! I highly recommend checking out Brittany's website and working with her if you are looking for a photographer in the GTA.
The Venue
I grew up on a 100-acre tree and flower farm (I know, I'm lucky), so it was an easy choice to get married there.
In June, there is a several-acre field of peony flowers that come into bloom, and I've always dreamed of getting married during the bloom, so of course, that's what we did! Rows of gorgeous flowers!
Leading to the peony field is this amazing row of birch trees, so this became my aisle to walk down.
A traditional arbor didn't feel right to me, so instead, I had this humongous white picture frame made!
Not only was it a beautiful place to stand while getting married, but I just loved how it framed the beauty of the field. What a work of art! P.S. isn't Adam so cute!?
We were surrounded by natural beauty, and thankfully a clear sunny day (the weather forecast had threatened thunderstorms)!
After the ceremony, the reception and dinner were held in a building on the farm that my parents call 'The Gallery'. This wood and stone building is a mix of modern and old that I just love. With big open doors and flowing white curtains and a ton of sparkly lights, the space was so unique and gorgeous.
The walls and table were covered in peonies that were picked from the field, and we hung a ton of string lights over the dinner table for a romantic feeling.
The Food
Of course, one of the most important parts of the day for me was the food!! Only 3 out of the 13 people attending are fully vegan (Adam, my new mother-in-law Susan, and of course myself). My mom did go vegan for the month before the wedding so bonus points for that too! It was important that the food was spectacular and that everyone would enjoy it whether they were vegan or not.
During the reception, we put out these huge charcuterie boards with vegan cheese and vegan meats from Fair/Square. I highly recommend ordering from Fair/Square or visiting their new shop. They have so many amazing vegan cheeses that everyone was blown away by. I've also ordered gift baskets from them in the past and their customer service is exceptional.
One of my favorite ideas that we had during the dinner was to switch up the seating arrangement halfway through. Since we were dining for so long, this allowed everyone to change it up and chat with different people.
No, we didn't eat rocks, haha! This was the table setting before dinner began.
When it came time for dinner, since there were only 13 of us, we wanted to do something a bit special and a bit different. So we hired Chef Ivan Castro from La Bartola to create us an epic 7-course vegan meal! (Yes, 7 courses!!)
Chef Ivan Castro designed us a unique menu inspired by the farm. Each course was incredibly interesting and super tasty!
There were also a lot of fun surprises throughout the meal. The guests were wowed when each person was presented with a smoke-filled dome which, when opened, revealed a little tree with smoked berries on it that you could pick to top of your salad. How fun is that!? It's very fun. There were several little magical surprises like this throughout the night that just made it all the more special.
I included the full menu above for your viewing pleasure!
And if seven courses weren't enough for you, I had more food afterward. The party went into the wee hours of the night, so at about midnight we pulled out a huge bowl of individual-sized kettle chips, pretzels, and an assortment of vegan cookies and bars from Sweets From the Earth. I also bought a fancy popcorn machine to make movie theater-style popcorn.
The following day, the celebrations continued with an epic vegan brunch put on by Susan (my new mother-in-law!) and vegan caesar cocktails and mimosas made by my new brother-in-law, Ben! For a mid-day snack, we had Sol Cuisine crispy chick'n bites, and then for dinner: an amazing spread of vegan pizzas made by my dear friends Peter and Eleanor.
Over the whole weekend, the food was just an endless stream of vegan deliciousness- my kinda weekend!!!
The Wedding Attire
I had no idea that getting a wedding dress would be so difficult. Getting a wedding dress during the pandemic was a crazy messy process. I first tried doing curbside pickup wedding dress try on's, but I found this super not fun and not productive so I turned to online shopping.
Many of my Instagram friends recommended I try BHLDN, and so I looked there. I have pretty big hips, but a very small waist, so almost nothing fits me off the rack. I was worried about getting alterations, so I decided to order bridal separates hoping that this would fit me better.
I ended up loving the skirt from BHLDN - (special thanks to my aunt Nancy for making it fit me) but the top I ordered was terrible and not at all what I expected. There were hefty import duties ordering from BHLDN to Canada, so instead of trying something else from BHLDN, I decided to turn to Etsy to see what I could find.
I ended up buying this lace top from the amazing Etsy shop White Studio Bridal. Jule from White Studio Bridal was incredibly helpful. I was able to send her my exact measurements and she made the custom lace piece just for me and it fit beautifully. If I could re-do the wedding dress I would work strickly with White Studio Bridal as the shopping experience was so fantastic. Thank you, Jule!
For the shoes, as I was getting married in a bumpy field, heels were a no-no. So I sported a brand new pair of all-white Converse (my fave). I later changed into a pair of vegan heels from the Etsy shop Roni Kantor Shoes for the dinner and reception.
My faux pearl earrings were also found on Etsy, and the hairpiece is from BHLDN.
For Adam's suit, it's actually pretty difficult to find a suit that isn't made of wool (especially when all you have is online shopping). But after a bunch of research, Adam ordered this stunning vegan three-piece suit from RW & Co. The shirt is from H&M, he wore shoes he already owned, and his vegan tie (not silk), tie clip, and pocket square are from Jaan J.
And for the rings, Adam worked with Midwinter Co. to design my engagement ring and wedding band. Isn't it cool how my wedding band fits around my ring like that? The rings are made with ethically sourced gold and diamonds, and I'm obsessed with the beautiful and unique celestial diamond that looks like the moon! Adam went the classic route and chose a simple gold wedding band, also from Midwinter Co.
And that's it! We're married. What a wonderful and special day! It was literally the best day of my life so far... and I feel like it's just beginning!
Back to recipe posts next week, but in the meantime...
Bon Appetegan!
From the now married Sam Turnbull.
Autumn says
Congratulations to you and your new husband. Best wishes to you both for a lifetime of happiness.
Your wedding, the attire, and the menu looked absolutely incredible.
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you Autumn 🙂
Nicole says
Congratulations! This is all so so beautiful: you guys, the farm and surrounding nature, the food itself and of course your friends and family joining in making delicious vegan food, too. Heartwarming! ❤️
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you so much Nicole 🙂
Beverly Pittman says
Oh wow, congratulations to you and Adam I’m so happy for you two! You guys look beautiful. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. The food looks yummy. I’m so happy for you two again. I wish nothing but the best for y’all. Sam you look amazing!!!!
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you so much, Beverly!
Julie says
So lovely! Thank you for sharing your beautiful day! Best wishes to you both❤
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you Julie!
Amie Hubbard says
Thank you so much for sharing your joy with us! So very happy for you! What a beautiful day you were blessed with for such a wonderful union. May the Lord truly bless you guys! Congratulations!
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you Amie!
MINDY says
Mahalo Sam for sharing your special day and the delish menu!
Much Aloha and happiness from Kauai!
I love your recipes!
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you Mindy!
Ruth P says
Congratulations to you Sam and Adam on your beautiful wedding.
May your life continue to be filled with so much love, joy and harmony.
It's an amazing blessing when the pandemic downsize turns out to be better than you could ever imagine.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful day with us.
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you so much, Ruth!
Michelle says
Thank you for sharing your special day!!! You both look so gorgeousI’m very impressed by the menu. I wouldn’t be surprised if it made some of your guests go vegan! Congratulations
Sam Turnbull says
Haha wouldn't that be wonderful? 🙂
Donna says
Thanks for sharing your special day with us! Your dress was beautiful but not as beautiful as you. Adam looked so dapper. I love the romantic feel of the dinner. The frame and gorgeous flowers in bloom were perfect! The photos are quite amazing. Much love and happiness to you both.
Sam Turnbull says
Aww thank you Donna!
Kim Thomas says
I wish you many blessings, and a lifetime of love.
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you Kim!
Sonia Gravendick says
Heartfelt congratulations on such a wonderful moment in all your lives. I feel your excitement and at times the frustration firsthand in the prep for your special day. We are walking a similar path for August 7. to backyard bliss.
Looking forward to your next chapter.
Sam Turnbull says
I hope your wedding turns out perfectly! (I know it will) 🙂
Marie S. Colvin says
Congratulations! The pictures, the ambiance, the food all were gorgeous. I send love from the Pacific Northwest.
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you Marie!
Kerry says
Sam, I was delighted with the news of your wedding. Thank you so much for making an entire post about it. You looked stunning and you and Adam both look tremendously happy. I love your recipes, adorable videos, and your website. I am looking forward to exploring your new cookbook, too. Many blessings from a fellow Vegan down in California. Congratulations!
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you so very much, Kerry!
Judy Maguire says
Congrats to you and Adam!! Such a special day in these strange times. You looked wonderful and the food looked amazing!! You both created a memorable wedding day for sure!
Sam Turnbull says
I will never forget it, that's for sure 🙂
Nia Adonis says
Congraaaaats Saaaaam!!!! Looks like such a dreamy day!!
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you Nia!
Maureen says
Congratulations, Sam and Adam! You made a stunning bride, Sam, and you unleashed your marvelous creativity in planning your wedding. Thanks for providing a glimpse of your special day. Much joy to the both of you and your families!
Sam Turnbull says
Aww thanks Maureen!
Patricia says
Absolutely gorgeous. Everything.
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you!
Elizabeth Moodie says
Congratulations! What a spectacularly gorgeous wedding. You look stunning as does your new husband. Your commitment to creating such a complete, special and unique vegan day(s) is admirable. May the future bring all the very best to you and Adam.
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you so much, Elizabeth 🙂
May says
Lovely! All the best to both of you!
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you May!
Christine says
Congratulations Sam and Adam! Thanks for sharing all these details, just stunning.
Sam Turnbull says
THank you Christine!