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An Intimate Backyard Wedding In PEI

Jul 20, 2016

| By Mackenzie Patterson

An Intimate Backyard Wedding in Prince Edward Island - Bride and Groom

Jane and Stephane first met on a chilly fall night in Charlottetown, PEI. After bonding over renovation plans and a mutual love of interior design, Stephane sealed the deal by lending Jane his socks to keep away the cold. Later, on a much warmer day in Mexico, Stephane proposed, giving Jane the shock of a lifetime. "I had absolutely no idea it was coming, which made it so awesome because I always swore I'd know," she reminisces.

When it came time to tie the knot, the couple kept their celebration small and intimate, opting for a 40-person cocktail reception in their backyard, which they decorated with cozy touches like string lights and candles. "We didn't want our wedding to feel like a wedding but rather an intimate backyard cocktail party where we happened to be getting married. Our backyard space was a total overhaul that we did ourselves, so we let that be the backdrop and made it party-friendly with a small tent, casual and comfortable seating areas, cocktail tables and string lights," Jane explains.

While the decor was understated and charming, the food was the real showstopper of the event. Emily McKeown, a local chef and close friend of the couple, worked hard to create the perfect menu for the celebration, sourcing all the ingredients locally, including the fresh oysters, which had just been harvested that morning. "Everyone raved about the food," says Jane. "Emily even surprised us with a late night snack of homemade lavender-citrus ice cream and waffle cones!"

In keeping with the relaxed feel of their wedding, Jane and Stephane chose not to walk down the aisle, instead opting for a touching moment holding hands under a tree with their guests gathered around. "It felt very intimate and relaxed. We definitely broke tradition doing it this way but I'd do it the same way all over again," Jane says.

Jane Gallant and Stephane Cloutier, August 5, 2015, Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

Photography courtesy of Rachel Peters Photography.

Vendors Bridal gown: BHLDN Flowers: Prestige Floral Stationery: Kim Roach Design Makeup: Michelle Cudmore Hair: Cheryl Weeks Caterer: Emily McKeown Commissioner: Wendell Cameron