Ontario Wedding at Port Cunnington Lodge | Kate + Tyler

For Kate and Tyler, it all began with hockey.

Their first date was watching a Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators playoff hockey game in Calgary over beer and pizza. Next up, they played some shinny hockey (that’s a pickup game of hockey on the ice or street, for anyone wondering). Then there was the hike in Canmore, another hockey game (this one a Leafs game in Toronto), followed by a trip to Kate’s family cottage in Muskoka. Six years later, that appreciation of hockey, mountains, and lakes thrives, as does a love for one another. Those things also found their way into Tyler’s proposal (more on that from Kate below) and their wedding.

These two brought everyone together to celebrate their next step together in an all-inclusive Muskoka wedding weekend at Port Cunnington Lodge, presided over by their dog of honour (cutie!), Nutmeg.

Kate’s dad is the one who spotted her Fiona gown on our website, and the moment Kate slipped it on at our flagship Toronto bridal boutique, she knew it was the one.

From Kate, who danced with Tyler to Elvis crooning “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and whose guests voted on where they’d honeymoon (Australia/New Zealand, here they come!):

 

How did you know he/she was “the one”?

 

“K: He had remarkable hair, a love for hockey and a good sense of humour.
T: She had a beautiful smile, a love for dogs, and a kind heart.
K&T: We both could envision growing old together.”

wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Fiona and veil via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: wMac Photography | full vendor list at bottom

How did Tyler propose?

 

“Tyler proposed on a rainy day in June 2017 at my family cottage in Muskoka. He told me to meet him down at the dock to help him put the tarp on the boat as it was filling with water. When I arrived at the dock, he pulled out a ring from his rain jacket and got down on one knee. I was so excited I threw my umbrella into the lake and almost pushed him in, as well!”

 

How did you choose your gown?

 

“My father had picked out the Fiona gown from Lea-Ann Belter’s website and told me I had to try it on. I made the trip out to Toronto to meet with Vanessa who was incredibly helpful and personal—it truly felt like you were shopping with your best friend. I tried on the dress my father suggested and it was perfect. Simple, sophisticated, timeless and modern. I loved the crepe material and the best part was it came perfectly tailored. The delicate veil was a beautiful addition as well!”

 

Tell us about your day!

 

“It was an all-inclusive Muskoka weekend wedding at Port Cunnington Lodge on Lake of Bays. Many of our wedding guests had travelled from Alberta and throughout Ontario. The weekend started off with rainy weather, a ghost story and bonfire on Friday night. The morning of the wedding was calm and overcast. Guests enjoyed canoeing, paddle boarding and taking part in boat tours of the lake. The sun started to appear in the afternoon, right in time for our ceremony on the dock and our singing the song “Here Comes the Sun.” Our favorite moment of the day was getting in a canoe and paddling for photos. We finished off the weekend with a farewell cruise on the SS Bigwin steamship to view the early fall colours.”

 

Describe your wedding day in 5 words or fewer?

 

“Simple, elegant, rustic, cottage, fun.”

 

What was the funniest moment of your day?

 

“The father of the groom’s speech. There were some good stories of Tyler growing up—apparently he wasn’t always the polished young man I know now!”

 

What was your something old, new, something borrowed and something blue?

 

“I incorporated these traditions throughout the wedding. My something old was my grandmother’s cake cutter/server and past family wedding photos. My something new was my beautiful Lea-Ann Belter gown and earrings. My something borrowed was the arbour built by my uncle and aunt. My something blue were a pair of Kate Spade sandals for dancing.”

 

Any advice for future brides and grooms?

 

“Wedding planning can be overwhelming so try to focus on the basics. All you really need is a meaningful venue, a beautiful dress, good friends, close family and love! Also, if you can swing it, opt for live music—our band was amazing and kept everyone dancing until the very end.”

Kate + Tyler’s Port Cunnington Lodge Wedding Vendors

wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Fiona and veil via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: wMac Photography | venue: Port Cunnington Lodge | stationary: Cottonwood Cards | hair + makeup: The Hudson Hair Salon | florals: Tanya List Design & Floral | wedding favors: Comfort Bakeshop | band: Stereoflavour Live Entertainment

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email [email protected].