Fantasy Farm
When Melanie and Gloria asked me to photograph their wedding at Fantasy Farm, I was so excited. I love this venue. It’s a hidden gem just off the Don Valley Parkway. It also offers free parking which is rare for downtown Toronto wedding venues. Though this doesn’t concern me as a photographer much, I always find that a convenient venue will be a bonus for the couple and their guests. A simple wedding is a good wedding. I love Fantasy Farm’s outdoor space. It’s not the fanciest venue but it has its own rustic characteristics. It’s also great for outdoor ceremony photos and accommodates for wedding portraits right onsite.
These two had their intimate wedding celebration in the Cottage Room. A Fantasy Farm wedding is like a cottage wedding but in the city. They offer a great patio for outdoor wedding ceremonies and intimate space for indoor receptions. These two decorated both areas with so many personalized elements that it really became their space.
Ceremony
These two originally met working at PJ Pets. And as their relationship grew, so did their family. It seems every rejected animal left behind at the shop, somehow made its way into this couple’s home. Lots of animals participated in the prep of these two brides. Between posing with the accessories and eating the makeup. The rest of the wedding was held at Fantasy Farm and simplified dramatically upon arrival. It appears family and friends are a lot easier to manage than a zoo.
Their civil ceremony came with some Irish roots. All the decorations showcased included green accents. From Melanie’s earrings to Gloria’s shoes. From the bridesmaids’ bouquets to the reception linens. As an LGBTQ couple, they wanted the event to be less formal and more them. So during the ceremony, they included a Celtic Handfasting.
Handfasting is a unity ritual where the couple has their hands tied together with braids and ribbons. It’s a non-religious ceremony. The ribbons are knotted after each vow. When the Handfasting is over and the braids are removed. And the couple leaves with a beautiful keepsake. They can use the same ribbons for future vow renewals or just a reminder of a very special day.
