On September 12, 2019, Ariel and Melvin held their ceremony in the mystical forest at Sea Cider Farm. It didn’t just rain on their wedding day - it poured buckets! However the couple were unfazed by the deluge, smiling throughout their ceremony and outdoor couple photos. Everyone was willing to brave the rain, and help each other out:

“The rain definitely made it magical, although it created a time crunch as it made set-up slower. I was told over and over that it was the “best wedding I have ever been to,” and part of that was because of the rain. The tenacity we had to continue with our plan of an outdoor wedding, despite the pouring rain, was more popular than I would have imagined.” - Ariel

Everything about the day was unique and full of personal meaning. From the dress, to the rings, the cake and even the ring boxes. The bride's wedding band was custom made with teal diamonds, and the groom's contained dinosaur bones and meteorite. The themes were coastal blues and green, with ocean and forest elements. Ariel representing a mermaid and Mel a man of the woods. She with a love of blues, water, and all things that live in the sea. Mel drawn to greens, the peace and quiet of the woods, with his animal represented by the wolf.

The couple’s engagement story also inspired their decor:

“We were exploring a beach, which was covered in live and dead sand dollars (notice the sand dollars on the tables at our wedding!). After walking around for a while, we sat on a log and chatted. When it was time to leave, I stood up and noticed a wooden turtle tucked behind the log. I exclaimed “oh no! Someone must have lost this!” only to turn around and see Mel on one knee. The wood turtle was actually a box, and my ring was inside.” - Ariel

There were no formal speeches, no sit down dinner, and instead of a first dance, all the guests joined the couple on the dance floor!

“We did not want a formal sit down dinner, and Toque Catering made that spectacular with food stations. The guests raved and raved about the food. It was fun, informal, and delicious! And Hey Mr DJ was so fun and easy to work with. He was creative which was a lifesaver in the rain! We were unconventional with our music for the ceremony, and he hit the mark. His playlist for the dance floor kept us boogying. And the photo booth was a HUGE hit!”

The couple’s advice to others planning their wedding:

“Relax, it’s just a party! Have fun and make it about you and your partner. Who cares what tradition dictates! If it doesn’t feel like you, skip it. And don’t worry about the weather, have a contingency plan and you will see that even a rainy day can be spectacular!”

(Vendor List below gallery)