Rosa and Chris’ wedding at Strathmere Country Retreat in Ottawa, Canada, was a dreamy blend of rustic charm and Italian-inspired elegance.
With a palette of sage, gold, and white, cascading greenery, and refined floral details, their day captured the timeless beauty of a Tuscan celebration. Thoughtful touches, like bonbonniere gifts symbolizing blessings, added personal and traditional elements, making their celebration as meaningful as it was magical.
Looking for inspiration for your own elegant, rustic wedding? Keep reading for all the stunning details!
Where did you get married?
We were married at the Strathmere Country Retreat just outside of Ottawa in North Gower, Ontario. We currently live in the Greater Toronto area, but both of us grew up in Ottawa, so we decided that Strathmere would be the perfect location to celebrate with our family and friends.
Why did you choose to get married at Strathmere Country Retreat?
We chose to get married at Strathmere in North Gower because it felt like a little slice of the Tuscan countryside, right here at home. With its charming landscapes, rustic elegance, and tranquil beauty, it was the perfect setting to begin our forever.
What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?
It’s so difficult to choose, as there were so many great moments. The love and laughter shared under the open sky, surrounded by the warmth of those who mean the most to us, made every moment magical. It wasn’t just a celebration of us—it was a celebration of the people who’ve supported and loved us through every step of our journey.
Rosa, paint us a picture. What was the theme, style, colors, and overall vibe of your wedding day?
Our wedding day captured the simplicity and elegance of an Italian wedding, where every detail was infused with timeless beauty. The palette of sage, gold, and white set a soft, romantic tone, reflected in the lush floral arrangements that brought our vision to life. From the outdoor arbor draped in cascading greenery and delicate blooms to the refined tablescapes, every element spoke to the understated sophistication of a Tuscan celebration. It was a perfect reflection of our style—elegant yet effortless, intimate yet grand—a day that felt like a dream in every way.
As a token of our gratitude and a nod to Italian tradition, we gifted each guest a bonbonniere filled with five sugared almonds. These almonds symbolize five wishes for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity.
It was a celebration steeped in tradition, with moments that felt both personal and shared, creating memories that we will cherish forever.
What was your favorite part of planning your wedding?
Our favorite part of planning the wedding was bringing our vision to life and seeing all the little details come together. From choosing the decor to creating meaningful touches, it was so rewarding to craft a day that felt uniquely us while imagining how our loved ones would experience it. We loved creating thoughtful welcome boxes for our out-of-town guests, filled with treats and little surprises to set the tone for the weekend. Making personalized videos for the father-daughter and mother-groom dances was such a special touch, and seeing those moments unfold on the day brought so much joy. Guests are still talking about how much fun they had—it warms our hearts to know that all the love and effort we poured into the day created memories that everyone will cherish!
What was the best investment you made for your wedding?
Using WedSites for our wedding planning was an absolute game-changer! It made the entire process so much smoother and stress-free, allowing us to focus on the joy of the journey rather than getting lost in the details. From the moment we started, it was like having a personal assistant dedicated to every aspect of our big day.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
Not stress so much. In retrospect, I would have hired someone to help on the day of the wedding with installations, as this would have alleviated some of the work that Chris and I had to get done before and after the wedding.
What was your favorite part of using WedSites for your wedding?
One of the standout features was the customizable wedding website. It was not only beautiful but also super functional—our guests could find all the information they needed in one place, from venue directions to accommodation options. It truly simplified our lives! We loved the fact that we could add our own wedding song list for guests to enjoy. Chris and I are both music lovers, and we had so much fun choosing the music for the website – we really thought that added a very special touch that reflected who we are as a couple.
Wedding planning is notoriously stressful. Now that you’ve gone through the process, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for couples who are currently in the midst of planning theirs?
Focus on what truly matters to you as a couple, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Stay organized, but leave room for surprises and joy; the imperfect moments often become the most cherished memories.
Venue: Strathmere
Caterer: Strathmere
Photographer: Eva Hadhazy Photography
Officiant: All Seasons Weddings
Cake Baker: The Cupcake Lounge
Florist: W Flowers
Hair Stylist: Hair by Adamo & Co
Makeup Artist: Hair by Adamo & Co
Wedding Dress: MWL Dress purchased at Renewed with Love Bridal Outlet
Jeweler: People’s Jewellers
Entertainment: Remigio Pereira
Regina Bianca Music
Momentum Music Entertainment
Attire: The Canadian Brim Co.
Decor: Perfect Pair Decor
Prestige Pam
Gifts & Favors: Olvi Bomboniere China & Gifts
MadepourShare
Stationer: Custom Boards
Other: Stella Luna Gelato
Wedding Planner: Wedsites
