We recently had our romantic ballet-inspired wedding in the woods published in The Wedding Opera! Keep reading to see all the gorgeousness from some of the best wedding vendors in London, Ontario including the incredible people at Fernwood Hills in Komoka, Ontario. This dreamy shoot was all about doing what we love – working with amazing wedding vendors, couples, and all things weddings – and pushing the creative envelope and filling up on inspiration for our real weddings!

This shoot offered a twist on the Pantone colours-of-the-year, Rose Quartz and Serenity. Pastel tones were set against lush foliage, with light touches of tulle, splashes of pink and cream garden and spray roses, and white magnolia blooms provided a scene of vivid romance.

Set within a wooded expanse and complete with open spaces and hidden intimate coves, the gem that is Fernwood Hills, located just west of London, Ontario in beautiful Komoka, was the perfect location for this elegant forest soirée. Fernwood Hills is a spacious property featuring 36 acres of trees, flowers, trails, and fields. It’s the perfect balance of woodlands and private parklands!

The Studio at Fernwood Hills is also unmatched. A gorgeous getaway, The Studio was brimming over with natural light and a full view of the forest, and provided a stunning space for the bride and groom preparations. The wedding stationary offered a custom, airy design with a classic look by Sandra Martin of Love on Paper Co. Soft pink magnolias and a sweeping font matched the romance of the day.

The day’s preparation began in the bright, day-lit studio space at Fernwood Hills where our real-life couple, professionally trained ballerina Crystal Clackett and her fiancé Colin, started getting ready and looked out at the gorgeous flora with anticipation. Crystal’s makeup was provided by Erica Ferguson of Selah Vie Hair and Makeup Artistry and was inspired by the light and airy feel of tulle. Her striking pink, glossy lips were the perfect complement. Erica also created a curly, soft and romantic updo that framed our model’s face perfectly. Crystal’s rings are from the Karat Patch in Redding, California. They feature a diamond in a beautifully crafted crown setting with a halo surround, paired with a delicate diamond encrusted band.

Stephen of Bud Gowan outfitted Colin with a tan suit from the Caravelli slim-fit line, perfectly suited for a summer wedding, and was paired with a light blue shirt and pale pink bowtie inspired by the Pantone colour scheme.

The bride’s cascading bouquet, by Selah Vie Weddings & Events, was brimming with garden and spray roses, magnolia blooms and hanging amaranthus. Blooms and greenery were hand-tied with trailing ribbons in shades of pinks and blues to compliment the Pantone theme. Crystal’s tulle-skirted gown of delicate, romantic lace detail over a sweetheart bust line was a ballerina’s dream come true. Provided by Erin Bouchard of Once Upon a Time Weddings in Strathroy, Ontario, this gown married the ballet theme beautifully with soft and dreamlike layers of tulle for an effect of classic elegance. The ceremony location was a simple golden-lit ceremony with a backdrop of the woods’ edge.

For this styled wedding shoot, we really imagined a wanderlusting couple who wanted their guests to experience the day’s journey within the beauty of a wooded landscape. Every step let to an experience with the forest. Fernwood Hills had even installed their wooden bridge just in time for our shoot!

One of the most elegant and stunning details was the outdoor reception space, graced with elements of flowing tulle, rose quartz and serenity-based tones, with an oversized floral chandelier and charming pond waters behind. Decor and florals were provided by Hanna Lafferty of Selah Vie Weddings and Events. Her artful weaving of tulle, raw silk, ribbons, greenery, roses, and magnolias captured the essence of the ballet-inspired day. Garlands were crafted from magnolia leaves, boxwood and fern. Tulle, as a romantic medium and ballerina-esque material, was incorporated throughout the decor including the head tablescape and custom backdrop that hosted a large floral chandelier.

The tablescape featured vintage china nestled on pink chargers, golden flatware, and sparkling crystal stemware. A magnolia leaf, boxwood and fern garland with rose and magnolia blooms cascaded down the table’s edge and settled gently onto the ground. Hanna really provided a refreshing variation on the Pantone colours-of-the-year, Rose Quartz and Serenity, by crafting decor and florals with these tones and juxtaposing them against rich greenery of this elegant rustic forest styled wedding.

Next on the journey – through the forest-lined paths, there was a stunning dessert bar featuring a trio of magnolia and rose-kissed cakes set on a weathered piano, cupcakes with beautiful sugar flowers, and strawberry flavoured macarons. Kellie McDonald Barclay of Fancy That Cake designed a stunning cake trio exquisitely displayed on a rustic, weathered piano top. Ballet-inspired soft pink tones, accented with ombre ruffles, lace, and fine-detailed sugar magnolia blooms and roses reflected the wedding florals to complete the look. Perfectly poised sugar blooms graced the tops of delicious cupcakes competing with strawberry and cream macarons to tempt the taste buds of our happy couple.

When it was time to put the finishing touches on the day, we led our beautiful couple under a willow tree where they danced and shared some quiet moments as the sun silently set behind them.

Dylan chased the light to capture it all, including the authenticity of the moments as they unfolded, paired with the gorgeously crafted details of the day.

We hope you are as smitten by the beauty and elegance of this woodland and ballet-inspired wedding as we were! We love the way outdoor, rustic weddings can incorporate touches of opulence while providing the freedom to define and craft beautiful, natural spaces. We hope these images can inspire brides to combine elements and materials not usually seen together, to embrace the creative freedom of open-concept spaces, and to artfully craft wedding themes and details that reflect them well!

Photography: Dylan Martin Photography // Venue: Fernwood Hills // Floral & Decor: Selah Vie Wedding and Events // Cake & Pastries: Fancy That Cake // Hair & Makeup: Erica-Selah Vie Hair & Makeup Artistry // Stationery: Love on Paper Co. // Dress: Once Upon a Time Weddings // Men’s Attire: Bud Gowan // Models: Crystal & Colin