Carissa and Nick’s June 2024 wedding at Homestead 1880 in Pakenham, Ontario was one of those days where love—and laughter—outshone the weather. Despite chilly temps and a steady drizzle, they embraced the rain, tied the knot outdoors with umbrellas in hand, and danced the night away surrounded by their favourite people.
As their photo and video team, we loved every minute of this heartfelt and joy-filled day—and we’re so excited to share the highlights with you!
A Rustic Barn Wedding Venue With Everything On-Site
Homestead 1880 is one of the most charming rustic barn wedding venues in Ontario, and it’s easy to see why Carissa and Nick chose it. With on-site getting ready spaces, a dedicated ceremony location, and a big, beautiful barn for dining and dancing, the venue offers a seamless and cozy setup—perfect for any weather.
From start to finish, this venue kept everything grounded and beautiful, even as the forecast shifted.
First Looks, Family Tears & Emotional Moments
The day began with a heartfelt first look between Carissa and her dad, setting the emotional tone early. But the most tear-jerking moment? Watching Nick’s reaction as Carissa walked down the aisle—he was crying before she even turned the corner.
Luckily, two of their close friends played the role of flower men, giving everyone (including Nick) a much-needed moment of comic relief before the big moment.
Their golden retriever served as the ring bearer, adding a personal and unforgettable touch to their outdoor ceremony. Rain or not, it was one of the most genuine ceremonies we’ve seen.
Portraits at Pakenham Bridge to Honor Family Tradition
After the ceremony, Carissa and Nick made a special stop at the Pakenham Bridge—a meaningful location where Nick’s parents had taken their own wedding portraits. Recreating those photos added a sentimental and nostalgic layer to their own story and was a sweet surprise for his family.
We love when couples incorporate family legacy into modern wedding days, and this was such a heartfelt example.
A Personal Connection That Made the Day Even Sweeter
This wasn’t our first wedding with the Ethier family—we had captured Nick’s brother’s wedding the year before, and it was such a joy to reunite with everyone. On top of that, we actually went to high school with Nick! It’s always so special when small-town connections come full circle like this.
Rainy Wedding Day? No Problem.
June weddings in Ontario don’t usually bring wind and rain, but our team is always ready to adapt. The timeline shifted multiple times, and lighting conditions were trickier than usual, but our flexibility helped us keep things running smoothly and capture every important moment—no matter what Mother Nature was doing.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at Homestead 1880 (or Beyond)?
Rain or shine, rustic barn or forest elopement, we’re here to document your day exactly as it unfolds. Carissa and Nick’s wedding is proof that weather doesn’t define a wedding—the people, the emotion, and the personal touches do.
Thank you, Carissa + Nick, for trusting us to tell your story. Scroll down to watch their wedding video and peek at their photo gallery!
👉 Ready to start planning your day? Get in touch with us here!
Vendors:
Venue: Homestead 1880
Florals: Ray’s Flowers
Decor: Valley Tent + Party Rentals
Catering: Ullrich’s
DJ: Chris Cooper
