There’s something about cabin weddings that just hit different. Maybe it’s the way time slows down when you’re surrounded by water and trees, or how family traditions feel even more sacred in a place filled with decades of memories. Chloe and Jake’s wedding at her family’s cabin on Clearwater Lake in Northwestern Ontario was a perfect example of how to blend nostalgia, connection, and a little bit of DIY magic into one unforgettable weekend!
Planning Your Own Cabin Wedding? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re dreaming of a cabin wedding in Northwestern Ontario or Manitoba, here are a few things to consider:
- Think about logistics. If your venue is lake-access only, plan transportation for guests and vendors (boats, shuttles, or a mix of both!).
- Embrace heirlooms + local help. Cabin weddings are often more personal and intimate, which means you can get creative with decor, florals, and even catering. Chloe and Jake’s wedding proved that a community effort makes everything that much more special.
- Plan for nature! Weather at the lake can be unpredictable, so have a rain plan just in case! Also, let guests know what to pack (comfortable shoes, bug spray, extra layers for cool nights).
- Make it a weekend. One of the best parts of a cabin wedding is that it doesn’t have to be a one-day event. Extend the celebration with a welcome dinner, brunch, or extra time for guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
A Family Cabin, A Love Story & A Weekend to Remember
Chloe and Jake’s wedding wasn’t just a single day—it was a whole experience. They wanted to surprised their guests with an epic entrance to the Welcome Party: arriving by float plane.
When you get married at a lake-access-only cabin, the celebration naturally stretches beyond the ceremony. Guests arrived by boat, carrying bags filled with weekend essentials and hearts full of excitement. The air smelled like pine and campfire smoke, and you could hear the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore.
This wasn’t just any cabin—it was Chloe’s family cabin, a place filled with generations of laughter, late-night card games, and sun-soaked afternoons on the dock. Family traveled from all over to be there, and with the entire weekend ahead of them, the focus was exactly where it should be: on quality time and togetherness.
Wedding Day: The Morning Of
Jake got ready in Chloe’s grandma’s cabin—a moment that felt especially meaningful. There’s something so special about preparing for your wedding day in a place tied to your partner’s family history, surrounded by the people who have known them forever. Chloe, meanwhile, was getting ready in her own family’s cabin, soaking up the final quiet moments before stepping into a brand-new chapter.
Before slipping into her dress, Chloe shared a champagne toast with the women in her family, a tradition that felt both celebratory and sentimental. As laughter bubbled up with each pop of the cork, her closest friends and family presented her with a book of letters—heartfelt notes from the women in her life, from childhood friends to mentors and family members. It was a moment of reflection, love, and pure emotion, grounding her in the deep connections that had shaped her journey to this day.
And let’s not forget the dogs—because a true cabin wedding wouldn’t be complete without furry friends running around, living their best lives. They were part of every moment, tail wags included.
A First Look on the Dock
Before heading into the whirlwind of the day, Chloe and Jake shared a quiet, private first look on the dock. With nothing but the lake stretching behind them and the soft ripple of water beneath their feet, it was a moment just for them—to breathe, to take each other in, and to feel the full weight of what was about to begin. The way Jake looked at Chloe, the way she beamed back—it was pure magic. This intimate pause in the day set the tone for the rest of the celebration, grounding them in the love they share.
A Ceremony Set in Stone—Literally
One of the most sentimental parts of the day? Chloe and Jake didn’t just say “I do”—they set their love in stone. After their vows, they created a stepping stone with their handprints, adding it to a path of stones from generations before them. Talk about a symbol of legacy and commitment!
And to make the moment even sweeter, Chloe’s favourite (and only) sister, Charley, officiated. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight as she guided them through the vows, making the ceremony feel even more intimate and personal.
Handmade Details & Thoughtful Touches
One of the most beautiful things about this wedding was the way Chloe’s creativity was woven into every detail. She crocheted and DIY’d so much of the decor, adding a deeply personal touch to the entire day. Vintage elements, like her grandma and great-grandma’s china, made an appearance, layering even more history and meaning into their tablescape.
And because this was a true “lake family” wedding, everyone pitched in. The meal? Cooked by the people who had shared summers with Chloe and her family for years. The wedding planning? A team effort, with loved ones making sure everything came together in the most effortless, beautiful way.
A Dinner Made with Love & A Tradition Worth Toasting To
When you grow up on a lake, your neighbours aren’t just neighbours—they’re family. Chloe and Jake’s lake family cooked the entire wedding meal, preparing an incredible seafood boil that brought everyone together over good food and even better stories.
Dancing on the Beach & A Wedding for the Books
As the sun dipped below the trees and the stars started to come out, Chloe and Jake had their first dance on the beach. No fancy ballroom, no over-the-top production—just sand between their toes, music floating through the air, and the people they love most watching on.
Sunset on the Dock: A Quiet Moment Together
As the evening light turned golden, Chloe and Jake stole away for a quiet moment on the dock. The water reflected the soft hues of the setting sun, wrapping them in a warm, golden glow. Their dogs padding alongside them, as they took in the stillness of the lake. It was a rare, uninterrupted moment—a chance to breathe, to hold each other, and to soak in everything that happened through the day. The laughter of their guests echoed faintly in the distance, but for this moment, it was just the two of them (and me!), wrapped up in love, the gentle lapping of the water, and the promise of a lifetime together.
and back to the dance party…
Jake’s grandpa has a tequila shot tradition: a rite of passage at every family wedding, he toasts to the bride and groom with tequila! This moment was one of pure joy—laughter, clinking tiny solo cups, and a little bit of that classic wedding day buzz.
And when the night wrapped up? It wasn’t an exit with sparklers or a limo. It was something even better—guests hopping onto boats, driven home by DD volunteers, the sound of engines humming across the water under a sky full of stars.
This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a weekend, a memory-making event, a celebration that felt like home.
Chloe and Jake’s wedding was so much more than just a ceremony. It was a reflection of everything they value—family, nostalgia, creativity, and a love that will last a lifetime. It was a reminder that weddings don’t have to follow a script. They just have to feel like you.
To Chloe & Jake—thank you for letting me be part of your story. This was truly one for the books. 🤍
If you’re considering a lake or cabin wedding, I’d love to capture it for you! There’s nothing like documenting a love story in a place that means the world to you. Reach out here to start planning or get a little more information about what it’s like to work with me over here!
