A Whimsical, Rustic Farm Wedding at a Private Residence in Leduc, Alberta

For their early-October wedding in Leduc, Alberta, Julia Scheffelmaier (22 and a secretary) and Matthew McKellar (28 and a firefighter and a commercial driver)—with the help of the pros at Today's Sweet Weddings—pulled off a relaxed, fun-filled bash with a rustic twist. Julia’s family farm hosted the fete, offering a sentimental and laid-back setting for the affair. Taking the lush, natural landscape into account, the pair opted for an elegantly understated palette of white and gold, which they punctuated with natural wood and fresh greenery. An outdoor ceremony allowed the couple and their guests to benefit from the autumnal foliage and expansive green fields, while setting the tone for their rustic, bohemian theme. Hay bales and wooden stumps topped with petite bouquets of fresh blooms lined the aisle, leading to a quaint wooden arbor built by Julia’s father that was adorned with a floral garland and deer antlers to achieve a whimsical woodland look. In lieu of lighting a candle to symbolize their unity, the couple tied two ropes into a fisherman’s knot, which was then placed in a shadow box that all the guests signed during the reception. The newlyweds then kicked the festivities into high gear, ushering their family and friends to an expansive white tent for dinner and dancing. “From the beginning, I had envisioned long rows of rectangular tables for our guests to create an intimate vibe, like sitting at one long family dinner table,” Julia says. To enhance the cozy feel, deer antlers and logs overflowing with fluffy white hydrangeas, eucalyptus, fern and wax flowers were the focal point for each table. But the reception’s piece de resistance was the head table, which was designed by Matthew. “Complete with a garland, antlers and wooden frames, it was the focus of the room,” Julia says. After dinner, Julia and Matthew surprised their family and friends with a performance of “In Spite of Ourselves” by John Prine and Iris DeMent (Julia played the mandolin and Matthew played guitar) as a show of their gratitude for all their love and support. A tip from Julia: “Patience and compromise are the keys to a loving relationship. When in doubt, say ‘Yes, dear.' " —Libby MacCarthy