Wedding Planning Guide
Hey Bestie, Welcome to The Wedding Planning Guide!
This isn’t just another wedding directory—it’s our little corner of the internet where love stories, laughter, and “OMG, same!” moments live. Think of this as your cozy wedding bestie group chat come to life. A place where brides, grooms, newlyweds, and amazing wedding vendors all hang out, share inspo, swap advice, and cheer each other on. 💕
Whether you’re knee-deep in planning spreadsheets, soaking in that just-married glow, or helping someone else pull off their dream day, you belong here.
Post your fave moments, show off your wedding photos, spill your best planning hacks, and connect with vendors who actually get it.
Because around here, weddings aren’t just events—they’re real stories, real emotions, and a whole lot of heart. 💌
So grab your coffee (or your champagne), bestie—let’s plan something unforgettable together. 🥂
The Bridal Night Market At Ocala Winery
Beautiful vineyard, orchard and event venue since 1912.
Whether it’s our century old, rustic, board and beam winery, the expansive barn or our beautiful orchard and vineyard, we have the perfect setting for your event day.
Wedding Planning Guide - Leila
Featured Venue: Ocala Winery—Where Rustic Charm Meets Vineyard Romance
Are you dreaming of a wedding day steeped in serene beauty and rustic elegance? Ocala Winery offers an extraordinary escape onto 25 acres of timeless vineyards and lush orchards, providing a picturesque setting that feels worlds away yet completely stress-free. If a "countryside chic" celebration is your vision, get ready to fall in love.
Spaces Designed for Dreamers
Ocala has perfected the art of the charming event space, giving you a choice of beautifully restored backdrops for every part of your day.
The Barn: Effortlessly Chic Receptions
Forget the typical hall—this is authentic rustic luxury. With its original elements intact, including stunning, oversized barn doors that frame a view of the orchard, The Barn (capacity: 120) is pure magic. As the sun sets, a whimsical string of lights transforms the space into a warm, celebratory haven. The eclectic bar and lounge area is perfect for cocktail hour, while the raised stage is ready for your first dance and unforgettable toasts.
The Winery: A Nook for Nostalgia
Perfect for your ceremony or an intimate dinner, The Winery is romance personified. Reclaimed wood beams, antique pieces, and original hardwood flooring tell a story of history and provide a deeply intimate atmosphere. It’s a breathtaking backdrop that requires minimal decor to achieve maximum impact.
The Durham Room: Light-Filled Intimacy
Situated on the second floor of the historical Winery, this charming space is drenched in natural light and boasts rich hardwood floors and reclaimed wood accents. Accommodating up to 80 guests, The Durham Room offers lovely views of the surrounding valley, making it ideal for a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or a smaller, sophisticated reception.
The Great Outdoors: Your Ceremony Canvas
(Image: A beautiful detail shot—perhaps of the orchard/vineyard rows or an outdoor table setting, credited to Lisa Hughes Photography)
The natural beauty of Ocala’s vineyard, orchard, and sweeping valley views simply cannot be overstated. A ceremony amongst the grapevines or nestled in the fragrant orchard offers a serene setting for your vows. The grounds are perfect for a large, alfresco gathering or setting up a stunning party tent.
The Ocala Experience: Beyond the Venue
Booking your wedding should be exciting, not stressful. The experienced team at Ocala is known for its stress-free booking process and dedication to assisting you well beyond securing your date.
What's Included to Make Your Day Perfect:
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Exclusive use of indoor and outdoor spaces for beautiful photography.
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Dedicated on-site Venue Host/Hostess.
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A relaxing Bridal Suite for prep and touch-ups.
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Banquet tables and chairs.
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Complimentary wine for each table.
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Free guest parking.
Need a little extra help bringing your vision to life? Ocala can also provide a dedicated Event Planner, table and chair covers, a party tent, arbours, and silk floral centerpieces.
Real Wedding Highlight: “I chose Ocala Winery as my wedding venue! I worked very closely with the Event Coordinator, who was FANTASTIC! We worked through where I would like my ceremony (which was in the beautiful back orchard), and everything top to bottom related to the reception... She is an excellent communicator, and even suggested many ideas that I worked into my day.”
— Bianca, Ocala Winery Bride
Ready to Say ‘I Do’ to Ocala?
To inquire about renting, or booking a tour of, our event spaces, contact events@ocalawinery.com
Ocala Winery
971 High Point Rd
Port Perry, Ontario L9L1B3
(905) 985-9924
events@ocalawinery.com
Vendor Spotlight: Island Boba
The Unexpected (and Delicious!) Twist Your Wedding Bar Needs
Are you a couple looking to ditch the basic beverage station and treat your guests to something truly memorable—and incredibly delicious—allow us to introduce you to Island Boba. They are blending the fun, customizable trend of Taiwanese bubble tea with the authentic, vibrant flavours of the Caribbean to create a drink experience like no other.
Island Boba isn't just serving drinks; they are delivering a mini tropical vacation to your wedding day.
The Menu: Flavour, Wellness & Fun
Island Boba offers a unique fusion menu perfect for every stage of your celebration, from the rehearsal dinner to the dance floor.
Signature Sips & Tropical Refreshers
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Strawberry Mango Lemonade & Mango Pineapple Lemonade: These are the ideal sweet and tart crowd-pleasers for any wedding. The bright, refreshing fruit blends are perfect for a cocktail hour or a non-alcoholic option during your outdoor ceremony.
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Tropical Mirage: Looking for an elegant, non-alcoholic showstopper? This non-alcoholic sangria is crafted with de-alcoholized wine and bursting with pineapple, lychee, and guava. It looks and tastes sophisticated, making it a perfect toast alternative or a beautiful offering at your bridal shower.
Island Classics & Wellness Boosts
Bring an authentic, hearty element to your menu with these unique offerings:
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Ginger Beer: This traditional Caribbean ginger-infused drink is bold, authentic, and naturally promotes gut health. It’s a spicy, invigorating option that's wonderful for a late-night station.
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Carrot Juice: A wonderfully rich and creamy island classic made with fresh carrots and aromatic spices. Consider serving this alongside your wedding cake as a unique, spiced dessert pairing.
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Peanut Punch: This rich, creamy beverage is blended with peanuts and spices. It’s a satisfying, tropical treat that provides a perfect energy boost—ideal for welcoming guests after travel or serving as a hearty late-night snack companion.
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Wellness Shots (Ginger & Antioxidant): For the health-conscious couple, their potent Ginger Shots (ginger, citrus, spices) and Antioxidant Shots (beets and berries) are a phenomenal way to give guests a natural energy boost to power through the reception!
Effortless Event Catering
Island Boba goes beyond weddings, expertly catering rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, engagement parties, and more.
By choosing Island Boba, you're not just picking a vendor; you're securing a seamless, memorable guest experience. They handle the setup and service, so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your celebration.
Ready to infuse your wedding with tropical flavor?
Contact the Island Boba team today to discuss your date and custom catering package! info@islandboba.ca
The Art of Forever: Live Wedding Painting by Olivia Morin
Some wedding moments are too magical to simply freeze in a photograph. The sparkle in your eyes during your first dance. The way the light falls through the lace of your veil. The exact shade of sunset as you say, “I do.”
Enter Olivia Morin — Oshawa-born artist, storyteller, and memory-keeper — who transforms fleeting moments into breathtaking works of art.
Olivia’s love affair with painting began in childhood, a brush in hand before most kids had mastered crayons. By 2017, she was not only creating for herself but teaching others, sharing her craft with communities across Durham Region and beyond. Her signature style blends the precision of realism in her portraits with the soul and movement of expressionism in her landscapes. The result? Paintings that don’t just show you a scene — they make you feel it.
She’s collaborated with Durham College, the Durham Region Homebuilder's Association, local churches, and community groups, proving her art belongs everywhere beauty is celebrated.
Why Your Wedding Deserves a Live Painter
A live painter isn’t just an entertainer — they’re a creator of legacy. As Olivia paints, guests watch the love and joy of your day take shape on canvas, brushstroke by brushstroke. By the end of the night, you hold in your hands a one-of-a-kind heirloom, created in the very air of your wedding day.
It’s timeless. It’s personal. It’s unforgettable.
Book Olivia for Your Big Day
📱 Instagram: @oliviamorinart