The Bridal Night Market At Ocala Winery: Harvest Edition
- Oct 6
- 5 min read
A Sunlit Harvest Romance: My Day at The Bridal Night Market at Ocala Winery
On Saturday, September 27th, I had the pleasure of spending an unforgettable afternoon and evening at The Bridal Night Market – Harvest Edition, hosted at the serene Ocala Winery & Orchards in Port Perry. What followed was more than just a wedding show — it was a beautiful, immersive experience for couples, vendors, and dreamers alike.
Setting the Scene: Ocala Orchard Breezes & Vineyard Views
From early afternoon, the grounds of Ocala Winery were alive with soft golden light, the distant hum of bees, roosters crowing and the rich promise of fall wrapped in sunshine. Vendors unloaded their vehicles, carefully placing floral installations, signage, and decorative details against the rustic backdrop of the vineyard. Guests wandered through orchard paths; some came for wine tastings, others for apple picking, and all of them infused the day with a sense of leisurely joy.
The Bridal Night Market event is meant to feel like a “cocktail party meets creative showcase,” a space where wedding planning happens in a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. Indeed, this felt exactly right: no stiff booths or static displays, but flowing conversations, warm connections, and beautiful details in every corner.
VIP Hour: A Private First Look
At 3:00 PM, VIP ticket holders were invited in ahead of the general crowd. This exclusive window gave couples the chance to move through the space quietly, chat with vendors more intimately, and collect a beautifully curated swag bag before the rush. It felt like being handed a key to a secret garden — the room was calm, the light was soft, and vendors greeted couples with thoughtful displays and genuine enthusiasm.
General Admission & the Flow of Celebration
At 4:00 PM, the gates opened to general admission. Slowly, then more richly, the venue filled with guests: engaged couples, family members, curious friends, and local wedding lovers. The soft glow of the late afternoon light shifted into warm evening tones, setting the perfect mood for mingling, sampling, and discovery.
I met many wonderful couples — congratulations to all of you navigating this exciting chapter! (You all brought tremendous joy to the event.) I also had the delight of making new vendor connections — always one of my favorite parts of these shows.
Vendor Highlights
One of the best parts of The Bridal Night Market is discovering vendors who bring creativity, personality, and heart to the wedding experience. Here are some of the incredible businesses that helped make the September 27th event at Ocala Winery so memorable:
Mirror Mirror Activations
Far from just a display, Mirror Mirror Activations brought an interactive photo booth experience that couples couldn’t get enough of. Sleek, modern, and fun, their setup let guests capture memories instantly — a must-have for anyone wanting to blend entertainment with keepsakes at their wedding. Booth decor was done by Annie Lane Events & Decor.
Annie Lane Events & Decor
The stunning backdrop and head table you may have seen at the show were thanks to Annie Lane Events & Décor. Their design paired perfectly with Mirror Mirror’s booth, giving couples a taste of how décor and entertainment can seamlessly work together. With glowing fairy lights, lush florals, and rustic-elegant touches, their work transformed the space into something straight out of a wedding magazine.
From The Stem Up
As you plan your perfect day, here's a detail you'll want to touch: premium floral rentals. Welcome to the world where beauty meets budget and sustainability. With expertise in the floral industry dating back to 2006, this company offers a neutral-yet-playful collection of lifelike blooms you genuinely have to feel to believe. They cover every inch of your venue—from the aisle and the arbour to the all-important bar—with custom, lush arrangements. Get ready to fall for florals that offer all the magic with none of the waste.
Spending time with owner Ashley Colleran was a genuine pleasure. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, covering everything from the unique concept behind The Bridal Night Market to venue insights and balancing life in the industry. It truly felt like catching up with an old friend. I'm delighted to have made such a wonderful new connection—a moment perfectly captured by @Shutterb.co
One Love One Dream Bridal
Based in Courtice, this boutique is all about making brides feel celebrated and confident. At their booth, they showcased gowns that balanced timeless romance with modern elegance. What couples loved most was hearing about their personalized service — from private fittings to helping brides discover “the one” in a stress-free way.
It's always a pleasure connecting with Allison from One Love One Dream Bridal. I was thrilled to get this exclusive, behind-the-scenes peek as she meticulously prepared for the upcoming fashion show—a true look at the dedication that goes into every event!
Maria’s CanDscent
“Make Tonight Feel Different.” That’s the promise behind Maria’s CanDscent, and it’s easy to see why couples were drawn to their booth. These eco-luxury soy candles are hand-poured in Ontario, made in small batches, and crafted with clean scents that transform a room. Whether you’re setting the mood for a romantic evening at home, gifting your bridal party something meaningful, or curating a cozy wedding ambiance, these candles are all about slowing down and creating moments that reset you.
Luxa Beauty Co
For couples wondering how to look and feel their best on the big day, Lux Beauty was a crowd favorite. Their team specializes in bridal hair and makeup artistry, delivering both glam and natural looks. They offered insights on how to prep your skin leading up to the wedding and how trial sessions can ease those last-minute jitters.
Mark Smith Music
The soundtrack to your love story matters, and Mark Smith Music reminded us of just that. With live guitar and vocals, he brings warmth, emotion, and energy to ceremonies, cocktail hours, or receptions. Couples were quick to ask about custom playlists and how to create a musical flow that feels authentically theirs.
Trotters Bridal
This vendor had brides buzzing! Beyond their beautiful dress selection, Trotters Bridal stood out for their ability to customize designs directly on your gown. Want to add sleeves, change a neckline, or incorporate a unique lace detail? Their alterations team can bring your vision to life. Couples loved the idea of turning a gown from “almost perfect” into a truly one-of-a-kind design.
As you plan your big day, you're looking for details that truly reflect your journey together. Forget mass-produced patterns. Jessica Trotter creates wedding gowns that are entirely unique through custom devoré imagery. This is the art of transformation: a design hand-drawn just for your relationship, then meticulously etched into the fabric itself. The result is a pattern that simply can't be replicated, delivering not just a stunning gown, but a piece of artistry that becomes a meaningful part of your personal legacy.
Final Thoughts & Gratitude
From that sunny, warm afternoon through to the early evening’s gentle glow, The Bridal Night Market delivered on its promise: bringing wedding planning to life in a fun, creative, and heartfelt way. The venue, the ambiance, and the curated vendor mix all played their parts in making it more than a show — but a memory.
Thank you to every couple who attended, every vendor who brought their best, and every friend (old and new) I got to reconnect with. It’s always a pleasure to see this community come together. I look forward to future editions, and to seeing all of your weddings bloom beautifully.
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