Rooted in Nature – Part 1

A Wedding That Reflected Us

When we got engaged in 2011, we knew one thing for certain — we wanted to get married outdoors, surrounded by the natural beauty that Muskoka has to offer. We weren’t interested in a traditional ballroom or a wedding hall. We wanted something real. Something that felt like us. So we invited our family and friends to celebrate with us on a small island — a quiet, beautiful piece of nature that held deep meaning in our hearts.

Ceremony by the Lake, Celebration in the Forest

We held the ceremony at the water’s edge, with the lake as our backdrop and the towering pines standing around us. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore provided nature’s perfect soundtrack as we said our vows. Afterward, we hosted a relaxed barbeque celebration in the heart of the island, creating a laid-back, joyful space where our guests could truly unwind and enjoy the day with us.

But before any of that magic could happen, we faced one very practical challenge: how were we going to seat over 100 people on an undeveloped portion of the island?

Why We Chose Benches Over Chairs

While we first considered chairs, something about them didn’t feel right for our setting. The narrow legs would sink into the soft ground, wobble on uneven surfaces, and somehow look oddly formal against the natural backdrop. That’s when the idea of benches emerged. My husband, Craig, the skilled and ever-resourceful craftsman that he is, decided to build them himself.

A Handcrafted Solution

He handcrafted enough benches to seat approximately 120 people, all for our one special day. And you know what? They were perfect. They blended seamlessly into the setting. The natural wood tones echoed the trees around us. The clean, simple lines didn’t compete with the breathtaking view — they complemented it. Looking back now, those benches were the very first seeds of what would eventually grow into our business.

A Moment That Lasts

That day was everything we had dreamed of. Simple. Joyful. Authentic. A celebration that honored both our relationship and the natural setting we loved. And though the wedding is now a cherished memory, one piece of it still lives on.

Just this past weekend — May 2025 — I took a walk out to the spot where our ceremony took place. One bench still remains, nailed down to the deck, weathered but strong. It’s been through thirteen Muskoka winters and summers. It’s never come inside. It’s never been repainted or re-stained. And yet, it holds firm. A quiet witness to the life and love that began there.

Did Those Benches Start the Business?

Are those the original benches that started our business?

Not quite.

While the idea was born with that island wedding, those first benches were never used again. But they sparked something — a recognition that beauty, nature, and practicality could come together in something as simple as a wooden seat. They showed us how handcrafted pieces that honor their natural surroundings could transform an outdoor celebration.

It would be five more years before that spark turned into something bigger. And it started — fittingly — with another wedding in the family.

[To be continued in Part 2: From Backyard Wedding to Muskoka Business]