A Colourful Summer Wedding


This wedding was one for the books. Jennifer and Graham had the most Pinterest worthy wedding. If you're looking for any summer wedding inspiration, look no further! The couple wanted an outdoor wedding venue with the convenience of having everything all on site in one place. It's just outside North Bay, and just outside Muskoka. So all of their guests didn't have far to travel. Black Saddle Barn was the perfect barn wedding venue for them - it's luxurious, elevated, and unlike any other barn venue.


The pops of colour on the florals, decor, and outfits were done so well and looked tasteful and fun. Jennifer and Graham had a huge wedding party - and we see why. They all have such a great connection and clearly support the couple without question. Their guest list was also quite large. Every single person there gave so much support and love to Jennifer and Graham. It was so beautiful to witness. And it was an honour to host their wedding.


Wait until you see the unique touches and non-traditional timeline: the first dance was our favourite and our suggestion to the couple. We love how it turned out and how it flowed. Buckle up, save some inspo, and enjoy this recap from Jennifer + Grahams amazing wedding!


This wedding day went so smooth because the couples hired the proper people. One being, Tickled Pink Brides! Tickled Pink Brides and their team went above and beyond and made sure the details were perfect. They took care of so many details to ensure that the couple didn't have to be bothered with it. Having a day of coordinator is a huge benefit and highly recommended. All of the vendors from this wedding are linked at the bottom.

Testimonials
A couple shares their first kiss during an outdoor wedding ceremony while guests look on and celebrate.

Jennifer + Graham's review

"Thank you so much for all of the hard work that you put into this venue to make all of my wedding dreams come true. Your family is truly one of a kind. July 16th at Black Saddle Barn will be one of my favourite memories forever.

Seriously, cannot thank you enough.

All of our love, Mr. & Mrs. Loyst"

The morning with the women


Jennifer wanted to spend the morning getting ready with her bridesmaids and some family. Since Jennifer had a large wedding party, she opted to use her family home to get ready at, and the guys got ready back at the venue in the Farmhouse.


Each woman in Jennifer's bridal party has a unique connection and history. They've all been through the good and bad times together. Their unwavering support and love for each other was clear. There were so many laughs, stories, tears, and love.


Jennifer is very close to her mom and dad. Heather and Mike love their daughter so much - their baby was getting married!! Between the first looks, and memorable gifts, it was a great start to the day.


Thankfully the makeup artists were still on site to do some makeup touchups after all of the tears!!

A wedding ring sits atop elegant floral-patterned stationery with delicate watercolor blooms in pink and blue tones.
Someone in a blush pink robe laughs joyfully while getting ready in a dressing room with hanging clothes and decor.
A woman in a wedding dress laughs with a friend wearing stripes while getting ready near a bright window.
Someone in a white robe stands in a modern kitchen with white cabinetry and marble countertops.
Person sits in a cozy armchair by a window holding something while enjoying a quiet moment at home.
Friends in blush pink robes laughing and sharing joyful moments while getting ready in a bright sunlit room.
A group in white robes sharing drinks and laughing together during wedding preparations.
A white lace wedding dress hangs on a stone fireplace while someone relaxes in a chair below.
Makeup artist applies cosmetics to client's face during preparation by window light in morning session.
Three friends in white robes share champagne glasses while celebrating together in a modern kitchen setting.
A makeup artist applies cosmetics on a client in a professional setting with natural window light.
Candid moment capturing someone in a floral dress being photographed in a modern kitchen setting.
Two friends in matching white robes take a selfie while holding drinks in a bright modern kitchen.
Close up detail of tulle wedding dress fabric and hands with rings.
Two people share a joyful moment in a bright white kitchen on wedding day morning.

The Morning with the men


Graham and his groomsmen spent the morning hanging out and playing golf. The farmhouse at Black Saddle Barn was the perfect location for the men to get ready at. Two bathrooms, lots of space, and it's a bright, open, modern space. Did we mention it also has central air!! This is key for those hot summer days!!


Graham shared a special gift with his mom. Her baby is getting married! Then the guys hung out on the deck, had some drinks, and shared stories and memories.

Two people in white shirts having a conversation in an indoor space with chairs visible in the background.
A joyful person wearing a white dress shirt and black tie adjusts their formal attire while laughing in a room with wooden cabinets.
Several people gather around a white table near a large window in a relaxed indoor setting.
A delicate bouquet of pink and peach roses with red berries lays on a dark wooden surface next to a photo.
Someone helps adjust a crisp white dress shirt and bowtie on a child wearing formal attire.
A person in a navy suit helps an elderly person in white dress their lapel during a formal occasion.
A groom in a navy suit with brown shoes poses outdoors in a garden setting with greenery in the background.
A tender outdoor moment between two people in a grassy area with trees, one wearing a navy suit and one in casual attire.
A group wearing matching navy suits stands in a line outdoors with greenery and a red barn in the background.
A wedding party in navy suits and brown dress shoes poses together on grass with trees in the background.
A groom in a navy suit and tie stands smiling on a lawn with a red barn visible in the background.
Group of men in navy suits gather around a white fence railing during an outdoor event.
People in dark suits socialize and converse on an outdoor deck surrounded by greenery.
A wedding attendee in a navy suit reads from a paper while standing on a white deck with greenery behind.
A formal moment on a white deck railing with two people in elegant attire having a conversation outdoors.

First look


Jennifer and Graham decided to do a first look before their guests arrived. The weeping willow tree with the barn, ponds, and fountains in the background made the perfect location to do this. Their parents and wedding party watched as Jennifer's Maid of Honour and Brother walked her down closer to Graham. Anticipation was building and nerves were high.


As expected, Graham could not keep it together when he saw how stunning his bride looked. There wasn't a dry eye there!

Wedding party stands on a rustic wooden deck overlooking a scenic landscape on a cloudy summer day.
Outdoor gathering at a rustic lodge with guests in formal attire standing on gravel driveway surrounded by evergreen trees.
A formal outdoor gathering with attendees in formal attire near a red barn surrounded by trees and greenery.
An outdoor wedding ceremony in front of a rustic red barn with guests gathered on a sunny day.
Four people gather in formal attire for an outdoor event in front of a red building on a green lawn.
Three people in formal attire share a conversation outdoors during a special event in a garden setting.
Wedding party members walk together on a grassy lawn with a red barn in the background, wearing pink and white dresses and navy suit.
Wedding party members walk across lawn at rustic barn venue on sunny summer day.
Wedding party walks together on a grassy lawn beside a rustic red barn on a bright summer day.
Wedding party walks together outside red barn on sunny day with bride wearing white lace dress and holding pink bouquet.
A sunny outdoor wedding ceremony with the wedding party gathered under a weeping willow tree.
Wedding party standing on a lush green lawn during an outdoor summer ceremony.
A couple shares their first look moment on a lawn with a rustic red barn in the background on their wedding day.
Couple during first look moment at outdoor wedding with willow tree and green field in background.
Wedding couple shares intimate moment under willow tree branches in grassy field with evergreens.

portrait time!


The great thing about a first look is that it gives you time to get all, or most, of your portraits done before the ceremony. This gives you more time to mingle with guests and be more present. The main ceremony lawn is a great place to do all of your portraits. The sun peaks through the trees and there's lots of space for a large wedding party to have fun! Black Saddle Barn has so many picturesque spots to choose from. No matter what time it is, there's a perfect spot for photos.

A small wedding party of four people poses together under green trees, with the bride wearing a flowing white lace gown.
Outdoor wedding portrait of a small group under trees with the bride in a white lace gown holding a pink bouquet.
A couple shares a romantic moment outdoors during a wedding with blush roses and trees in the background.
An elegant couple dressed in formal black attire pose together outdoors among trees.
Two figures in wedding attire embrace outdoors with their pets under a tree-lined setting on a sunny day.
Wedding party members share a joyful moment with a baby wearing white while holding pink and coral floral bouquets.
An extended wedding party gathers for a formal portrait under leafy trees, including adults and a small child.
Elegant outdoor wedding portrait featuring a white lace gown under lush green trees.
Wedding party portrait showing three figures in formal attire standing on grass near a pond with trees in background.
A bridal bouquet with pink and coral flowers and flowing ribbons is held against a white lace wedding dress outdoors.
Bridal party with bridesmaids in various shades of pink and gray dresses poses together on grassy lawn near evergreen trees.
Wedding party in navy and pink attire poses for group photo on lawn with evergreen backdrop.
Wedding party celebrates outdoors with laughter and bouquets against a backdrop of evergreen trees.
Wedding celebration showing joyful gathering toasting with drinks outdoors.
Wedding party celebrates with joyful reactions during outdoor ceremony near evergreen trees in bright daylight.

Wedding day details


The details from Jennifer and Graham's bright summer wedding were so elegant, elevated, and anything but boring. Guests were greeting with champagne as they arrived and directed to the ceremony seating. The fountains in the ponds set the stage for a calming, romantic atmosphere. Jennifer and Graham used our white garden chairs for the ceremony, and rented cross back chairs for the reception. Two wine barrels flanked the ceremony aisle. The circle arbor was a beautiful backdrop with the trees behind it. Which they later used behind the head table. The florals for the entire wedding were show stopping and really brought everything together.


Because their guest list was nearly 200 people, the couple opted for minimal table decor. Bud vases and a simple runner on the harvest tables were the perfect way to bring everything together. One of the bridesmaids is actually a baker and makes wedding cakes! Yet another personal touch to the day that made it even more beautiful.


Jennifer and Graham used the pavilion for all of the extras and cocktail hour. They had a bar in there to make it easy for guests to hydrate, and had other meaningful decor displayed for guests to see. The seating chart was another simple yet elegant touch - the couple actually left this at the venue for future couples to use! It is now included in weekend wedding rentals.

Gold metal shelving unit displaying rows of champagne glasses decorated with flowers at an outdoor wedding reception.
Elegant gold metal display rack with champagne glasses and roses at an outdoor garden wedding reception.
Serene golf course pond with fountain spray surrounded by green grass and willow trees on a sunny day.
White wooden folding chairs arranged in rows on a green lawn for an outdoor wedding ceremony with red barn in background.
Rows of white folding chairs arranged on a lush green lawn with evergreen trees in the background for an outdoor event.
White folding chairs line an outdoor wedding ceremony aisle with rustic wine barrels and floral arrangements in a pine forest.
Rustic wooden barrel topped with colorful floral arrangement at outdoor wedding ceremony with white chairs and pine trees.
A floral wedding arch with pink and white flowers stands between two evergreen trees on a grassy lawn.
Elegant rustic wedding reception table setting with white linens and wooden chairs in a barn venue.
Rustic barn wedding reception setup with long wooden tables, cross-back chairs and elegant table settings in natural light.
Rustic barn wedding reception venue with wooden tables set elegantly for dinner under warm lighting.
Elegant place setting with cream napkin, white plate, and name card on textured tablecloth.
Someone in a white dress decorates a wedding cake with flowers in a rustic wooden barn venue.
A hand places delicate pink roses on top of a white wedding cake with warm lighting in a romantic setting.
A bottle of Tom Gore wine sits on an elegantly decorated wedding table with string lights and floral arrangements.

The ceremony


As the guests arrived by shuttle, they were directed to the patio at the bottom of the stairs. This is where they could grab a glass of champagne and mingle until it was time to be seated. Surrounded by nature, the ponds, and fountains, it set the romantic tone for the ceremony.


The wedding party all walked out from the farmhouse. This flow is such a great option for the ceremony when it's set up in the main ceremony area. Jennifer watched from the primary bedroom window with anticipation. Jennifer told us that this was one of the best moments of her life!! Seeing all of her friends and family gathering waiting to witness her and Grahams wedding. When it was Jennifer's turn to walk down the aisle, she made her way onto the farmhouse deck, through the trees, and down the aisle.


During the ceremony, guests blessed the rings, emotions were high, and then just like that, Jennifer and Graham were husband and wife!!

Wedding guests in formal attire gather outdoors on a sunny day with green trees in the background.
Guests gather outside a rustic red barn venue on a sunny summer day with green lawn and trees in the background.
People mingle and socialize on outdoor wooden stairs surrounded by greenery during a casual gathering.
Two wedding guests stand on outdoor wooden stairs against a green backdrop of trees.
A person in a gray suit stands next to a wooden display shelf of glassware at an outdoor event.
A person in a dark suit sits quietly on a white chair during an outdoor ceremony surrounded by scattered flower petals.
Wedding party members walk down an outdoor aisle with guests seated on either side during a garden ceremony.
A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors on a grassy lawn surrounded by tall trees and guests seated in rows.
Outdoor wedding ceremony on a grass lawn with spectators seated in chairs watching as attendants walk down the aisle.
A formal-dressed figure walks across a lush green lawn carrying a small child at an outdoor event.
Wedding guests seated on white chairs outdoors as a pair walks between rows during a garden ceremony.
Three individuals stand together on a green lawn with trees in the background during a formal outdoor event.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with rustic wooden barrels and floral arrangements while guests gather on white chairs in a garden setting.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in a garden setting with guests seated on white chairs surrounded by evergreen trees.
An outdoor wedding ceremony in a grassy field surrounded by trees with guests seated on both sides.

A surprise twist!


After the ceremony, Jennifer and Graham asked all of their guests to gather on the patio by the stairs for a group photo. To the guests surprise, Jennifer and Graham went into their first dance! It was such a great flow and a great way to shake things up from the traditional timeline. We always say, there's no rules about planning your wedding - your day, your way. Have the ceremony at whatever time you want! Have your first dance whenever you want! Do what makes sense for your vision and make your own timeline.

A large wedding party and guests gathered on a stone patio surrounded by green trees and landscaping on a summer day.
Large wedding party gathered on an outdoor stone patio surrounded by green trees and landscaping.
A wedding couple shares their first dance on a stone patio as guests watch from the background.
Overhead view of an outdoor wedding ceremony on a deck surrounded by lush greenery and gathered guests.
A couple shares their first dance on an outdoor stone patio while wedding guests watch from the background.
A couple shares their first dance at an outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by guests on a stone patio.
Wedding couple shares a dramatic dance dip moment on stone patio as guests watch during outdoor reception ceremony.
A group of wedding guests gathered outdoors watching a ceremony in formal attire and summer dresses.
Wedding party stands outdoors in formal attire during summer ceremony with people wearing navy suits and light dresses.
Newlyweds share their first dance on a stone patio surrounded by guests and evergreen trees.
Newlywed couple shares their first dance on a stone patio surrounded by wedding guests on a sunny day.
A group of bridesmaids in pink and burgundy dresses holding colorful floral bouquets at an outdoor wedding.
A couple dancing on a stone patio surrounded by wedding guests and tall evergreen trees.
Couple enjoying their first dance at an outdoor wedding reception while guests look on from the stone patio.
A couple shares their first dance at a wedding on a stone patio while guests look on.

Cocktail hour fun and some additional portraits


Now it was time to mingle with guests and also sneak in a few more portraits with people who weren't there earlier. The great thing about everything being all in one place is that this doesn't have to take very long. You can still arrange your timeline so that you can actually enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. Eat the hors d'oeuvres, talk to your guests, and be present. The pavilion was used for cocktail hour. This was a space to get a drink, get out of the sun, and to see some meaningful decor. The pavilion is also a great option for a rain plan - thankfully Jennifer and Graham didn't need to use it for that because the weather was perfect!


There are so many spots around the 51+ acres that you can use for photos - explore and get a nice variety for your final gallery. All around the Barn, Pavilion, and Farmhouse are gardens and manicured lawns with mature trees. Depending on the season, there's usually always something in bloom. The back half of the property has a massive pond with tall grasses and wildflowers. This gives a more boho vibe and is a nice contrast from the landscaping in the main area.

A couple and baby pose together outdoors on a grassy lawn with a fountain in the background during a formal event.
A tender family moment as two adults in formal attire hold and gently admire a small baby wearing a white dress.
A group poses outdoors in formal wedding attire with pink bouquets against a lush green landscape on a cloudy day.
A group stands posing in front of a rustic red barn wearing formal attire on a gravel surface.
Two people in black suits share an emotional embrace at an outdoor event with a building in the background.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place in front of a brick building with a small gathering of people.
Servers pass appetizers to guests at an outdoor catering event during cocktail hour.
A group of people having a conversation at an indoor event with brick walls and candlelight in the background.
Two women in formal dresses, one in blue pleated and one in coral patterned, pose together by a rustic red barn.
Three women in formal dresses pose together in front of a rustic red barn during a wedding celebration.
Three people in floral summer dresses pose together in front of a rustic red barn.
A group in colorful formal attire poses together for a photo outside a rustic red barn.
A formal group photo of five people dressed elegantly against a natural outdoor backdrop.
Wedding guests in formal attire gather outside a brick building at an outdoor reception event.
Two people wearing formal dresses pose together on a wooden deck with trees in the background.

It's time to get the party started!


The reception energy was at 100. The wedding party got the party started with their entrances. Then Jennifer and Graham followed suit. This made it entertaining for the guests and also made for some fun photos! The barn is glowing and romantic with the light peaking in through the barnboard and the twinkle lights all around.


Speeches were happening throughout their family style dinner. To break up the speeches and dinner, they had a shot-ski! This was entertaining and a great way to keep your guests engaged.

A group in pink and burgundy dresses runs joyfully across a wooden deck overlooking a grassy lawn.
Bridesmaids in pink dresses dance joyfully on a wooden deck overlooking a scenic outdoor venue.
Wedding party dances joyfully inside a rustic barn venue decorated with string lights.
Three men in suits walking on a wooden deck with a rustic red building and trees in the background.
People dancing and celebrating in a rustic indoor barn venue with exposed wooden beams.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a wooden dance floor under warm string lights in a rustic barn venue.
Men in dark suits and hats dance energetically at a rustic barn wedding reception with string lights and guests watching.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating in a rustic barn venue decorated with string lights.
A rustic barn wedding reception with guests dining at long tables under string lights and wooden beams.
Two people walking along a rustic wooden deck outside a barn during a wedding celebration.
A couple walks along a wooden deck on their wedding day, the bride in white and groom in navy.
Celebratory dancing at a barn wedding reception with twinkling lights overhead.
Guests celebrate and dance at a rustic barn wedding reception decorated with warm string lights.
A joyous celebration inside a rustic barn venue decorated with string lights during a wedding reception.
A couple celebrates in a rustic barn wedding venue decorated with string lights while guests look on.

golden hour sneak away


We all know you should sneak away for golden hour photos. Why not also invite your VIPs and get some beautiful photos with them? We love that Jennifer and Graham did this. The ceremony lawn is the perfect spot to catch that warm sun and soft glow.

A couple in wedding attire dancing in a grassy field at sunset with evergreen trees in the background.
A romantic outdoor wedding photo at sunset with a couple dancing in a grassy field surrounded by evergreen trees.
A couple shares a tender moment in a lush green field during their sunset wedding photoshoot.
A joyful wedding couple embraces in a green field at sunset during their outdoor ceremony.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a sunlit lawn during their wedding celebration at sunset.
A couple sharing an intimate embrace on a grassy field during golden hour with evergreen trees in the background.
A couple walks hand in hand through a grassy field at sunset in elegant wedding attire.
A white wedding dress twirls gracefully in golden evening light on a green lawn with pine trees in the background.
A bride in a flowing lace wedding gown poses in a serene outdoor setting during golden hour.
Two people dancing on a grassy lawn at sunset with evergreen trees in the background.
A sunset wedding moment on a green lawn with two figures holding hands in elegant attire.
A tender embrace captured at sunset during an outdoor wedding with evergreen trees in the distance.
A couple shares an intimate moment at sunset on a lush green lawn during their wedding celebration.
A couple shares their first dance as newlyweds on a grassy lawn at sunset.
A romantic wedding moment captured outdoors with a bride in a lace gown and groom in black suit on a grassy field at sunset.

Let's dance!


First Jennifer and Graham cut the cake - it was special because it had their pup on it and also because it was made with love by one of Jennifer's bridesmaids.


Having the parent dances in the barn with all of the twinkle lights is so picturesque. Then when they are done, everyone is already on the dance floor and can start showing off their moves! Some people love party props, and some hate them. Jennifer and Graham did not want them initially, but it ended up being a great time and ended up making for some really fun photos!

A couple cutting their wedding cake together in a rustic barn venue.
Couple shares a joyful moment while cutting their wedding cake in a warmly lit rustic venue.
A joyful couple feeds each other wedding cake at a rustic barn reception illuminated with warm lighting.
A romantic wedding cake cutting scene at a rustic reception decorated with string lights.
Wedding guests dancing together in a rustic wooden barn with string lights and a warm atmosphere.
A couple shares a romantic slow dance moment on a wooden floor at a rustic barn wedding reception.
Two dancers share a warm embrace while slow dancing in a rustic barn venue decorated with string lights.
Couples slow dancing on a wooden floor at a rustic barn wedding reception.
Couple shares intimate dance moment in rustic barn wedding venue with string lights and guests watching.
Couple dancing together in rustic barn setting with warm lighting and wedding guests in background.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate in a rustic barn venue decorated with string lights during the reception celebration.
A couple shares their first dance at a rustic barn wedding reception while guests watch and applaud.
A romantic first dance between newlyweds in a wooden barn venue surrounded by wedding guests.
Guests dance at a rustic barn wedding reception with blue-dressed attendees and string lights in the background.
Wedding celebration in a rustic wooden barn venue with a lively dance scene.

Final thoughts


Well, that brings us to the end of their day. We hope you got lots of inspiration. The ultimate takeaway is, plan the day of your dreams. Have whatever timeline and flow that you want!


All of the photos above were taken by Justina Phippen Photography. Take a look at the video from their day below. The video is by Black Saddle Photography. All of the vendors from this amazing are also linked below. Check them out!

Outdoor wedding ceremony viewed from above with guests gathered on a wooden deck surrounded by lush green trees.
Videography by Black Saddle Photography

Mini Moments Video from Jennifer + Graham's Summer Wedding