Jennifer and Jeff's McLean House Garden Wedding

As a Toronto Wedding Officiant, it’s always a treat for me to perform a wedding in the private and artistically landscaped garden of McLean House on the properties of The Estates of Sunnybrook. It was even more of a treat, to be hired by Jennifer and Jeff for their McLean House Garden Wedding.

In addition, Jennifer and Jeff knew that they wanted a very personalized and unique wedding ceremony. For this reason, they shared with family and close friends their quirky love story. Of course, they included their delightful sense of fun and their positive attitude about their adventures ahead in marriage. These stunning photos captured by Kim Lovell Photography and will keep the memory of their wedding day alive for Jennifer and Jeff in happy years ahead!

We began, our service in a very formal style. This formality suited the visuals of the gorgeous gardens surrounding the historic mansion McLean House. Lucky for us all, it was a beautiful sunny June day so we were outside. Sunnybrook did have their elegant indoor ceremony room ready for us if it was needed.

Most of all, this couple always knew they wanted to have some fun from the very first opening words of their service, and we did! Below is a very personal passage that I wrote for the couple as an introduction to their meaningful wedding vows.

Passages from this Customized Service

“JEFF & JENNIFER. This is an intimate time to for us all to pause, to slow down, to set apart from our ordinary and the routine days. You are two individuals and clearly two very distinct different people. You have promised to put your marriage first in your lives.”

“You two souls were fortunate enough to find each other, years ago, at a your first jobs at a Dairy Queen in the cake department. That romantic hot spot – what a place for this soulful meeting to happen!

“Jennifer values that you Jeff are a generous man and a very funny guy, and you do it in a way that guarantees there will never be a dull moment around you! You have brightened her life! Jeff you are certainly fun to be around and you bring out the very best in Jennifer’s nature! “

“Jennifer, you are the source of so many of Jeff’s smiles. He loves your understanding and helpful nature, that you always maintain your delightful adventurous outlook on life, and that you have your own distinct ‘Jenn’ way, of adding a touch of humour to your shared everyday activities!”

This romantic fresh flower arch was done by Classy Flowers, a family operated flower shop in Vaughan, Ontario. It was a beautiful addition to the already artistic landscaping and many flowerbeds at this McLean House Garden Wedding.

Beautiful Musical Selections

The couple had a very eclectic choice of musical wedding ceremony selections. Again, those who knew them best would have expected such a variety. Firstly, they chose “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Then for the bridal entrance they selected “Canon in D” by Pachebel. Followed by, “Ave Maria” by Schubert for the signing piece of music, and closing with that vintage Elvis Presley classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. All played by the skilled strings of the Wellington Music Group.

“Jennifer and Jeff, from this wedding day, may you grow older together, still with your sense of wonder and staying young at heart! With your shared sense of humour, you will be enjoying the adventures of whatever is next!”

As their Wedding Officiant, there’s a lovely sense of confidence for me knowing that this couple understand compromise and flexibility. This couple also truly respect each other’s authentic nature. Most of all, I know they will have happy years ahead growing old together.

Congratulations Jennifer and Jeff!