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September 11, 2021
Durham, Ontario
#campweddingdreams

Dawn & Roy

    Weekend Wedding in the Woods!
    Schedule

A weekend of love, fun and celebration!

Trees

Roy

Mainprize

and

Dawn

Kotiuk

#campweddingdreams

September 11, 2021

Durham, Ontario

How we met

The perfect storm

Like so many relationships these days we met while fishing.... After a few weeks of messaging I invited Roy to a concert (A christian rock concert - the fact that he said yes was probably a good sign). The concert was in Buffalo New York and just as we crossed the border my car broke down. We moved off to the side and I called CAA. Hours later they still had not shown up and I realized that I sent them to the wrong bridge! There was a 'winter storm' (it was April 10th!!). The tow truck took forever, and when he arrived he was weird. I asked Roy to stay with me to take the car home and I would drive him home later. Although this seems like a disasterous first date, I have always wondered if we made it to the concert would there have been a second date? We had a lot of time to talk and get to know each other, and to see how we both handled a crisis situation. Call it fate if you want - the rest is history.

Riverstone Retreat

A bit about the venue for the weekend! We are in Love! (with it and each other)

Riverstone Retreat Centre is located near Durham Ontario on twenty-five acres of gently wooded land along the Saugeen River. This property is part of a historic homestead with 100 acres of farm and woodland area which is home to many bird and animal species. A network of beautiful hiking trails allows you to quietly explore the natural beauty of the area. Update: With some additional down time due to Covid this summer, the venue has received many amazing upgrades and additions. I have update information below and added some photos. The property: The main building "The Stonehouse" with six renovated rooms available to rent for the weekend. It has a kitchen with large dining area where we will share our meals over the weekend. All bedrooms and washrooms have been updated and a small bathroom has been added near the upstairs bedrooms. A new water treatment system has also been installed. The "Eco-nest" is a small cabin that was built using almost all materials sourced from the property. Sunday breakfast will be served here. As you walk through an opening made from vintage doors you will see rows and rows of tall pine trees with a path leading to the stone Labyrinth and wooden arbour. (Where the ceremony will take place). The circular Labyrinth is an amazing way for family and friends to encircle us as we share our vows. The Pavilion is just down from the mainhouse and will host the dinner and reception. We love the outdoor feel. The caboose(s) are two restored train cars that can be rented for the weekend. They have microwaves, bar fridges and potable water. (no washroom facilities in them). Bathhouse - there is a building with mens/ladies washrooms and showers. Camping - There are 15 unserviced (tent), private and peaceful camping sites situated on the Saugeen river available to rent for the weekend. They are nice grass sites with firepits, and a childs play area. Mennonite build bunk houses (8) and a fire pit have been added just behind the stone house,

Green Wedding

What is a green wedding?

"A green wedding is one that is eco-friendly and conscious of the consumption of resources that would otherwise be used in a traditional wedding" As everyone will know Roy and I love the outdoors, pet's and wildlife. We do our best in our daily lives to reduce, reuse, recycle, etc. We would like this to reflect in the theme of the wedding. That means having a minimalistic approach, using items we already have, buying used or borrowing from friends and family. Where paper goods are needed, purchasing responsibly sourced, compostable, recyclable and renewable resourced paper or 'plastic' products. How can you help? Bring your favorite travel mugs for coffee, and insulated cups for cold drinks to minimize the need for disposables. Choose to use bulk water supplied instead of bringing a bunch of water bottles. Ensure any waste you have is placed in appropriate bins, returnables (liquour/beer bottles and cans), compostables, recylables, etc. Use designated smoking area's ONLY! Leave no trace on the property when you check out. We appreciate your efforts with this.

For all the days along the way
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