Romantic Elopement at The Drake Devonshire

Updated March 3, 2021

Where to start? You know when you meet someone and you instantly have a little fizz of energy like your souls understand each other? Every once in a while we meet couples and this happens for us, such was the case when Sarah and Asad contacted us about their intimate elopement in Prince Edward County.

Sarah and Asad initially reached out to learn about how to elope in Prince Edward County. They had initially planned a big wedding in downtown Toronto with 250 guests. As they came to terms with not having their big dream wedding (covid problems) they started thinking about what they could do, just the two of them if they had the choice to do whatever they wanted. Their priorities were each other, their outfits, the destination, and the photography.

We took some time to propose options, review the timeline, and plan for the three main events: an epic sunrise first look, the wedding ceremony at the Owners Suite at the Drake Devonshire, and a post-ceremony wine tour. For sunset elopement inspiration check out this Sandbanks Sunset Elopement post.

Epic first look at sunrise at Wellington Rotary Beach

You can plan the timeline, you can make checklists of items to bring, you can watch the weather, but at the end of the day, you have no control over the skies. On Sunday morning we drove out to Wellington in the dark. Patrick and I met Asad in the parking lot of the Drake Devonshire and then Patrick drove him to Wellington Beach. I popped upstairs to find Sarah coming down the hallway and needing her dress zipped. It was trial by fire and I was 100% on board. We took deep breaths, we straightened and gathered the dress, then we headed for the beach ourselves. The light started peeking in from behind the horizon as we made it to the beach.

Sarah was a vision in her flowing NEWHITE gown and stilettos. She carefully made her way towards Asad on the beach as the waves crashed against the shore. At 6 AM on a Sunday in August, we were the only four people on the beach.

Guys, I love a first look. If you ask me, everyone should do it. This first look was something else. The sky came out for us, the sun crested, the waves crashed and the sheer joy that emanated from Sarah and Asad was like nothing I’d ever witnessed.

Couple’s Portraits at Sunrise at Wellington Rotary Beach, Prince Edward County

We budgeted plenty of time for Sarah and Asad to have some quiet moments to themselves, to connect and hold each other and soak in every second. Then we wandered around the beach for their portrait session. This location is epic at any time of day but at sunrise, with no one else on the beach, it was pure magic.

Intimate Wedding Ceremony in the Owner’s Suite at the Drake Devonshire, Prince Edward County

We brought Sarah and Asad back to the Drake Devonshire in time for their 8 AM wedding ceremony on the balcony of the Owner’s Suite. Their officiant, Brittany Shannon from Sandbanks Ceremonies was ready and waiting but there was absolutely no rush. Sarah and Asad were able to take their time and savour every moment, checking in on the breakfast spread (home-baked blueberry scones from the Drake Commissary) and chilled champagne - a gift from Sarah’s parents. Sarah carefully arranged the tea ceremony and we were all set for the main event.

Sarah and Asad made their commitment in front of each other, their officiant, and us (as their witnesses). It was an elegant and emotional ceremony, and exactly what they had hoped for.

Wedding Portraits at the Drake Devonshire, Owner’s Suite and Lakeside Property

After several toasts and a sampling of breakfast, we captured a few quiet moments with Sarah and Asad in the Owner’s Suite. The design features of this space are endless and perfectly aligned with Sarah and Asad’s impeccable taste. Sarah’s bouquet was hand-crafted by Coriander Girl in Picton.

Newly-wed Wine Tasting and Couple’s Session at Karlo Estates

Newly married and ready to experience some Prince Edward County gems, we met Sarah and Asad at Karlo Estates for a wine tasting and couple’s session. Karlo Estates has plenty of indoor (and outdoor) space for tastings and also provides room to roam through the vineyard. If you wander the short road through the vineyard to the back of the property you will find the largest dry stone bridge in North America. It is the perfect place to enjoy your glass of wine and to take in your surroundings.

Thank you Sarah & Asad for choosing us to rise with you, to witness your commitment, and to document this first step into your new adventure. We can not wait until the next time you visit us in Prince Edward County!

Drake Devonshire Elopement Vendors:

Sarah’s dress: NEWHITE | L.A.
Florist: Coriander Girl PEC | Picton, Prince Edward County
Venue: The Owner’s Suite | Drake Devonshire | Wellington, Prince Edward County
Officiant: Brittany Shannon | Sandbanks Ceremonies | Prince Edward County
Winery: Karlo Estates | Hillier, Prince Edward County

For more elopement inspiration check out the following posts:

Sunset Sandbanks Elopement | Prince Edward County

For more intimate wedding inspiration check out the following posts:

Intimate 100 Acre Wood Wedding | Prince Edward County
Drake Devonshire Micro-Wedding | Prince Edward County
The Meadows Catering Micro-Wedding | Stirling, Ontario
Intimate Waupoos Winery Wedding | Prince Edward County
Socially-Distanced Backyard Wedding | Bowmanville, Ontario