Romance in the air at Rowena's Inn
This wedding took place in Harrison Mills, at Rowena's Inn on the River. And I have to tell you, it is the perfect blend of stately and quaint. This is perfectly evident just by looking at the building itself! With grand pillars at the entryway and grey stone decorating the siding, I felt like I had just stepped out of a fairytale. Or more accurately, I was smack dab in the middle of a fairytale. There are double French doors all around the building, which created tons of natural light for the photos as well as a flow with the outdoor scenery. If you look closely in the photos, you'll see that you can see Harrison River from the comfort of the Inn. What a dreamy collaboration between formal and a wild and free landscape! And if you're adventurous, it's only a short walk down for photos right on the river. The ballroom was another highlight - it was ready for their ceremony and reception, decorated with stately floor length curtains and heirloom furniture. It surely was not a wedding to forget.
It is always an honor and pleasure to photograph a wedding - the photos I take will live forever in their photo albums and memories. Such an extraordinary venue just adds to the experience, and makes my job even more exciting! I love to look back and reflect on what made each wedding so special, and this venue certainly did that. And if you do choose their venue for your big day, I would always welcome an excuse to go back and photograph it!
Two Worlds Colliding
While the interior has grand and formal airs, there is no stuffiness here! If you're looking for a special venue with intricate details and a formal feel, Rowena's Inn is perfect for you. With chandeliers and beautiful paned windows, the Inn provides elegance and romance beyond compare. Yet, the size of the Inn and the ability to hold a small intimate wedding makes it quaint and personable. It truly is the best of both worlds. This was an obvious bonus for a wedding in 2021 - you know, COVID. To be able to have the stately feel of a formal ballroom yet a size that makes a smaller wedding feel natural was perfect. While the small weddings that have been born out of this past year have been mostly out of necessity, it may be a trend that is here to stay. So if a smaller wedding is your dream since you were little, or your new dream since three months ago, this is a must-have venue. Opt for something with history, elegance, and nature all perfectly in balance - all things you will find here in Harrison Mills at Rowena's Inn.
Historic Venue
Everything about the Inn is a gentle reminder of its history. The rooms are each named after the Pretty family children, who were the owners of the estate starting in the early 1900's. Although ownership changed hands a few years ago, it has stayed true to its roots in spirit, and Betty-Anne (the remaining Pretty child) still lives on site. The land has served many purposes, including providing a loving home for the family, and income as a dairy farm and fox farm before turning into what it is today.
A golf course resides on the property, named the Sandpiper Golf Course. Rowena's Inn however, is the namesake for the matriarch of the family and one of her daughter's - both named Rowena. The general manager at the resort today is a grandchild of the original couple and foundation of the family, Charles and Rowena. So although it is no longer owned by the Pretty family, they are very much still involved in their family property. The resort also showcases its history through timeless furniture and décor. Throughout the buildings are sprinkled conversation pieces such as the bed of opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, a banister from the original Hotel Vancouver, and a dining room table used by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth! There is absolutely no shortage of things to talk about in this place, from where it came from to where it is now. There has been many twists and turns in this family's story - and in the history of the property. It is a beautiful reminder of life and loss and treasuring what was. To read more about the family and the history of the property, visit this link.
Amenities
When you host your wedding on the property, there are a few options in regards to your stay. As you can see, this couple took full advantage of the rooms upstairs to get ready and snap some photos. There are also cabins not too far away in the trees, which give you a larger living space and have a more updated style. And if you're thinking you are not the formal wedding type, don't be deterred! This venue appeals and melds with themes of all kinds. Since it is set amidst virtually untouched nature, you are able to take advantage of the best that the outdoors has to offer. From the river to the tall, stately trees you are surrounded by beauty that is only accentuated by the colonial buildings and rustic cabins. The dining room of Rowena's Inn is beautifully set for chef-hosted dinners, with a wood burning fireplace in your midst. They also have a restaurant to make sure everyone is left full and happy! Trust me, don't look at that menu unless you're planning on visiting because my stomach almost can't handle it. A perfect wedding is completed by the perfect dinner and drinks where everyone can chat and enjoy the company they're in. You will get exactly that at Rowena's Inn.
Elopement Package
I just have to tell you about this. Because there is a spectacular elopement package offered at Rowena's Inn, and if that's your dream I one hundred percent believe you should look into eloping there! To be able to escape the stress of a traditional wedding, many couples are throwing out the rule book and enjoying their wedding day alone, in a romantic setting like this one. Or perhaps an elopement is right for you because you'd like to get married now and wait for a time in the future where you don't have to limit your guest list - and then throw an earth shattering party. Either way, please make sure your day is all you want it to be. I know you can achieve that with this option. It includes an intimate ceremony, a one night stay in one of their luxurious cabins, a bottle of wine, breakfast for two, and use of the property for photos. You don't have to opt for a courthouse-style elopement if that isn't your style - elope with comfort and romance at the Inn.
The perfect, romantic wedding venue
I guess by now you get the picture - this wedding venue is one for the books. I would recommend you take a look at their website and see all the property has to offer, as I couldn't possibly have covered it all. And if you're in need of someone to photograph your big day there, please shoot me a message! I wish you the best with all of your wedding adventures and plans, and I hope you can make it the day you've always dreamed of.
