Julia and Will’s 1818 Farm and Cidery wedding was one of those days that just had a feeling to it. We spent September 12th with them at 1818 Farm & Cidery out in Carp. And from the first hug hello to the last dance, the day was filled with so much love and fun. This was our first time photographing a wedding at this venue. So we’re already hoping it won’t be the last. Orchards, cider, bees doing their thing in the background, and two people who clearly adore each other? We’ll take that assignment every time.
The venue: our 1818 Farm and Cidery wedding
If you haven’t been out to 1818 Farm & Cidery yet, put it on your list. Whether you’re planning a wedding or just want a nice afternoon in Carp, this spot delivers. The farm sits on 25 acres of land originally surveyed back in 1818, which is where the name comes from. It’s a genuinely working farm, with heritage apple trees and over 500 newly planted cider trees. Plus, there’s a market garden that’s slowly bringing 16 acres back to organic standards. So the apples in your cider glass and the ones scenting the ceremony air came from the same trees.
The cidery itself is a 7,000-square-foot building. Somehow, it manages to be a restaurant, tasting bar, farm store, and event venue all at once. Still, it never feels like it’s trying to do too much. Think harvest tables, tall barrel seating, and a patio that looks straight out over the orchard. It’s contemporary, but it still feels like a farm. That’s a hard balance to strike, and they’ve nailed it.
For an 1818 Farm and Cidery wedding, that means something special. Your guests can sip locally made cider on the patio one minute. Then they’ll watch you say your vows under apple trees the next. We cannot recommend this venue enough.
Getting ready at Brookstreet
The morning started at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata. It was exactly the kind of prep we love to photograph. Full of laughing, a little bit of chaos, and everyone genuinely enjoying being in a room together before the day got going. There’s a specific kind of energy that happens when a bridal party actually likes each other. And this crew had it in spades.
The ceremony, apples and all
Julia and Will chose not to do a first look. So the ceremony carried all of that built-up anticipation, and you could feel it. They said their vows right in the orchard, apple trees on every side. Actual bees buzzed around doing their pollinator thing in the background, very on brand for a working farm. Somehow, it just added to the charm instead of being a distraction. Their vows were the kind that catch you off guard: honest and specific. In fact, they were clearly written by two people who know exactly why they’re choosing each other. We may have needed a second to compose ourselves behind the camera.
Then came the recessional, and it was pure joy. Petals flew, the whole crew cheered, and Julia and Will practically glowed. This is the part of the day we live for.
All the wedding party energy
Every 1818 Farm and Cidery wedding needs a wedding party that brings the fun. And Julia’s bridesmaids and Will’s groomsmen delivered all day long. Sunflower bouquets ended up in some unexpected places (sorry, Will). Plus, there was a whole lot of hugging, cheering, and one very enthusiastic bride getting lifted clean off the ground.
A few of our favourite portraits
Once the ceremony wrapped, we snuck Julia and Will off for a few quiet minutes around the property. Between the orchard rows and the gravel paths, we found some of our favourite light. It’s the kind of connection we chase all day long.
The details behind our 1818 Farm and Cidery wedding
Here’s a fun one: Julia is the designer behind Julia Dickson Designs. So every piece of stationery and signage you see through this gallery was designed by the bride herself. That is a level of personal touch we don’t get to see often. It showed in every detail, right down to the little flourishes. Only someone who truly loves this work would think to add them.
The florals were just as personal. Julia’s parents grew the sunflowers themselves, right at home. And they filled the day with that warm, golden, late-summer feel that only home-grown flowers can give you. There’s something extra special about walking down the aisle surrounded by blooms your own family planted for you.
And the sweets table? Made by family. Between the sunflowers and the baking, this wedding was a genuine group effort. You could feel how many people had poured love into the day long before we ever showed up with our cameras.
The food
Dinner came from Meatings, Ottawa’s barbecue people, and it fit the farm setting perfectly. Smoky, hearty, no fuss. Exactly what you want after a day of orchard air and happy tears.
The evening highlight: a change of scenery (and outfit)
Julia had a second look ready for the evening, and the reveal was one for the books. All of her guests lined up in two rows, arms up, glow sticks lit. Then they made a glowing human bridge for her to walk through. It was one of our favourite moments of the whole night, hands down. That kind of joyful chaos, with absolutely everyone in on the surprise, makes for incredible photos. It’s some of the best energy of any wedding day.
Congratulations on your 1818 Farm and Cidery wedding, Julia & Will
Thank you both for having us out to 1818 Farm & Cidery for the first time. We had the best day watching your families bake, garden, design, and cheer you on. We cannot wait for you to see the rest of your gallery.
Getting married in the Ottawa area and dreaming of an orchard or farm wedding? We’d love to hear about your day. Get in touch with us here and let’s start planning.
Vendor team:
Venue: 1818 Farm & Cidery
Getting ready location: Brookstreet Hotel, Kanata
Day-of coordination: Witjes Weddings
Stationery & design: Julia Dickson Designs
Hair: Hair by Srey
Makeup: Alexandra Watson Makeup
Bridal boutique: With Love Bridal
Suits: Jimmy the Suit Guy
Catering: Meatings Barbecue
Photography: Grey Loft Studio
