A Birch Bride: My Wedding Day
Written by Samantha Annett, Birch Jewellery, Founder
When I founded Birch Jewellery back in college, I never dreamed I would one day be designing my own bridal jewellery — for the day I would marry my high school sweetheart. But when that day finally came, it felt like the most natural thing in the world (both the jewels and the man). Of course, I would wear my own creations, and of course, my favourite people would too.
Our wedding was simple, natural, and elegant — a day that felt undeniably us. Hosted at Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane in Edwards, Ontario, the farm brought a sense of calm to all the excitement. With its lush gardens, wandering animals, and rows of trees, it was the dreamiest backdrop for saying “I do.”
Our style has always leaned simple, but with a bit of an edge — a little punk rock, if you will. We wove that vibe into small but meaningful touches. For the jewellery, I created soft, romantic pieces that complemented our look while incorporating the kind of personal details that make jewellery so special.
For myself, I chose earrings that felt timeless and effortless: huggie hoops paired with hand-selected freshwater pearls. My bridesmaids wore matching earrings and delicate gold chain necklaces with a single pearl each — a quiet detail that tied us all together.
Even the guys had their Birch moment. I crafted boutonnieres from black shotgun bullet casings, filled with simple blooms and eucalyptus from our floral arrangements. They were the perfect nod to my husband’s love of the outdoors, and such a fun way to blend elegance with something uniquely us.
And then… the shoes. I walked into marriage wearing custom Vans that I painstakingly covered in pearls, arranged in a hand-set checkerboard pattern. Comfortable, playful, and just the right amount of sparkle, they were the perfect finishing touch to a day filled with love and laughter.
My accessories also carried pieces of my family’s history. My clutch was a cheeky nod to our alternative side, and my bouquet held two treasures: a photo locket of my late grandparents, worn by my stepmom on her wedding day, and a vintage motif pendant made by my great-grandmother, passed down to me by my grandma. Carrying those heirlooms with me down the aisle was incredibly meaningful.
Designing and wearing my own jewellery on my wedding day was more special than I could have ever imagined. To see my bridesmaids, my husband, and even our groomsmen wearing something I created made the day feel deeply personal. It was a celebration not only of our love, but also of the little details that made our story truly ours.
The Dream Team Who Made It All Possible
A wedding day is never just about the couple — it is also about the incredible people who help bring the vision to life. We feel so grateful to have worked with such talented vendors, each of whom added their own magic to our day:
- Photos: @justinaphippenphoto + @mylenedesbiens
- Venue: @weddingsatstanleys
- Bridal Party Jewellery: @birchjewellery
- Bride’s Ring: @openfirejewellery
- Florals: @cotefleursshop
- Dress: @withlovebridal
- Alt. Look: @neverknewineededshop x @rebeccarowe.ca
- Officiant: @grounded.ceremonies
- Makeup: @onefinebeauty
- Hair: @ashleydorahair
We could not imagine our wedding without them — they each brought beauty, creativity, and so much heart to our celebration.
