Courtney Cridland wed Dylan Brower – “we finally found our person”

On October 5, 2024, Courtney Cridland of St. Williams and Dylan Brower of Aylmer married at the Cridland family farm on a crisp autumn afternoon. Supported by the comforts of family, friends, and home, the couple’s countryside wedding was authentically rustic and intimate.

Courtney said she and Dylan met through mutual friends. After talking a bit, they had their first date “on his boat out on Long Point Bay.”

“Things just instantly clicked for us—we have many of the same hobbies and enjoyed a similar lifestyle before meeting one another,” she said.

“We instantly fell in love and were both so happy to admit that we finally found our person. We loved each other’s motivation in life and share our ‘have an idea, get it done right away’ personalities.”

Before getting married, the couple were “very busy” with weddings and celebrations for family and friends. Cohabitating helped them see the life they wanted with each other.

“We moved in together and shortly realized we would love to live in the country together to better suit our lifestyle. So we packed up and bought one of my family’s farm houses and got hitched!” Courtney explained.

They chose to get married at the Cridland family farm, a place close to Courtney’s heart.

“It was such a fun, comforting experience celebrating with our loved ones on a property that will forever be part of us,” she said.

Florist Lisa Dove of Fleurs de Lise provided “absolutely stunning bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages,” as well as “arch décor, centre pieces and greenery.”

For fall décor, they picked up “pumpkins and gourds from local farmers and road stands, and mums from the Valley Heights Secondary School fundraiser.”

Courtney said she bought her dress at Lavender Boutique in London.

“It made me feel like the bride—pretty and fancy but not outside of my comfort zone as I typically don’t wear a lot of dresses.”

For dinner, dessert, and cake, the couple turned to The Country Fork of Port Rowan. Courtney said the restaurant “did an outstanding job.”

“The food was amazing and so well done! We had chicken, beef brisket, vegetables, salads and potatoes. Along with pie, cupcakes and our wedding cake for dessert.”

Their wedding cake was an “absolutely delicious” carrot cake with caramel swirl.

Dylan’s favourite part of their wedding was watching Courtney walk down the aisle. Courtney said her favourite part was “saying ‘I do’ to my best friend.”

Their advice for others organizing their weddings is twofold: put in the work to plan your day, but don’t worry too much about what you can’t control.

“It was really fun supporting local and having those familiar faces be there on our special day. The planning is worth it! Bumps are inevitable but the day turns out perfect either way. Make it yours!”

Originally printed in The Good News, April 2025.