Being asked to capture a wedding is an honour. I know the importance this day holds. The time spent carefully planning details with months of work putting it all together. From finding the perfect dress to choosing your photographer, the planning is an event in its own right. I have been fortunate to capture quite a few weddings, each one so different yet with the same common factor- love. I can say I truly enjoy all that comes with it, from the prepping of our first meeting to editing the final images. As a photographer, there is a lot of pressure to make sure I capture it exactly how you imagined it, because at the end of the day, these images are what you have to hold on to, and I take each wedding on knowing all of this and putting that extra pressure on myself.
All weddings are special to me, however this one had a bit more of a personal connection. It was my ex husband marrying his best friend. I know you’re thinking “what??” but you can actually split up and maintain a great relationship with your ex. We have children together and have done everything in our power to maintain that friendship for them. When he told me he was proposing, I was genuinely so happy for them, and couldn’t wait to congratulate them. When they asked me to photograph it, you can bet I didn’t hesitate!
I couldn’t imagine not capturing it for them.
Their wedding was set this past January. We had just lived through what felt like the coldest few weeks ever of winter to awake to the most gorgeous sunny and warm winter day. Their venue was The Lake House, which is a beautiful restaurant that sits on Lake Bonavista. It is the perfect indoor location for an intimate wedding. The room is drenched in natural light with the focal point being a grand stone fireplace. Not much is needed, but they added some romantic decor and stayed true to winter tones, with touches of reds, golds and greens. All perfectly thought out and in place - the room looked magical.
I always start my day with capturing the bride getting ready with her friends and family. You can count on there to be a lot of laughter and a few (happy) tears. On this day, we created some beautiful portraits in the adjoining room to where the ceremony was being held. Her dress was so incredibly stunning, with fine beading intertwined with delicate lace, that fit her exquisitely. Her veil was the perfect finishing piece. Bridal portraits are some of my favourites of the day. Confidence exudes knowing how beautiful they look, and then you add in the anticipation of seeing their soon to be husband, the emotions are so real and raw, knowing all the dreaming is about to become reality.
Their ceremony was in the morning, composed of a small gathering of their closest friends and family. They stood proudly in front of them and professed their love and promised themselves to one another. It was such a beautiful exchange of vows. Now I have couples ask what is better - a first look before the ceremony or waiting for the traditional walk down the aisle. Either way seeing the bride for the first time is such a special moment. The expression is always so true, and this one was no different. The way his face lit up when he saw his bride walking towards him had everyone welling up.
After the ceremony they shared a lunch with everyone, a first dance as a married couple and gave the most heartwarming speech, personally thanking each individual who was there for the years of love and support. All in all, the day was beyond perfection. The mood was playful and loving, everyone had an amazing time and the newly married couple started their new journey. I was so honoured to have shared such a special moment with them and loved capturing their joy. We had fun when we went out on our own to capture their love and they have some pretty amazing memories from their day.
First dance being “interrupted” by their incredibly cute 2 year old
