Brooke + Brandon Wedding
Technically, I did photograph Brooke and Brandon’s wedding. I captured the hour after their wedding, at a friends home. Either way, I was so happy to be a part of their wedding day. Plus, I think I got the best of the day, where all the pressure was off and they could just relax and chill out with their closest family.
Technically, I did photograph Brooke and Brandon’s wedding. I captured the hour after their wedding, at a friends home. Either way, I was so happy to be a part of their wedding day. Plus, I think I got the best of the day, where all the pressure was off and they could just relax and chill out with their closest family.
I only spent an hour with them, but in that short time, I was able to get lots of good photos. It helped that everyone was super comfortable in front of the camera. I really do love these small backyard gatherings. I hope I get many more of them in the new year.
Brandon + Anna Wedding - Fort William Historical Park
My last wedding of 2019 took place at Fort William Historical Park. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful location to end such an amazing year. Once I arrived I met up with Brandon and some of the wedding party at the main entrance. We hopped on the shuttle bus that eventually took us to the park, which is where everything was taking place. Once we got there, Anna arrived, and we made our way in. After gathering everyone in the wedding party and the immediate family, we continued on and photographed all the portraits.
My last wedding of 2019 took place at Fort William Historical Park. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful location to end such an amazing year. Once I arrived I met up with Brandon and some of the wedding party at the main entrance. We hopped on the shuttle bus that eventually took us to the park, which is where everything was taking place. Once we got there, Anna arrived, and we made our way in. After gathering everyone in the wedding party and the immediate family, we continued on and photographed all the portraits.
There is no better place in Thunder Bay to photograph wedding photos than this location. There are endless backdrops and an immense amount of character and history. Plus, Brandon and Anna looked the park. It was honestly one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever had the pleasure of covering.
We spent the next hour or so wandering around the park and stopping at various locations doing bridal party photos as well as family ones as well. It was super casual, and the weather was actually quite mild for the middle of the winter. This portion of the day actually went by super fast. I could have easily spent another 2 hours photographing Brandon and Anna but the ceremony was starting shortly.
The ceremony and reception took place in the Canot du Nord building right by the front gate. It was fairly small and intimate wedding. Throughout the ceremony and reception and just did my thing, capturing moments throughout. I also made sure to continue to get family portraits on request. We even went outside just after sunset to get some portraits with friends and family. The lighting was absolutely perfect.
I stayed just until the speeches were done, but that was more than enough time to tell their story through my eyes. I’m very excited for yet another year of weddings, and I hope it’s even better than 2019!
Melissa + Brandon Wedding - Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel
Melissa and Brandon’s entire wedding day took place at the Best Western Hotel here in Thunder Bay. If I had to shoot at wedding at just one hotel, this one would definitely be at the top of my list. It did rain the whole day so it was completely indoors but that’s what often happens this time of year. Regardless, it was such an amazing day to be a part of.
Melissa and Brandon’s entire wedding day took place at the Best Western Hotel here in Thunder Bay. If I had to shoot at wedding at just one hotel, this one would definitely be at the top of my list. It did rain the whole day so it was completely indoors but that’s what often happens this time of year. Regardless, it was such an amazing day to be a part of.
The good thing about a completely indoor wedding is that you often get to spend more time with the couple, which is exactly what happened with this one. It was very laid back and casual. It was almost like I was just hanging out with the Melissa and Brandon. I prefer it that way because it allowed me to capture a ton of candid photos.
I jumped back and forth in the early afternoon between Brandon and Melissa getting ready. They were both super relaxed and it showed through in the photos. Brandon bought all the guys in his wedding party watches, that as far as I could tell, they had to put together. It was very cool and something I had never seen before.
After a few hours it was time to get the ceremony started so everyone headed down to the main ballroom. This is where the reception would eventually take place so it was very convenient, and perfectly decorated. It was an intimate wedding but a busy one for the room nonetheless. I don’t think there was an empty chair. Looking around in the crowd I could see all the proud family and friends. I could also feel it too. Of course, as I expected there were some laughs during the ceremony too, which is always a good sign.
Once the ceremony was done, all the family and close friends made their way upstairs where we did some family portraits. I would have preferred to do them outside but the weather had other plans for us. Nonetheless, it was actually kind of nice having all the family in one room like that. Melissa and Brandon also made their announcement about her pregnancy which surprised a lot of people!
As I mentioned it was raining all day but that didn’t mean we couldn’t get outside to do some bride and groom portraits. We simply used one of the balconies. Since it was cloudy, the lighting was absolutely perfect. Those are definitely some of my favourite photos of the day.
The reception was just as fun as the rest of the day. There were the first dances, a shoe game and some very moving (and funny) speeches. Melissa and Brandon also revealed on their slideshow that they were having a baby to the rest of the wedding guests. It was during their first dance which was perfect timing. I hope both Brandon and Melissa have an amazing life together!
Brandon + Rachael Wedding
Brandon and Rachael were my last wedding in August and it couldn't have been a more beautiful day. I arrived as they the guys were anxiously waiting for the guests, and eventually Rachael, to arrive. It gave me a chance to get accustomed to the venue, and of course, capture a ton of candid photos of all the guests arriving. Once all the guests arrived, that was when Rachael also made her way to the venue. I was able to get some really good getting ready photos once she was in her dress and before I knew it, it was time for the ceremony to start.
Brandon and Rachael were my last wedding in August and it couldn't have been a more beautiful day. I arrived as they the guys were anxiously waiting for the guests, and eventually Rachael, to arrive. It gave me a chance to get accustomed to the venue, and of course, capture a ton of candid photos of all the guests arriving. Once all the guests arrived, that was when Rachael also made her way to the venue. I was able to get some really good getting ready photos once she was in her dress and before I knew it, it was time for the ceremony to start.
The bridal party started making their way down the aisle and Brandon waited for his beautiful bride to walk down the aisle. There were so many great photos I captured fro the ceremony but, I ended up getting one of my favourite photos of the year with Brandon unable to hold back the tears as Rachael approached. It was such a raw and real moment that I think every photograph truly seeks out.
Of course the ceremony was beautiful just as I expected. After it was done everyone congratulated the happy couple. Another photographer was there to capture a huge group shot using a drone which was awesome to watch. I even captured some photos of the guests and the wedding party posing for it.
The property had a huge field, and old barn and of course a tractor, so I made sure to incorporate all of those into the wedding party portraits. I couldn't have asked for a better location to work with. It definitely made my life easy. We spend a good couple hours taking advantage of all the great spots.
The last stop for the night was the reception which was at the Portuguese Hall. It was my first time photographing there so I was excited to see how it was. It ended up being the perfect venue for Brandon and Rachael to end their evening. All the guests had a great time, especially rolling the dice to get the happy couple to kiss. If they lost the roll, they had to kiss someone in the crowd. It made for some fun moments.
Brandon and Rachael were one of the most easy going and easy to photograph couples I have ever had. I feel so honoured to have been able to spend a time with them and their family celebrating and capturing their special day.
Samantha + Brandon Wedding - Fort William Country Club
Another beautiful Saturday afternoon, another gorgeous wedding. Samantha and Brandon were the latest couple that allowed me the pleasure to document their special day. It all started with some getting ready shots, first with the women, who were over at the Victoria Inn. As soon as I arrived I started snapping away capturing some candid moments. Some of the reactions were priceless, and those are my favourite types of photos. After spending a bit of time with the girls, I rushed over to where the guys were staying, which was the Valhalla Inn. Luckily, Thunder Bay is pretty small so it doesn't take long to get anywhere.
Another beautiful Saturday afternoon, another gorgeous wedding. Samantha and Brandon were the latest couple that allowed me the pleasure to document their special day. It all started with some getting ready shots, first with the women, who were over at the Victoria Inn. As soon as I arrived I started snapping away capturing some candid moments. Some of the reactions were priceless, and those are my favourite types of photos. After spending a bit of time with the girls, I rushed over to where the guys were staying, which was the Valhalla Inn. Luckily, Thunder Bay is pretty small so it doesn't take long to get anywhere.
Just like the getting ready photos with the girls, it was the same with they guys. They were all pretty relaxed, even Brandon. Although, I could still feel some of the nervous tension in the room which is completely natural. It was then off to the Thunder Bay Marina for some pre wedding photos with the whole wedding party.
The bus unloaded everyone at Byte Restaurant and we were off from there. There were some quick 'first reaction' photos and then we just walked all around the Marina, stopping here and there for portraits and plenty of candid photos along the way. Our final destination at the Marina was Breakwater Taphouse, for a cold refreshment which was very much needed seeing as how hot outside it was. Everyone relaxed for a bit but that didn't mean I stopped taking photos. Some of my favourite shots came from this part of the day.
Once everyone was refreshed, they hopped back on the bus and I jumped in my car to make my way to the final ceremony which took place at the Fort William Country Club. Admittedly, this was my first wedding there and I've been doing this for almost 6 years. After spending some there for this wedding, I really hope I have many more weddings there as it's absolutely gorgeous.
As soon as everyone arrived, there was a quick washroom break and then we all hopped on the golf carts and drove out to the fourth hole. Even though we didn't have much time, we got a lot accomplished. I was able to get some portraits of Brandon and Samantha with some of the surroundings as well as the entire wedding party. I knew I had to at least get a wide angle shot with Mount McKay in the background. The best part about the 4th hole was some very kind golfers allowed the wedding party to borrow their golf clubs and hit some balls. So I captured some very fun action shots of the guys and gals actually hitting golf balls!
Things slowed down a bit once we got back to the club as it was time for the girls to get ready and wait for all the guests to arrive. This is usually the time of day that I get the most candid photos. Well, this and the actual ceremony. Once everyone arrived, the ceremony took place and like with everyone wedding I do, it was quite beautiful.
The reception began shortly after which took place inside the club house. After seeing all the wonderful guests interact at the ceremony and also spend quite a bit of time with the wedding party, I knew the reception was going to be a great time and an awesome opportunity to capture some fun and intimate photos. The food was really good, the speeches were funny, there was the shoe game and of course the first dances. They even had a photo booth set up with a Fuji Instant Camera which the guests loved. After taking the photo, they were asked to put it on a frame so Brandon and Samantha would be able to share in those moments. It was a really a great idea.
The evening ended for me with a whole lot of dancing and eventually some really nice fireworks. Not only did everyone in the room pretty much dance at some point, everyone also went outside for the fireworks. I even managed to peel my way through the crowd to get a few shots of the happy couple looking on. It was a fitting end to my night as the whole seemed like one giant celebration which is how it should be. Not only were Brandon and Samantha the perfect couple to photograph and so were the friends and family. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of their wedding day.
