Annette + Andrew Wedding - This Old Barn
With wedding season just about over, I'm now able to catch up on weddings from the past month. The first one I'm proud to post is Annette and Andrew's. They quite possibly chose one of the most unique and beautiful locations I have had the pleasure to photograph, This Old Barn. The backdrop for the wedding, with the hay bales and fields was so picturesque. As soon as I arrived at the wedding I quickly started grabbing photos of the decorations and eventually people as they arrived. The rest of the day went by so fast, but I managed to get so many great photos.
With wedding season just about over, I'm now able to catch up on weddings from the past month. The first one I'm proud to post is Annette and Andrew's. They quite possibly chose one of the most unique and beautiful locations I have had the pleasure to photograph, This Old Barn. The backdrop for the wedding, with the hay bales and fields was so picturesque. As soon as I arrived at the wedding I quickly started grabbing photos of the decorations and eventually people as they arrived. The rest of the day went by so fast, but I managed to get so many great photos.
It was a relatively small and intimate wedding which is always fun to photograph. As I mentioned in a previous post, this allows me to get even more photos of guests and moments between them. Not that I can't do that with larger weddings, but when the crowd is much smaller it's just that much easier to get in close. As people arrived, I got a ton of good candid photos and I also peeked in once in a while to see how Annette was doing. Overall, it was a very relaxed wedding and no one seemed nervous at all.
Once it was time for Annette to make her way down the isle, everyone smiled as she did so. Andrew was of course beaming and there were tears of joy in the crowd as well. The ceremony was really nice and there were some truly genuine moments. When photographing during the ceremony I always look for reactions in the crowd. Those sometimes end up being some of the best photos of the day.
After the ceremony was over, there was a quick congratulations inside from everybody and then it was off to the fields for all the formal family portraits. It was almost impossible not to walk away with fantastic photos seeing as how the backdrop was just perfect. We took advantage of the wide open field and the hay bales. When we finished the family photos we had some fun with just the bridal party. One of my favourite photos of the entire day was when Andrew tried to jump up on the hay. Let's just say he came up short the first time. I will say this, they were quite big. I don't even think I would have been able to make the leap.
The next stop for the bridal party portraits was at the top of the hill. It overlooked Mount McKay and also, the wide open field with which we just came from. Not only did I get in close on a lot of the portraits, I also made sure to step back quite a bit and get some nice expansive photos that show off just how huge the property was.
We then made our way back to the main area and mingled for a bit. I just love this part of the day because everyone is just so relaxed. I was able to snap a few more photos of Annette and Andrew along with a lot of candid photos. Before we knew it, it was time for the reception. What I liked about the reception was that it was split up nice. Everyone ate, then there was a break to wander outside, then some speeches, and another break. Eventually it was time for the 'pie' cutting. I didn't count but I believe there were at least 10 different homemade pies. I'm sure it was more. I'm not one for sweets, as my wife would attest to, but I had a slice of pumpkin and blueberry. Both were fantastic. Of course the whole layout of the pies was beautiful as well. From what Annette told me, she handled the decorations for the whole wedding.
During some of those breaks, I always made sure to follow the guest outside and there were no shortage of request for quick family portraits. Something I have been doing at some of my recent weddings is bringing my little Instax Polaroid printer. I use my Fuji X-T1 and print directly from it. I can't stress enough how popular it is. Once people see and hold the little polaroid in their hand and watch it magically expose in front of their eyes, they alway tell other family members and friends. Before I know it, I'm getting multiple requests.
As it got darker, it was time for the first dance. Everything was lit up beautifully and with the guest gathering around watching, it made for the perfect first dance. After that they had the parent dances and eventually the guests. And then my night was over. I am still amazed at how many photos I came away with. Annette and Andrew were the perfect couple to photograph as they did anything I told them to. If I had an idea for a photo that I wanted to try, they did it without hesitation. Having such an easy going and kind couple to photograph made my job that much easier. Thank you!
Eden + Chris Wedding Portraits - Current River Park
Eden and Chris decided to get married at City Hall with just a small gathering of family members. So they decided to hire me for an hour to take all the family portraits. Usually my wedding days are fairly long but this was a nice change seeing as how I just focused on the portrait session of the wedding. We decided to use Current River Park as the setting which was a great choice. It was yet another beautiful day so the weather couldn't have been any better.
Eden and Chris decided to get married at City Hall with just a small gathering of family members. So they decided to hire me for an hour to take all the family portraits. Usually my wedding days are fairly long but this was a nice change seeing as how I just focused on the portrait session of the wedding. We decided to use Current River Park as the setting which was a great choice. It was yet another beautiful day so the weather couldn't have been any better.
As soon as I arrived we got right into all the large family portraits and eventually made our way down to just Eden and Chris. After grabbing a few portraits in the park area, the three of us decided to take a short cut through the bush and into the dam area. Eden was a real trooper as it wasn't the most groomed trail but we made it safe and sound. That is where we spent the next 20 minutes or so. The dam was definitely my favourite location of the shoot as there were just so many different spots to capture great photos.
Once we were done on the rocks, we headed up to the bridge and continued to have some fun with different poses. Then, before we knew it, it was time to head back to the park. We managed to get a few more portraits around the trees at the park and then we were done. The hour just flew by but as always, I was able to get a lot of beautiful photos in that short amount of time. Of course it helped that their entire family were very easy going.
Thanks to Eden and Chris for such a fun photo session. I'm glad I was able to be a part of their wedding day, even though it was for only an hour!
Katrina + Ed Wedding
It was only a couple weeks ago but Katrina and Ed's Wedding Day is still fresh in my mind. The day turned out to be one of the nicest so far of the summer, although, it was fairly hot. But, there is no way I will ever complain about hot weather in this city with winter always around the corner.
Katrina and Ed's wedding took place at their new house out on Hawkeye Lake. For those of you that haven't been to this lake it is absolutely gorgeous. I had been to their house a year prior but that was for engagement photos and the house wasn't quite done then. Seeing it for the first time with all the guests and family gathered around was quite the site. Of course, the backdrop of the Hawkeye Lake definitely helped set the mood.
It was only a couple weeks ago but Katrina and Ed's Wedding Day is still fresh in my mind. The day turned out to be one of the nicest so far of the summer, although, it was fairly hot. But, there is no way I will ever complain about hot weather in this city with winter always around the corner.
Katrina and Ed's wedding took place at their new house out on Hawkeye Lake. For those of you that haven't been to this lake it is absolutely gorgeous. I had been to their house a year prior but that was for engagement photos and the house wasn't quite done then. Seeing it for the first time with all the guests and family gathered around was quite the site. Of course, the backdrop of the Hawkeye Lake definitely helped set the mood.
Before I made my way to the wedding site however, I first made my way to Katrina's house to capture some moments of her and the other girls getting ready. As I have mentioned many times before, I absolutely love taking getting ready shots. They are truly candid and there are always a ton of raw moments if you know how to look for them.
After about 45 minutes, I made my way to the ceremony. We had to wait a bit for Katrina to arrive but it gave me plenty of time to get a ton of candid photos of the guests. Soon enough it was time to get the ceremony on the way. With the chairs set up right on the water, and the guests gathered around anxiously waiting, Katrina eventually made her way down the steps and into Ed's grasp. I couldn't have asked for a better setting to take photos as you can see from some of the photos below.
Once the ceremony was done, there was some mingling and then we were off on the houseboat. We used this opportunity to get some great photos of the wedding party and of course, Katrina and Ed. Shortly after docking we got all the family portraits out of the way.
There were really some great moments so I had to make sure to always be ready. For instance, Katrina decided to hop on the back of the neighbours jet ski. I ran down the dock grabbed a seat and prepared myself for some action shots of the bride flying through the water. What I wasn't ready for was the fact that the driver decided to come very close to the shore and completely drench me on three occasions. It was a bit of shock, but as they say, anything for the shot. Luckily I was using my XT-1 which is waterproof. So after they were done I went back to my seat at the dinner table much more wet then when I left. Suffice it say, people got a kick out of that.
And that was my day. I got a couple last shots at the end of the road of some of the signs and then it was a 40 minute drive back home. Thanks to Katrina and Ed for letting me photograph their wedding. I still can't believe how many great shots I walked away with. I only hope they think they same.
Steven + Cara Wedding
It was time for yet another wedding and this one was just as fun as the others I have done this year. Even though it was a smaller wedding, it actually made it a bit more intimate which really allowed for a good pace and some great photo opportunities. It also helped that Steven and Cara were such a fun couple to photograph. That also goes for pretty much the entire crowd of people that attended.
The ceremony took place at First Presbyterian Church in Fort William. It was my first time photographing in this particular church. You can tell from some of the wide angle shots below just how big it actually was. As the crowd gathered I captured some candid moments, and there were a lot of them. Then it was time for Cara to make her way down the aisle. Probably the cutest moment of the day were the two ring bearers dressed as the secret service. The rings were contained in a 'top secret' case so they had quite the responsibility!
It was time for yet another wedding and this one was just as fun as the others I have done this year. Even though it was a smaller wedding, it actually made it a bit more intimate which really allowed for a good pace and some great photo opportunities. It also helped that Steven and Cara were such a fun couple to photograph. That also goes for pretty much the entire crowd of people that attended.
The ceremony took place at First Presbyterian Church in Fort William. It was my first time photographing in this particular church. You can tell from some of the wide angle shots below just how big it actually was. As the crowd gathered I captured some candid moments, and there were a lot of them. Then it was time for Cara to make her way down the aisle. Probably the cutest moment of the day were the two ring bearers dressed as the secret service. The rings were contained in a 'top secret' case so they had quite the responsibility!
Soon after Cara made her way to the alter. It's often easy to forgot about other peoples reactions during this moment but I think I caught one of the best of the day when Steven could hardly hold back the tears. It's true emotion like that which makes my job all worth it. I'm sure it helped that Cara looked stunning in her wedding dress.
Once the ceremony was done Cara and Steven whisked off to Whitewater Golf Club where the reception and portraits would be taking place. I followed behind them anxiously looking forward to taking their portraits. Because the wedding party was so small, we were all able to hop on the golf carts and eventually make our way to one of the back greens that overlook the river. It turned out to be such a nice day that even the ride along the path was very serene.
We spent about 45 minutes total getting to the greens and then taking photos with some of the prettiest backdrops in the city. My favourite moment was when Cara's maid of honour secretly wrote lovely message in the bunker. Of course, this ended up being a great shot as we were finishing up.
It was then time to hop back on the carts and make our way to the reception. Before that began though, we took some time to get the family portraits done. It went by very quick as everyone pretty much did all the shots in one take. No blinkers!
After that I rushed into the reception area to take some nice details photos of the decorations. They were all very lovely. The cake area was particularly beautiful as there were old photos draped around it amongst a vintage looking mirror. I didn't have much time left after this so I got some nice candids of the receiving lines and then a couple speeches and the first kiss.
Whitewater Golf Club is always a great venue and with a such a beautiful day for the wedding it couldn't have gone any better. Cara and Steven were a lot of fun to photograph and I'm very happy with all the great photos I ended up capturing!
3 Brides - 15 Years
Who says you are only supposed to wear your wedding dress once? Well, tell that to these 3 ladies! My good friend Cora decided to dress up in her wedding dress along with her two friends Leesa and Jana-Rae. Why you ask? Well, supposedly it took them all at least 15 years into their relationships to say 'I Do'.
Who says you are only supposed to wear your wedding dress once? Well, tell that to these 3 ladies! My good friend Cora decided to dress up in her wedding dress along with her two friends Leesa and Jana-Rae. Why you ask? Well, supposedly it took them all at least 15 years into their relationships to say 'I Do'.
Jana-Rae was the most recent one to get married this past weekend so she is now part of the group. I hear this may become a yearly thing with I really hope it does. If they do it again, I am definitely going to make a photo session out of it. Since it was a holiday today, there weren't too many places open, so Starbucks was the destination of choice. Suffice it to say I was able to capture a few fun photos of them.
So, brides to be, don't forget that once you get married there is still plenty of opportunities to wear your wedding address down the road. You just have to be brave enough to do so like these 3 ladies.
