Melissa + Alex Wedding - Spirit Garden
As much as I love photographing full wedding days, every once in a while it’s nice to do a small and short wedding. Case in point, Melissa and Alex had their wedding last month at the Spirit Garden at the Marina here in Thunder Bay. They invited their closest friends and family, and it was a very sweet wedding.
As much as I love photographing full wedding days, every once in a while it’s nice to do a small and short wedding. Case in point, Melissa and Alex had their wedding last month at the Spirit Garden at the Marina here in Thunder Bay. They invited their closest friends and family, and it was a very sweet wedding.
Luckily summer was still hanging on, so it was a very warm day. Almost too warm … almost. Regardless, I had a blast capturing some memorable moments for Melissa and Alex. :)
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!
Melissa + Ryan Wedding
Last month, I met yet another amazing couple in Melissa and Ryan. They tasked me with capturing their wedding day, and that’s exactly what I did. I had a great time doing so. My day started with their ceremony which took place at Faith City Church. It was my first time shooting at that location and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was inside. As guests arrived, I worked the candid scene and just looked for moments while everyone waited for the wedding to start.
Last month, I met yet another amazing couple in Melissa and Ryan. They tasked me with capturing their wedding day, and that’s exactly what I did. I had a great time doing so. My day started with their ceremony which took place at Faith City Church. It was my first time shooting at that location and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was inside. As guests arrived, I worked the candid scene and just looked for moments while everyone waited for the wedding to start.
I would estimate the ceremony taking about 1 hour if that. I find most ceremonies nowadays aren’t really too long which is nice for everyone involved. The next stop was for portraits, which took place at Seaman Park, which is essentially the entrance to Centennial Park. It’s always a beautiful location and one I have used a few times for weddings in the past. There is a nice open field surrounded by trees and an easy path down to the water. We took care of all the family portraits by the trees then eventually headed down to the water for some more bridal party portraits and of course just ones of Melissa and Ryan.
The last stop of the day was Current River Recreation Centre, where the reception was to take place. Just like the the previous portion of the day it was very laid back. There were some first dances, some heartfelt speeches, a trivia game and of course the shoe game too, which is always great for the crowd. They even Mackinley The Magician performing card tricks throughout the night. I would have loved to have him do one for me but I of course had to work. Regardless, I made sure to get a lot of photos of him interacting with the guests.
As it usually does, the whole day flew by. Ryan and Melissa were an amazing couple to photograph and the entire wedding party were a blast to hang around with!
Melissa + Robert Wedding
Melissa & Robert decided to have their wedding at their parent’s place just off Mud Lake Road. It was just a bit north of Murillo. Going in, I didn’t know what I expect, other then what Melissa and Robert told me about the location. I was blown away by the entire property. Upon entering, there was a huge gate with a sign on it indicating the marriage of Melissa and Robert. You can see it by scanning through the photos below.
Melissa & Robert decided to have their wedding at their parent’s place just off Mud Lake Road. It was just a bit north of Murillo. Going in, I didn’t know what I expect, other then what Melissa and Robert told me about the location. I was blown away by the entire property. Upon entering, there was a huge gate with a sign on it indicating the marriage of Melissa and Robert. You can see it by scanning through the photos below. Once I made my way down the long driveway it was greeted by a huge red barn, some old tractors and a field on both sides. I first made my way to the main house where Robert and his groomsmen were getting ready. I spent some time there documenting them. I came away with some fantastic natural shots.
It was then time for Melissa and her bridesmaids to arrive. After snapping a few photos of them exiting the car, I also spent a bit of time photographing them getting ready. Shortly after that the ceremony began. It was located just down from the house. There was an area set up overlooking the large field (and pumpkin patch) behind. Once the ceremony was complete, guests congratulated the bride and groom. Portraits of the family and wedding party followed. There was definitely no shortage of photo opportunities. We began with the large red barn where the reception took place. The wedding party then joined me at various locations throughout the property. We took advantage of some old farm equipment, bails of hay, the long gravel driveway and the grassy fields. There was also a horse and carriage that took guests for a ride up and down the driveway. It was nice touch.
As I mentioned before, the red barn was host to the reception. The decorations were amazing along with the food. After dinner was served the speeches were said and then it was time for the cake cutting. And then of course, the night continued with hours of dancing and celebrating. Congratulations to Melissa and Robert on their wedding. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I have had the pleasure of shooting.
Melissa + Robert Engagement
With Melissa and Robert’s wedding fast approaching we needed to do their engagement photos sooner then later. I suggested the Thunder Bay Marina as the location and that is what we went with. I have already done a few photo sessions here but there are so many different ways to take advantage of the scenery. Plus, they brought their son Liam with them, so it gave him a chance to explore the whole area as we walked around.
With Melissa and Robert’s wedding fast approaching we needed to do their engagement photos sooner then later. I suggested the Thunder Bay Marina as the location and that is what we went with. I have already done a few photo sessions here but there are so many different ways to take advantage of the scenery. Plus, they brought their son Liam with them, so it gave him a chance to explore the whole area as we walked around.
Liam was just full of energy and kept moving the whole time. This is standard for most kids his age so I was more then prepared. We walked all over the park and he explored every last part of it. I can’t wait for the wedding to get here. In the meantime, these photos will have to hold everyone over!
