Sarah + Sasha knew they wanted their wedding to be meaningful and intimate, with an ode to their family cultures and traditions.  Blending Sasha's Russian heritage and Sarah's family roots, they chose to have their wedding at Sarah's family home in Brockville.  On wedding day, Sarah happily greeted her guests dressed in Russian tradition (wearing one of her two gorgeous floral crowns by Colonial Flowers in Brockville) and broke bread (she made!) with her future husband while their family-style meal was being prepared on-site by Victor Dries Curated Events.  Then, when it was time, she and her closest family members retired to the bridal suite to dress for the ceremony while guests mingled with cocktails and appetizers.  When Sarah emerged in her Powder Bride gown by Lihi Hod and made her way to the ceremony site, she literally made her stoic Russian husband-to-be crumble with emotion.  The fathers officiated a ceremony filled with personal details and promise.  With their kiss, everyone shared a champagne toast to the couple - the beginning of many toasts to the day, a Russian tradition that kept things flowing into the wee hours of the morning.  Their tented reception was an elegant affair, beautifully executed by Victor Dries Curated Events and Colonial Flowers - a treat for both taste buds and the eyes.  Sarah and Sasha's wedding day was photographed in primarily documentary style - with little direction or posing.  Below are some highlights of the day to enjoy while the couple enjoys their full gallery ...

It was destined to be a rainy day at The Mill of Kintail, Kerry + Sean's outdoor ceremony venue of choice, but it made not one iota of difference to these outdoor enthusiasts.  Kerry + Sean knew weather could be a risk factor in choosing such a location for their wedding, but they loved The Mill of Kintail Conservation Area regardless as it spoke to their outdoor-loving, wilderness-adventuring hearts for their wedding day.  Knowing their love for the outdoors, their guests really weren't surprised that Kerry + Sean didn't choose to move their ceremony indoors when the rain really started to come down and wouldn't let up.  Kerry + Sean stayed the course though, grabbed a few umbrellas, saw each other for the first time pre-ceremony and walked the grounds for their creative photos with positive, cheerful attitudes.  Perhaps that's the reason why the rain actually stopped long enough for their ceremony, fulfilling their wedding visions without drenching their guests in the process.  Julie Keon, Marriage Officiant & Life Cycle Celebrant, officiated a sincere, heartfelt, personalized ceremony for Kerry + Sean that included gifting their two daughters with keepsake lockets that would commemorate the day - something Sean's father did for Sean on his own wedding to Sean's mother. As soon as the "I Do's" were done, Mother Nature gave cause for everyone to dash to their cars and head to Kerry + Sean's Whitewater Brewing Company reception, where Sean is the manager and award-winning master brewer.   Not everyone would risk an outdoor wedding in May at The Mill of Kintail, but, if asked, Kerry + Sean would likely tell you it was worth it.

There wasn't too much down time for Holly and Brady post-wedding:  in fact, next morning, the two embarked on their cross-country drive to Alberta, where Brady would begin his first post as a newly graduated RCMP Officer.  Knowing this was in their cards, Holly + Brady got down to business, tied the knot, celebrated with family and friends and are now paving their way out West.  Holly + Brady will soon have a gorgeous heirloom album in hand and full gallery to share of their Ottawa Police Association and Museum of Nature wedding, but for now, here are a few highlights of their day:  

Despite the constant tease of rain throughout the day, Brittany + Spencer still had a wonderful wedding day - even if the sun refused to make an appearance to warm up temperatures and brighten the day.  Brittany + Spencer chose to keep things traditional and didn't see each other until the ceremony; however, they did send each other a special note and keepsake gift in the morning to show they were thinking of each other and looking forward to that walk down the aisle.  The drops held off long enough for Brittany and Spencer to exchange their vows outdoors and see their wedding vision through.  (Thank-you to Lisa at Strathmere!)  A quick dash around the grounds at Strathmere - we nailed family formals, bridal party photos and couples creatives in about an hour! - and then Brittany + Spencer were back in the warmth of The Lodge to celebrate with family friends.  You did it, Brittany + Spencer!  Wishing you continued health and happiness no matter what the forecast brings you!  xox

On August 19,2018, I had the pleasure of photographing one of the nicest persons I have ever met and have the continued pleasure of knowing and having in my life. 

Her soul is gentle, her heart kind.  Where others would frown, she laughs with an easygoing spirit and generosity.  Those who have been on the receiving end of her smile or who have heard the music of her laugh, know that both are genuine and given freely without reservation despite any challenges life decides to throw her way.  This wonderful soul is my assistant, Aynsley - and those who are in her many circles - or at the very least have been fortunate enough to receive her care on wedding day -- know that everything I say here about her is true.  

And, so, it would be only fitting if an equally beautiful soul recognized Aynsley's and they spoke to each other.  That soul is Shawn's.  The more I learned of Shawn and got to know him, the more I knew that his soul IS the fitting complement to Aynsley's.  Those who came before him have no idea of the fortune they failed to invest in -- and all that Shawn and Aynsley have now gained.  It makes my heart happy to watch Aynsley and Shawn together:  they work, play, laugh and cry together, recognizing and appreciating the value in each other and their families, truly uplifting and supporting each other. 

My friend is safe and sound.

And this is what snippets of happiness look like:

Longtime sweethearts, Coline + Chris managed to squeeze in a wedding for themselves amidst countless moves and busy work schedules.  Even though Dutch roots and tradition are strong on Coline's side - her extended family traveled from the Netherlands to celebrate with her - Coline + Chris still opted for non-traditional first looks to spend time with one another before sharing the day with their honoured guests.  Foot traffic was stopped at the Wakefield covered bridge so that Coline + Chris could have a few intimate moments to themselves as they greeted each other as bride and groom.  Creatives then followed at the ever-gorgeous, ever-professional Le Belvedere.  The sun hid long enough for a very comfortable outdoor ceremony without the need for sunglasses or shade.  Because their photography was done pre-ceremony, Coline + Chris could then enjoy a few family photos, cocktails with friends and then a quick entry to their reception where they could truly relax and enjoy their celebration.  Congratulations, Coline + Chris!  Wishing you many many more years of happiness together!

Bridal portraits, first looks and couples creatives were absolute priorities for Kristin + Grant as they tied the knot in an outdoor garden ceremony at the Perth Manor Boutique Hotel in Perth.  I had the pleasure of photographing Kristin as she got ready with her closest family members (Grandma, Mother and brother) and maid of honour assisting.  The Beach House in Perth is responsible for Kristin's pretty makeup and softly elegant updo.  Kristin's gown from Sinders Bridal House fit Kristin's petite frame like a glove, highlighting Kristin's stunning back and fit curves in all the right places.  A gorgeous bouquet from Apropos Flowers was the perfect finishing detail to Kristin's bridal look -- a sentimental locket containing a photo of Kristin and her father was attached and at her fingertips so that she could easily be reminded of his presence.    Kristin's first looks with Grant were genuine - just look at their shiny, beaming eyes as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day.  A quick jaunt to Stewart Park for their couples creatives closed out the afternoon for Kristin + Grant before they headed back to Perth Manor to exchange their vows and officially become "husband and wife".  Thank-you, Kristin + Grant, for entrusting me with capturing some of the important high-lights of your day!