Chris for the day. I had already photographed them a year earlier for their engagement photos at Lakehead University. Before we got the wedding site at River Valley Farm, my day started with the bridal party getting their hair and makeup done at La Moda.
Upon arrival, I immediately had my camera in hand and weaved my way in and out of the girls getting ready. Luckily, La Moda, is fairly spacious which allowed me to get some good angles and moments of the girls. After about 15 minutes or so, I then made my way across town to Fort William where the boys were gathered. They were already dressed so I just did my best to capture some of the interaction between all of them. I had about 15 minutes to work with again and I think I got some pretty cool shots.
The next stop after that, was back with the girls which were getting ready and Shannon and Chris's house. As you would expect, I got some getting ready photos, a few shots of the dress hanging outside and of course any pets I could find, which in this case was just their dog. The two cats decided not to come out. After Shannon gave her bridesmaids their gifts, which they absolutely loved, it was off to Vickers Park for the 'first look'.
For the first look, Shannon actually put them time in at the house to wear a very vintage and 'different' looking wedding dress over top of her actual dress, just to see Chris's reaction on the first look. I was even laughing as she was putting it on, as were the bridesmaids. Well, she didn't quite get the reaction she was expecting. As Chris saw her walking towards her at the park, he looked more confused then anything. Once she told him what was going on, he let out a smile and a laugh. I could totally see why he would be hesitant to laugh because, in the off chance that it was the actual dress. It was a genuine moment and one of my favourites of the day. Shannon then took it off and we redid the first look and it was just as good as the real first one.
I then packed up my stuff, hopped in my car and made the very beautiful drive out to River Valley Farm. The weather was threatening with rain all day but in the end, it all worked out and it didn’t rain at all. The sun even came out here and there which was awesome. As the guests arrived I wandered around the big property and took a whole lot of candids of pretty much everyone. That is my favourite part of the day, because it allows me to just sit back and become part of the crowd and document everything.
As the ceremony was set to begin, I got into position and made sure I some good photos of the wedding party walking with the backdrop of the barn in the background. It’s hard to picture a nice setting for a wedding. The ceremony itself was pretty quick, but I managed to still find some great angles and special moments throughout. Immediately after the ceremony, we got all the family portraits done, which then lead into all the wedding party photos. There are so many great backdrops at River Valley Farm but we just stuck the ceremony area where there were two enormous trees as well as a white picket fence overlooking the distant fields and mountains. It sure made my job very easy.
The last part of the day was the reception which took place in the barn, and it was the perfect setting too. The reception was perfectly spaced out and Shannon and Chris really outdid themselves with the food. In total, there were 6 courses, if I’m not mistaken, and they were all prepared using different vendors and suppliers in the city. Every single course was really good, and I’m not just saying that. There was also an old couch set up by the desert table, so I suggested that anyone who wants their photo taken tap me on the shoulder and I would happy to oblige. As it turned out, almost every guest at one point or another wanted their photo taken on it. So it worked out perfectly! It goes to show you, you don’t always need a ‘photo booth’ necessarily.
Throughout the evening there were some wonderful speeches, the first dance of course and as always, special little moments in between that I simply had to look for and capture. All in all, it was such a fun wedding day. Even though I travelled to multiple locations through the day, I had absolutely no problem doing so as it kept things interesting and exciting. I am always thankful to shoot at River Valley Farm too because it is by far one of the nice locations in town. The Veurinks were very kind to let Shannon and Chris use it. Lastly, thanks to Shannon and Chris for choosing me to capture their special day. I’m truly honoured.
Below you will find a very sampling of some of the highlights from the day. Also, as I do with all my weddings, please take a moment to watch a short black and white slideshow.
