“I had a vision for an “outside the box” styled wedding shoot. I wanted to do something different than the usual – greenery, pretty, pastels and more. (Not that I don’t love those too!). Seeing as Halloween was just around the corner I contacted a group of local vendors about doing a dark and mysterious Halloween type wedding. The goal was to create a vision that could actually be a real wedding, so that if engaged couples were to view the styled shoot they could vision themselves having a Halloween wedding. The other goal was to keep it elegant, and not too “themey”.
Why you should get married at Adamo Estate Winery at hockley valley
The First Look and Why You Should do One! | Alliston Wedding Photographer
I will be honest, only three years ago I had never even heard of a "First Look"! And now they are happening at most of the weddings I photograph! Whether or not to do a First Look is your choice, your personal preference. Some more traditional Brides prefer that first look to be when they walk down the aisle - all eyes on them, and her eyes only on her Groom. Other couples prefer to take a moment before the ceremony to see one another, in private, without the guests watching. Whatever your preference, I love photographing that moment but I just wanted to share some examples and reason why I really love shooting First Looks!
Reason #1 - Intimacy. Couples get a chance to see one another for the first time without the guests, friends and family watching. For some Brides this is ideal as they often spend that moment walking down the aisle worrying about tripping, looking at the guests, checking out the decor to make sure its correct, and so much more! They forget to enjoy the moment. Then, when you get to the altar, the ceremony begins and you and your spouse do not get a chance to communicate. My one rule (yes I have a First Look "rule"), is that no guest may be around when we do First Looks. No one. This is YOUR moment, your time, enjoy it! You don't want the moment ruined by Aunt Matilda and her ipad camera in your face!
Then after I snap a few shots I will disappear for 5-10 minutes for you to talk and whisper sweet nothings to one another...your time.
Reason #2 - Time! As a photographer, the First Look makes my day! Why? Well, after the couple finish their moment we will go out and do all the formal shots of the couple, then gather the wedding party for some fun wedding party images, and then usually finish all the posed family shots - ALL BEFORE THE CEREMONY!!
Why is this so amazing? Well, you can enjoy your ceremony and then move right into your party without having your guest wait around for hours while you take photos! Its a win-win for me, the couple, and the guests!
However...I do usually like to take the newly married couple aside for a few more shots together because now they will have that freshly married glow!
Now what about that moment you walk down the aisle? Does having a First Look take away from that moment?
I say NO! Its almost like you get two special moments now! Walking down the aisle still feels special because now you are seeing one another for the first time in front of your friends and family, many of which do not even know you already saw one another! And you know that this is the real thing - the moment you have been waiting for your whole life, knowing that once you get down that aisle in a few short minutes you will be married to your true love!! It has a whole different feeling than the first look before the ceremony because now its really happening!
So, my future couples - whatever you decide to do is your choice and I love them both! Hopefully this little post will give you some insight as to why many choose to do a First Look. I cannot wait to capture your moment, however that moment unfolds ♥
Hockley Valley Spring Wedding - Danielle & Dustin
The Doctor's House Winter Wedding | Kim and Thomas
Best of 2017 Wedding and Elopement Portraits | Ontario Wedding Photographer
Best Wedding Moments of 2017 - Ontario Documentary Wedding Photographer
Here are some of my favourites from 2017 - I had so many that I felt I needed to put them in categories this year!
Starting with THE MORNING OF, and continuing with Emotional Moments, LAUGHTER and JOY, Kids + Pets, SELFIES (because there are sooo many), Bloopers and Funny Moments, Party Time and Sentimental Moments.
Iceland Elopement at Thingviller National Park
Jenna & Rory's Wedding at Black Forest Inn | Conestogo Wedding Photography
Jenna and Rory. They have a wonderful love story of two families who spent summers on the same lake. And since Jenna is a writer I'm going to let her tell you in her own words because they will sound much better than if I wrote them. Jenna and Rory got married on a mild fall day at a quaint restaurant called the Black Forest Inn, that they said "felt like the cottage", so it was the perfect place for these two cottagers to get married.
Cambium Farms Wedding - Elise and Brandon | Caledon Wedding Photographer
Elise and Brandon's autumn wedding day turned out to be a cold, rainy and WINDY day, inside the barn at Cambium Farm, and that did not stop anyone from having a blast! They may have been bundled up in blankets, but the guests stayed til the end to show love and party with the Bride and Groom! Take a peek at the video and you will see how windy it was!
Guild Inn Estates Toronto Wedding | Sarah and Jon
Sarah and Jon met in high school, continued on to University together, bought a house, and finally decided to tie the knot and become one forever. Their beautiful ceremony took place at the new and improved Guild Inn Estate in Toronto. Make sure you check it out, and if you are planning an outdoor ceremony, I really loved this venue! The ceremony space is covered, but the walls are open so that even if it rains, you can still be outside. It does get a bit windy but the light inside is so bright and clean. Plus its all stone and white walls which make for some classic imagery. (Photographers - you will love it!)
Glen Cairn Golf Course Summer Wedding | Milton Wedding Photographer
River Run Centre Wedding | Guelph Ontario | Maggie and Ben
"I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”
Maggie and Ben get married at River Run Centre in Guelph Ontario, where they first met while attending University. The venue is awesome with floor to ceiling windows and great acoustics (it is a theatre after all!) The wedding decor was based around thier love for literature.
Falling In Love | Autumn Inspired Bridal Shoot
Alton Mill Arts Centre Wedding | Caledon Ontario
My Favourite Part of Every Wedding Day is....
Hazelton Manor Wedding | Julia and Luigi
Julia and Luigi were married at St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church - the cutest church in Oakville with the kindest Priest I ever did meet. And since the church is right near the waterfront, we headed there for some wedding party photos before driving to Edwards Gardens in Toronto for more portraits of the newly married couple and their sibs.
Wedding at The Manor - by Peter and Pauls | Kettleby Wedding Photographer
Jessica and Isaac got married on a rainy spring day at THE MANOR by Peter and Pauls in Kettleby Ontario. This was the first time I had shot at The Manor and it is such a lovely venue. Rain or Shine! Despite the rain the sun was shining so there was still a warm glow over the entire day.
Dock of the Bay Gravenhurst Wedding | Jenne and Jason | Muskoka Wedding Photographer
Monora Park Pavillon | Orangeville Ontario | Kristen and Marc
When Kristen and Marc contacted me to shoot their wedding at Monora Park in Orangeville, I was really excited for several reasons. 1. Its a quaint but adorable venue. Sort of like a hall, but without the feel of a hall, if that makes any sense. The main room is surrounded by windows and a balcony to outdoors. Then down below is another deck to hang out on during cocktail hour, with fields and hills and woods.
There are many times during your wedding planning process that you may find yourself in front of the camera. From engagement portraits, to showers and parties, and of course, your wedding day!
But have you ever thought about a private intimate session JUST FOR YOU?
I am talking about a Bridal Boudoir session.