Wedding’s are such a beautiful event to witness and to shoot, but they are also a lot of pressure. There are just so many emotions culminating simultaneously. Family dynamics, nerves, and the pressure to capture these incredible raw moments that happen in an instant.
For us, it’s the most high pressure situation we face because nothing is scripted, directed, and there are always unforeseen challenges. It’s nothing like a commercial gig. You can’t wait for the right light, or for that storm to pass. You can’t ask the mother of the bride if she would mind replicating that moment when she smiled and wiped away a tear. You can’t re-arrange the venue to improve the composition, or lighting for speeches.
Essentially, you need to work dynamically with what is happening to capture every moment in the best possible way. In short, wedding photography / videography is not easy, and it requires incredible versatility and intuition.
That being said, weddings are still one of the most magical things to capture, and any time you have a bride and groom with a great attitude, and supportive and uplifting family and friends, it can be incredibly inspiring and fulfilling. Sam & Jon’s wedding was the epitome of this, and just goes to show how the right attitude and outlook on life changes everything in your life and also the lives of people around you.
Sam & Jon were essentially the polar opposite of what you might imagine of a “typical” bride and groom. They are two of the most easy going, light-hearted and fun people you will ever meet. They warned us they were not big on posing for images, and didn’t love being in front of the camera, so we tried to keep the portrait sessions light and focus on candid captures.
The day started at Cleveland’s House where the boys got ready, and from the moment we arrived we could see that this was a unique and fun crew. The guys got dressed in their suits and ties with Air Jordan’s and laughed their way though the photo-shoot, with bro-style PDA’s and high fives.
The weather forecast for the day was looking pretty dismal and people were trying to stay optimistic, but it was looking like it was going to be a rain day. Luckily the bride and groom made peace with whatever the weather was going to be and focussed on the important stuff. Marrying their best friend, and having a blast with the people nearest and dearest to them.
The girls got ready in the cottage, and wore matching pink rompers. This group of girls was one of the closest I have ever seen. They loved and supported one another like a tribe, and every single one of them was not only drop dead gorgeous, but kind hearted, and an absolute joy to be around.
On the other hand, the light in the cottage was the worst thing you could possibly imagine. It was dark, so the make-up artists used orange construction lights to get some light on their craft. But it made for a pretty challenging edit to get the images looking decent in post. For the key shots and all of the detail shots, we brought the ladies into the screened in muskoka room, or in the tent to get some flattering natural light.
Regardless of the light, the beauty and positive energy of the women transcended into the final images, and proved the energy and beauty of the moment always trumps these little imperfections. Sam’s mom Cathy helped her do up her dress and had a couple special mother daughter moments together, then everyone grabbed umbrellas and headed down to the tent for the first look.
At this point it was clear the rain wasn’t going to break and everything, including the ceremony and portraits would have to be in the tent. The decision was made, and as soon as it was, everyone made the most of it.
The tent was decorated beautifully. The details were all very whimsical and cottage inspired. Soft and feminine ferns hanging from above, greenery with pops of white flowers, wicker, white candles and gold accents. Everything was coordinated and planned down to the smallest detail by dream team wedding planners Ashley Pigott Events.
The first look was beautiful and so sincere. The look on Jon’s face was absolutely priceless, and the video really highlights the specialness of the moment in such a profound way. He was giddy when he saw her, and it’s easy to see why.
Sam looked truly stunning. Her dress was beautiful and understated. One of my favourite dresses to date. She looked truly gorgeous and from head to toe and so happy.
True to their personalities, these two had an ultra short ceremony, which meant we really had to be on our game. The ceremony was quick, but really beautiful, and their officiant was Sam’s uncle Ross.
As promised, we kept the portraits as short as possible, knowing that these would be important memories, but that everyone was eager to celebrate, let their hair down and enjoy the evening.
After the ceremony, the party began and everyone had a blast during cocktails, and listening to all the amazing speeches. It was the perfect mix of knee slapping anecdotes and emotional heartfelt tearjerkers. The dynamic between the families and friends was something truly rare and special to witness.
After speeches the bridge and groom couldn’t get out of their formal attire fast enough. They quickly changed into white track suits and got comfortable to enjoy the rest of the evening filled with impeccably made moscow mules, a colorfully lit dance floor with smoke machine and an epic dj who also happened to be a good friend of the grooms. Luckily the rain let up towards the end of the night and everything winded down with the most extravagant firework display you can possibly imagine.
It was truly a wedding we will never forget, and an absolute honour for us to capture and re-tell the story of the day.
Thank you Sam & Jon for allowing us to be a part of your special day, and for being amazing humans that we can all look to for inspiration. I know you two have a lifetime of happiness ahead of you.
