The latest wedding I had the honour of shooting was that of my brother in law Michael and my new sister in law Leah. It was a beautiful weekend spent at the Opinicon resort in the town of Elgin Ontario.
10 YEARS IN THE MAKING.
This wedding was a long time coming. Michael and Leah have been together for 10 years (with a little break somewhere in between just to be sure it was gold) travelling the world, living in different cities together and apart, while laying the ground work for their careers and cultivating life experiences.
It took some team effort to co-ordinate this wedding as Michael is living in Toronto while Leah was away in New Hampshire attending its ivy league institution of higher learning.
WHERE ARE THE RINGS?
All friends and family came together to make it happen and I can say it was a success. There were a few lumps and bumps along the way all the way up to ceremony when nobody remembered to bring the rings! They tried to blame me at first because I took them from Michael to photograph. When I was finished, I promptly placed them back in the box and right into the grooms hand. Where they went after that is anyone’s guess. As my other brother in law squealed his tires on the pavement to drive up to the cottage to fetch them mid-ceremony, I knew this was going to be a wedding to remember.
After that is was smooth sailing, where we all enjoyed a delicious dinner under the tent, heartfelt and emotion filled speeches, dancing, desserts and the Jewish tradition of hoisting the bride and groom into the air on chairs.
HAPPY ENDINGS.
The pair extended their wedding weekend which merged into the honeymoon and vacationed on the Rideau for a few more days.
Welcome to the family Leah and congratulations to both of you!
The Ponderosa lodge was a beautiful spot for the gals to primp and get ready.
Beautiful wedding rings I photographed on a box guitar that Michael and his father in law made!
Having a moment with mom.
The back of this dress designed by Maureen Patricia Bridal was stunning.
Leah suddenly burst into tears from nerves. We thought she was joking…..she wasn’t. A little pep talk from the bridesmaids and she was all smiles.
I went and checked on the boys a time or two….at this point still chilling with mom and aunts.
Suave.
The boys of summer.
We blindfolded Michael as he waited patiently to meet his bride during their “first look”
Love the look on his face when he sees her!
Smart looking wedding party!
We crossed the road over to Chaffey’s locks to get some pics of the about to be newlyweds.
Right about here is when it was discovered there were no rings. To kill time the mic was given to the audience to send their well wishes to the couple. My brother in law returns with the rings making a mad dash down the aisle.
The day was saved and it was tears from here on out.
Mazel Tov! And seal it with a kiss.
This was hilarious, and a wild ride!
The brides mother made this beautiful and tasty cake!
A big shout out to my second shooter Melissa Nannini who helped my day run smoothly.
Photography: Stacey Stewart/Melissa Nannini
Hair: Fringe Studio (Smith’s Falls)
Make-up: Dazzling Faces Make up Artistry (Ottawa)
Flowers/Floral arrangements: Floral Reef designs (North Gower)
Bride and Bridesmaid dresses designed and created by Maureen Patricia Bridal (Toronto)
Groom and Groomsmen Suits: Tiger of Sweden (Toronto)
Cake: Brides mother
Venue: Opinicon Resort, Elgin Ontario
