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A Sunny Autumn Ancaster Mill Wedding | Alexis & Clayton

Wedding

October 30, 2020

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How lucky can you get in October, when your Ancaster Mill wedding day is warm, filled with autumn colour and golden sun? That is was in the air when we gathered to celebrate Alexis & Clayton on a gorgeous summer day.

Clayton’s nerves and excitement was palpable. She was so near him, and he had only to turn around to see his gorgeous bride. The waterfall was roaring right beside him. He heard her voice and turned to see… Alexis. His almost-wife, his best friend, and the love of his life. Within a few strides she was in his arms, and both their eyes filled with tears. It was good that he’d come prepared for it with some facial tissue in his pocket. After so many years as being the most important person in each other’s life, and they would finally get to call each other their spouse. They couldn’t have been more ready!

At the end of this fall season, in Ontario, Ancaster Mill was awash in the most gorgeous colours that Canadian autumns have to offer. The historic venue was the perfect backdrop for the biggest day of Alexis & Clayton’s lives; their wedding!

A Photographer’s Dream

This Ancaster Mill wedding day started at Alexis’ parents picturesque Burlington home. We felt so incredibly blessed as we got to use all the natural, soft light that this house had to offer. Buddy, the family dog, was lounging around, enjoying the attention from all the ladies. The amazing team from Candice Jones Hairstyling & Makeup worked their magic as the 5 bridesmaids enjoyed delicate tea sandwiches with champagne. The style and architecture in the Harrisons’ living room was a photographer’s dream. Along with the lighting it allowed us to capture some unforgettable memories that you can see below.

Clayton and the guys were super relaxed as they got ready at the Marriott in Hamilton. They enjoyed beer and champagne as Bertus captured some details. Being ready perfectly on time, the gents headed outside to be met with a limo that was just pulling up. The driver greeted them, and they all got into the back. Flash forward 5 minutes later, one of the groomsmen figured out they were heading very much the wrong way! The benefit? An interesting tour of Hamilton. Thankfully they made it to the right limo, and to the right location, where the girls were waiting for them.

Ancaster Mill is best explained as a historic place of pride of the community, with modern touches to bring it to the 21st century. Alexis and Clayton chose to have their first look in front of the dam. Just as it was about to happen the light shifted to favour us. The videographer and the two of us were able to capture this beautiful moment from all angles, and as we were editing, we just couldn’t stop looking at the two of them. And the love that is so evident on their faces.

Unforgettable Personal Moments

Alexis and Clayton chose to sign their papers before the actual ceremony. This gave them the opportunity to have no waiting time for their guests at the chapel. And to have their dear friend Dylan officiate the ceremony. Dylan, who had the dual role as groomsman and officiant, might have been nervous, but his service was the most intimate and beautiful thing. He himself had shared so many memories with the couple. He was even present at the moment Clayton asked Alexis to be his wife on top of a mountain. The ceremony included so many special people including grandparents that were still able to attend. We absolutely love it when the preceding generations can see their kids and grandkids (and sometimes even great-grandkids) marry the one who captured their soul.

Fall at the Chapel

It was no surprise that we did some portraits inside the wedding chapel at Ancaster Mill, with the gorgeous 6 foot floral display behind them. Those florals were later moved to the head table. Brad from BBBlooms has some serious talent; his designs were such a joy to capture!

Family and wedding party portraits were visited with a sprinkle of rain, but even that couldn’t ruin this gorgeous fall day. It is said that rain is good luck on a wedding day. We’re not sure if Alexis and Clayton needed it. From popping champagne (that ended in a photo where the bubbly actually shaped a heart; you need to scroll down to see it!) to finding some other gorgeous little hideouts at this venue, Alexis and Clayton were up for any guidance and were just so easy to photograph! We truly wish we’d had more time to capture just the two of them at this Ancaster Mill wedding.

The meal was started with prayer by Alexis’ grandfather, and our eyes filled with tears. Not just at the words, but the fact that he sounded so much like Dianne’s grandfather in the Netherlands. It made us miss him so much, but we were so privileged to capture some special moments between him and his granddaughter throughout the evening. The surf and turf at Ancaster Inn is one of the main reasons we hope to go back someday. That and the absolute attention to detail, of course. You can see that in the venue photos we managed to sneak in there.

Family Means Everything

This family felt like our family by the time we left. We especially loved getting to know Clayton’s mom and sisters. We wish we could adopt them right into the family. Truthfully, all of our weddings leave us feeling like family, and they should. If we don’t, we haven’t done a good enough job getting to really know you. And by getting to know Alexis’ family, we have come to see that she’s kind and generous to a fault. And Clayton, well, like his family, he will go out of his way to ensure that everyone feels loved and taken care of. The entire evening was absolutely heartwarming! Even now our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness for clients like these two. With their recent purchase of a new house, we’re sure their home will be filled with decades of joy, blessings and prosperity.

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