Between the glowy dawn and the golden sunset about 15 hours later, there was a gorgeous bride in a lace dress, a handsome groom, and a moment where they became husband and wife at this beautiful Oxford County wedding.

ALL THE DETAILS

When I first arrived at Kristen’s family home, there was so much excitement in the air. The bond between the girls could be felt, and Kristen’s sweet mama was busy making sure that the day would go off without a hitch, preparing a delicious lunch. This Oxford County wedding day was a pleasantly warm one, perfect to photograph all the details outside! And if you’ve seen Kristen’s ring from THEIR ENGAGEMENT SESSION, you’d know I was excited to photograph that again! From a very dainty spring invitation suite to the florals that Melanie so generously provided for me to use, this first hour of the day was a perfect way to get a good idea of how to photograph the rest of the day. Bertus spent a small hour with the gentlemen at the couple’s new home, and before long both bride and groom were ready for their first look.

AT THE INN

We can’t imagine the butterflies as Kristen walked up to her groom. We can’t even comprehend the excitement as André turned around to see his bride. There she was, in a gorgeous lace ballgown, looking prettier than she’d ever looked. (We have trouble wrapping our minds around that one, as Kristen just exudes beauty, inside and out, and everyone notices.) It took a few moments before André gathered his words and got over the initial wow factor. We completely understand.

The grounds at Elm Hurst Inn were aglow in the spring sunshine. As we started photographing their bride and groom portraits, the initial nerves wore off, and these two were as easy to photograph as they were at their engagement session. The bridal party just looked like perfection, but their laughter was more memorable than anything. We enjoy spending time with every wedding party. All the members of this one happened to know one another, which really made it a blast.

 FROM HEREON TILL FOREVER

After the delicious lunch prepared by Kristen’s mom, the entire clan headed to the ceremony. Where they had hoped to have their wedding in their church, that was not made possible. Thankfully, an outdoor option had been made available. Kristen and André made their vows with such deep conviction, that it brought us back to our wedding day. Especially during this uncertain time, it was incredibly wonderful that the entire immediate family was able to gather together and be part of this important day.

After the family portraits (that just flew by, thanks to Bert’s help as always), we spent a little more time with the entire bridal party at another outdoor location, after which the couple went to greet the Groom’s grandparents. Being part of those special moments just makes our day, and it’s so excited to capture those little moments (even though they’re not all shared in this blog post.)

AN EVENING TOGETHER

After all the portraits were captured, the couple headed to a private location for a delicious dinner prepared by Dora’s Catering. After a busy day, what more could one want than a burger and poutine? We’re not joking, this dinner was such a treat at the end of a beautiful wedding day, and it fitted the couple to perfection. Hannah and Craig, another sweet DVI couple, were the best table-mates, and it was wonderful to catch up with them during dinner. Quality time together was the main goal for André and Kristen. We believe that the instruction-less lego sets, cute programs, and great speeches were the main contributing factors. Grandparents and teenagers alike were involved in fitting together little lego pieces to make up a mysterious design. Some tables might have cheated and Googled the instructions, but the evening was fun nonetheless.

From the moment we first received Kristen and André’s inquiry we knew this would be a special one. These two are part of our Dutch community. Kristen also works at the school where Bertus also worked for 11 years. I left our consultation with so much excitement, and we’ve loved every moment that we got to spend with these two. We can see the love they have for each other. But also for their loved ones, their community, and for God. Kristen and André, your marriage is a few weeks old. We wish you God’s blessing for the next 50 or more years together. Only God knows how long, but it’s evident to everyone around you how strong your marriage will be. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the opportunity to serve you. We cannot wait to see what God has in store for you!

The Vendor Team

First Look & Pre-Ceremony Portraits Venue | Elm Hurst Inn
Hair | Hair by Sarah Beeke
Dresses | Sew Stylish Wedding Works
Men’s Suits | Stars & Strauss
Florals | Twigs Florals
Rings | JH Young Jewellers
Invitations | Sylvia Verhey
Decor | Wedding Connections