Living in the city has me yearning to escape to do some forest bathing every once in a while. I always get so excited to photograph Weddings in Northern Ontario as I truly feel its my home away from home.
Jenny & Oliver, two adventurous lovers who live just outside of Huntsville decided to get married at Jenny’s parents property on Bella Lake. They got ready on an island in Algonquin Park where Jenny’s family cottage is. A family friend picked me up from the barge at Canoe Lake, & I remember how lovely the September breeze was that day. I arrived on the quaint little Island with two victorian cottages (two of the oldest cottages in Algonquin Park). I loved spending the afternoon with Jenny, Oliver & their group of friends among the pine trees, everything from the little presents Jenny & Oliver gave one another (Jenny gave Oliver a painted Canoe Paddle that had her favorite e.e. cummings quote on it — also one of my favorites! — and Oliver gave her 2 beautiful sets of earrings). They had their first look down a path of pine trees, with all their friends witnessing the special moment. After roaming through the forest & taking some pictures of the group, we left the island and headed to Bella Lake. The ceremony took place place outside, where Jenny’s dad had built the seating from planks & logs of wood. A sucker for Boni Iver myself, I held back some tears as Jenny walked down the aisle to Holocene, giving hugs to her dad, grandma & their family dog Forest, along the way. The ceremony was filled with so many beautiful & emotional moments, as well as an impromptu little dance as they waited for their exit song to come on (LOVED this moment so much).
After the ceremony we took the boat out to a small island as the sun was setting & took some photos of Jenny, Oliver, & Forest. As two people that are connected to the Earth & nature, I was so happy they wanted to take some time together & be photographed in this beautiful landscape, especially a place that means so much (Jenny recently sent me a photo of the same island covered in snow, with a skating rink they made for the season).
Their reception was a 5 minute walk away through a forest of lights, & accompanied by photographs of Jenny & Olivers love story. You arrived at a beautiful clear tent covered with bistro lights, harvest tables, eclectic glassware, & flowers that Jenny herself grew! I was truly touched by how much DIY love was put into the Wedding. From the Guest Table Sign that had everyones photo on it indicated where they are seated, to Jenny’s beautiful lace wedding dress that was hand-made by a family friend, to the Wedding Cake which was made by Olivers mom & her friends; & so much more. It made me want to photograph all the details so much more knowing how much love was put into it.
I believe I’ve rambled on enough - just watch the slideshow or check out their story in photographs below!
The lovely Huntsville vendors:
Florist (bouquets & flower crowns): Cottage Country Flowers
Catering: The Family Place Restaurant
Hairstylist: Maggie from Best Hair Design
Makeup: The Hudson luxury spa
Bridal Robe: By Catalfo
Wedding Dress, Bridesmaids Dresses, Rings: all hand made!
