I remember telling Jen that her guests would never forget her wedding day. And I can confirm, a year and a half later, that it is still one of the most memorable weddings I’ve had the pleasure of documenting. Like every other couple planning an outdoor ceremony, Jen and Blake kept an eye on the weather leading up to the big day. When it looked like rain, they picked up a bunch of umbrellas and decided to make the best of it, hoping that the rain would hold off at least during their vows, which were to take place on the beautiful terrace at Oakwood Resort in Grand Bend. Well, the rain did not hold off for the ceremony, in fact it picked up as the ceremony start time approached. But not only did the rain not dampen anyone’s spirits (pun not intended, but appropriate!), they decided to go ahead with the outdoor ceremony anyways. Big kudos to the incredible Oakwood staff as well as the amazing team at Unmistakably You and Melissa Snyder, their fearless officiant who pulled it off without a hitch. Another big thank you goes out to my second shooter, Melissa Pushelberg, who followed me around with an umbrella as I shot the ceremony from every angle. I’m sure that was quite the arm workout (especially since I am 6 feet tall)! :) Everything went smoothly, everyone was happy (albeit a bit wet!), and Jen and Blake got an outdoor ceremony they (and their guests!) will never forget. It was so special to look out onto the sea of umbrellas as their guests stood in the rain, watching with smiles and laughter as Jen and Blake said “I Do” under their own shared umbrella. I did not hear a single complaint, and if anything the rain added extra charm and character to their day. It was such a memorable wedding, and I am so happy to be sharing some favourites here on the blog.

Venue: Oakwood Resort, Grand Bend

Caterer: Oakwood Resort (chef Rory)

Photographer: Raw Footage Photography

Second Shooter: Melissa Pushelberg

Florist: The Garden Gate Gifts & Flowers, Grand Bend

Hair: Sommer Hair Studio

Makeup: Britt Darling Make Up

Dress: Novia Mia, Red Deer (Madison James dress)

Suit: Rob Rae Clothiers, Red Deer (custom suits)

Rings: Marlow Designs, Calgary

Planner: Unmistakably You, London (Amy, Jenn, & Kaleigh)

Decorator: Oakwood + Unmistakably You

Rentals: NJS Designs

Doughnuts: Culbert's Bakery, Goderich

DJ: Vanrock, London (Adam)

Officiant: Melissa Snyders

Ceremony Music: Encore Music, London

Today I'm reminiscing about that rainy, gloomy October day when Evan and Elissa said "I Do" at the beautiful Elsie Perrin Williams Estate. I love it when couples make their wedding day theirs, and these two planned a day that was totally unique. A first look followed by dinner, all before the candlelit outdoor ceremony that Elissa had her heart set on. I've already mentioned the rain, and rain it did. A lot. We got through most of our portraits before it really started coming down, and as dinner and speeches got started, we all kept an eye on the weather forecast as the rain kept falling. I cannot praise the staff at Elsie Perrin enough for doing everything they could to make Elissa's dream for an evening candlelit ceremony come true. From wiping down every single seat repeatedly to lighting every single tea light candle in the rain - not an easy task. As often happens, things went later than expected, and it was completely dark outside by the time we all got out for the ceremony. But everyone came together to make it happen. Guests sat on semi-wet chairs with huge smiles on their faces, not a single complaint. The officiant took out a reading light to read in the dark, and the live musicians took shelter in the gazebo. Despite it being a candlelit ceremony, there was very little light for us to work with as the only candles were on the ground. Big thanks to my second shooter, Melissa Pushelberg, for holding my video light and somehow following my signals (in the dark, no less) as I tried to direct her on where to point it while shooting is very tricky conditions (both the lack of lighting and the slippery mud!). It was truly a team effort, but seeing Elissa's huge smile made it all worth it. She got her outdoor candlelit ceremony, and everyone came away with a heartwarming story about a truly unique wedding. :)