I was sitting on my couch perusing facebook – relaxing after having shot a long wedding the previous weekend and a notification popped up that I had received a new message from another local photographer. Normally I am TERRIBLE at replying to facebook messages as I find the whole interface messy and prefer emails but I hopped over to the messages section to take a peek. Angela, one half of the team at Gemini photography had sent me a lovely message with greetings from her Mother (Cathy Martin of Cathy Martin flowers) and inquiring if *maybe* I was available for her wedding that was just over a month away. She had previously hired two former colleagues of hers from a major studio in Toronto and while one of them was still committed to shooting the wedding (Micheal Grills) the other unfortunately due to a personal reasons had to back out. Both Angie and Dan as professional photographers themselves were adamant about having not just one photographer but rather two – so I was the be the second “main” shooter. My OCD brain had a million questions and honestly having never worked with Micheal before (an established shooter for many more years than myself I am sure) I had no idea how it would all work but I was definitely excited.
Being asked to photograph a wedding of another photographer should be daunting I’m sure – maybe even stressful but I have to say that I never was. Angie and Dan are two of the warmest people you could ever meet – they totally get the way I shoot – they looked at my work – told me what they loved and let me do whatever I wanted and just trusted me to do it. That complete deference is what made me totally at ease and just giddy excited to shoot their day. I’m gonna do todays blog post *just* a little bit different and try and narrate the story you see in the images as we go through them…
I started off with the guys and everything was super chill – some music on the laptop – a “few” beers and everything was easy going. Dan and his groomsmen cracked a few jokes about Dan crying when he sees Angie (which he did) and then we took off to do some pictures around the property and for Oast which is a local brewery where the guys got a chance to sample some beer, take a tour and snap some photos (despite the rain).
And then Micheal and I switched spots and I took a turn with the ladies – truthfully Angie had already put her dress on and gotten most of those types of shots with Micheal already but because of the dress’s erm “size” she had to take it off before travelling to the hotel so I got a chance to photograph it going on for the second time! The time we spent in Ang’s room was probably only 15 minutes but they are my favourite Bridal images I have ever shot. Angie and Dan are both easy on the eyes but I think because Angie has worked in fashion she gets how varying your body movements while shooting creates an interesting variety in the images and it was perfect – very little direction needed. My favourite though is a moment between her and her Grandmother – I wanted one snap of them before so I got the lovely safe shot of them looking at the camera but the images after of her Gramma holding her arms – looking at her with so much love behind the laughter on her face is pure magic. This has nothing to do with me – this is all them and I was just privileged to capture it. The last image I got is also up there as a fave (there’s a lot of those with this wedding!) – I like the staircase at Queen’s Landing and while Micheal was at the bottom shooting Angela’s Dad seeing her for the first time I was at the top capturing her walk down – to her father and then eventually to her Groom. I wanted to show the movement of her walking towards all of this – I believe a story can be told with each image and for me I wanted to capture that journey.
Two photographers getting married is sure to equal a beautiful backdrop as they are conscious of photographs but add in a Mother of the Bride thats a florist and an industry of reputable peers that all came together for them and the room was stunning. The guys were right and Dan did cry (so did Angie and her mother) and everyone took a breath in when Angie came down the aisle. It was a simple and sweet ceremony that fit these two perfectly.
Dan’s brother reaching over to offer support – touched me – I hope my boys are that supportive of each other
I live and breathe as a photographer for moments like these above – this is what makes up a family – so much love and happiness
Despite the rain we went outside for photos anyway – it got cold and it got miserable towards the end (my feet are still cold) but darn it – it was totally worth it. I totally appreciate the bridal party for toughing it out and for Angie and Dan putting up with it.
After heading back to the hotel to warm up I went into the reception room to nab a few photos of the decor – Cathy and Angelica – you both did a beautiful job! It was all so stunning that we had to get a few shots of them in the room too.
The reception was so much fun and although I didn’t stay for the party dancing – I did get to see them dance together and with their parents.
It was such a beautiful day – Micheal it was a pleasure shooting with you and everything went better than even my wildest dreams could have imagined. Thank you to you both for including me – for being open to anything I suggested and for braving the weather. I am so happy for you and can’t wait to see the photos from your honeymoon!
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