In the past decade, I have traveled to many unique and beautiful places to photograph people as they celebrate their love and comittment. Until Martha and Jimmy’s wedding, I had never even heard of Shedden, Ontario…it was well worth the journey to experience the magical forest that they had created. Guests were treated to dinner and dancing under the stars in a forest lit by candles and chandeliers in the trees. I think it was a dream come true for this couple as they exchanged their vows!

 

-Photographed by Lindsay

Describe the vision/theme you had for your wedding in 5 words or less:  one word: fairytale. To match the way everything has always felt with James.

What are your favorite memories of your wedding day?
Bride: I loved the entrance and cocktail hour, seeing everyone and being able to spend time with them was something I’ll never forget.
Groom: ah, there are so many. Seeing Martha for the first time was amazing. Seeing her come down the isle was something I had pictured so many times before and now it was really happening. And of course, hanging out with my groomsmen and all of our guests made the day incredible. It was amazing.

Best wedding related decision: having dinner set in the forest. It was the best backdrop we could have asked for. A little risky but worrying about whether it would rain helped me lose that last 5 lbs haha

Favourite detail: erm, that’s a tough one. There are a few that I loved but maybe one of my favourites was the arbour that James and his groomsmen built for us to get married beneath. I felt so honored and lucky to be surrounded by something built by people who love us, just for us. Another favourite had to be the draping that lined the entrance path. To me, that was the beginning of something really beautiful waiting at the end of the path.

Advice for future brides & grooms: When you are tired, stressed and the day is fast approaching, take a night off with your fiance, hang out, chat like you used to when you didn’t have The Wedding coming up. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming and a night off is all you need to refresh and get back to checking things off the list. The beauty is in the details so don’t lose sight and give up. Seeing the day become a reflection of who you both are as a couple, makes it worth every detail.

Would you change anything if you could do it all over again? yes, I would plan more and start sooner haha

VENDORS:Ceremony Location: The Clearing, Shedden | Reception Location: The Clearing, Shedden | Dress: I worked with Lisa Van Hattem to design and make the dress. It was a really cool journey that I would recommend for brides who just can’t find what they’re looking for. | Wedding Planner: Ourselves | Flowers/Decorator: Awe Events | Hair/Makeup: Toni Darling & Taz Salon | Caterer: Culinary Catering | DJ: DJ Lexx, Toronto