It was super cold as we drove down the windy, dirt roads after Melanie + Michael’s wedding, but we still had the windows down. Why you might ask? Because I get car sick fairly easily on super winding, bumpy, hill-y roads and there was no other way to describe the route out from their quite remote wedding location.
Don’t get me wrong, it was stunning! So much so in fact, that I didn’t get too bothered on the drive up because I was so distracted by the gorgeous Fall colours. But it was getting dark on the way home, and I was very tired, so the nausea definitely set in and remained for almost the entire drive home. But it was a million per cent worth it to get to work among that beautiful nature, and with this amazingly sweet couple again!
Melanie + Michael haven’t had the best of luck when it comes to planning their wedding day. Like with so many couples these days, covid pretty much destroyed their plans again and again. But these two didn’t let it get them down for too long and in the end they planned a wedding that was not only beautiful, but one that was also extremely safe for everyone involved. Custom masks were made for guests, and a hand washing station was available for guests (as well as an abundance of hand sanitizer). Food was prepared in individual containers, something that is obviously horrible for the environment, but necessary for health + safety right now, and everyone respected the social distancing requirements. Mel + Michael had everything mapped out, complete with floorplan and lists, and had even combed through provincial regulations to make sure they weren’t missing anything (another time when my previous engineering career came in handy as those regs tend to take some experience to read and interpret properly). Given the remoteness of the location, it would have been easy for all of these things to be left out, and for everyone to just ignore all guidelines and regulations, but Melanie + Michael weren’t about to let that happen and made sure they had planned a day that was super duper safe, and definitely wouldn’t become a negative statistic. Hats off to them for going above and beyond in this department!!
But that wasn’t the only area where this hard-working couple went above and beyond in planning for their day. They moved around equipment and hay to decorate the area with authentic decor, brought in backup equipment and generators just in case, and hung oh so many lights, which created a beautiful, romantic feel for their reception. And months before any of that, they were out at the camp clearing bush and making the property the perfect wedding venue. It was a labour of love for a day completely overflowing with love and well wishes for two people who deserved nothing less. And we were so incredibly happy to not only get to capture it all for them, but to just be part of their intimate wedding day.
Thanks to all of these amazing vendors who helped make this wedding possible!
Wedding Photography: Stephanie Beach Photography (that’s us!)
Venue: Private Residence
Bridal Gown + Face Mask: Sinder’s Bridal House
Groom’s Attire: Tip Top Tailors
Groom + Groomsmen’s Accessories: RW & Co. (suspenders) and Stars & Strauss (bowties)
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Azazie and David’s Bridal
Hair Stylist: Nancy from Stephanie Bullock Makeup
Make-up Artist: Arezou from Stephanie Bullock Makeup
Florist: Kelly’s Flowers
Officiant: Patti Koeslag of Thresholds of Life
Stationary: Vistprint
Favours: Weddingstar
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