This August, I had the pleasure of photographing Lorne & Natasha once again (see their engagement session here), but this time on one of the most important days of their lives! I've said it previously, but these two are such a joy to photograph!! They are constantly smiling and/or laughing, and their love for each other shines so brightly. Please join me in reminiscing on their end of August wedding day!
Details...
Natasha's dress was a stunning designer lace gown purchased through Opportunity Bridal in Thunder Bay. She wore a jewel-studded tiara and non-traditional black heels under her wedding dress. Her bridesmaids wore corsages, and Natasha carried a colourful bouquet hand designed by local florist, Cheers! Lorne handcrafted the ring box that was carried by their son, who was the ring bearer.
Getting Ready...
Natasha and her bridesmaids got ready in one of her bridesmaid's cabin just outside of town. A hairdresser and make-up artist came to the cabin to assist the girls in the getting ready process. Natasha was one of the most chill brides I've ever met on the morning of her wedding, and she may or may not have written her vows that morning! Lorne and his groomsmen got ready in his family's home in downtown Sioux Lookout. He wore a tuxedo from Moore's Clothing, as did his & Natasha's son, who served as their adorable little ring bearer.
The Ceremony...
Lorne & Natasha’s ceremony was held at Ojibway Park, about 20 minutes outside of Sioux Lookout. The day was cloudy and rainy, but the weather definitely didn’t make the ceremony any less beautiful. The bride arrived in an antique Ford, which was also used as the couple’s getaway vehicle, guests sat on rustic handmade benches, the bride was escorted down the aisle by her father (in keeping with traditional wedding customs), and the couple each wrote their own vows, which caused both tears and laughter when shared.
Bridal Party Portraits...
I suppose it makes a lot of sense that a really sweet and fun-loving couple would have an equally awesome bridal party, and that was totally the truth with Lorne & Natasha’s closest friends! I especially loved the true emotion displayed in the “funny photos”, which have definitely been a signature of my wedding photography since basically the beginning of my wedding photography career. It’s the best way to get sweet & sincere laughing photos.
Bridal Session...
Lorne & Natasha have such an amazing and authentic relationship that probably comes from years and years of knowing each other and loving each other. That kind of love and natural chemistry makes my job as a photographer way easier, so no wonder I absolutely LOVE their bridal portrait session that followed their ceremony.
The Reception...
Lorne & Natasha’s reception was held at the local Royal Canadian Legion, which was decorated with a string of lights and in the colours of their wedding. The meal was a meat & potatoes buffet with plenty of very delicious food. The fondant cake, which beautifully depicted their childhood friendship turning into a blossoming relationship, tasted soooo delicious (don’t worry - tasting the cake isn’t the only reason I photograph weddings!). There was a lively garter toss followed by an equally lively bouquet toss, and the couple played the always hilarious "shoe game” (one of my favourites, as my hubby & I played it at our own wedding just over four years ago!). I loved when a huge group of wedding guests of all ages got up to dance to the Macarena and the YMCA! These people were so much fun!! And the late nighters ended the party with Lorne & Natasha's wedding social immediately following the traditional reception festivities!
Photography...
I photographed this wedding with Toronto-based wedding & portrait photographer, Nikki Holt of Nikki Collette Photography, and she did an incredible job in helping me to capture many of these beautiful moments. Please give her work a follow at www.instagram.com/nikkicollettephoto or email her at nikkicollettephotography@gmail.com to inquire about her professional photography services.
Wedding Vendors...
Photography: Athena Marie Photography (Athena & Nikki of Nikki Collette Photography)
Dress: Opportunity Bridal
Tux: Moore’s Clothing
Hair: Kaden Anderson & Veronica Murray
Makeup: Lauren Adams
Bridal Bouquet: Cheers
Antique Vehicle: Wayne Frejek
Caterer: Heather Coulson
Cake: Dianne Ningewance
DJ: Volt Entertainment