I am quite late in posting this blog but I promise the reason is good (it always is – at least in my mind). I am a bit of a hormonal mess due to the pregnancy and well this makes writing from an emotional place very difficult and sometimes overwhelming. Michelle & Justin’s wedding would definitely be classified as an event that would put me in an “emotional place”. Their love, their families and the absolute joy they share in being together touched me in such a profound way. It didn’t help either that Bryan and I just found out that we’re having a boy and witnessing a wedding where there was such a strong bond between Justin and his family just about did me in. His Mother’s speech had me in tears and I was thankfully in a dark corner editing the reception slideshow so no one could see!

I have to say that doing this wedding as the second wedding in a weekend was very difficult, my pregnant body does not move quite the same way as it normally does, which takes some getting used to. Being so tired I called a friend and fellow colleague on Saturday morning begging for some help during the reception. Luckily, Nataschia Wielink of Nataschia Wielink Photography came and rescued me during the reception – I cannot say enough to thank her – and other photographers don’t ever forget that it’s better to make friends with other photographers so you can help each other out – than shun sharing anything and stay in your little corner.

The day itself was beautiful and the rain held off during the formal photos – it seems my luck from last year is continuing this year! Cross my fingers that it keeps going this way!

I cannot say enough about this couple, they remind me of myself and Bryan in that they are so completely at ease with each other, and Michelle – this next part is for you. Not only was Michelle gorgeous but so considerate – always worried about how I was feeling. Michelle was a dream bride to photograph because her face is so expressive – without restraint she is one of those people that enjoys life to the fullest, laughs with her whole heart and holds nothing back – and it’s plain to see how much Justin loves her because when he looks at her his whole face lights up just as much as hers. Your going to see in some of these photos what I mean about Michelle’s (and even Justin’s at times!) expressions. None of them we’re fake, or contrived – her laughs and smiles came from a candid, real and honest place – Just like Michelle herself.

Their gorgeous rings on these cups I found in Michelle’s Parents house

Michelle’s mom’s face as she watched Michelle putting on her dress

This is Michelle at her parents house in a little porch overlooking the front of their property

Waiting for her romeo

This is Michelle getting into her dad’s vintage mustang – Doesn’t she look like Audrey Hepburn?

Michelle and Justin outside JUST after the ceremony – escaping the crowds!

Ok this photo needs an explanation! We had some creepy paparazzi people (complete strangers) that were following us in the park where we were and taking photos from behind trees and stuff. Being hormonal and pregnant I muttered something about how crazy some people are and Michelle offered to have one of her bridesmaids go and say something to them and I told her not to worry about it – next things I know her brother pipes up and says “I have a bullet in my pocket”. This photo was everyone’s reactions to that comment – Needless to say their mind was probably in the gutter! He was actually talking about a bullet he had on his keychain but it didn’t come out the way he meant it. Very funny, and made for great faces in the photo.

Michelle’s dress was gorgeous and I just couldn’t resist getting her to spin around in it!

We shot at the gorgeous Queenston Heights – it was so beautiful!

Bryan and I would just like to thank Michelle & Justin and their families for including us in their day. Thanks also for your patience for this post – how funny that they have their wedding photos before I get the blog post up!

Wishing you friendship and love,

Amanda