It was a game of cat and mouse, never was the saying “timing is everything” more appropriate. These two took turns having crushes on each other during high school and just missed dating several times. When all the planets and stars aligned for Shawn and Tricia – it had to mean that this was the right time, the right person – forever. Watching these two last weekend I can’t help but think of their personalities as I knew them in high school. Tricia is still energetic and great at planning and Shawn is still funny and easy going. These two together planned an amazing day with thought and love.

When Tricia sat in my office and explained to me that their would be two ceremonies I was kind of sceptical but then she told me we would have three hours in between for photos and I was silenced. WOHOOOO! Three whole hours! I was so excited. Then I stopped jumping around (figuratively not literraly) and listened to what the second ceremony would be. It was Shawn’s sister presiding over the ceremony as the “officiant” and then couples from inside of their friends and family who have been married for different amounts of time (something like 1 year – 5 years – 25 years and 30 years) would come up and share their secrets to a successful marriage and advice for the bride and groom. That plus stories from the maid of honour and best man = hardly a dry eye in the house. How could you not feel the magic of this story telling when these two spoke aloud their handwritten vows . . . “I love you because. .” Simple, heartfelt words – so powerful! Just to speak aloud all of the reasons why you love someone is incredibly moving.

This past weekend we had Colleen & Jochen (and Tim & Christine) over to our house for dinner after our trash the dress session. Somehow we stumbled upon this conversation of why Jochen thought Colleen was it forever and visa versa – it was so funny to hear that a “mean cup of tea” was a factor. Shawn and Tricia’s speech was similar – they loved each other not just because of who each other is but rather who they are together. As Shawn said (can’t quote but I’m pretty sure) he loves Tricia because she makes him a better person it became clear to me that the cheesy line from Jerry Maguire is just so appropriate. “You complete me” – This past weekend two halves became whole and with every inch of the day planned with their love in mind, the day was a tribute to them both. They didn’t want to have a wedding that was the same as anyone else’s and I truly believe they acheived their own uniqueness. Here’s a few photos to show you what I mean….

Tricia’s room was a dream to shoot details in – big windows, lots of details, and great backdrops. This is her earrings on her lampshade.

Tricia & her father walking down the aisle of the first ceremony; a roman catholic ceremony

A shot from the back of the church

Tricia & Shawn in one of the many vintage cars used for the wedding party. Each wedding party couple had their own vehicle to be driven in and pose with. You’ll see what I mean in the next photo.

Even the flower girls had a car! This was such a unique idea and a great way to include Shawn’s personality into the day. I have to say these cars are gorgeous and wonderful backdrops for photos and I had the er “pleasure” of riding in one. It was quite comfortable and you can definitely feel the power of the car when accelerating but I have to say that the hills near Decew Falls is probably not where I would have picked to ride in a vehicle where you feel all the twists and turns heh heh. Bobby (their friend and owner of the vehicle) was a great driver and wasn’t doing anything crazy – it just feels crazy because your not used to feeling so much in a car (unless you drive these kinds of cars all the time or own one) but it was still fun.

Aren’t these two adorable?

All the guys – Soprano’s style

All the ladies looking good !

Hernder’s is such a beautiful place to get married – I love the vines!

Some of the cars coming through the bridge for the “parade” leading up to the second ceremony

Shawn & Tricia heading down the aisle to their second ceremony

This is one of Bryan’s great captures – he said he was waiting for the tears – heh heh – My husband the romantic

After their receiving line Shawn & Tricia were supposed to go inside and be announced but we had a little bit of time so we went out to this field in the back of Hernder’s and wandered onto what is probably someone else’s property and had field day in the field (haha I’m so corny) anyways – everything from this series turned out better than I thought – I love love love the following images

So glad they were about 5 mins late for their reception for these shots!

First dance

and one last final image of Tricia in the coatroom at Hernder’s. Thanks again to both of you and your families for a fun day! PS The reason why none of my images have any watermarks on them = Shawn & Tricia’s photos are already fully edited and in their hands!

Being in love and choosing to marry someone is a decision made up of so many factors. I love seeing the intricacies of my client’s relationships and finding out why and how they have chosen to be together forever. Katherine and Andrew are one of those couples I would classify as a couple that perfectly compliments each other. Separate they are wonderful people but together they are whole, although a cheesy line from a movie the line “you complete me” make sense for these two. The wedding was at Hernder’s and overseen by the very bubbly and definitely capable, Caitlyn. The day was beautiful – the couple happy – things mostly on time and the love was definitely in the air. Here is what I loved about this couple . . .

1. As I said in the post for their engagement session if you want Andrew to smile just ask him to look at Katherine – I will never forget his face as she walked down the stone steps of Hernder’s walkway, the sun setting behind her and her mother on one arm – her father on the next. As she rounded the corner Andrew’s face went from being stoic and solemn to a wide brimming smile that surpassed the edge of his mouth all the way to his eyes. Upon seeing Andrew – Katherine lit up brighter than the sun behind her and everyone watching could see it.

2. That Katherine’s parents had just celebrated 36 (I’m pretty sure I got that right but maybe not) years of marriage together and that Katherine and Andrew had the DJ play the same song that their parents danced to on the night they met as a special dance for them. I cannot lie and have to admit at this point the camera was firmly in front of my face as I wanted to document this special moment but it was also to block the guests from seeing that I was crying like a baby.

3. That both Andrew and his dad shoot Nikon! I know this must seem like such a silly thing to put in here but I will never forget the first meeting I had with these two and when Andrew told me that his father runs a sports photography business it made me a little nervous. Shooting for any other photographer is always a little nervewracking but when the next question out of Andrew’s mouth was “what kind of camera do you shoot with?” I worried perhaps I had encountered a die hard Canon user and have to defend my Nikon goodness. When I answered Andrew smiled and was very happy as he shoots Nikon as well and promptly named another brand and told me if I had answered that I would have been out of the running! It was a joke but I always like to find little things in common with clients so that I can relate to them and this was something in common that I found funny!

4. Katherine’s face as she opened Andrew’s gift – it was priceless a mix of happiness – incredulity – and contentment. A set of diamond earrings for her to wear that day – and a card that expressed his deepest feelings – along with a warning to anyone who read the card that shouldn’t have that they were not to repeat what was in it! Ok Andrew, I just said you expressed your feelings but didn’t say what feelings those were!

5. That they had their ceremony outside at Hernder’s at 5pm – the light was gorgeous and the temperature wasn’t too bad either. I think (although I am not sure) that this time might have to do with the fact that Andrew knows about good light! and if it isn’t well just let me choose to believe that. Andrew was definitely concsious about certain things during the ceremony and at one point made me laugh because I could tell he was moving himself and Katherine into a position that would make a better photo for the sake of making a better photo! It was like the groom being my assistant and it made for some really awesome ceremony shots!

I could list so much more but in all honesty I’d just love to show you some of the shots from the day!

Katherine in the lobby of the Four Point Sheridan in St Catharines just before the wedding!

Katherine was a stunning bride! Here she is walking down the aisle

The happy couple walking up the aisle’

I love catching that moment just – RIGHT – before the kiss

Thanks again to Katherine and Andrew for including both Bryan and I in your day! I wish you all of the very best in the future!