When Jessica and Dexter contacted me about their Watering Can wedding, I was excited to be able to shoot in such a cool and unique venue. But it was so much more than that. Their wedding day was full of love and connection, relationships built through life and hardships, love and triumphs. The pure joy felt for the couple getting married was beautiful. The wedding day itself, as I’ve said time and again, is an amazing day in the middle of an ordinary life. There is much that happens before and after that day – with sparks of those connections visible. If you watch closely.
I began my day with Jessica, her bridesmaids, and her family at her father’s home. With adorable puppy snoozes and a sweet flower girl getting ready with them, everyone added the finishing touches. While everyone waited outside, Jessica shared a quiet first look with her dad.
Dexter and his groomsmen were outside playing basketball when my assistant for the day arrived – Jess was able to document the guys sharing jokes and laughs while getting dressed before sharing some cigars outside in the gorgeous day.
We all met in the vineyards at Kacaba Winery, a gorgeous blue sky above. Jessica approached Dexter and waited for him to turn for their First Look. We had all joked prior to what his reaction would be and watching him be totally speechless at seeing his stunning bride was the most perfect reaction! A quick photo with the rose bushes his grandfather planted in the vineyard, then the wedding party joined us. As we wrapped up family portraits, Dexter surprised everyone (well, everyone else – he had surprised Jessica a few days before when we saw the weather was going to cooperate) that the actual ceremony would not be in the church as planned, but in the centre of the gorgeous vineyard itself.
Stunned and happy guests arrived by wagon to the beautiful setting complete with a jaw-dropping circular arch made by the incredibly talented team at the Watering Can. Adding another touch of that family core they all shared, Jessica’s grandfather officiated their ceremony. And it was no surprise to see how elated they were to be husband and wife!
The team at The Watering Can transformed one of the store spaces into an incredible reception space. With florals everywhere and touches of Beauty and the Beast, it was truly a dream. Family gathered for a quick toast to the newlyweds before the rest of the guests arrived.
As the sun set outside and the guests were being treated to an incredible dinner, we snuck outside for some much needed few minutes of quiet and grounding. It’s one of those few rare moments to be together and really take in being newly married. Then in keeping with his vows of “sickness and health”, Dexter carried his bride back inside to help bandage a cut on her foot.
The guests were entertained by heartfelt and funny speeches before the bride and groom took the dance floor for an incredible choreographed first dance. Jessica and her dad shared a beautiful dance of their own, then Dexter and his mom were hilariously surprised to hear his dad had changed their song to Barney’s I love You, which had everyone laughing.
Thank you again to you both for choosing me to be there on your day – it was beyond beautiful and the lovely connections throughout the day were touching to be witness to.
vendors
venue The Watering Can
florist The Watering Can
transportation Regional Limousine
hair Style Nouveau
officiant Rudy Krulik
dj Fred Lautenbach
catering Brad Remple Catering
cake/sweets The Watering Can – Pastry Market
rentals Gotcha Covered
dress Marilee’s | Stella York
suit Moores
The Watering Can Wedding | Niagara Storytelling Weddings and Lifestyle Portraits | Darling Mine Photography | available for the Niagara region, GTA and all of Canada for weddings for romantic, adventurous couples | www.darlingmine.ca info@darlingmine.ca | for information on booking wedding coverage, see here
