Anthony & Julie's Muskoka Wedding | Regatta Gravenhurst

With the beauty of true Muskoka country surrounding them, Anthony and Julie pledged their lives to each other before friends and family.  It was under blue sky full of fluffy white clouds that they became one.  The location was stunning - around each corner was yet another breathtaking sight that was screaming to be photographed.

The bride boarded a sparkling wooden boat with her father and approached the Regatta where her groom awaited.  I don't think that there was a dry eye around as Julie's father carefully helped her out of the boat and up the dock to meet Anthony.  What a spectacular entrance and start to a elegant day. 

Damon & Naomi's Gorgeous Burlington Wedding at Spencers on the Waterfront - Wedding Photography

One of the great joys in what we do is when we get to present a bride and groom with all of their beautiful wedding images for the first time.  This is a magical moment that makes all of our hard work worth every late night.

We recently had the privilege of showing Damon & Naomi their beautiful wedding images in her parents home.  We set-up a projector and the "big screen" for the premier of their wedding images.  There were tears of joy and bursts of laughter....as they re-lived their romantic wedding day.  Love you guys!

Damon & Naomi - Wedding on the Waterfront

When I think back on Damon & Naomi's wedding day I have to smile about all of the "uniqueness" that it held.  Each of these unique elements added to the specialness of their union and made it a joy for us to document through our photography.  Here are just a few  of the many things that made this day what is was:

A sunny Thursday in April...a little glimpse of Spring among the rainy days
                Dads filling special roles...officiating and best-man
Lovely, supportive children...filled with joy
               An intimate ceremony overlooking the waterfront
The gown...well, it was just stunning

Fortelli Salon & Spa  http://www.fortelli.com/

Spencers at the Waterfront http://www.spencers.ca/

flowers by Sweetpea's http://www.sweetpeablooms.ca/

A "Happily-Ever-After" Story

In our line of work, we get to smile...allot!  One wedding that always brings a smile to my heart is Ryan and Nicole. 

Nicole became a beautiful friend to us long before she had met Ryan.  She is one of those people that brings joy with her when she walks into a room.  When she told us about Ryan entering her life we were thrilled for her!  Not long after, a wedding date was arranged ♥

Due to a schedule conflict, we almost were not able to shoot their wedding.  With a little arranging (and re-arranging) we were able to be a part of their wonderful day and capture these beautiful moments as they started their lives together.

Bridal Guide - Timing is Everything!

Timing is Everything!

You have spent the past months planning and dreaming about your day.  The dress is perfect, the flowers are to "die-for" and the man...well he is as flawless as they come ☺  But what about the actual flow of the day?  After working so hard on each piece of the "wedding day puzzle" you want to ensure that they fit together seamlessly.  Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you work out your Wedding Day Schedule: 

• Hair & Make-up: Usually it is a good idea to have the bride start hair & make-up about 2 hours before she plans to put on her dress.  It may make for an early morning but it is worth it to look your very best on this once-in-a-lifetime day.  It is a good idea to book a trial-run for hair and make-up about two weeks before the wedding to ensure that your stylist knows exactly what will work best for you on your wedding day.   
• Lunch:  Most bridal parties are still in prep mode over the lunch-hour.  Pizza, wraps or sandwiches make for a great wedding-day lunch.  They are light and easy to manage...great to eat on the go.  Don't forget to drink water!  You are under more pressure than you are use to, your body needs all of the proper nutrition and hydration it can get. 
• Travel & Buffer Time: One thing that is a MUST to any wedding day schedule is plugging in actual travel time and what we call "buffer time".  Some areas to think about:  Travelling to and from the salon, travel to and from the formal photograph location, travel to the reception location, etc.,..  Some "buffer times" to consider are the bride and groom leaving the church after the ceremony (at least 15 to 20 min to get through all of the well-wishers) and freshening-up before the reception.
• Getting to the Church:  It is a great idea to have the parents of the bride escort the bride to the ceremony location.  The transition from getting the bride out of the car and walking her down the aisle is smoother this way...and it makes for priceless photographs!
• The Ceremony:  The average ceremony lasts between 30 to 45 min. depending on what kind of elements that you include into the ceremony.  If you are adding in any special music, it is a good idea to have the bride & groom busy doing something (such as signing the marriage certificate) rather than just standing still in front of all of the guests.  When working on your schedule, don't forget to add "buffer time" directly after the ceremony for lots of hugs from friends & family members.
• Family Photographs:  It is a great idea to have your family photographs done at the same location as the ceremony, directly following the ceremony.  The night before at the rehearsal dinner be sure to inform all of the family members of a specific meeting place that you would like for them to be at once the ceremony is completed.  Family photographs usually take about 30 mins.
• Bridal Party:  If you are planning on having your formal bridal party photographs done at a separate location, ensure that you have planned for travel time as well as transportation to and from that location.  Apart from travel time, allow for about 1 hour to get all of the formal bridal party photographs done.  Because these are some of your closet friends, you don't want to feel rushed at this point...enjoy the celebration of the day with them.  The more relaxed your party feels, the better your formals will be!
• Just the Two of You:  Next to the actual ceremony, this is THE most important time of the day!  We like to complete the bridal party formals and then dismiss all of the party members so that just the bride and groom can be alone together.  Plan on a 1 hour window of time for the two of you to enjoy this special moment together while being photographed.  We have seen the most amazing images come to life over this intimate time and we highly recommend planning this precious time into your day.
• Receiving Line:  Here is a great way to catch-up on your schedule should your day be running behind.  Many couples choose to bypass the traditional receiving line for a more personal alternative.  As your guest enjoy their dinner, walk around to each table and greet your guest individually.  This gives you a chance to relax and move around while also giving your special guests direct access to you as a couple.
• Reception:  Time to party!  It is a good idea to schedule speeches as the dinner is being served.  This will allow your guest to fully enjoy the festivities and will eliminate any uncomfortable moments that may happen should your guest have to wait speeches to conclude before they get their dinner. 
• Cake:  Try to cut your cake early into the reception.  Many of your elderly guests (as well as your photographer!) will appreciate this gesture as a late night may be difficult for them. 

So much to think about!  With a little planning, all of the elements of your day will come together nicely! 

VP Studios Photography has a few more openings for 2011 weddings.  Contact us to check date availability and get more information on our wedding packages. 

A Kiss to Build a Dream On...

Don't You Just Love That Beautiful Moment Found In A Kiss?

Sometimes it's two love birds hiding behind their hands, sometimes it's dancing in the sunset, sometimes it's dripping in excitement, sometimes it's just seeing the special celebration of a moment drenched with "LOVE". They're all priceless!