Summer Wedding Archives | Olive Photography

Ancaster Mill wedding photography is an absolute breeze – there are so many unique and gorgeous spots to take photos!

Oh, this wedding. This wedding was just full of heart. I don’t know how else to say it – Any time I think about this day my heart just fills right up and I feel all warm and fuzzy.

Meghan and Matt had a beautiful Ancaster Mill wedding near Hamilton, Ontario. It was raining in and out throughout the early part of the day, but the skies opened up 15 minutes before the ceremony. There were huge sighs of relief! They were so happy to have their dream outdoor ceremony in such a magnificent garden oasis. Lush hedges stood as walls surrounding the space, making us feel like we were in The Secret Garden. The sun was just starting to shine again through the humid air, producing a beautiful golden glow. It was magic.

It was also so wonderful to witness how much their families supported their union. So much love. The whole day was just full of amazingly good vibes.
Thank you so much, you two, for inviting me to document this special time for you! Wishing you endless joy throughout your new life together as husband & wife <3

If you enjoyed this outdoor wedding, you may enjoy this one too!
Interested in checking out this venue for your own wedding? Here’s their website 🙂 — And be sure to get in touch since I’d love to shoot there again!

There’s definitely something inexplicable about the way the sun beams gently kissed Alicia and Curtis’ shoulders and the way the greenery reached all around them, encircling them, almost as though it were reaching to hug this clearly completely enamoured pair.

They exchanged vows in a wonderful outdoor ceremony which included a sand ritual to honour those who could not physically be there… perhaps the sun beams and amazing good vibes were coming from those passed loved ones they had taken the time to honour.

Curtis’ father is a pastor, and it touched my heart to see him officiate this union – how beautiful to have a parent take such an involved and supportive role in ushering their union.
It was also really touching to see the groomsmen together in prayer before joyfully walking over to the ceremony – where Curtis positively *glowed* with pride and joy as he saw his breathtaking bride-to-be walking toward him, with her parents beside her.

We were lucky to have an extended amount of time after the ceremony to enjoy the gorgeous day and take some photos to commemorate this time for them.

Hope you enjoy!
And don’t forget to read Alicia and Curtis’ love story, written by the lovebirds themselves, at the bottom of this post!

And now, some words from the newlyweds themselves!– Tell us a bit about your love story – How you met and/or how you got engaged?Ours was a true love at first sight story. It began at a Christmas banquet for young adults at a church in Grimsby, Ontario. Alicia was a first time guest there, and Curtis had been attending for some time. Alicia immediately caught his eye. It began with a simple introduction and quickly spiraled into an all out romance. The two became inseparable, not able to go a day without seeing each other.

From then it was only four months before the couple was engaged (to the day from when they became boyfriend and girlfriend). It was a beautiful spring day. Alicia was busy setting up and attending her sister in-law’s baby shower, for her very first nephew. This was the perfect opportunity for Curtis to set up a few things of his own. Curtis picked Alicia up from the shower telling her he had made dinner reservations because he knew how busy she had been throughout the day. She was already dressed up for the shower so it was the perfect opportunity. As she got into the Chevy pick-up truck there was a single red rose resting on her seat beside him. Curtis had planned to give her flowers three times that night.

It began with a romantic candle light dinner in an upscale restaurant Alicia had been wanting to go to for some time. Curtis had gone there earlier and dropped off a dozen roses to be waiting for her at the most romantic table (as requested) when they arrived. They shared an amazing meal together, which included live music as entertainment (perfect with Curtis’ background). From there they proceeded to go on a drive through the scenic back roads of Fonthill, Ontario. Their drive led them to a spot near a river where they had shared romantic walks together many times in the past.

Curtis had excused himself from the vehicle only to return with an acoustic guitar in his hands. He told her he had written her a love song and he wanted to share it with her. After finally calming his nerves he began singing. Alicia was in tears. It was at this time she knew something unforgettable was about to happen. Curtis left the truck to go get Alicia‘s final gift. He returned with a beautiful blue orchid in his hands (Alicia‘s favorite flower). Tied to the the flower was a small bag with an engagement ring in it. Curtis untied the ring from the flower, got down on one knee (in the mud I might add) and asked her to marry him! The rest in now history.

-The Groom

– What was/were your favourite wedding moment(s) (bride & groom)
Bride: My Favourite wedding moments were the ones spent together, just the two of us. With the hustle and bustle of the day, going for a wild ride in the Chevy Bel-Air, taking pictures and walking down in the enchanted forest, and of course stopping to play with the squirrels and ducks, felt as if I was able to hit the pause button; they will forever be ingrained in my memory.
Groom: My Favourite moment was seeing my bride for the first time, it is a moment I will never forget. I also loved the opportunity to share our special day with all my Family and Friends!

– Any advice for engaged couples planning their wedding?
Don’t let the little things get to you. Do your best to plan and be prepared, but not to the sacrificing of your relationship. On that special day, simply enjoy each other. Enjoy your family and friends. Most importantly… HAVE FUN!

Any final thoughts about the big day/experience of getting married that you’d like to share?
The day will go by faster than a blink of an eye. Try your best to really take in the moment (especially the alone ones with your spouse-they will be rare) … And if you think you won’t be able to, Hire a great photographer like Anastasia (Olive Photography) …it will help when that moment has past and you look back at what it really was… to Marry the Love of Your Life.

-The Bride

Details:
– Dress: Annette’s Bridal, St. Catharines, Ontario

– Shoes: Nine West

– Bridesmaids: The Dessy Group

– Veil: Borrowed from Maid of Honor, Iva Laska

– Groom & Groomsmen Suit(s): Tommy Hilfiger, The Hudson’s Bay Co.

– Bouquets: Vermeer’s Garden Centre & Flower Shop, Welland, Ontario

– Centrepieces: Custom-Made by Bridal Party

– Cakes : Above and Beyond, Welland, Ontario (salted caramel)

-Favours: The Madsen Family Apiaries, Lowbanks, Ontario

– Venues: Illuminaqua Centre, Merritt Park, Welland, Ontario

Reception: John-Michael’s Banquet Hall, Thorold, Ontario

Ancaster Mill Wedding – Meghan & Matt

Alicia & Curtis’ Enchanted Summer Wedding