Genevieve and Mark Tie the Knot- Oaks of Cobden Golf Course-Ottawa Valley Photographers

Genevieve and Mark were Wed at the Oaks of Cobden Golf Course. It was a stunning location for the wedding to take place. In the hours leading up to the union the sky looked very dark. The chance of rain looked ever so likely. However, about 30 minutes before the ceremony, the sun came out! The outdoor ceremony took place in front of a beautifully staged arch that the Groom made himself. There was a sand ceremony to symbolize the union of this couple.

The formal pictures were taken on the golf course and at two farm locations near by. It was humid, but the couple and their wedding party carried on with smiles and laughter! The Wedding Party incorporated the couple’s best friends and family. We had so much fun with this Group! We were honored to be part of this special day. We know Gen and Mark’s future in love will be bright.

Congrats again to this Happy Couple!

 

Vendor Love:

Venue: Oaks Of Cobden Golf Course

Hair: Heidi Clarke

Make Up: Briana Kauffeldt … Makeup Artist and Esthetics

Flowers: The Flower Factory

Reception Venue: Cobden Agricultural Hall

Decor: Margaret Phillips from Creative Perspectives

Videographer: Dan Kirkness from Video Keepsakes

Caterer: Dreams Catering

DJ: Chris Cooper

Wedding Planner: Sarah Jane Leta Neadow from SJL Events

Julie and Billy’s Intimate Wedding Left Us In Awe!

Julie and Billy were such a fun couple! From the moments before to the moments during their Wedding we were in absolute awe at their approach to being Wed. It was a unique wedding that was held at Spectacle Lake Lodge.  Both the Bride and Groom were always completely in the moment. I could see them taking mental images of their day and soaking up all of the Love and warmth that surrounded them via their family and friends.

There was much to love about this wedding, from the bouquets and boutonnieres to the ceremony set upon the beach… it was such a free-spirited event. The Bridesmaids wore their personal choice of a black dress and the Groomsmen wore their own suit with matching shirts and Skinny Ties… So So Awesome! You could tell that everyone who stood in the wedding party was chosen for their role in this couple’s life. They all meant so much to this couple.  Both the Bride and Groom’s family was equally as important to the union and while getting ready at the cabins by the water, I watched Billy share a hug  with almost everyone who walked by.  The couple’s dog Bear was even sporting a tie for the ceremony and later an evening tie that was just the type of special touch that this wedding presented. Everything was elegant yet very meaningful. They had soaps made as favors and even the soap was a custom scent! We were very sad when we got home and realized we left them behind at our seats!

Julie and Billy  gave one another thought out gifts before the wedding.  I delivered them both and felt honored to capture these special moments. Watching the expression on Billy’s face as he opened his was priceless! I think he truly enjoyed having a personal photographer that day. Although he did tease me A LOT he also let himself be open enough that I could capture who he is. It is always a challenge to get a Groom to let himself be captured in the moment, and when Billy was in the moments of his wedding day he was an open book.  I really enjoyed being able to see his friendships with his groomsmen too. Lisa says the same about working with Julie and her girls. It was like they were completely present for every part of this special day.  Again, It was an Honor to share in the getting ready portion of this day.

Saying “I DO” came next. The commissioner, Amber, was the perfect person to officiate this wedding.  This is the second time we have  had the chance to work with Amber and, just like the first time, she completely organized every part of the ceremony specifically for this couple.  She allowed the ceremony to bring their Love to life for all of their guests to witness. I would recommend her to any couple who are looking to have a custom-made ceremony.  I went searching and found her personal website. I just have to share it! http://www.algonquinweddings.com/  The ceremony was set on the beach and in every picture that I have that includes the wedding party, I can see the excitement and involvement in their faces. They were standing up for a couple who was meant to be together and they knew it.  Bear sat upfront with the Parents.

Formals followed shortly after the ceremony and that is when I really got a feel for where this couple gets their values. The family photographs were more candid than posed, even when we were posing them for traditional photos.  There was no staged moments to this wedding and it was very heart warming! There was a special moment that stands out for me as a photographer. Although I only include one picture of the bride with her grandmother in the blog, please note that there are so many more. I captured a connection between these two women that I have yet to capture at any wedding.  Two very connected souls had a special moment during their formal shot together. I still get teary just thinking about the moment.  I can’t even explain it in words but it was absolutely beautiful.

The couple and their entourage got their formal pictures taken on a little path that lined the water. It was a very tranquil setting with greenery that left openings for the waterfront to peek through… Just gorgeous. It was a fun experience for us and the group was easy to work with. They were just themselves as goes par with the rest of the day. Friendships as strong as these make for great photo ops!

The couple shared some special moments in front of the camera and even got in a canoe for a photo. It was amazing to see everyone on their toes ,worrying about the bride, as she headed out in the canoe. I know this was a dream come true for Lisa because she loves being out on the water herself. It was about capturing the couple as themselves and this beautiful bride felt herself out on the water. I almost forgot to mention that she wore moccasins as her wedding shoes. They were a perfect addition to her outfit and another statement to her individuality…  Another reminder of how much she wanted to be “herself” on the most important day of her life! LOVE IT!

Spectacle Lake Lodge was a great venue for an outdoor wedding, The dinner was held indoors and the staff put together a very intimate area for the couple to display their union. The meal was fabulous. The best Bison we have ever had. I believe all of the main course meats were cooked in a smoker… it was a meal that left you wanting more… no matter how full you became. During the dinner one of the Bridesmaids, Dasha, hosted games for the bride and groom. It was an absolute riot! The speeches were very moving and brought the couple’s personalities into the spotlight. Everyone who spoke seemed to speak about how this couple goes the extra  mile in friendship and in their own relationship with one another. That gives us so much happiness and excitement for them to share a future together.

Overall, this wedding was as down to earth as the couple. It reflected their past, present, and future together. It showed the importance on everything that is meaningful in life and, without sounding to corny, left us in AWE of LOVE itself. We wish them the best future together and know they are a perfect match for each other! Congrats … and Billy after reading this I hope you don’t think I was TOO CROSS (haha… he really liked poking fun at me) !

Wedding Planning with a Wedding Website- Planning tools from Ottawa Valley Wedding Photographers

In this digital age we can accomplish so much on-line.  Wedding Planning is no different.  As a follow-up to our last blog about wedding planning and the apps that are available (To re-read that post click here) there are also wedding websites that can help you to keep track of all those details and ideas for your special day.  Wedding websites can turn the daunting task of wedding planning from a scary and sometimes overwhelming challenge into an interactive piece of cake!  Wedding Websites can be personalized, and customized to suit both you and your wedding theme.  They can help you keep your guests informed and up-to-date with scheduled events like your Bridal Shower, Stag and Doe, or Bachelor and Bachelorette parties. You can provide information about accommodations and directions for out of town guest and much more.  They are also full of planning tools like seating charts and budget trackers.

You can search the web and see both paid and free wedding websites.  Here are a few free Wedding Websites we have found with some great tools to keep you organized and your guests informed.

The Knot: (Free)

http://uw.theknot.com/admin/choosedesign

The Knot offers a free wedding websites, you need to register but it is quick and easy and The Knot Wedding Website works with The Knot Wedding App we covered in last week’s blog so you will always be able to access your planning info no matter where you are.  Your account is automatically updated weather you use the app or the website so you will be able to keep track of all the details that will make your dream day a reality. The Knot also offers several other interactive planning tools that are all designed to work together.  Once you register on their site you will have access to all these tools no need to register over and over.

The Knot is a must to check out for anyone planning a wedding!

In the top left corner you will see My Knot, click on this to go to a page full of thier “Planning tools”.

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planner.aspx

MyWedding.com: (Free)

http://www.mywedding.com/free-wedding-websites

Offers free wedding websites with over 600 designs that suit any wedding theme and style. Our simple, yet elegant themes make your free wedding website easy to navigate and beautiful to look at.  Organize wedding details on your free wedding website. Sort your important information easily on each page. Share how you met on your “Our Story” page. Share photos in your gallery. Prepare the “Accommodations” and “Attractions” page for your out-of-town guests.  Make their trip as worry-free and as enjoyable as possible! Invite your guests to pre-wedding and post wedding events on your “Wedding Events” page.  Simple and easy to set up and use

WeddingWire: (Free)

http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-websites.html

At WeddingWire.com, the entire process has been laid out for you… you are guided through each step of the set up and can create a beautiful site with over 100 designs to give you site that perfect touch.  Once created your site will automatically providing you with a list of helpful reminders such as tasks, timelines, upcoming events and more. You can easily add tools to help your guests book flights, check the weather, get directions and more.

Do you have a site that you would recommend? Please feel free to leave a comment with your suggestions.  Happy Planning!

Wedding Planning Tools- There is an App for That! Ottawa Valley Photographers

You’ve all heard the phrase there’s an app for that and for tech savvy brides that couldn’t more true.

While taking some time to set up my new tablet that Santa brought me I have been spending a lot of time searching for useful apps, widgets, and cool stuff to use on my new toy.   I came across several Wedding planning apps that some of our 2013 and 2014 brides can use to help the planning process.

There are several free apps available and a search of your apps store whether you have an iPhone or android device will generate several available apps.  Here are a few that we have taken a look at that just might help you plan your dream wedding!

Our Wedding Planner (Free – For Android Devices)

Our wedding is a simple app to help you plan the perfect wedding.  Manage your guest list, to-do list, budget and vendors all in one place.

Putting together your guest list is easy with this wedding planner. You can import all your guests directly from your phone contacts and manage the invitations that have been sent, received and pending as well as assign tables for guests to sit. This app is also a great way to keep tabs on those plus ones (or twos , or threes)

If you import vendors from your contacts into the application you can quickly reach them to make sure everything is on track.

With so many things that need to be done, the app is pre-populated a task list so that nothing is left out. You can add to the task list as well as set reminders for the extra important stuff. This app even sets due dates based on your wedding date so that your schedule is evenly spaced

Our wedding also helps give you an idea of how your budget should be allocated across the different categories. Get estimates based on your total wedding budget and time estimates relative to your big day.

There is even a countdown to the time left till you walk down the aisle with our customizable countdown widget.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wepala.weddingplan&hl=en

The Knot – Ultimate Wedding Planner! (Free for a limited time for iPhone and iPad)

If you are already using The Knot’s wedding website then this app is a perfect fit for you.  Your iPhone planner will automatically synch up with your tools and account on TheKnot.com.  You will need to sign up to use all the tools available but signing up is free.

The knot app allows you to count down the days to your wedding, keep on task with their ultimate wedding checklist which is personalized just for you and get your budget and track payments with their easy-to-use budget tool and much more!

http://wedding.theknot.com/special-wedding-features/wedding-planner-app.aspx

The Knot currently does not have a planning app for Android users but they do offer checklist for your cell or smartphone called My Mobile Checklist. It is also free.

It’s the exact same checklist that you use on TheKnot.com — now in a new mobile phone format.

Use your mobile to view your reminders and check off wedding-planning tasks while you’re out and about. No matter where you log in to your wedding checklist it will already be up-to-date. Easy!

http://wedding.theknot.com/special-wedding-features/the-knot-mobile-checklist.aspx

You can get a free The Knot wedding website here: http://uw.theknot.com/admin/choosedesign

I promise for our next blog will talk all about wedding websites which can help keep brides (and grooms too!) organized

Wedding Planning Complete (Free- iPhone and iPad a “Plus” version also available for $ 3.99)

This app offers a countdown, detailed budget guides and tracker, seating charts you can customize, guest lists to manage with an RSVP tracker and detailed checklists.  It keeps all your essential planning tools right in the palm of your hand.

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/wedding-planning-complete/id460302797?mt=8

The plus version can be found here and will cost $3.99:

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/wedding-planning-complete/id537977538?mt=8

iWedding Deluxe ($5.99 for iPhone and iPad)

iWedding Deluxe is a wedding planner and organizer app. It will organize, guide and inspire you, while keeping all the vital information at your fingertips. Feature packed with To-do Lists, Budgeting, Guest List organization and much much more.

If you’re looking for an app that includes everything in one, then iWedding Deluxe is a great option. The app offers guest list organization, multiple to-do lists, easy budgeting tools, gift trackers, and a seating plan chart — a one-stop shop for all the details you need to juggle.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iwedding-deluxe/id336602601?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D6

We all know how much planning, organization and hard work goes into planning your dream day, having tools to help keep you organized can really help the planning process and make it less stressful so you are able to enjoy your special day!

And don’t forget we are also here to help if you have any questions!

Please Note: all the above images are screen shoots taken from the web to show you the apps features.  We did not design or photograph any of the images or apps above.