When Blair first reached out to me, it wasn't for wedding photos, but rather engagement photos. Me, being the ever-so-subtle person that I am, asked her if she was planning a wedding sometime soon. Turns out, it was VERY soon. Like the week after we had planned the engagment photos. As soon as she told me what she and Phil were planning though, I knew I had to photograph their wedding too. They had chosen a beautiful spot for their nuptials, a quiet piece of the Avon Trail outside of Stratford, where the leaves were falling thickly on the path and the bubbling of a little stream was the only sound other than bird songs. The small group of us picked our way on the muddy trail into the woods, where they tied the knot (literally) before exchanging their vows and rings in front of their parents, children and a dear friend. The boys were gifted a toy lion after a reading from "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", a special token of remembrance for the day and the source of much wild roaring and general silliness afterwards.
After the witnesses departed, we spent some time exploring the woods as the sun began to shine. This is my favourite part of any wedding day, the adventure of photographing the couple together in the first moments after their marriage. The joy is so pure and the love so strong, I do my best just to capture the moments that pass between them as they soak it all in. After wading through an ice cold creek with pant legs rolled up (okay, only I did that, because I will do almost anything to get the shot), climbing slippery, leaf-covered hills and generally having more fun than we should have, we emerged to find that most perfect beam of sun bursting through the tree tops. A few more frames and we said our goodbyes. The perfect little elopement.
Thank you Blair + Phil for trusting me to take this adventure with you and for welcoming into your lives. And to my two favourite little buddies, you make me smile and I loved my time with you too!
M xo
