It all started in the small town of Rockland Ontario, who knew right? It’s been 8 years in the making (technically you could say 9) but these Steph & Robbie finally made it down the aisle on their Wedding day! Although they’ve been dating for 8 years, they’ve know each other since they were about 2 years old. They’ve been friends ever since and things naturally blossomed into this amazing relationship and I am so happy I could share this day with them and capture such a momentous occasion!
When Steph originally told me that they were planning a Backyard wedding in Rockland I was super excited! I’d done a few in the past but none so close to home so I was super excited to see how it would all turn out. Also, Steph has a killer eye for decor so I knew it would be good, and so it was! I arrived the afternoon of the wedding at the guys place to start things off. I’d spoken to Robbie the week before and we had agreed that by 2pm the guys would be part way dressed so that we could get started right away and get the majority of their photos done before I headed off to the girls. I arrive at 2pm and rang the doorbell, no answer. The door was partially open so I peeked inside and saw no one but I could see a couple guys in the backyard so I walked to the backdoor. Robbie opens the door, beer in hand and in his swimsuit and he tells me (with a big smile on his face); ”Sam! I thought you were suppose to be here at two?” Well Robbie, it was two lol. All the boys were just having a great time in the backyard with their pink flamingo having beers but it was time to get their butts in gear. Seriously, it was the fastest getting ready I’d ever seen from guys, within 20mins they were all showered and ready! Thankfully one of the groomsmen, Jas, had some mad skills with everything that has to do with putting on a suit and he pretty much did up all the guys in a flash. We didn’t have any time left for photos but I grabbed a quick one of them by the pool with their beers and off I was. The Flamingo decided it wanted in on the action too, it made it’s way into the shot haha.
The girls on the other hand were pretty much ready to go when I got there, as per usual! Steph was getting her finishing touches to her hair so I took a moment to get some gorgeous details of her stunning dress and accessories. There was a momentary panic as one of the bridesmaids couldn’t find her sash that went with her dress but as I always say, you go with the flow on your wedding day and no one really noticed so it was a win. Steph got into her gown with the help of her mum and sister. I asked her to get dressed in the Bay window because the light was so pretty, the only issue is that it was facing their neighbours backyards and Steph was practically nude. But she was game, anything to get nice shots, right? After some Ooooo’s and Ahhhh’s from her girls we went out to open their gifts. Steph had gotten them all these super pretty Thermos wine styled glasses with their names written in gold. After a quick cheers it was time to make our way to the ceremony!
The ceremony was held in Robbie’s aunts backyard in Rockland and it was stunning. I arrived to find a big tree that created the perfect shade for this ridiculously bright sunny day and under said tree was a crystal chandelier and rows upon rows of gorgeous wooden cross back chairs. The entry of the aisle was lined with two big wine barrels covered with greenery and flowers, it was just enough details. The funniest thing happened at the beginning of the ceremony but you need a little info to understand; The ring bearers drove a mini Cadillac, and the bridesmaids and the bride walked from around the house through a metal archway decorated with flowers and down the aisle to the tree. This was meant to be their path. BUT as the boys drove through the archway, they accidentally slammed directly into it and it just went tumbling down! They kept driving, drove around the guests and right up to Robbie to deliver the rings and went to park their car. I was at the front of the aisle and couldn’t actually see them crashing so all I saw was the actual Arch topple down and I was able to get Robbie’s reaction to it all happening. It was honestly the funniest thing that’s happened at a ceremony on my end. The MC’s were quick to gather the arch and move it away before the lovely ladies made their way down the aisle. And then came Steph with her mom and dad, looking absolutely radiant as she walked down to her soon to be husband. Now Steph’s mom had her dress shortened but not quite enough and she stumbled over it a few times which then made Steph tumble a little which made for another funny little situation. But as soon as Robbie walked up to greet them, all of that went away and it was just them, in their moment, becoming husband and wife. The ceremony was quick with your traditional vows as well as some written words by both bride and groom. The words they spoke to each other were enough to bring tears to both their eyes and to Steph’s mom, guests and bridal party. Almost everyone had the sniffles when these two spoke. Their first kiss was a passionate one and a long one at that. It was lovely to see because a lot of my clients get a little shy and do a very short kiss but this, this was on another level. I think the 8+ years in the making had something to do with it ;).
Steph had opted to do the family photos right int he backyard and the Bridal party photos at another location down the road which made for great variety, the only issue is that the sky was going from gorgeous to dark and scary pretty quick. So we plowed through the family photos and made our way over to our second location. Steph, Robbie and I arrived before the rest of the wedding part so we took our chances and ran into the field before the rain started. I looked around me and was just in Aw of how beautiful this location was. The field was lush and green with purple wild flowers and the sky was dark and moody which made for amazing photos. Our bride and groom stayed in their moment and simply enjoyed spending a few moments together before the crew arrived. They snuggled and kissed in the field and I even got Steph to dance around in her dress before the rain decided to start. When it did, we booked it into the nearby barn to take cover. We had hoped to get the majority of our photos outside but the rain just wouldn’t let up. We had even tried going back in the field for at least one group shot before it started to fall hard but as soon as we got out there it started to pour. We waited it out, did a few shots and maybe after about 15mins or so the sun came out and the rain stopped. It was finally time for us to go outside and get these babies done! The girls dresses were a little wet, Steph had grasshoppers all up in her tulle but we didn’t care, we had to get some beauty shots in before heading back to the reception. And we did just that. We walked around the property a bit more before making our way to the barn end ending our session there. I did however sneak the guys out a little later to get a sweet cigar shot and ended my night on a high with a gorgeous smoke shot with the bride and groom ♥
The tent and the decor were spectacular thanks to Makin it lovely! We were greeted by a beautiful wooden sign followed by cocktail tables with sweet centrepieces which then guided you their guestbook which was like woah! It was this huge frame with a picture of Switzerland (where they are honeymooning) and people were able to sign over the black and white image with markers. And then you looked over and there was a beautiful gift table and seating charts for all the guests. The tent itself was huge! The metal poles were decorated with MAPLE TREES! Guys, there were trees attached to these poles, how cool is that? Beautiful eddison bulb twinkle lights and chandeliers floated above us and the tables had beautiful white linens and tall floral centrepieces and candles. It was all so romantic, I couldn’t help but gush when I saw it all. Our couple and their wedding party were greeted by whistles and some extremely loud cheering by their family and friends. For such a hot and humid day, it was actually nice and cool inside the tent which made for a great relief after being drenched by the rain (don’t worry, I brought a change of clothes ;P). The dinner, which was catered by Chez l’Boulanger, was absolutely delicious! I am a huge fan of mashed potatoes and theirs were 10 outta 10 on my scale. During dinner the bride and groom played the shoe game and they also had to imitate kisses which was definitely a crowd favourite. After a few speeches, our couple got up to thank everyone that made their day extra special as well as to thank and remember those that couldn’t be with them today which made for quite an emotional moment both both the bride and groom. Their first dance was beautiful and it was even made more special when their niece Maddy came in to finish it off with them. They followed it up by a father daughter combo mother son dance to which part way through the song, guests opted to join in on the dance floor. The bar was packed within minutes and the dance floor got cranked way up thanks to some feisty dancing kids.
My night ended with a gorgeous night shot and an awesome bon fire that took up a good portion of the sky thanks to a monster delivery of some wooden skids. Steph & Robbie, is was a total honour to have been a part of your day. It was extra special to me as I remembered our time together as kids on the ice. It was really special to witness you two tie the knot. I hope your honeymoon was absolutely spectacular and I can’t wait to hear all about it. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Saucier xoxoxoxoxoxox
Vendor Information:
Catering: Chez L’Boulanger
Makeup Artist: Vickie Make up artist
Hair: Hair Lounge ( Karine Legault and Annabelle Roy)
Wedding Dress: With Love Bridal Boutique (Martina Liana)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Davids Bridal (Vera Wang)
Flowers: Weekly Flowers
Décor: Makin It Lovely
Grooms Attire: Tip-top
Groomsmen Attire: Tip top
Jewellery: Sarah Walsh Bridal
Officiant: All wedding Seasons (Brigitte Samson)
Videographer: Eric Salvail
Cake: Karine Charlebois
Tents: Labelle Tents
Tables-Chairs : Chez lili
Photography: Samantha Danis Photography
J’aime beaucoup toutes les photos! Merci de partager
P.S. Robert Moore’s Mom!