Darren & Michelle {A New Years Eve Wedding}

When I woke up last Thursday the sky was so dark and the clouds looked like the couldn’t contain the rain much longer.  I was right.  I had hoped that the weather forecasts would be wrong and that Michelle and Darren would have nothing but a crisp clear day for their wedding.  But you know what, it poured, and it didn’t matter.  Nothing on that day could have dampened Michelle and Darren’s spirits.

I spent the earlier part of the day with Michelle as she transformed into a winter princess.  Michelle could not have appeared less concerned about the blustery wind and substantial down pour we were having.  And that is just one of the reasons I think I have the best brides!  Michelle drew me back to the true meaning of the day with her words “it’s about the moment.”  She uttered those words as she glanced for a moment outside, with a little smile on her face.  That is when I knew, that Michelle was going to let NOTHING ruin their day.

Having clients with that kind of attitude is the perfect blessing.  Their priorities are in order and they are trusting that everything will work out just fine, as it always does.  Having that attitude helps me in ways I can’t even convey.  Both Darren and Michelle trusted me completely with their photos.  When we first began discussing their wedding plans it became apparent that if they were going to have their ceremony in the evening at the uber romantic Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse, it would be dark and would have no light for their formal portraits.  So we decided that opting for a “first look” was the way to go.  For those of you who do not know what a first look is, one of my most favourite photographers, Jasmine Star, describes it perfectly on her awesome blog, here.  We set up a special moment just for them and after their first look we continued on with their wedding party and formal portraits.

Michelle did not even hesitate to brave the elements in order to achieve the images that we desired.  Yet another reason I have the best brides.  It was not only raining but it was COLD.  Thank goodness Michelle’s mom had made the most beautiful white cloak with a fur lined hood.  Talk about an awesome addition to the photos!  It was gorgeous and another perfect detail that was added to their day.  It is elements and details like these that can make a wedding and the images become one-of-a-kind.  And I love that.

Michelle got ready at one of my favourite hotels, the Sidney Pier.  I love the modern look to all of the rooms, and not to mention the gorgeous floor to ceiling windows looking out towards the ocean which provided us with a lovely source of light and a cozy spot to shoot her getting ready photos.  Michelle’s five bridesmaids helped her get into her fairytale gown that she purchased while in Paris!  How incredible is that ?!  It was fit for a princess and was truly the perfect dress for Michelle.  Swarovski crystals sparkled on Michelle’s gown, necklace and tiara.   Marnie of Marnie the Make-Up Artist did Michelle’s make-up and I have to just say that she did an outstanding job!  Marnie was super personable and fun and I could tell she is incredibly passionate about what she does.  Make-up is such an important element for wedding photos, so it was awesome to see that Michelle was in good hands 🙂

Now on to the photos !!  Hope you love them 🙂

Michelle had some HOT shoes for her wedding day, and this is just one of them!  I love awesome wedding shoes!

Michelle you are just stunning.

The lobby was bustling, so we opted for a more private ‘first look’ outside Michelle’s hotel room.  Can’t you just feel the anticipation in the first photo?!

I heart this one below big time.

We had to duplicate this one from their e-session photos!