Whew, this is going to be a long one friends, but stick with me…
In the life of a wedding photographer, there are few honours as touching as being asked back by the same family to document another family member’s wedding celebration. And, not just any family, but a family of the most kind, thoughtful, warm-hearted, family oriented people you could ever hope to know; who went out into the world and found themselves partners who equally held their incredible family values and beautiful warm characters. Graeme and Rachel’s wedding marked the THIRD wedding, and final sibling in the Henderson family that we were so so grateful to document. I’m not sure how we got so lucky, but we’ve thanked our stars more times than I can count that Kaila (our first Henderson bride) struck up a totally random conversation with Ryan that led to her asking us to document her own wedding day with Bennett. When Bennett’s sister Jacqueline then asked us back a year later to be there for her wedding day with Greg, we were absolutely over the moon. Then we got the email from Graeme, and in typical Graeme fashion I’m certain his email was the sweetest and most humble photography inquiry that’s ever been sent. Meanwhile on the receiving end of that email, we were like “ARE YOU FREAKIN KIDDING ME?? WE WOULDN’T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD!!!” (All caps ‘cause I was totally yelling and freaking the dog out when I opened it). To say we feel like we won the lottery with these folks would be an egregious understatement, but there’s only so much that these little pixels that you’re reading can really convey. Thank goodness for photographs. <3 We hope with our whole hearts that the collection of photos below gives you a glimpse of the gorgeous day that Rachel and Graeme shared with their cherished family and loved ones.
We also asked Graeme to share a few words about the day from his own perspective:
“Our vision for a wedding was a rustic outdoor laid back celebration of our love and our family. The morning of the wedding I felt nothing but sheer excitement to know that I was marrying the perfect woman while being surrounded by all the most important people in my life. Being able to look into the audience of all our loved ones and hearing beautiful songs and readings performed by them in our honour was unforgettable.
The reception delivered the perfect Irish Pub experience, no seating arrangements, Guinness on tap, and watching strangers who only shared a connection of knowing us become best friends and blow out the dance floor was exactly what we planned for, and exactly what happened.
My favourite part of the wedding day was the reveal when I saw Rachel for the first time, followed closely by seeing my little girl traipse down the aisle with my Sister (Jacqueline). We had so much fun when we were taken away for photos with Rubicon, and they found the coolest places to shoot (that giant iron door was amazing). Perfect Wife, perfect day, perfect life. Planning a wedding with a toddler was no easy experience. We would put her to bed at 7 and plan till close to midnight every night, but was it ever worth it. Our goal was to plan an epic pub night for all our loved ones that’s exactly what we accomplished. It was the perfect day.”
Thanks to the creative team:
Ceremony location: Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Reception location: O’Finns Irish Temper
Officiant: Dream Weddings – Ray Swash
Make up artist: Trina Brink
Hair stylist: Susan and Kait for The Hair Lounge and Colour House
Florist: Stôk Floral & Design Inc. and Millcroft Florists
Caterer: O’Finns Irish Temper
Dessert designer: LA Cupcakes (Oakville Ontario)
Music: O’Finns Irish Temper
Limo / Transportation: Attridge (School Buses)
Bride’s attire : “Margot” gown by Sottero and Midgley
Groom’s attire : J.P. Tilford by Samuelsohn
Bridesmaid’s attire : Banana Republic
Groomsmen’s attire : Joeseph Abboud by Moore’s
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