Lisa and Mike's Prince Edward County Wedding
We met Lisa and Mike in a small Belleville café on a sunny September noon. She was adorably shy, but with a twinkle in her eye she told us about her plans for a February wedding, and then - about the cape. She said she would be wearing a purple cape as an accompaniment to the wintery scene, and at that point, Liz and I were ready to sign.
Liz met up with them once more at Myer's Pier in Belleville (site of their first date) and photographed them stealing smiles and making puppy dog eyes at each other.
February rolled around, and it was a record warm month for Southern Ontario. February 18th - the day of their wedding - was a slushy and sunny +11 °C. Luckily, it had snowed for days on end before that, so Lisa got her picturesque snowy scene after all.
The day started off quietly, with preparations, family, laughs, and furry friends keeping away the jitters. At Mike’s house, two shaggy dogs bounded around and elicited pets from all bystanders, as well as a few well-deserved photographs. Over At Lisa’s the mood was relaxed and happy. No nerves or frantic energy. Or at least none that we could tell.
It was a shorter drive to Bridge St. United Church for Mike and his groomsmen than for Lisa, but as if they’d practiced a million times, they got there at nearly the same time.
Inside, a massive round-top window set between tall organ pipes front and centre of the church let in a wash of light on the unfolding ceremony. After the prayers and the kiss and the signatures, the happy couple walked out into a small square of joyful family and friends, awaiting and congratulating, the flower children blowing soap bubbles, and the late afternoon sun peeking over the steeple.
At the Waring House, it was all purple candles, jewels, and festivities from the get-go. First were a few photos in the snow. Lisa’s cape and the golden light of the low sun made for beautiful outdoor photo opportunities and Mike was happy to oblige his blushing bride and stand outside in the not-so-cold. Lisa threw herself on the white ground, like she’d imagined, and we photographed her tiny shoes amid footsteps in the snow. Then Lisa and Mike made a grand entrance to the hall, which set the pace for a night of fun.
The speeches - heartfelt, funny, honest. The first dances - traditional, and yet when it was Lisa and her father’s turn, the crowd seemed to disappear and they cut a rug. The flower toss - epic. Unwed ladies fought valiantly for that bouquet. During this part of the night, Lisa and Mike weren’t allowed to kiss unless groups of family and friends mustered up the courage to serenade them with a love song. And serenaded they were.
Then the party really started. The dance-floor was jam-packed into the night. Mike and Lisa stole out for quick outdoor photos with his grandmother, and shortly afterwards Lisa returned to dancing up a storm. Drinks were had, and a hot chocolate & desserts bar renewed the dancers sugar & energy levels. There was of course some (not so) secret smooching and butt grabbing by couples on the dance-floor, breakdancing, and lots and lots of hands up in the air.
And of course we were there to photograph it all.
