Sarah and Oliver's Fall Wedding | Portsmouth Harbour, Kingston 🌈

LGBTQ WeddingDocumentary Wedding PhotoWedding Photojournalism2019transqueer

Nov 15

Head over heels in love

When we first met to do their engagement photographs, it was already clear that Sarah and Oliver were head-over-heels in love with each other. They were adorably snuggly, and held hands almost constantly, even though the mosquitoes accosted us on our walk. They were also crazy about wildlife, nature, birds, and all things living. I could already tell that their wedding day would be incredible and refreshingly THEM.

Quirky is the best adjective

Sarah and Oliver are wonderfully quirky. Quirky is the best kind of adjective. On your wedding day, being quirky means you do things exactly your own way. And Sarah and Oliver absolutely did.

For starters, they designed little origami name cards for each guest. They spent MONTHS putting each of the tiny paper turtles, swans, and butterflies together. That's dedication, and shows just how thoughtful they are.

Getting ready at the Residence Inn

The morning started off beautifully. It was a sunny, calm day on the shores of Lake Ontario, as I headed up the elevator to Sarah’s room at the Residence Inn. In the elevator, I ran into Calista (of Bohemian Beauty Spa) and Elizah (of There She Glows Hair). I’d never met them before (except on social media) but I instantly loved them. I was so happy to work alongside them all morning.☺️

In the meantime, my amazing assistant photographer, Joanna, was catching up with Oliver and their party as they exchanged gifts and got their wedding attire on.

Picnic in the park

Before the ceremony, Sarah and Oliver met up at Churchill Park, in Kingston. This park has lots of meaning for them, so they spent an hour having a picnic and strolling through the gardens full of bees. It was idyllic, and still early enough in the season to be filled with gorgeous colour. (It's difficult to believe that just a month later, we have several inches of snow on the ground!) Oliver’s mom had packed them SO MANY SANDWICHES! It was really sweet. ❤️ A passing dog tried to eat one!

A teary ceremony

After the picnic, we headed over to the ceremony venue, Portsmouth Harbour. Guests were starting to arrive, and lots of little girls and boys were already practicing blowing bubbles from the small bubble containers that were handed out to all the ceremony guests.

I made sure to snap a few photos of this, as it was too cute to miss. One girl in particular made the most amazing facial expressions. A dream for a photojournalist.

At their ceremony, Sarah played the ukulele and sang a beautiful rendition of Ingrid Michaelson's "Giving Up" for Oliver. LOTS OF TEARS were shed. Rings exchanged, a kiss to seal the deal and it was OFFICIAL: THEY WERE MARRIED!

They walked up the aisle hand in hand, surrounded by bubbles. You can SEE the pure happiness on their faces in that photograph.

Heartfelt speeches

The most powerful words are those that tell stories. Sarah and Oliver’s parents gave speeches that told stories of their children when they were young, and these were immensely powerful. I was particularly moved by the story of Oliver as a little kid. There was a cute story of Oliver inquiring whether they had any Barbie dolls - not because they wanted to play with them, but just to know, because others were asking. (This story reminded me of my daughter, who upon receiving a Barbie present at age two, looked puzzled, then threw it across the room, saying “I don’t want this thing”.)

Anyway, the warmth Sarah and Oliver’s parents have in their hearts for their children is enough to make you cry. I think I did… During the speeches, Sarah and Oliver snuggled and laughed and cried, too.

Dinner was delicious, and I made some friends at my table, talked patch-clamping with another science person (patch clamping was something I did in my former life), and generally had a wonderful time. Did I mention Oliver made the wedding cake? It was a gluten free, three-tiered piece of beauty! I’m always extremely impressed when people create such beautiful baked things, but to make your own wedding cake just… takes the cake!! <3

Starting off with a swing

Sarah and Oliver are avid dancers. They got their start dancing at the Queen’s dance club, and have been dancing ever since. They chose a swing to start off the night together during their first dance. It emerged that there was quite a number of fantastic dancers in the crowd!

Then I legit cried during Sarah’s dance with her father to Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses”.😭

Also, I cried again blogging this while listening to this song. OMG, I’m an emotional basket-case.

“I know I've gotta let her go, but I'll always remember
Every hug in the morning, and butterfly kisses” 😭😍

After everyone wiped their eyes, DJ Chico got the party started. I stuck around for a couple of hours and danced my heart out while snapping away. It’s always so great to see everyone having so much fun. When the dance-floor is packed, I’m in my happy place.

Overall, Sarah and Oliver’s wedding was such a beautiful day, it really couldn’t have been any better. I felt so much love for the people there.

I wish Sarah and Oliver nothing but happy days ahead, lots of train adventures together, many butterflies and grasshoppers, many picnics in the park, and - in the coming winter days - many warm snuggles.

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NOTES & THANK YOUS: The wedding was shot by me ( Viara) and a second photographer (Joanna Semrau), who took pictures of Oliver & their party getting ready. Huge thank you to Elia and the staff at Kingston Harbour Restaurant, who were just fantastic.

The makeup artistry was provided by Calista of Bohemian Beauty Spa and hair artistry was by Elizah of There She Glows Hair.

Beautiful flowers were the work of Jen at Sage Flowers. Kicking dance party by Dj Chico and the Machine. Gown from Bliss Bridal Boutique, Whitby.

😍