Vow Exchange on Lake Ontario
Lauren and Lucas’s wedding day was nothing short of amazing. From the little details, to the big moments, everything felt so natural and intentional. I love a wedding that feels true to who the couple is – and Lauren and Lucas are the perfect mix of laid-back and fun. Nothing felt rushed or hurried, and every aspect of the day aligned with them, their values and their vision. Their loving family and friends helped make the day special and relaxed – you could tell just how much everyone truly loves the couple they came to celebrate!
As a photographer, I love Sally Port View because everything is right there at the venue. Not only is there lodging, which is SO convenient for the guests, but the entire wedding party is able to comfortably get ready right at the venue. This makes it so easy to document both groups quickly & seamlessly, which is a major plus! The girls got ready in the bridal suite, which features white walls, natural lighting, and lots of mirrors – it’s absolutely stunning and photographs beautifully. The guys got ready in their own room right down the hall, which features a TV, couches, and great lighting as well.
The upstairs loft (which you get to by going up the most BEAUTIFUL black, spiral staircase), was perfect for the first look Lauren did with her father, as well as with her bridesmaids. Gosh, those were both such special moments to witness and preserve! If you’re getting married soon and don’t want to do a first look as bride and groom, I would highly suggest considering doing one with your dad. It’s so cute. After first looks, we spent lots of time up there doing some family portraits as well as bridal portraits, and detail shots of the dress and decor – I’m telling you, the natural lighting makes it such a gorgeous place to take photos, I could have stayed shooting there all day lol! Not to mention the view of the water from the window is amazing.
The ceremony was simple and elegant, and took place right on the water. Afterwards, Lauren and Lucas nailed their mid-aisle dip kiss shot, if I do say so myself. They also included their beloved pups in their ceremony at the end, which was so stinking cute! Their pups were also featured in their engagement photos we did, which you can see here 🙂
Following the ceremony, we checked off all family photo combinations, and then got some fun wedding party shots, ending with just the bride and groom by the water. Before heading into the reception, we got some indoor shots of them together on the couch and then Lauren went to touch up her hair/makeup before introductions. Spoiler alert: she was also secretly planning to chop her hair!!
Yup, her awesome hairstylist was also a guest at the wedding and was waiting in the bridal suite to give Lauren a haircut in between the ceremony and reception. A popular Tiktok trend at the time! Lucas waited patiently downstairs while Lauren got “touched up” and once she was done, I went down to get ready to capture Lucas’s reaction to her hair. Honestly…I don’t think he noticed at first, LOL! Her girls did – typical! Once he realized, he was shocked and loved it.
Following introductions, we went right into first dances (which I always recommend). It just works so well and helps everything flow smoothly! Lauren danced with her dad, Lucas with his mom, and then Lauren danced with her mom as well, which was really special. I have had lots of brides choosing to dedicate a dance/song to their mom and I gotta say, I love it each and every time.
The entire reception was truly beautiful – filled with lots of love, laughter, dancing, mingling, and an absolutely spectacular dinner. Lauren and Lucas cut their cake together and enjoyed a slice before dancing some more, and let me tell ya…their family and friends know how to party. We had so much fun. We had people doing the worm, Lauren getting lifted up by all her girls, the energy was just amazing!
Later in the night, Lauren and Lucas went back up to that beautiful, private loft and read their private vows to each other. It was intimate, special and personal – I loved that they chose to do it this way! It gave them a minute to themselves to just breathe, and take in their day together.
After that, Lauren and Lucas gathered their family and friends outside to do a sparkler send off, which was so much fun and everyone honestly nailed it. The entire day was truly perfect, from start to finish.
If you’re considering Sally Port View for your own wedding, I HIGHLY recommend it. They have so much to offer, and the place photographs so well. Being right on the water is such a plus! You can view their Facebook page here, and their website here.
Regardless of which venue you choose, I would be honored to be your wedding photographer! You can inquire with me here. I really hope to hear from you soon!
