Lauren and Graeme had a fantastic summer wedding at Glen Cairn Golf and Country Club.  I met Lauren about 3 summers ago when I photographed the wedding of her best friend, Kayla.  It means the world to me when past clients refer me to others and I have to say it was SO fun spending the day with some people I have already met in the past! Lauren and Graeme's families are wonderful, kind and very welcoming.  They had their ceremony and reception at  Glen Cairn Golf Club in Milton. This is the second time I have shot there, however the first time it was winter and covered in snow!

I met with the girls to help Lauren get ready. I am starting to realize lately that the wedding preparation photos are often my favourite, I think because there is no expectation for "posing", the excitement is starting to build and everyone is just being themselves. 

And then this happened...a sweet and intimate first look. Not all my couples like doing first looks and whenever you choose to see each other for the first time is up to you!  Some people do a first look for timing purposes like a later ceremony, or maybe your wedding is in the winter and you want to do your photos before the sun goes down at 430pm.  Others do one just to help with nerves! Whatever you choose, the first time you see one another will be special no matter what! 

Oh, and then ANOTHER first look with Mom and Dad! These get me teary every time! If you don't want to do a first look with your spouse-to-be, a parent is always a fab choice! 

The sweetest ceremony I ever did see! The officiant even told the love story of Lauren and Graeme which was really sweet! It goes a little something like this: 

In the words of the Bride: 

Graeme and I met at Nipissing University while we were both studying to become Teachers We met through mutual friends in our second year of university and have been dating ever since (8 years ago!).

Graeme proposed while we were vacationing in Nova Scotia visiting my family. He took me to Dominion Beach (the beach in my dad's hometown, which is very special to me) and after walking the boardwalk he sat me down and handed me a photo album which had a bunch of photos of us through the years. After the timeline of photos, there was photos of our nieces and nephews and they were holding signs that read "We love you Aunt Lauren and so does Uncle Graeme, will you marry him?" When I looked up Graeme was down on one knee! 

It was SO special for me to get engaged in Nova Scotia (my favourite place in the world) and be able to celebrate with my family who we only see once or twice a year. It really made for two celebrations because once we got back to Ontario we were able to celebrate again with Graeme's family and our friends!

You can see by looking at these photos how important the kids are to Lauren and Graeme! THey were often the star of the show on the wedding day - which kids often are. I am not sure if its because I am a mom, but I am always watching those little ones waiting for the best moments to capture them! 

and then the fun part! The Party! So many fun photos! Click the thumbnails to see them bigger! 

I will leave this post with some of my favourite portraits of the day. Surprisingly the weather was COLD that day, and poor Lauren had to bundle in a blanket, but she (and all the wedding party) were troopers! When planning your wedding just know that you do NOT need hours for portraits!