Peggy's cove wedding photography
Whenever I think of Sophia and James wedding day, I'm constantly in awe of their everlasting love for each other. When Sophia and I first started talking about their wedding day, we were juggling time zone differences as the two were living in Germany at the time. Sophia and James are high school sweethearts; meeting for the first time in their high school band, 11 years prior, where they both played the saxophone. One question I absolutely love asking all my couples when they first book with me is "What is something you and your partner are excited for?". For some, it's traveling or getting to see family they haven't seen in a while, or even the possibility of expanding their family with new additions in the future. For Sophia, it was "FINALLY being married and celebrating with friends and family who have travelled a long way". The morning of, you could absolutely feel the excitement radiating off her. I lovingly nicknamed her "Smiling Sophia" because at every moment, she had the biggest grin from ear to ear. No matter how nervous or anxious the family or wedding party might've been the morning of, trying to make everything perfect, Sophia stayed calm and relaxed. You could tell this was the day she had been waiting for her entire life and was ready to spend it with her new husband.
Sophia and James both spent the early morning getting ready in their respective childhood homes with their family and friends. My second shooter, Madison, spent the morning with James and his family, while I was with Sophia and her family. I truly love when couples incorporate their family into their weddings, and this was something that was prominent with these two. Sophia's mom handmade the bridal parties earrings - a touch of blue for the bride, and blush for the bridesmaids. Sophia made sure to pay homage to them throughout her attire as well: the veil was her mother's, and her pearl necklace belonged to her great aunt-in-law. Even the centrepieces at the reception were made with dried hydrangeas from her grandmothers garden. Oh and can we take a moment to appreciate the dress and those shoes?? Absolutely breathtaking. There isn't many times I walk into the bridal party and my heart stops seeing the dress hanging in the morning light.
The ceremony took place in Holy Apostles Parish - St. Marguerite Bourgeoys. James family are members of the church and the altar was lit by gorgeous stained glass windows all through the church. It was a shortened traditional ceremony, with family participating in the readings. While they exchanged their rings, you didn't need to look hard to see and feel the emotions in the room. Everyone had been waiting for this moment and they all had so much love for the couple. After some photos outside the church, we headed down to the Saint Margaret Sailing Club for a delicious brunch from The Wooden Board. Just when we had all finally stopped the happy tears from falling during the ceremony, it was time for speeches. We got to hear from members of the bridal party - each explaining how they met the couple, their favourite memories and what they wish for the couple before the two newly weds came up. That's when the real tears started to come as James and Sophia both share stories of their love through being 15 in high school all the way to their engagement and then today. They then cut the cake and had a little more of a chance to relax and have some fun with their guests. They even got to video call their bridesmaid and groomsman who were not able to travel from Europe for the day.
For the last portion of the day, we raced down to Peggy's Cove for sunset. This was one of the few things on their shot list that they absolutely wanted. As we drove down the coast, I was getting worried as the beautiful fall morning had quickly turned to overcast during the last little bit of the reception and Madison and I were worried we may have missed our window. Of course, being the relaxed couple they are, Sophia and James decided to stick it out and still get some photos there (despite the cold fall wind coming from the coast). And then, like magic, the sky opened up to this gorgeous ray of light coming from the horizon in perfect time for the couple. Not only did they get some gorgeous scenic photos, but they got to have their first dance in front of their close family and bridal party under a beautiful east coast sunset. It felt like the perfect ending to a beyond perfect day.
Sophia & James - I cannot thank the two of you enough for trusting Madison and I to capture your special day. It truly was magical and I'm so excited for all the amazing things to come in your future. I wish you all the best with your growing family, and I can't wait to see all the happy memories you create together in all the years to come.
