When the pandemic arrived in early 2020, Alessia & Jordan refused to take no for an answer when it came to their wedding plans, knowing that at the end of the day all they wanted was to be married! After rescheduling, replanning (and replanning, and replanning, and replanning) everything finally fell into place between dates and venues (and even in spite of the weather!)
You're about to see how Plan Z can sometimes end up being exactly what you didn't know you wanted!
The Boys
I started out at their home with some quick coverage of Jordan and the boys getting ready. These two were so organized, they had everything laid out and ready to go (thank you!) and their home is so beautiful to begin with, getting some great shots of the details and Jordan getting ready was easy and fun!
The Girls
From there, we zipped across town to Alessia's family home where she was getting ready with the girls, and a million tiny little people! The house was bustling but again they had everything laid out and ready to go. Alessia is so laid back, and after having to plan (and replan) her wedding about 400 times, at this point everyone was just rolling with things as they came. This included coming to terms with the fact that it was raining (a LOT) and a veritable wind storm outside. The original wedding was set to be at Hazelton Manor, and was later shuffled around to a couple different venues, but with lockdowns and social distancing and limits on gatherings, A&J ended up arranging their ceremony in a family friend's (gorgeous) backyard – rain or shine!
Time for gifts, getting dressed, and a first look!
Alessia hand-drew cards for each bridesmaid, in their unique dresses! However, with the Canada / US border shut down, Alessia was short a bridesmaid – notably her SISTER! – who was stuck south of the border. This made for an emotional rollercoaster, especially when they Facetimed after Alessia' reveal to the girls.
...and off to The Arlington Estate for the First Look!
Aren't they adorable?
...and gorgeous?
Rain, rain...went away!
Luckily, a brief break in the rain arrived, and we took advantage of it as quickly as we could, zipping out onto the grounds of Arlington Estate for some photos...before it started raining AGAIN. Honestly though – these two are so relaxed and easy to work with, they were both just happy their wedding day had FINALLY arrived!
The Ceremony & Reception
We made it! Alessia's family friend's property was outstanding – the (massive) gazebo out back leant itself perfectly to having a ceremony (and with the rain, it was the perfect solution!). Magically - the rain tapered off just as we arrived, and the Food Dudes Food Truck was already busy serving up burgers and fries and other amazing treats for the guests!
Food Trucks, Burgers, and First Dances, oh my!
This food truck was incredible! They served up the most delicious food (I had the taquitos and mac & cheese balls...but oh my, wait until you see these burgers & truffle fries!) After the ceremony we zipped over to the truck before they packed up to leave, alongside all the guests, for some cute & fun bride & groom photos. With just immediate family left, Alessia & Jordan set up a mock head table to enjoy their dinner together, as well as a first dance – and some sparklers & bubbles, too!
...and that's a wrap!
Despite all the hurdles leading up to their wedding day, it's fair to say Alessia & Jordan's wedding was nothing short of perfect! I admire their ability to be flexible in their plans, rolling with every change in plans right down to rain on their wedding day. I've loved working with these guys since their engagement shoot last summer in Elora, and know their happily ever after is just beginning! Thanks for always being amazing! xoxo Shawn