The Elora Mill & Spa is such a beautiful venue, and I'm happy to say I've shot there nearly 10 times already since it opened to weddings not even two years ago! The variety of spaces available within walking distance, and the multiple buildings and backdrops there are to work with always make for a beautiful collection of wedding photos. But, my favourite spot to shoot is the nearby Bissell Park, a short (like, 2 minutes) shuttle ride away. Danielle & Andrew's wedding was a wet one ☔️, but luckily things cleared up just in time for their portraits! I was just with them for 6 hours, and started with getting ready coverage that flowed straight into their First Look in the Irvine Room (which is also where there reception took place!). Because of the rain, their ceremony was held in The Foundry building, but the interior there is so gorgeous it always makes for beautiful photos – plus, their dogs (the real loves of their life) walked down the aisle, too!
Did I forget to mention Danielle is also drop-dead gorgeous?
And, because Andrew is awesome, he drew a set of cards featuring all their fur babies, with love letters to Danielle written in each. I know, right?
The First Look
I love doing First Looks in the little atrium area off the main dining room in the Irvine Building at Elora Mill! The light is perfectly diffused and the milky, frosted windows make for a beautifully clean backdrop. Danielle & Andrew's first look was adorable, and Andrew's reaction was so sincere and full of love, I got a little weepy myself!
Bride & Groom Portraits
To wait out the rain, I started with photos of D&A in the Irvine Room, which I would've done regardless of the weather! The window light, chandeliers, old stone walls and mix of modern and old world charm always makes for the most romantic bride and groom photos!
Good grief, Danielle & Andrew just look soooooo good together.
This bridge at Bissell Park always makes me so happy! The lines are perfect.
The Ceremony in The Foundry
Nothing makes me happier than dogs. Seriously, I'm a dog fanatic (I had 4 up until last September, and am down to 3 now). So without further ado, I introduce you to Suri & Oogi, Danielle & Andrew's fur fam.
Like, honestly.
How adorable are they with their little garlands!
The Irvine Room Cocktails & Reception
Between the ceremony & reception, cocktails were served in the lobby of the Granary building, just off the Irvine Room where Danielle & Andrew had a chance to mingle with their guests for the first time that day!
Justin Plet entertained during the cocktail hour, and he was incredible! And what's also always incredible at the Elora Mill is the food! The jackfruit tacos passed around before the reception were to die for...and the menu was vegan! Danielle & Andrew didn't want a big introduction, so as guests filed in and took their seats, the reception kicked off with their first dance.
...and that's a wrap!
All of that gorgeousness in 6 short hours! It's always a pleasure working with couples who are excited about their photography, and who are as laid back and easy going as Danielle & Andrew (and who also bring their dogs to the wedding). The Elora Mill & Spa will always be one of my favourite spots to shoot (also because the pedestrian bridge is finally open, which it wasn't on their wedding day) – it's such a stunning venue year-round. Thank you so much for an amazing day D&A, and I've loved getting to know both of you over the last year and a half! xoxo Shawn
