When I asked Kristy & Jesse to describe their wedding day in just a couple words, they said "Simple & elegant" – and I am happy to report that it was more than mission accomplished! One of the best things about weddings at the Alton Mill Arts Centre is the huge variety of spaces and backdrops there are to work with for photos. From the stone walls and pretty gardens, to the winding trails and woods, to the cute streets and rustic pond...and this is just outside! I first met Kristy at her bridesmaid Elisa and Mick's (the best man!) wedding which I shot at the Kortright Centre for Conservation several years ago. It's always amazing and flattering when I get to work with the same couples over and over again in all their friends and families weddings!

Their day (and my photography coverage) started at 2 in the afternoon, so we got right to work with a First Look between Kristy & Jesse, and the first of a few portrait sessions between the main events! The afternoon light was so dreamy (it always is in late August) that most of the portraits below were taken in the gravel parking lots, because the back lighting was so stunning (but lets face it, I could put Kristy & Jesse in front of literally anything and they'll still be gorgeous!). Kristy's smile is so genuine, and it lights up every single photo!

Kristy's gorgeous dress is from Beckers Bridal, the bridesmaids are outffited by Blu Ivory, and the gorgeous florals are courtesy of Katherine at Floral Werx.

From here, we spent some time doing photos with the full wedding party, so they could relax and help set things up while we took to the trails for more bride and groom photos before the ceremony (and then more portraits during the cocktail hour!)

I know...and we haven't even made it to the ceremony yet! But, soon! Next, we zipped into the courtyard (where the dancing and party happens later in the night) for a First Look with Kristy and her parents! It's such a unique space with really interesting textures to work with...I obviously had to squeeze in a couple pics of K&J first.

The Ceremony

We made it! The 5:00 ceremony was held on the lawn, like usually happens at Alton Mill Arts Centre (with backup rain location being in the Pond Gallery, which is an equally beautiful location!). Plus, Kristy's Dad made the arbor they were married under! The entire ceremony (and day) was sweet, simple, and sincere.

Perfect.

The Reception

Seriously...all of this is just on site, or a 2 minute walking distance from the main building at Alton Mill Arts Centre. There's seriously no bad angles, or bad spots, for wedding photos! The reception was held in the ruins (that's what I call them, I can't tell you exactly what they call it to be honest!), which is always beautifully tented with Edison lights draped across long harvest tables. There was so much laughter and love at the reception (I know, it sounds cliché...but it's true!) my heart was bursting.

And of course I needed to steal these two away for some a few more portraits during the reception, because night photos are my favourite...and that little balcony at Alton Mill Arts Centre makes for such a great shot!

Homemade Pie.

That's all I'm going to say about that.

Thank you so much, Kristy & Jesse for letting me part of your amazing wedding day at the Alton Mill Arts Centre! Being your wedding photographer was a highlight of the year for me. Wishing you all the best in what I know will be amazing years to come! xoxo Shawn