Today's post is brought to you straight from the heart. With the countless love stories I'm so fortunate to document, it's very rare to have the honour of both photographing and attending an exchanging of vows between two souls I first and foremost call friends. Having first connected with Michelle through a craigslist roommate posting more than 6 years ago, we quickly developed a friendship that transcended countless living situations and major life events, so it was only natural that when Andrew was introduced to the mix 2.5 years later it was a seamless fit. So when Michelle emailed me halfway across the world sharing the news of their engagement, it was without hesitation that I said, "Tell me when and where and I'll be there".
Well, "there" turned out to be Andrew's family's private lakefront residence in Lion's Head, Ontario, Canada, nestled in amidst soaring pine trees and clear turquoise waters that make up the unsuspecting and awe-inspiring beauty of Bruce Peninsula's Georgian Bay. Nearby grotto caves and coves at Indian Head quickly set the tone for the destination wedding weekend. Preparations started early the week before the big day, with the couple taking DIY to the extreme from picnic reception decor through to the Isthmus Bay ceremony's carefully laid out pebble path and floral arch (one of many wooden structures Andrew has built for Michelle over the years). And with an 'intimate' theme for the weekend - surrounded by the love of their nearest & dearest with just a handful of guests traveling in from all across the USA to celebrate - personal touches didn't stop there. Integrating their shared love of adventure and hiking, Andrew and Michelle took to trekking Bruce Trail in their wedding attire for portraits (with Michelle in lovely yet sensible studded sandal flats) - traversing cliffs, forest, and bugs to capture the epic scenery of a place they call home. Now, if that doesn't steal your heart...
If you can't quite get enough of Michelle & Andrew's adventurous love, be sure to check out their Central Park Engagement Photos.
