Backyard Elopement: CoVid Edition

It was not the day these brides were planning for,

but heck they made the absolute best of it

Jumping right into this very intimate, very lovely day… here we go with my favourite way to start every wedding day; the tiny beautiful details.

I hope you always help each other get ready for big days with such sweet smiles and little kisses,

I hope you never stop appreciating,

I hope you continue falling in love everyday.

It was an honour my friends, your love is so beautiful.

<3

If you didn’t stop and appreciate that stunning veil, please stop right now and scroll back up. The lace knit veil that Kellen made for her wife is the most stunning and personal handmade gift I have yet to see. These two bonded over knitting and I had to take a moment to highlight these makers and how special creating is to both of them (Yarn details will be at the bottom if you’re curious, also peep below these skeins in their favourite colours that were incorporated into wedding décor).

These moments pass so, so, so quickly. It’s hard to remember to watch the way your mom or partner smiles when you’re worried about pulling yourself together and getting into that corset. Knowing these memories will make an impact in their fleeting moments makes capturing them even more precious to me.

Once they were ready, we headed a couple blocks over to a very cute park for a quick portrait session before we get to vows…. Here’s a good mix of the love and laughs that make this relationship so inspiring.

Back to the house, almost vow time!! They made a sweet welcome sign with their favourite colours that was hung on the front porch. After the photos were done, extra guests were blocked off (but still pressed their little noses to the window trying to get a glimpse of the action), shoes were abandoned, parents were facetimed, and vows commenced under Michelle’s Dad’s lead.

Very Important Question with Two Brides…. Who goes first? TBD by Rock Paper Scissors, obviously.

THE CUTEST “YOU MAY NOW KISS YOUR BRIDE” I HAVE YET TO WITNESS.
*cries again*

Thank you so much for letting me be right up in your faces to catch these. It’s the post kiss ‘we did it’ giggles for me, fam. I cannot. <3

Seriously glad it was such a small affair and I was right up in there, being able to not worry about blocking the view of guests and stand right in front of the couple made for such emotional moments I’m sure they will cherish. Okay. Moving on through the day… A quick group shot and some appropriate accessories! Have you seen any cuter bridal masks?!

With the ceremony complete, it was time to get cozy and welcome a couple more family members for a celebratory homecooked dinner.

Well wishes and a cheers to the happy couple came over facetime and in person during the intimate reception where the video of their vows were also shared electronically with friends and family near and far.

What a lovely afternoon. They made the best of such a challenging time and got to celebrate in a wonderfully personal manner.

Whether we go back to having huge gatherings for celebrations or not, I highly recommend considering making your ceremony an intimate affair. Take the time with your partner, with yourself, with one or two very important people, record it, then share once you’ve been able to savor it. I adore the idea, I adored the day, I adore these humans, and it’s definitely how I’ll be doing it in the future.

Wishing you two a lifetime of happiness.

Feel free to get in touch if you have questions about navigating a CoVid wedding, or an intimate ceremony in Ottawa in general! I adore elopements and would love to chat about how to make your wedding day include the perfect moments for you.

Vendors:

Dresses: Davids Bridal

Masks Emma Paige Designs

Rings: Edwards & Davies

Michelle’s Veil: Handmade by Kellen (hit ‘em up for custom projects!!)
Veil Pattern: Lilas (Lilacs) by Herbert Niebling
Yarn: Brassard 2/8 Bamboo in Naturel from @wabisabiyarn

Kellen’s veil: All that Glitters

Cake: Made by Aimee