The Wedding Planner - 2024 Edition

Wedding the Planner

From ‘I do’ to Happily Ever After

Nicole & Derek PHOTOS BY: Chantel Dirksen

Nicole and Derek Scharringa were engaged on one of the coldest days in January 2023 as they walked along a snow-covered trail on the outskirts of Erin.

“Derek planned the whole day, so I kind of figured that he would propose because he doesn’t normally plan any dates,” Nicole said.

“It was just a really perfect, sunny winter day.”

Derek had chosen an intimate spot to propose, confident that his bride-to-be would say yes to spending the rest of her life with him.

“We went on a hike and although I kind of thought [the proposal] was coming, nothing happened the entire hike and I was freezing,” Nicole recalled.

“We were walking past a wishing well when Derek stopped. I didn’t notice at first and I kept walking before I realized I was on my own. I turned around to go back to him, asking what he had wished for and then he proposed.”

Nicole said yes, saw the beautiful ring and hurriedly put her gloves back on before heading back to the relative warmth of their truck.

The couple were married eight months later on a warm September day at Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church in Fergus.

Along with her maid of honour and two bridesmaids, Nicole got ready for her big day at her parent’s house in the countryside.

“It was just a really nice, relaxing morning. We had fruit, croissants, and coffee and a very close friend of mine is a hairdresser, so it was great that she could be there,” Nicole said.

“My cousin was my maid of honour, and her daughter was our flower girl, so it was really

special to spend the morning with them and get ready together.”

Derek and his three groomsmen got ready for their day at his family home in Elora, with a detour to the Cataract trail to have pictures taken together.

They’d decided on Broderick’s Clothing Co. in Fergus to outfit the groom and groomsmen with their suits and accessories. Derek was more than happy with the look and style of his suit, and it was fitted to perfection.

“The guys at Broderick’s were great. They were

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that it was actually happening,” Nicole said.

“I was very nervous, and I think Derek was too. I had convinced him that my dress was going to be short, so when he saw my long, flowing dress he was caught off guard.”

Deciding on a wedding dress often comes with its own set of challenges, but for Nicole the process was a breeze. Part of the reason for this was her decision to go with her mom, mother-inlaw, and sister to Taylor’s Bridal in Elmira.

“I tried on a bunch of dresses, and I thought I wanted more of an A-line style, [a gown

We wanted our wedding day to be fun, cozy time where people could just have a good time and hangout all night - and it was

quick and very efficient with our fittings and time. The fact that they are close to home was very convenient as well,” Derek said.

With the ceremony drawing nearer, Derek and Nicole headed to a property on South River Road for their first look. Nicole had done some work on the grounds, maintaining the gardens with the landscape company she worked for and chose the location because of its beautiful layout. Off-white hydrangeas in full bloom towered over a manicured greenspace in front of a beautiful stone building. It was here the couple saw each other for the first time that day.

“It was during our first look that we realized

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characterized by a fitted waistline and flared skirt] but then the bridal stylist said she was going to put me in some other dresses. She came out with one and I absolutely fell in love with it. I just loved that it was nice and flowy, and it was perfect for an outdoor wedding.”

Following a relaxed morning of preparations, the wedding party and guests gathered at the church, where both Derek and Nicole regularly attend on Sundays, for the ceremony.

The couple was married by a minister who helped them with their vows. Nicole chose to walk barefoot down the aisle, with piano accompaniment before saying ‘I do’ in front of

family and loved ones.

They were pleasantly surprised after the receiving line to find a classic Model-T waiting to escort them back to the bride’s parent’s property.

“We had no idea it was happening, but it was nice to have a relaxing time with just Derek and I after the craziness of the ceremony, getting ready and posing for photos,” Nicole said.

“We wanted our wedding day to be a fun, cozy time where people could just have a good time and hang out all night – and it was.”

The evening wedding reception unfolded beneath the stars with fire pits casting a warm and enchanting glow over the celebration. The space was filled with laughter and joy as guests savoured a delectable array of charcuterie and the newlyweds mingled with their guests.

Capturing everlasting moments

Chantel Dirksen is a natural light, wedding, and lifestyle photographer based out of Guelph, Ontario. Her company specializes in professional wedding photography services that focus on natural light and candid moments from romantic celebrations.

“My photography style would be best described as light and airy with a film-like feel. I use a documentary style approach to capturing weddings,” she said.

With more than 12 years of experience, Dirksen uses photojournalism as her primary style of photography to capture the most magical moments of her client’s wedding day. She emphasizes the importance of capturing the essence of the couple’s story. “To me,

WRITTEN BY: Chris Zimmerman

SUPPLEMENT TO The Wellington Advertiser

photographing a couple’s wedding is truly the highest honour, and something I don’t take lightly or for granted.

“A wedding is a signifcant milestone in a couple’s love story, where they promise forever to each other in front of their nearest and dearest. It’s truly a gift to get to witness the love and commitment that couples have for each other, and the outpouring of love they receive from their family and friends.”

This sentiment is echoed by many photographers who view weddings as a canvas for their creativity. The challenge lies in translating the emotional depth of the event into a series of images that resonate with the couple and their loved ones.

Dirksen discovered her passion for wedding photography at a young age, working as a second shooter for another local photographer at the age of 17.

Prior to that, her focus was on family and lifestyle photography. It wasn’t until she offered to photograph a family friend’s wedding reception that she fell in love with wedding photography.

Weddings are dynamic, unpredictable events, presenting various challenges. Lighting conditions, weather changes, and the fast-paced nature of the day require adaptability and quick thinking.

“Understanding the fundamentals of photography, and how to operate the camera

manually is critical when handling challenging lighting situations,” Dirksen reflected.

“Wedding photography is an art, but a wedding photographer is someone who can not only document images that showcase your day, but someone with time management skills, interpersonal skills, organization, and most importantly, strong communication skills.”

To date, Dirksen has photographed more than 150 weddings, largely within Wellington County.

“I’ve been blessed to serve couples and families in the Guelph, Fergus/Elora, Wellington County, and surrounding areas for over 10 years,” she said.

Dirksen was at Derek and Nicole’s wedding to capture every moment.

“I knew after meeting them that Nicole had a beautiful vision for her day. My favourite part is hearing the initial vision for a couple’s day during the planning and then seeing it all come together the day of,” she said.

“I’m incredibly happy for Nicole and Derek, just as I am for every one of my couples: there’s truly nothing better than seeing two people in love promise forever to each other.”

At the heart of wedding photography lies an artistic vision that goes beyond technical profciency.

Dirksen believes in establishing a connection with couples and building a rapport that goes beyond the professional realm.

“What I love most about wedding photography is the pure joy, excitement and happiness felt throughout the entire day,” she said.

“My goal is to create a beautiful experience so that when my clients look back on their photos, they will remember the feelings they felt on their wedding day. I always do my best to go above and beyond for my couples, and jokingly tell them I am the bridesmaid they never knew they needed.

“I am always fxing hair, veils, adjusting dress placement and assisting in whatever areas are needed to ensure my couples look and feel their best.”

She also makes a point to spend time with couples months prior to their wedding day to ensure their photography timeline captures all the elements they want documented.

“Pre-wedding consultations are important to ensure I am a good ft for the couple. It’s also a great way to get to know the couple and their

story, how their wedding planning process is going, and if they require any assistance with selecting vendors,” she said.

“I go over what they should expect on their wedding day, sharing my approach and how much time is needed to cover each part of their big day.”

Some of the areas Dirksen covers include coverage, timeline, frst look, delivery of images and expected quantity, turnaround time and risk mitigation strategies.

“I also make sure to ask if they have any questions about wedding photography, and what expectations they have for me,” she added.

Creating a certain level of trust is essential for couples to feel at ease in front of the camera, resulting in more natural and candid photographs. It’s not just about being a bystander with a camera; it’s about becoming an integral part of the celebration, allowing the photographer to document moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

“With a documentary style for specifc moments of the wedding (ceremony, cocktail hour and reception), couples will always receive candid moments they weren’t expecting to see in their galleries,” Dirksen said.

wedding gallery I complete, as I feel it truly draws out even more emotion from that moment.”

With an exceptional eye for details, she expertly captured everything from the floral bouquets to the rings, boutonnieres and table settings. Supporting locally-owned businesses was important to the couple.

Nicole’s aunt owns Grand Floral in Fergus, making it an easy choice for the wedding.

“Our bouquets and the guys’ boutonnieres were stunning. We went with pocket boutonnieres over traditional ones as they don’t put a hole in your suit,” Nicole said.

The couple decided on Ron Wilkin Jewellers for their jewelry, including Derek’s watch, largely because of Nicole’s history with the store.

“I remember going into Ron Wilkin’s with my dad when I was little to get my mom birthday or Christmas gifts, so I told Derek my rings had to come from there. Amy Graham [the store’s owner] was instrumental in helping us choose wedding bands and gifts for the bridesmaids and flower girl.”

“Posed photos typically take place during family and bridal party portraits, along with the couple portraits. Over the years I have discovered that couples often ask to be given direction for poses, and once they get comfortable in front of the camera, that’s when I can prompt them to incorporate movement through walking shots, dancing or anything that is authentically them to get those truly candid moments.”

Dirksen’s efforts to capture those moments were not lost in the case of the Scharringa’s wedding.

“I really love the candid, ‘in the moment’ photos Chantel took,” Nicole said.

“They capture the laughter and tears in the moment – and you can really feel the emotion.”

Dirksen echoed Nicole’s sentiment.

“I’m constantly watching and waiting to document the in-between moments as the wedding unfolds.

“Some of the most precious photos to a couple are candid, genuine reactions that they didn’t see themselves. I always like to include black and white versions of different candid shots in every

“When shopping for Nicole’s earrings, the staff helped me fnd something that was timeless and would match the necklace I had previously given her,” Derek said.

Behind the camera, wedding photographers navigate a rollercoaster of emotions, experiencing the joy, excitement, and sometimes the challenges of their clients’ special day. Long hours, physically demanding work, and the pressure to deliver flawless images can take a toll. Dirksen opened up about the emotional side of Nicole and Derek’s wedding.

“Getting to work with Nicole and Derek was one of my highlights of the 2023 wedding season. I love when a couple trusts me to document their day, after all the time and preparation to tie all the details together.”

As couples continue to seek photographers who elevate their wedding experience and capture the fleeting, yet lasting moments that defne a union, the art of wedding photography evolves – driven by the passion and dedication of photographers like Dirksen.

For a more in-depth look at Dirksen’s portfolio, or to book a consultation, visit chanteldirksenphotography.com or email her directly at hello@chanteldirksenphotograpy.com.

Holly & Scott

For some couples, the glitz and glamour of a storybook wedding is a must, regardless of the expense, but some of the most beautiful weddings are often not about how much a couple spends, but who they spend their big day with.

The average cost of a wedding in Ontario is around $35,000 to $40,000. This total includes expenses like venue rental, catering, photography, attire, and various other services. It’s a signifcant expense, especially for couples saving for a home or considering starting a family.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce wedding costs without compromising on the experience.

From carefully planning the guest list, to DIY projects and selecting off-peak wedding dates, there are several factors that can contribute to unique, cost-effective weddings. Through thoughtful choices and careful prioritization, these two Wellington County couples procured unforgettable ceremonies without breaking the bank.

Tying the knot: literally and fguratively

Holly Ferguson and Scott MacDonald share a Scottish heritage, so it seemed ftting to have a Scottish themed wedding complete with bagpipes, tartan, and highland traditions. On a sunny afternoon in August last year, 65 guests gathered to celebrate their marriage.

Of course, managing stress and coping with the demands of planning for a wedding is a huge undertaking for most, but for Ferguson and MacDonald it was a breeze.

“Any suggestion I had, Scott was absolutely on board, and vice versa. It was wonderful and really

Kenzie & Jason

easy,” Ferguson said. “I have fve sisters [including three new sistersin-law] and two mothers who are amazing at everything. They helped immensely with the planning process.”

Beyond family, Ferguson’s friend Tanya Pringle played a critical role in orchestrating the event. As a “one-woman-show” according to Ferguson, Tanya was the wedding planner, coordinator, florist, and photographer.

“She did everything, it was amazing. Picking the right people really makes a huge difference,” she said.

“For me, it was people I already knew. Tanya has been my friend since high school, and I’ve seen her work. It was a no brainer. It was the same with my caterer, I went with a chef I’ve known since I was about 18 years old.” MacDonald couldn’t agree more, adding that it’s a good idea not to take things too seriously.

“People go into a wedding with huge expectations and big plans. You just have to have fun with it and not make it all about all the grandeur,” he explained.

“If you go overboard with the details, you’re going to set yourself up for disappointment. When you spend tens of thousands of dollars and one little thing doesn’t quite work out, it just ruins the day.”

While careful, detailed budgeting is top of mind for many couples, MacDonald and Ferguson focused on the big picture and trusted things would work out.

“We just played it by ear, put it together and I don’t think it cost even ten grand. Our parents helped and anything Holly and I paid for was

paid for upfront. When the wedding was over, we didn’t owe anybody anything, and we didn’t have any credit card bills,” MacDonald said.

The newlyweds exchanged vows in his parent’s backyard and because of the savings on the venue, they were able to spend a bit more on food and entertainment.

“Things like flowers and décor don’t have to be expensive to be beautiful,” Ferguson said.

“A lot of simple things can be stunning. Guests aren’t going to remember the table settings, the teacups, or the napkin colours – so don’t get too bogged down in the details.”

“I wasn’t stressed, but Holly was a bit, having to plan everything. I was only stressed vicariously through her,” MacDonald said half joking.

“I knew the things that mattered were going to be looked after and that everything would work out fne. She wanted it perfect, and it was. I think our day went off seamlessly because we didn’t go crazy planning it.”

“The only thing I was really concerned about was the weather. When we decided in April that we would have a late August wedding, we knew it could be very hot and very dry. Last August was the complete opposite. It literally rained for four days leading up to the day, but it didn’t rain the day of, and then rained for the next three days. So, it was a miracle, and I was very grateful for that,” Ferguson said.

Albeit a small addition to the décor, something that stood out for Ferguson were the dried thistles she added to their floral arch in honour of her late father and grandparents.

PHOTOS BY: Tanya’s Creations

PHOTOS

BY: Jessica Piekny Photography

“I picked a few thistles from the cemetery where my grandparents are buried, thistles being the Scottish national flower,” she recalled.

Another way the couple kept their costs down was by supporting local. This included bartenders, wait staff, catering by GSC based in Orangeville, and their offciant, Sandra Whyte who is also a friend and former co-worker of Ferguson.

Offciating weddings since 2018, Whyte understands the importance of personalizing ceremonies and ensuring they are special and meaningful to both the couple and guests. She is a frm believer in the bride and groom having the fnal say.

“I give them access to a website where they can go as formal as they want, or as casual. They

can choose their vows or write their own. I leave it completely up to them because it’s their special day. The site has a lot of options for readings, verses, vows, and they can go through and select what works best for them.”

Two years before their wedding, a local band called The Campfre Poets played at MacDonald’s parents 50th wedding anniversary on the same property. A year after that, the couple met for the frst time at the Erin Fall Fair during a performance by the band. It wasn’t a question for either of them when deciding on booking music for their reception.

“Her and I both like The Campfre Poets. They have some original songs, but they also do a lot of cover stuff. Country and rock for the most part,” MacDonald said.

“We thought it was very nice that his parent’s got to 50 years and maybe it’s good luck to have the same band. Plus, it was the same band that was playing the night we met,” Ferguson added.

The couple said the wedding day itself was perfect and the way the two clans and friends worked together flled the day with thoughtful sentiment and joy.

Ferguson had purchased her dress online, but when it arrived, it didn’t ft.

“My mom ended up saving the day,” she said.

“She knows a seamstress in Hillsburgh, so we took the dress to her, and she said, ‘I can’t really make this one work, but what I can do is recreate it.’ She did and it was perfect. It was very simple, but I think it turned out fabulous.”

In keeping with the Scottish theme, a piper in full Scottish garb led Ferguson to the altar along with her 14-year-old Jack Russell Shih Tzu, Steve.

“I’ve been married before and both my dad and my stepdad walked me down the aisle together. This time I’m a little older, a little more mature and didn’t feel like being given away was the right option. I wanted to walk myself and choose what I was doing. Since my dad’s no longer with us, it felt a little different having only a stepdad.”

Ferguson recalled, “My fantastic mother-inlaw ordered the offcial MacDonald and Ferguson tartans. Not only did she make the drapery that we used on an arch, but she made a MacDonald bow tie for her dog Charlie, and Scott’s cat Bear, and a Ferguson bow tie for my dog, Steve. They all looked absolutely dapper and perfect. It was great.”

Whyte recalled an endearing moment during the exchanging of vows, having a unique perspective being so close to the couple.

“When it came time for Scott to put the ring on her fnger and say his vows, Holly seemed unsure of which hand to extend. She kept putting one hand out, then the other. Finally, Scott grabbed her left hand and said, ‘give this to me’. He put the ring on her fnger, and I kind of smirked. It was really cute,”

“It was an absolutely beautiful wedding and I think they’re going to have a long and happy

After the ceremony, the couple wove their family traditions into their ceremony by literally tying their tartans in a knot, signifying the combining of the clans. MacDonald said it was the little details of the day that he loved most.

Ferguson’s advice for couples planning a wedding is not to get too stressed over things you

“There’s a lot that people want for weddings, but at the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is that you’re married. Remember at the end of the day it’s the start of a marriage. It’s not just a one-day celebration.”

Neutral, natural newlyweds

Mackenzie and Jason Bray dated for seven years before saying “I do” in the summer of 2023.

Not unlike many brides-to-be, Mackenzie had a clear vision of the beautiful wedding she wanted, but also had a budget in mind. The theme she wanted was based around herself, her home and her life and she loved everything neutral and natural.

“My life is vanilla,” she said.

“Everything in my house is white and beige with a little bit of black, so I knew that was kind of what I wanted for the wedding.”

Couples will often spend many hours meticulously going over all aspects of their big day. For the Brays, however, planning came relatively easily. To put it into perspective, ensuring there was enough alcohol and pizza was among their biggest concerns for the day.

“Overall, planning the wedding wasn’t stressful. I already knew everything I wanted, and Jason was on board with all the decisions. We pretty much agreed on everything and were very good at making sure we were both happy with the decisions made,” she said.

Jason proposed six months before the June wedding by creating a video montage of photos from their years together.

“[The proposal] was just low-key at home,” Mackenzie said.

“At the end of the video it said, will you marry me? Then he pulled the ring out from under the couch, beside where we were sitting. It was very nice.”

Mackenzie’s advice to brides is simply to “sit down and decide what actually matters to you and your future partner. Not what mom, mother-in-law, or grandparents want, and stick to that.

“Focus on what’s important and not all the silly things that don’t matter. Write it out or keep a note running in your phone of ideas when you’re busy. If you’re at work and you have an idea, quickly jot it down so you don’t forget,” she said.

She also recommends keeping a separate calendar with important deposit dates as it’s easy to get carried away in spending money on unnecessary expenses.

Most importantly she reiterated, “enjoy the process, and remember that it’s about you.”

Jason and Mackenzie wanted a short ceremony and a party with the people closest to them.

“It’s very easy to get carried away with things that don’t matter. We just wanted to make sure that we were surrounded by the people we love and that love us – and that we all had a good time.”

Mackenzie dove into do-it-yourself projects, sourcing glassware and other decorations from various local sources. Between the décor she already had available and centrepiece vases her grandmother had around the house, she was able to curate beautiful table settings for their guests.

For just about everything else the couple needed, they turned to Instagram and other social media sites.

“I scrolled through a lot of photographer pages and messaged a bunch until I found a style I liked that matched the budget and the vibe,” she said.

As for other vendors, supporting local while maintaining affordability was important. They used a local hall for the bridal shower, Burkes Tent Rentals for their tent and linens, and shuttled guests using Fergus-Elora Taxi.

The day of the wedding was sunny, and the soon to be newlyweds began their day at The Badley in Elora, which boasts garden and patio suites.

Mackenzie credits her father for fnding the

perfect venue. There had been a few options in mind even before their engagement, including aunts’ and uncles’ properties, but nothing quite ft for various reasons.

“

“My mom and dad searched a few different venues even going to see two or three on our behalf. Then fnally, my dad said he’d found the perfect venue. He had reached out to one of his co-workers who owned the property,” she said.

“The day was perfect. It was like 26 degrees, sunny, we couldn’t have asked for a better day. There was a slight breeze, not too hot and not too cold.”

behind it with tree lines, and a large pond. There was lots of space for parking, and it was still very close to town so guests could arrive by taxi. The property was spacious, beautiful, and affordable.”

Her dress also ended up both beautiful and affordable.

“ The wedding itself was great. I have no regrets. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

“There was an open feld with beautiful scenery

Mackenzie knew the style of dress she wanted but didn’t want to spend an arm and a leg for something she would wear once. It turned out to be the right decision because by the end of the day, it ended up flthy.

“Whatever’s gonna happen is gonna happen, whether you’re anticipating it or not,” Mackenzie said.

“You kind of just have to go with the flow. Our music playlist for the ceremony didn’t end up being timed right, so the groomsmen and my husband walked out to Justin Timberlake’s ‘SexyBack.’”

In all, the budget friendly wedding which included attire, venue, food, and rings was less than $15,000.

“I got my ring at Michaels and Jason got his from a very sketchy online store. We weren’t even sure if the ring would show up at all, but it did and it’s wonderful,” Mackenzie said.

The couple chose not to write their own vows but opted to take pointers and suggestions from their offciant, adding personal touches and jokes to personalize them. They also included their dog

Arthur in the ceremony.

Mackenzie and Jason are looking forward to spending their eight-day honeymoon in Greece in the spring of 2024 – somewhere they’ve both always wanted to see.

“The wedding itself was great. I have no regrets. It couldn’t have been more perfect.”

Both Jason and Mackenzie and Holly and Scott had very different visions for their weddings, but both offer useful advice. Their stories are a testament that a small fortune isn’t required to create beautiful, lifelong memories. A little creativity and a lot of love from family and friends is more than enough to create the perfect wedding.

Sincere Simple Life Services: Embracing the elegance of secular unions

Officiant: Michele Humphrey Couple: Heather & Paul

In a world where diversity is celebrated and traditions evolve, couples are increasingly choosing non-religious wedding offciants to lead them through one of life’s most signifcant milestones. The role of a wedding offciant has traditionally been associated with religious fgures, but a growing number of couples are opting for a more personalized and secular approach to their wedding ceremonies.

Non-religious wedding offciants, often called celebrants or secular offciants, are stepping into this role with grace and inclusivity.

Michele Humphrey is one such offciant. When she was married in 2017, she and her husband struggled to fnd an offciant who matched their values and beliefs. They were looking for something simple that reflected their desire to be true to themselves, which in their case meant no religious affliation.

“My previous career was in employment services, and I was always looking for opportunities. I heard that Humanist Canada was looking for offciant candidates, and my son encouraged me to pursue it,” Humphrey said.

“I joined Humanist Canada and a year later I attended training. By spring 2019, I became an offciant.”

Most of Humphrey’s ceremonies are outdoors, each taking on their own personality. Her motto is “we are flexible” as not everything always goes according to plan.

“Weddings are about joy. There is often laughter in my ceremonies, but it’s almost entirely unplanned,” she said.

One of the key advantages of choosing a non-religious wedding offciant is the freedom it provides in crafting a ceremony that truly reflects the couple’s individual love story without the constraints of religious doctrines.

Humphrey appreciates personalization and recognizes that every couple has a different journey. She strives to create ceremonies that authentically represent who they are and the love they share.

“I really let the couple lead the way. I provide a sample ceremony outline and then we work together to craft wording that reflects their values, hobbies, interests, family situation and any additional features they would like included,” she said.

Heather Napier and Paul Di Mari were married in September 2023. Humphrey had come highly recommended by someone they’d met

PHOTOS BY: Samantha Kearns Photography

through the wedding industry. They were looking for someone who could deliver a non-religious, lighthearted ceremony.

“We wanted it to really feel like a celebration and a seamless unity of our two families,” Di Mari commented.

“It was important for Michele to not only be a good ft for us, but for us to be a good ft with her style of offciating. She certainly delivered and exceeded expectations.”

One of the defning features of non-religious ceremonies is their inclusivity. Celebrants often embrace diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles, fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. This openness allows couples to celebrate their love without excluding friends and family who may come from various religious or non-religious backgrounds.

“On our wedding day, we were able to be fully present, enjoy the moment, and celebrate the milestone with our family and friends,” Napier said.

“We had the opportunity to personalize our vows and Michele supported us through this process. She provided several sample vows that aligned with the environment we were hoping to create. We were then able to adapt some of the concepts and personalize it. Paul and I crafted our own separate vows which were the perfect mix of laughter and tears.”

Humphrey has performed ceremonies that incorporate cultural elements, remembrances, poetry, and music that are meaningful to the couples.

“It becomes about the couple, not the religious ritual. My weddings are beautiful and thoughtful,” she said.

“I believe that every ceremony needs an element of romance – even the elopements and legal ceremonies. The wording of the service reflects that. I am known for my laughter and every ceremony has a moment that can be covered or diverted with a small laugh and a smile.”

Despite the growing popularity, there is still some stigma associated with non-religious ceremonies, particularly from those who view weddings as intrinsically tied to religious rites. Non-religious offciants like Humphrey work diligently to dispel these misconceptions, emphasizing that a secular ceremony does not diminish the sanctity of the commitment being made.

“Some people are of the view that if religion is not involved then it isn’t a real wedding,” she suggested.

“It is very diffcult to become an offciant in Ontario. Humanist offciants are licensed by the Province of Ontario and by Humanist Canada and undergo extensive training.”

Beyond the emotional and symbolic aspects, non-religious offciants are often recognized legally to solemnize marriages. Many jurisdictions now acknowledge the authority of celebrants, providing couples with a legal alternative to traditional religious ceremonies.

“It isn’t like on television where you go online and become an offciant in two hours. I am upfront with everyone who makes an inquiry that my services do not include any religion as I am not licensed to perform religious ceremonies.”

Humphrey went on to say, “in fact, my license would be revoked if I were to. I make sure that our expectations match before we proceed with creating a wedding ceremony together.”

Offciants like Humphrey are instrumental in crafting ceremonies that incorporate personalized rituals, making the wedding experience truly unique. Whether it’s planting a tree, exchanging meaningful objects, or creating custom vows,

couples are fnding ways to express their commitment in ways that go beyond traditional religious practices.

“There is no longer a ‘must-do’ in a wedding ceremony. It is about a couple,” she said.

“Humanist ceremonies are about the couples experiences and their life together. Whether it’s the pet who is part of the wedding party, the incorporation of Indigenous elements, or honouring a deceased parent through a moment of silence, each wedding is unique to the couple and flled with moments of joy and often tears.”

Napier highly recommended Sincere Life Services, saying that Humphrey created the perfect atmosphere for her wedding and set the tone for the celebration.

“Michele had a great sense of humour and was more solemn when the moment called for it,” she said.

“She is professional, attentive, and responsive but most of all, she is an incredible and down to earth person. From day one she provided her expertise and thoughtfully guided us through the ceremony process. She took all the stress out of the ceremony and made us feel relaxed and excited.”

While the demand for non-religious offciants is on the rise, there are challenges that come with breaking away from longstanding traditions.

Humphrey reflected on these challenges, referencing a service where the groom wanted to honour his Jewish heritage with the Seven Blessings.

“We worked together to keep the sentiment behind the reading without using religious words. As long as I can be respectful of the tradition and not violate my code of ethics, cultural elements can be incorporated into services with some creativity,” she said.

Napier and Di Mari’s wedding serves as testament to Humphrey’s care and dedication.

“Michele not only made a lasting impression on us, but also our guests. We had several comments on the day of how great the ceremony was and the celebratory feel of the day. It really set the tone for the evening,” Di Mari said.

As the wedding landscape continues to evolve, the role of non-religious offciants is becoming increasingly vital.

These celebrants bring a fresh perspective to wedding ceremonies, offering couples the opportunity to celebrate their love authentically. As more couples seek personalization and inclusivity in their ceremonies, the rise of non-religious offciants is poised to become a lasting trend, reshaping the way couples say “I do” in the 21st century.

Behind the lens of unforgettable wedding photography

In the enchanting world of matrimony, where vows are exchanged and love takes center stage, there exists a silent yet powerful storyteller – the wedding photographer. Beyond the dazzling gowns and glowing smiles, these artists use cameras as their paintbrushes, capturing moments that last a lifetime.

Robyn Louise Shoemaker grew up in Fergus and has always had a love for taking pictures, since her frst Black’s flm camera at age 11. She turned her hobby into a photography career in 2013 while attending night courses at Conestoga College. She didn’t stumble into photography but determinedly stepped forward into her career with a purpose.

Married for almost 14 years herself, she has been the hired photographer for more than 30 weddings and worked as a second shooter at

another 30 working for other local photographers.

“While learning photography and second shooting for a friend I quickly found that weddings were such a joy to photograph,” Shoemaker said.

“I have always loved capturing people experiencing life and signifcant moments. What better then one of the biggest moments of their life?”

Shoemaker’s wedding shoots are typically in Wellington and Waterloo regions, but after having two children and taking some time off during the pandemic, she is looking forward to increasing her workload and expanding her business in the coming years.

“Personally, I love being behind the scenes, that is where the great stuff happens. Photographers are most often with the couple for around six to eight hours – it’s the little moments in between that are my favourite to capture and be a part of,” she said.

Shoemaker’s portfolio reflects a versatile range of classic portraits adorned with timeless elegance, candid shots that reveal the raw emotions of the day, and innovative compositions that push the boundaries of convention.

“I tend to have a mixed style of lifestyle and portrait photography,” she said.

“During the consultation with the couple, we discuss expectations and preferences to make sure the styles align. The engagement session is also very important for both the couple and myself, to make sure we can work together to achieve a look they are happy with.”

One such couple is Erin and

Hank MacDonald, who were married at the Elora Center for the Arts.

Erin lived in Guelph before purchasing a home in Clifford with Hank in 2017. She and her husband couldn’t be happier with how their wedding photos

turned out.

“We’re awkward when it comes to taking photos and not great at getting into poses. We didn’t really know what to do other than just smile at the camera. Robyn was really great at directing us and showing us how to pose and where to look,” Erin said.

The couple admits they aren’t the most creative and that there wasn’t necessarily a vision or specifc style they were looking for.

“We trusted her – I’m a pretty easy-going person, so it was great that she came in with her own ideas. The Elora Center for the Arts has nice grounds, so

there were lots of options. We left it up to her and her creative mind,” she added.

Shoemaker employs a mixed style of lifestyle and portrait photography and encourages couples to be themselves and to focus on each other and

the celebration, allowing her to capture the natural emotion and moments that come from that.

“Something I pride myself in is always being aware and watching to see who is reacting. I focus on the parts of the day the couple has outlined as being the most important to them,” Shoemaker said.

She also is a frm believer in couples making time to research before selecting a photographer and recommends they look through the photographer’s photos online.

“Always feel free to ask for more photos and examples. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and

PHOTOS BY: Robyn Louise Shoemaker

look at examples to attain the vision you have for your day. Both the couple and photographer need to have flexibility and realistic expectations,” she said.

An important part of this process is to book a consultation before making any frm decisions.

“Robyn met with us even before we decided to hire her,” Erin commented.

“We had a meeting to make sure that we ft together, and it turned out she was the right vibe for us, and we ft for her as well. It was nice to meet before we made it offcial and signed a contract.”

“In the frst consultation I like to get to know the couple, chat about their story and expectations for the day. I have a questionnaire that I send my couples to help them outline their individual priorities,” Shoemaker said.

“As for timeline, I ask them to think backwards from the last moment of the day they want captured to get and sense of how many hours are needed. There are so many factors that come together to determine the timeline.”

On October 21, 2023, Shoemaker photographed Grant and Brandi, who were married at the DTK chapel in the heart of Kitchener. She was also at their reception, a month later at Abe Erb brewery.

“We met Robyn through a mutual friend several years before Grant and I started dating,” Brandi said in an email.

“We connected with her through a wedding group on Facebook after looking through her online portfolio – we really liked the style of her work.”

The couple met with Shoemaker to ensure it was a good ft for both parties.

“It was important to us that our photographer had a good sense of humour and a collaborative approach. We felt comfortable with Robyn right away and knew she was the right person to help us capture our special day,” Brandi noted.

“The whole experience with Robyn was wonderful. She was very open to our spontaneous and often goofy ideas and was able to capture the dynamic of our relationship very well with little direction from us.”

Both Grant and Brandi agreed from the start that they weren’t interested in overly formal pictures and that they didn’t want to do a lot of posing.

“Robyn was wonderful with creating candid moments where we could just be ourselves and have fun with the experience,” Brandi said.

“We felt very comfortable with her. We did a lot of laughing and joking together, which created a very comfortable environment for us. It was really nice to just be able to take our time and be in the moment rather than having a strict schedule to stick to.”

“Robyn was wonderful with our guests at both events,” Brandi said.

“For our reception we asked her to wander around and take candid shots of our guests enjoying themselves and she got some really great images. We also received very positive feedback from our guests about how she mingled with them while taking those photos.”

Photographers are most often with the couple for around six to eight hours – it’s the little moments in between that are my favourite to capture and be a part of “

Shoemaker noted that “there is a lot of thought and direction from the photographer to make a pose turn into a spontaneous moment.”

“Be yourself, be silly, focus on each other and the celebration and let me capture the natural emotion and moments that come from that. While I am posing and prompting couples often a spontaneous moment or idea will come out –the key is to always be expecting the unexpected, always be looking for the moments in between.”

A challenge that sometimes occurs for Shoemaker is taking photos of family and guests who may not want to be photographed. Her perspective is to do the best she can for couples and make every effort to put everyone at ease.

Wedding photography has evolved into a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Couples now seek not only timeless portraits but also candid glimpses into the raw emotions that defne their special day.

“I think having a general idea of what you’re looking for in both the experience and the end product is important,” Brandi suggested.

“You are going to be spending a lot of time with [the photographer] on your wedding day, so it’s important to not only ensure their work is the style you want, but also that you are comfortable around them and that you know they will listen to you.”

Shoemaker does her best to maintain a positive and friendly atmosphere and tries to have fun with it.

“When my clients are comfortable the photos have a more natural vibe. The key is to not miss the moment,” she said.

From the early stages of preparation to the fnal dance, every nuance is carefully documented. Shoemaker seamlessly blends into the background, ensuring that her presence doesn’t overshadow the main event.

For her, weddings are not just events but timeless tales of love, beautifully captured for generations to cherish.

“I am committed to making my clients feel beautiful and relaxed whether for a family session, engagement, or their wedding day,” she said.

To view more of her wedding photography or to connect with Robyn, visit robynlouisephotography. com

Dale & Nancy

Arthur couple Dale and Nancy Bannister were married on a bright, fall day at the end of September, 2023 at the picturesque Luso Valley Estate.

Located on 100 acres of land in East Garafraxa, the farm property lives up to its luxurious name – Luso meaning luxury in Italian. The vibrant landscape is the ideal venue for nature lovers, featuring a large pond, lush forest and stunning sunsets.

It’s extremely

property in the area,” Pacheco said.

“Everybody at Dale and Nancy’s wedding had a really good time and looked very happy. It was a gorgeous day, and everything worked out great for them both.”

The decision to tie the knot at Luso Valley Estate was not arbitrary; rather, it was a thoughtful choice that reflected the couple’s shared love of the venue and the serene beauty of the countryside.

“Dale had done some work on the property, and

stick with a budget these days but it can be done or at least close to it.

Luso Valley is a gated property that dates back to the 1800’s and is the perfect setting for any wedding.

Owner Maria Pacheco has managed the property for the past three years and had it licensed for tent weddings in 2023.

“The property is unique and just beautiful in the summer – there is a large deck that was recently redone just past where the tent is installed that overlooks a large willow tree and the water. The comments I’ve had are that it’s the most beautiful

we knew right away it was where we wanted to get married,” Nancy said.

The theme of the day, ‘Country Rustic,’ unfolded seamlessly across every detail, from the decor to the attire. The tables adorned in greenery exuded a down-to-earth elegance that set the stage for an enchanting celebration. It was a blend of rustic charm and elegant details, creating an ambiance that resonated with both their personalities.

Choosing the right wedding dress is a momentous task, as it involves not only selecting

a garment but capturing the essence of one’s personality and the desired ambiance of the wedding day. In Nancy’s case, “it just felt right.”

“I’m not sure exactly how I decided on my dress. I did try on a few that day and felt defeated, but it was the last dress I tried on that felt right and looked beautiful. I was comfortable and felt like myself and that is what mattered to me for our wedding day.”

The couple took on a few DIY projects and had a few signs made to welcome guests in an effort to keep their costs down.

“It’s extremely hard to stick with a budget these days but it can be done or at least close to it. Being crafty is an easy way to keep your budget low,” Nancy said.

“We made all the centerpieces for the tables and made all the favours for guests to take home, including jars of apple sauce with cute little tags

made from our apple orchard. Dale also made the arch we got married under – it was perfect. We now have it displayed at our farm.”

She also recommends spending the time to shop around before choosing vendors and consulting friends who have already gone through the planning process and know what to expect.

“Talk to friends and family, whether they know someone or have used a certain company in the past, they are a great help, especially if they recently got married themselves.”

Amongst other things, Nancy kept a binder to ensure everything was organized, making sure to have all her vendors’ contracts printed off and labeled under their own section. The couple used local caterers and were sure to have the venue booked well in advance.

“No matter how simple you try to keep things, there is still some stress that comes with planning a wedding. I think a few days before was the most stressful, but then everything fell into place,” she said.

Dale said Nancy spearheaded most of the wedding planning, but his advice was to take time before the wedding together. The couple made a point of planning lunch dates together before the wedding to spend time discussing their wedding plans.

PHOTOS BY: Femke Randeraad

When asked what about their most memorable moments from the day, the bride and groom’s responses were very much aligned.

“When I frst saw Nancy at the altar, I thought she was absolutely beautiful. We had waited a while to get married and I was so happy to fnally marry the love of my life,” said Dale.

Nancy echoed the sentiment saying, “The most memorable moment for me was getting to walk down the aisle to Dale and seeing the look on his face. The after party was great as well, with all our close friends and family there celebrating with us. The day was perfect.”

Dale added that their frst dance as husband and wife was also very special. They’d had a diffcult time choosing between three songs they both loved –each with a special meaning to the couple.

“I had no idea at the time, but Nancy called the DJ company we’d hired and asked if they could mash the three songs together. It was a complete surprise to me,” he said.

For the Bannister’s it was all about the details. Nancy and Dale are both fond of tequila rose, so they arranged to have a bottle at each table for their guests to take a shot with them during the evening.

They also had a photo booth on site which was a big hit for everyone in attendance. Beyond the formal portraits from their photographer, it added candid moments, spontaneous laughter and the genuine expressions of their guests.

The beginning of their journey as husband and wife was marked by a sense of unity that radiated throughout the venue. It was a celebration not only of love but of the community that surrounded them.

The beauty of Dale and Nancy’s love story lies not only in the grand moments but in the subtle, everyday gestures that defne a lifelong journey together. In the embrace of Luso Valley Estate, their story found a canvas, and the colours of fall painted a picture they will cherish forever.

Dress? Check.

Hair and makeup? Check.

Photographer? Check. Fiancé? Check.

Your bridal planning should not stop there. To make the most of those wedding day photos you cannot rely on makeup alone to mask any skin concerns. Include your skin health in the wedding planning stages three to four months in advance of your wedding day. Consulting a skin care professional can make all the difference – whether it’s a small tweak to an established at-home skin care regimen or a more targeted approach.

Don’t be discouraged by long standing skin

concerns – it’s not you, you just haven’t found what works for your skin! The range of products and treatments available isn’t meant to overwhelm; it’s because your skin is unique to you, it’s what people see frst, it’s the largest organ in your body – and is quite often neglected. Your skin care routine should include a targeted, customized plan. Look to a skin care professional at a business that focuses on skin health. When making your choice be sure to ask about experience, education, and what continuing professional development they engage in. Look for a service provider that has completed at least a one-year esthetics diploma with an accredited educational institution. Your skin care professional should be enthusiastic about skin health and identify and prescribe results-driven products and services that work for you on a timeline that meets your goals.

Our fnal piece of advice for getting your skin picture perfect: never introduce new products or treatments in the week before the big day! The last thing you want to see in your wedding photos is a skin reaction.

Three to four months in advance is the ideal timeframe to determine your skin care plan and address skin concerns or smooth out little