Neal & Amanda

Wedding season ended early for me this year with the marriage of Neal and Amanda on September 5. I love love LOVE these two anyway, so being able to share their big day with them was huge for me. They're both shutterbugs themselves as well, so it was great to get some love from some folks who enjoy a good photo! I'd post every single one if I could... but I won't. :)

We had such a cold and rainy summer this year, Amanda was worried about a back up plan for photos if we got rained out of the park they'd chosen. There was no need for worry; they had such beautiful indoor locations, we did some shooting inside anyway, despite the perfect wedding weather outside.

This one is the lobby of the Country Inn and Suites in Dartmouth.

They were married at the chapel at Stadacona, CFB Halifax, which boast stained glass artwork depicting the Battle of the Atlantic that allows for beautiful soft, natural light.

It was very important to Amanda to have her nieces in her ceremony

At the rehearsal the day before the wedding, Neal took me aside and said there was something I had to see. We walked through a door behind the altar at the chapel and into a small non-denominational 'celebration room'. And celebrate I did! The stained glass was beautiful and the intimate setting made for the perfect hideaway for just me and the bride and groom.

In true Nova Scotian fashion, Amanda was piped down the aisle by a charming bagpiper.

Also in true Nova Scotia fashion.... (I've always wanted someone to do this!)

Our next stop was Sullivan's Pond in Dartmouth, which came complete with gazebo, mid-pond fountain, and beautiful walkways. We took a tonne of pictures there, but I really like the framing of this one:

Amanda, her sister/maid of honor Sherri, Neal, and his best man Brian pull off the rock star look like... well, ROCK STARS.

Sister love <3>

After the park, we headed to the local legion for a fine dinner and reception. As the sun started to set, Amanda lead me outside to this delightful lake, mere feet from the back entrance. It came complete with picturesque fishermen for background charm to make the shots perfect!

I can honestly say I have never seen two people so ridiculously happy. Nor have I seen two that deserve it more. Next stop: Rock the Dress????? I love you guys!

Jeannine & Steve

Jeannine and Steve's wedding on August 1 was the first wedding I've ever done where I didn't know anybody: not the bride, not the groom, not the wedding party, not a single guest. I thought that would make me more nervous, but everyone seemed so relaxed, it was hard not to fall right into step!

And speaking of step...

One of my own little secrets about this wedding was my back-up camera. I shot the ceremony mainly with my DiMage A2, which had become like an extension of my body after all the shooting I've done with it. For the posed shots, however, when I had a bit of time to think, I broke out the T1i, which I casually didn't mention I'd only bought days before!

Jeannine was walked down the aisle by her beautiful mom.

And Steve seemed very happy to see them!

The chapel was tiny and intimate, and the altar was lit by a huge window and a few well-placed ceiling lights. Perfect.

After some limousine mechanical setbacks and a minor broken glass incident, we found ourselves at Halifax's beautiful Public Gardens for some fun and formal shots.

Jeannine wanted a shot with all of her nieces and nephews. I thought, "oh boy, a bunch of teenagers? This is going to be trouble" but told them all to pile up around this huge tree.
I swear, this is exactly where they stood. I didn't have to move a single body, or pose a single limb.

Sweet.

I love, love, LOVE this one of Jeannine and her girls, who were all about swinging on lamp posts and striking catwalk poses for me in the park.

The drive from the park to the waterfront where the reception was to be held brought another pleasant surprise. I had completely forgotten that August 1 is a civic holiday in Halifax.... a civic holiday with FIREWORKS.
I probably came near to causing an accident when the radio announcer broadcast his reminder. I couldn't wait to get to the new mister and missus and beg and plead with them to PLEASE let me get some fireworks shots!!! Fortunately, they were all for it and there was no embarrassing begging needed. What a fantastic way to end a night... and kick off a whole new beginning!

Thanks so much Jeannine and Steve for letting me be such a big part of your special day! All the best for many long years of happiness to come. :)