Eldie Photography: Blog

Lauren and Sanj

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 18:45:00 GMT

LAUREN & SANJAYA

3 memorable moments from this wedding:

1. Lauren's face walking down the aisle. As I discovered during Lauren's mom's speech, Lauren had a very long list of boxes her potential partner needed to check off:) And at some point, wondered if maaaaybe she should be flexible on some of them? Nope. She waited a long time to meet her perfect partner. Sanj checked every single item on that list. And the look on her face walking down the aisle was one of someone who stuck to her beliefs, and knew not to settle.

2. The ballon drop that surprised everyone. A New Year's Eve wedding was sure to have some epic surprises, and one of them was a midnight balloon drop. The countdown started, the bride and groom readied themselves with the string, they pulled it and....the entire apparatus came down! String, balloons, net, the whole thing. The only thing more surprising than a balloon drop is a surprise balloon fight, as everyone ripped open the net at midnight

3. The countdown! In addition to their ceremony guests, Lauren and Sanj invited more friends to come down and enjoy the party - no dress code necessary! Bu the time midnight came the dance floor was full of new faces, champagne, and a few hundred people ready to party. The couple found their wedding band while at Soho House, and the Motown kept everyone on the floor.

I had no idea that on midnight, as we entered 2020, that every wedding in the coming year would have to reschedule, adapt, or take a pause. It's been a year. But looking back on this amazing celebration has me stoked for all the 2021 weddings!
You'll find all the vendors at the bottom of this post; if you're planning your upcoming wedding, I can't recommend these people enough! We've all had a challenging year, holding onto our businesses and supporting our communities, and we're excited to make magic in 2021:)

VENDORS

Music: Janisa Music and Co.

Photographer: Eldie Photography

Ceremony Venue: Airship37; Berkeley Events

Wedding Dress: Katrina Tuttle Bridal

Wedding planner: The Event Design Co. (Katie Watkowski)

Flowers: Cool, Green, & Shady

Caterer: Berkeley Events

Hair: & Makeup: Toronto Beauty Group

Groom’s tux: Suit Supply

Cake: Gill McIver

Bridesmaid dresses: Self-selected black dresses from Aritzia and BHLDN

Groomsmen’s attire: Suit Supply

Favours: A donation was made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society in lieu of traditional wedding favours. We decorated the tables with NYE themed party supplies.

Officiant: Aileen Dockerty

Becky + Dan's Wedding In The South of France

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Photos by Lindsay Duncan

I don't know about you, but I never really pictured the south of France. I've heard of it - and always when people talked about beauty, and romance, and relaxation. As it turns about, it is all of those things and more.
Becky and Dan decided to marry at her father's vineyard, because why wouldn't you!
This time last year, we were honoured to be travelling over to France and capture their wedding festivities, which included a welcome party the night before their wedding, at a vintage car museum nearby.
(You can find photos from this wonderful night here!)

Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan

Surrounded by grapes, hills, and the stunning French countryside, there isn't much more you need to do for ambience. Chairs were adorned with olive branches, and the couple married outdoors under a wooden Chuppah covered in flowers. One of my favourite parts of the day was bearing witness to the signing of the ketubah. A close group of loved ones gathered inside and offered wishes and blessings, while Dan and Becky signed the traditional Jewish marriage contract. Made all the more special because the Rabbi is close to the family:)

The thing I can now say about southern France is this... the light is different. It's warm, and colourful, and creates a dreamy beauty that I couldn't believe. The outdoor cocktail hour took place in the courtyard under the setting sun, where guests were treated to champagne before moving into a white tent for speeches, and a speech in the form of a song from Dan's brother:)

Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan

The best thing about a destination wedding? No one is going home at the end of the night, which leads to a full on celebration! They danced, we danced, and at some point the power went out. And no one stopped dancing.

Becky and Dan, thank you so much for entrusting us with capturing your beautiful, heartfelt ceremony, and for giving us the opportunity to see this part of the world. We feel so lucky.
Thank you to your families for welcoming us, and showing us the most lovely hospitality.

Oh, and thank you to Stephanie and Peter for getting married 4 years ago, and having me photograph your wedding, which lead to meeting Becky and Dan:)

Photos by Lindsay Duncan

VENDORS

I can't rave enough about the phenomenal team at this wedding! The food was out of this world, everyone looked breath taking, and the entire affair was personal and relaxed. If you're planning a wedding or event in France, I highly recommend everyone involved:)

WEDDING DRESS: GLAMOUR CLOSET

SHOES: VISCATA

HAIR: AGNES CANERI

MAKEUP: YLVA LANGENSKIOLD

GROOM'S ATTIRE: THEORY

FLORALS: AU GRES DES FLEURS

CAKE: MADE IN CAKE

WEDDING BANDS: NORMAN LANDSBERG JEWELERS

OFFICIENT: RABBI SHELLY BARNATHAN

BAND: FUNK MODE

RECEPTION TENT: BE LOUNGE

CATERING: HELEN TRAITEUR

Becky and Dan's Southern France Wedding Rehearsal

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:15:00 GMT

My favourite thing about destination weddings is that your wedding story - meaning your photos, your album, your recording of this time - becomes so much more than a day.
It's your arrival, and your friends' arrival. It's your family unloading luggage, and hugging relatives from the other side of the world while everyone is wearing shorts. It's the site visit, the preparation, the party, and more.

We arrived in France for Becky and Dan's wedding a few days early. (I like to ensure we have time for jet lag, travel, potential delays, etc.) After arriving in Paris, we boarded a train for Avignon, and then picked up a rental car to drive the remaining few hours to St-Remy-De-Provence. I marvelled at the rolling hills, the simple, beautiful architecture of the homes and their wooden shutters, and the soft warm air.

The next day we met with becky and Dan at her father's vineyard, where the wedding would be held. We combined a creative shoot, a venue visit, a wedding rehearsal, and a rehearsal dinner all into one night! We could feel the excitement in the air, as people arrived from all over the world. The only place big enough to accommodate this rehearsal dinner/welcome party was a nearby car museum, which made for an awesome and relaxed background.

I'm so excited to share photos from this STUNNING wedding, but let the day before be the amuse-bouche :)

LD

THE ARRIVAL

Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan

TOURING THE VINEYARD

Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan

THE REHEARSAL

Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan

Photos by Lindsay Duncan

THE WELCOME PARTY!
Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan Photos by Lindsay Duncan

TORONTO ISLAND WITH PAULINE AND EDWIN (AND HARLEY)

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 14:00:00 GMT

I adventured to Toronto Isand early one morning with Pauline, Edwin, and their adorable pooch Harley! We were early enough to beat the crowds (and the sun!) for a walk, and then indulge in brunch and a wet ride back to the ferry! The water was high on on the island, but we weren't the only ones willing to kick off their shoes and give it a go:)

I always love escaping to Toronto Island... so close to the city, but an oasis free of cars, free of stress, free of Tim Horton's. But more and more, we're able to travel there less and less. At least once a year, the Island is lost to flooding. I had a wedding who had to reschedule their ENTIRE WEDDING the week before because their island venue was flooded!

The island is beautiful, and home to memories for so many Torontonians...childhood at science camp, teenage years of freedom, new parents taking their kids on adventures, and so many instances of love.

I don't say this to be a bummer, but so many beautiful memories exist on that island..and it's disappearing. Our impact on this beautiful world is creating less of it, and as the land disappears it takes our ability to revisit it - our ability to relive those memories - with it.

So on this earth day, I hope you think about your favourite places. And think about how it would feel to never again visit the place you met, the place you first kissed, the place you married.
And now think about what we can do to prevent that.

WEDDING GUEST BOOK

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 19:46:04 GMT

WOW HAVE WEDDINGS EVOLVED

Things have changed a lot since I started in wedding photography 10 years ago; there used to only be a few choices but now couples have so much more freedom to do it their way. You can get married in a field, a church, a barn, a restaurant… anything can be a venue! You also have a lot of say in how much DIY you want to take on. If you have an inner Martha Stewart, your wedding can be a great opportunity to take on projects - centrepieces, chandeliers….I even had a bride who made her own origami bouquets (and they were stunning).

But if, like me, you’re not a crafty person, making it all yourself seems daunting. I talk with my couples all the time about investing in the few big things that are important to you, and then letting the rest fall into place. If you aren’t an event planner, this may be the first time you’ve ever had to consider hiring a caterer, choosing a florist, or selecting invitations. If you’re looking for some to DIY it for you, I highly recommend Basic Invite.

MODERN DESIGNS

I’m a huge fan for the simple reason that with them you can do a little, or a lot. Maybe you just need invitations and RSVP cards, or maybe you need the whole shebang. But they make it super easy to make a few quick choices, and in return get a beautiful, custom stationary package. Your guests will swear that you must have had a custom designer; Basic Invite has over 180 different colour options, over 40 different envelope colours, and over 900 Wedding Invitation Sets. Their almost unlimited colour options mean you'll have unique, modern stationary that fits your style.

I love these beautiful ombré options!

BUT MY FAVOURITE THING IS THE WEDDING GUEST BOOKS

All of my full day wedding packages have what I call a creative shoot. Back in the day it was an engagement shoot, because people would post about their engagement in the newspapers. Now, I use this little photoshoot before your wedding as a chance to get to know each other, and see how you two interact together (which makes our time together on your wedding day so much smoother!) I’m also a big fan of every couple having gorgeous photos of themselves that aren’t just on your wedding day!

A lot of my couples use their creative shoot photos for a guest book on their wedding day, which I love. Basic Invite has so many options, you won't be stuck with something too stuffy or formal. You can choose from dozens of styles, from romantic to art deco, and ensure your guest book ties in perfectly with your wedding vibe.

I’m also super into their Seal and Send wedding invites; they have a tear-off RSVP card, AND your guests names are printed right on the front of each invitation which means…. NO SEALING 100’s OF ENVELOPES! All you have to do is share a link, collect guest addresses, and upload them onto your design. Once your invites arrive all you have to do is add postage, fold, and secure them with a sticker! Simple and easy.

And also, saving 100’s of extra pieces of paper:)

Processed with VSCO with f2 preset

If you're excited to DIY your wedding, Basic Invite is an awesome way to customize your stationary. Or if you're ready to hand over some of the wedding decisions I highly recommend having a look to see how they can help you create a beautiful, unique wedding guest book with just a few choices! I paired with Basic Invite because I'm a big fan of letting couples do it their way:)

BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS 2019

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:30:00 GMT

BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS 2019

(It isn't every photo we loved, because that would be too many:)

2019 was an interesting year for wedding photography. As so many of my friends and wonderful clients know, I also working throughout the year in the commercial world, creating photos of products, people, and art. The challenge is always that wedding tend to get planned a year in advance, and commercial tends to plan a month in advance!

To make room for both, I had to become more selective about the weddings I take. I was worried at first, but looking back I couldn’t have had a better year, both artistically and personally. I loved every single couple I worked with - all sweet, personable, and excited, and all asking me for the same thing - photos that show the emotions of the day, and a photographer who understood that they wanted to spend time with the people they love, and not away for 3 hours of photos.

And despite capturing thousands of photos of friends, family, college friends, hugs, and tears…we also made time for epic portraits, big laughs, and so much fun. To all of you - Pauline & Edwin, Katherine & Rob, Samantha & Jon, Becky & Dan, Allison & Ciáran, Emily and Mike, Lisa & Sam, Jelena & Nikola, Lauren & Sanj…. THANK YOU.

Photos by Lindsay Duncan

I had the chance to jump on some smaller, spur of the moment weddings at Toronto City Hall, and find some lovely new spaces-turned-wedding-venues like Christopher Cutts Gallery and an up and coming barn venue in Guelph. We also finally shot at the jewel that is Casa Loma, a new year’s eve wedding at Airship 37, and the post-renovated historic Great Hall. I spent the long labour day weekend traveling to Provence, France, to photograph the most stunning vineyard wedding, and it still feels like a dream.

To all our unique couples, whether laid-back or detail-loving - Thank you. Thank you for trusting me to get all the good stuff, and also giving me the space to be creative:) My hope is always the same - that you can go through your photos, start to finish, and remember what the entire day felt like.

It goes by so quickly, and it’s a damn honour to slow it down for you.

I am still taking select wedding dates for 2020 and 2021; if you or some of your favourite people are getting hitched,

I've love to chat with them!
You can always reach me at lindsay@eldiephotography.com or enjoy some wedding porn (aka looking at all the photos)

on our instagram here

And, just because you made it to the end...here is a photo of me in full work mode. I am VERY committed to not blocking anyone's view.

Photos by Lindsay Duncan

KAT + ROB

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Kat and Rob are the best kind of people. I kind of had a feeling, since they came recommended through a dear friend who is also the best kind of people (and who is the shining pregnant bridesmaid in the photos!) These two have a solid love, built on all the right stuff. Despite the fact that they're several years into their relationship, they were as giddy as teenagers to get married! There were tears on both sides of the aisle, as they exchanged vows under an ancient tree on a gorgeous day.
Guests played lawn games and were treated to lemonade and sangria on a relaxed, open lawn outside the barn. Later, soft lights lit the dance floor for one of the most romantic first dances I've ever seen.

Kat and Rob, thank you for entrusting me with your gorgeous day:)

LISA + SAM

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 20:00:00 GMT

Weddings today can be anything you want - a huge lavish affair, an outdoor bash, a travel adventure...or a neighbourhood celebration. More and more often, I'm meeting couples who are creating intimate weddings, their way. Lisa and Sam's wedding was truly a neighbourhood celebration.

I met them at their home, and we walked through their neighbourhood to Christopher Cutts Gallery, just a few blocks away. We stopped to chat with neighbours, wander the allies, and it was truly the most relaxed pre-wedding I've ever had. Sam has a penchant for hand shakes, including with his almost-wife:) A little while later friends and loved ones gathered, vows were exchanged, and everyone headed off for brunch at the Ritz-Carton.

But my favourite moment happened in between....when everyone but Sam and Lisa had left, and they stayed behind to finish up a few things. The only people left were the two of them, myself, and the cellist. And it was in this moment when they shared a short first dance, alone, in an art gallery.

Congratulations Lisa and Sam - to many more years of loving your neighbourhood, and each other!

ALLISON + CIARAN

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 20:40:22 GMT

Allison and Ciaran chose their venue - Pictou Lodge - in great part because of its rugged location, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic. It looks equally fitting for Nova Scotia (Allison's home) as it is for Ireland (Ciaran's home).

The epic views and romantic wind proved a little too much come ceremony time, and the outdoor vows were moved indoors, to save everyone from the gale force winds. But Ali and Ciaran insisted on ducking outside during sunset to take in the stunning colours. The rest of the evening was spent inside, hugging friends from afar and watching everyone become family:)

Congratulations Ali and Ciaran! Sláinte!

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LAUREN + SANJAYA AT EVERGREEN BRICKWORKS

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 17:18:16 GMT

I've learned something after a decade of photographing couples....when a couple says they're awkward in photos, it's likely because they're so busy enjoying each other they don't look at the camera. Which is perfect. An amazing photo isn't about looking perfect, it's about looking happy - and these two could not possibly be more happy than when they're together.

Their New Year's Eve Wedding is sure to be a banger. Lauren and Sanjaya, we can't wait to celebrate with you!

MELISSA & JOHNATHAN

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 16:34:25 GMT

MELISSA & JOHN

Food, friends, and family; it's not just the makings of a great wedding, but also of a great life. And if their wedding is any indication, Melissa and John are in for a FULL life!

One thing that was clear while photographing their wedding, is the size and strength of their community. I think we had more photos of friend groups than we did family groups! There elementary school friends, first job friends, college friends, badminton friends....I was amazed with how many relationships they've built and maintained.

Between their tea ceremony and their wedding reception, we even had the chance to pop down to Kim's Convenience - yes, the real one! Now a hit show from CBC, and a favourite of John and Melissa's, the historical real life Kim's Convenience was just a block from their wedding.

"Ok See You!"

VENUE: 1871 THE BERKLEY CHURCH

WEDDING DRESS: PAPILO BOUTIQUE

HAIR & MAKEUP: EMMA Q BRIDAL

BRIDESMAIDS' ATTIRE: DAVID'S BRIDAL

GROOM'S ATTIRE: SOOTZ CUSTOM

FLORALS: DIY BY THE BRIDE

CUPCAKES AND DESSERT TABLE: TORI'S BAKESHOP

CATERING: BERKLEY CHURCH

WEDDING PLANNER: SS WEDDING EVENT, SUSAM ZENG

DJ: DJ ADAM JOHN

PHOTOBOOTH: RE LIVE PHOTOBOOTH

VIDEOGRAPHY: NEM TRBOJEVIC

SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER: SHLOMI AMIGA

Lauren & Aaron

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 20:30:00 GMT

LAUREN & AARON

Picture your dream wedding...seaside. A bright blue sky, and everyone you love sipping drinks on a patio while watching the sky change colours. The wedding is full of soft colours, big flowers, and a lot of emotions.

But then there's a party. A heck of a party. Sumptuous food, and a band soooo good that you skip your first dance so that everyone can dance more. The party is so good that it's long since dark before you remember there's a cake to cut. There are people dancing inside, and having intimate conversations on the patio. There are definitely people who've wandered down to the ocean, and everywhere you look someone is carrying a bottle of Prosecco.

This was Lauren and Aaron's wedding. It didn't hurt that these two have more style than anyone I've met! Everything they chose from their garments to their dishes made me gush.

The first thing I remember walking in was how close they are with their friends. They love them fiercely, and have clearly built a whole another circle of family from them. But then there's their families...kind, funny, and the most loving. The wedding took place in Chester at The Captain's House, which has a lot of history for Lauren's family. There wasn't a single person I met during my time with them that wasn't jubilant, hilarious, and ready with a story:)

My favourite part of the weekend was brunch the next day. Seeing everyone wander out in jeans and hoodies, sleepy-eyed as they caught up and exchanged stories. not quite ready to say goodbye....

Lauren and Aaron, thank you so much for allowing me to capture your weekend!

BILL & LIZ

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 18:45:00 GMT

BILL & LIZ AT THE GLADSTONE

The Gladstone has long been one of my favourite haunts for brunch, jazz, trivia... and now for weddings. Another example of an amazing intimate venue downtown, The Gladstone Hotel also features bespoke rooms and acts as a rotating art gallery, making it the perfect location for a funky downtown wedding.

Bill and LIz eschewed a sit down dinner in favour of samplings from the venue's abundant menu, and opted for a band to bring everyone onto the dance floor. And the hilarious waving from Bill and his family? It's a tradition:) It's your wedding day, so you gotta be you!

VENDORS

VENUE AND FOOD: THE GLADSTONE HOTEL

WEDDING GOWN: LOVERSLAND

FLORALS: THORN FLORAL

HAIR: VERONICA GABALDO

MAKEUP: HASSAN HAQUE

NIKA AND NATHAN

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 14:45:00 GMT

NIKA & NATHAN'S TORONTO CITY HALL WEDDING

As couples goals change to suit their tastes, I'm noticing more and more small personal weddings. Restaurants, art galleries, and yes.... city hall! For some people it's to keep their day small, for others it's due to scheduling or financial goals, but one thing about city hall weddings that doesn't change...the giddiness!

Watching Nika and Nathan meet outside city hall before their vows was the exact same level of excitement, nerves, and tears I see in larger affairs. Because that's what you're here for - to commit your life to the person who makes you giddy.

Plus, living in Toronto affords us a gorgeous skyline!

Congrats Nika and Nathan - I hope every time you walk by City Hall, you get the same feelings as you do from this day:)

SAMANTHA & STEPHEN

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 15:00:00 GMT

SAMANTHA & STEPHEN'S FARM FALL WEDDING

What's better than an outdoor wedding? An outdoor wedding with goats. I know this isn't everyone's bag, but for me it was a dream. In fact, everything about Samantha and Stephen's wedding was thoughtful, local, and meaningful. Their urban florist grows wildflowers in the backyards of Toronto residents, harvesting them for upcoming weddings. Samantha's wedding dress came from The Bride's Project, where the proceeds from wedding dresses go 100% towards cancer charities (a cause close to the couples' hearts).
But mostly I loved the bits of Samantha and Stephen woven throughout their day...from the story of their long distance romance to their love of literature, every detail of their wedding was done with thought and care. If it wasn't meaningful, it wasn't there:)

If you're looking for ideas on how to incorporate quirky romance into your wedding, look no further!

VENDORS

VENUE: SOUTH POND FARMS

WEDDING DRESS: THE BRIDE'S PROJECT

SHOES: ANN TAYLOR, CONVERSE

SUIT: TIP TOP TAILORS

MAKE UP ARTIST: KAT CRISP

FLOWERS: MY LUSCIOUS BACKYARD

WEDDING BANDS: AIMEE KENNEDY

ENGAGEMENT RING: MARV CHONY JEWELLERS

OFFICIENT: GEOFF LLOYD

SECOND OFFICIENT: ROB OLSEN

DJ: MATT BLAIR

Lindsay and Blair

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 15:00:00 GMT

LINDSAY & BLAIR'S MODERN DOWNTOWN WEDDING

I walked into Lindsay's hotel room at the Omni Prince Edward, and immediately lay down on the bed and cried for 15 minutes. Luckily, no one was phased or thought I was the most unprofessional. You see, in addition to sharing the same name Lindsay is one of my dearest friends. and I LOVE her and Blair's love. Lindsay's face when she walked down the aisle...ugh.

I also think Lindsay wasn't phased by my crying because she, too, is a crier. and a laugher! One of my FAVOURITE things is her huge, open mouthed laugh. but when she turned for the first time to see herself in her wedding dress, she started to cry. She turned to me and said "I just can't believe I get to have him as my husband."

My favourite moment involving Blair - quiet, thoughtful, kind Blair - was as he sat on the patio with his friends. He's not much of a dancer, but isn't phased that his wife is a dancer. He looked over at the dance floor where Lindsay was tearing it up, smiled and said quietyl (and fondly) "She's never not dancing."

FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT THIS WEDDING

- Lindsay had so many close friends, she simply opted not to have bridesmaids:) Instead, she invited all her closest buds to join her in the hotel room before the wedding, once they were ready. They laughed, cried, drank champagne, and ate this amazing nacho-platter-cheese thing they simply call 'snack.'

- If you look closely, you'll see an assortment of gorgeous, colourful, napkins on their tables at La Maquette. They were all handmaid by Blair's mom:)

- Lindsay and Blair lied about the time their wedding started! They asked guests to arrive a half hour before the real start to their ceremony. This allowed everyone a chance to say hello, grab a drink, and settle in. It was the most relaxed and giddy I've ever seen guests.

- Their first kiss was so intense it broke on of the straps on Lindsay's wedding dress:)

Lindsay and Blair, I love your love!

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VENDORS

VENUE: LA MAQUETTE

WEDDING DRESS: FERRE SPOSA, MIKAELLA BY PALOMA BLANCA

GROOM'S TUX: SUIT SUPPLY

SHOES: RACHEL SIMPSON (HERS), HUGO BOSS (HIS)

FLORAL DESIGN: LEAF AND BLOOM

INVITATIONS AND SEATING CHART: ALICIA'S INFINITY

MAKE UP: ASHLEY READINGS

HAIR: MEGAN MILES, FRIEND OF THE BRIDE

DESSERTS: BAKERBOTS

DECOR: DIY

MELISSA + JOHN

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 14:45:00 GMT

MELISSA + JOHN

Spending am evening in the distillery with these two was the most fun! As one of the most popular destinations for photography in Toronto, I'm sometimes hesitant to visit the distillery; the potential for crowds, or half a dozen weddings (or a dozen creative shoots!) can make it a challenge to find space and creativity. But not with Melissa and John:)
We hit up GW General, quite possibly the best antique store I've ever been to. Stunning vintage light fixtures and decor clutter the shelves, but you can also find custom wooden furniture, hand knit socks, and pretty much everything I want to fill my house with. We poked through old books, I listed after tea pots, and John sat down to play a tune on an aging piano 9and he is phenomenal).

Melissa's vintage dress (a lady after my own heart!) and stunning blue engagement ring was the perfect compliment to an evening spent travelling back in time:)

Congrats Melissa and John, can't wait to celebrate with both of you!

NOREEN + BRIAN + RIGBY

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 14:30:00 GMT

NOREEN + BRIAN + RIGBY

It may be no surprise that I love dogs, but Dachshunds have a special place in my heart. They rarely love me as much as I love them, but I'm okay with that.
But it was still a pleasure to spend the evening in Hamilton with little Rigby, and his fabulous mom and dad Noreen and Brian. We went to their favourite spot for walks, and then ditched the dog to grab dinner and drinks at Brux House - conveniently, the same place they had their first date!

Noreen raved about their pretzels (she was right), and their beer list alone was worth the visit. But my favourite thing was watching these two giggle like teenagers - both of their smiles are extra big when they're around each other, and they don't need to even say anything to one another- it only takes a look to get them beaming.

I can't wait for their wedding (which is today!) There won't be any dogs, but with a couple this fun it doesn't matter!

TIFF + TOM IN HIGH PARK

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 12:45:43 GMT

Happy wedding day to these two world travellers!

I'm so excited to photograph Tiffany and Tom's wedding. These two jet setters spent our whole afternoon icebreaker shoot giggling, and planning for their next big adventure:)

Can't wait to share their wedding photos!

STEPH + ASH

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 16:51:39 GMT

STEPH & ASH

Oh hi, I've found my new favourite type of wedding to photograph - a road-trip wedding!

I knew from first speaking with Steph that her and Ash's wedding would be something special:) Steph was calm, collected, and very sweet and she talked about their plans. A ceremony and fun party at Healy farms. Their dogs would be there, which is always a selling point for me:)

Then I met Ash - the complete opposite. Boisterous, excited, and always laughing. But the best part was watching these two together - how Steph relaxes and laughs all the time around Ash, and how Ash becomes calm and chills out in Steph's presence. These two are perfect for each other.

After getting ready together in Halifax, we loaded into two cars with way too much champagne for a photography road-trip to their ceremony in The Valley. We spent hours visiting the ocean, cornfields, a gas station, and generally just having an amazing Nova Scotian time. If anyone ever wants a suggestion for photos, that's mine - grab your photographers, and hit the road!

The pure love and emotions of these two as they walked towards each other during their ceremony....ugh, not a dry eye in the house. This is what finding the right one looks like. After exchanging vows under a huge oak tree, Steph and Ash popped some champagne, played some games, and then moved everything into the barn for one hell of a party. Party highlights included:

- Ash tending bar quite *ahem* enthusiastically (photos below)

- Ash setting off a confetti cannon inside (photos below)

- Ash dancing so hard she split her pants (sorry, no photos) and exchanging pants with the videographer

But the things I remember most are the words from their friends and family: how their home has become a home for so many; their epic brunches; their endearing and reliable friendship. They haven't just made a marriage, they've made a community.

And I wanna attend a brunch:)

Photos by myself and amazing second photographer Jeannette Gallant.

See below for all these great vendors!

VENDORS

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: HEALY EVENTS

WEDDING DRESS: CHESTER AND FELICITY

SHOES: SAM EDELMAN

HAIR: DIME SALON

MAKEUP: DIME SALON

BRIDE'S SUIT: RAG & BONE

FLORALS: BLOOM

OFFICIANT: ROBERT COSTELO

JENNA + ANDREW + GROOT

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 18:49:44 GMT

As a wedding photographer, there are some things I dream of; a perfect cloudy day, an epic wedding train, a dog in a wedding ceremony....but sometimes, the world gives us the thing we never dreamed of but so badly needed.

For Jenna and Andrew's creative shoot, that dream came in the form of a CosPLay Groot falling in love with Jenna. During our romp downtown we hit up Sumach Espresso, the underpass art, and then accidentally stumbled upon a CosPLay photoshoot. These two are clearly into each other (and their wedding this past weekend was one for the books!), but on this lovely Spring day it was clear Groot was also into Jenna:)

SJ + RODDIE

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 19:19:53 GMT

SJ + RODDIE

For all the couples I meet who ask about doing weddings differently.....a non-traditional location, wacky attire, modern twist on the menu, special favours, or just finding ways to express yourself in your wedding day...THIS ONE'S FOR YOU! One of my best friends recently got engaged, and was asking about having her wedding in Toronto. She was asking about non-traditional venues and smaller parties, and it made me realize how much inspiration there was here, thanks to SJ and Roddie's unique personalities (if you didn't already, check out their sweet Toronto rehearsal dinner at the non-defunct The Steady)

SJ and Roddie's Scottish/Toronto lovefest involves the following:

- Custom late-night tattoos

- Matching t-shirts

- Delectable tacos

- A bridesmaid in a wheelchair

- A 2 a.m. trip to Disgraceland (well, really, to the herb store next to Disgraceland that was the site of their first kiss)

- A late-night mooner

Originally planned for Toronto Island, the flooding in the spring of 2017 meant a last minute venue change. Luckily, Album Studios turned out to be the perfect venue - and a photographer's dream! Some of my favourite moments included SJ's bridesmaids reaction to seeing her red wedding dress for the first time, Roddie's family coming in from Scotland, and of course....the wedding mooner. When I talk about staying until the end of a wedding, this is why. around 3:00 a.m. everyone close to these two were packing up the venue, simultaneously helping out and passing out, before ambling to their apartment for an after party. Those are the moments you can't plan for, but I know you want to remember:)

FOR ALL THEIR AMAZING VENDORS, SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM:)

xo

VENDORS

VENUE: ALBUM STUDIO RENTALS

WEDDING DRESS: REFORMATION

MAKEUP: JENNIFER TOPP

CATERING: BARQUE EVENTS

OFFICIENT: JANIS DALY

ALEK + JESS + FIELDING ESTATES

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 19:10:57 GMT

ALEK + JESS + FIELDING ESTATES

Now that the world is thawing out, I'm getting excited for all the incredible couples I'll be photographing this Spring/Summer! It also reminded me that I did so many beautiful creative shoots last Fall.

What is a creative shoot?

I guess it's what some people would call an engagement shoot. But when I think of an engagement shoot, I think of two things:
1. Photographing the moment you get engaged (which I've done, and is amazing!)
2. Having photos taken to announcement your engagement in the newspaper

But that's not for everyone. Every couple I work with has what I call a creative shoot. I like it for three reasons:

1. We get to spend some time together, which is great because I'll be with you for some very upclose moments during your wedding day

2. You get a chance to be in front of the camera. This is advantageous because you get used to having my camera around, and I get an idea of how you feel in front of my camera. This means that on your wedding day, I don't need to waste time figuring out what makes you most comfortable, and how you two interact together. We're already close buds by then

3. You two get gorgeous, professional photos of yourselves that aren't only on your wedding day!

Sometimes our shoots are doing something you do every day (getting coffee, walking the dog). Other times it's something fun that you don't normally get to do (rock climbing, visiting a vineyard. Either way, we get to hang out and make photos.

In this case, Alek and Jess had an amazing day planned at Fielding Estates. We drove down together, sampled some wine, had some laughs, and made some photos. All in all, an amazing day that has me extra stoked for their wedding!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 18:05:01 GMT

This past year I witness more real love than I knew existed. I'm completely floored by how these amazing couples find me - couples who want to marry in a way that is natural, fun, and true to who they are.

Couples who had their first dance on a rug they brought from their kitchen; couples who only goal was to drink champagne in a corn field; couples who've waited 25 years to make it official; couples who understand how badly I want to meet all of their pets (very, very badly).

Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking, and so is a life together. I hope today you all celebrate the life you're building together, and that this past year you managed to carve out time in your lives to celebrate each other and the people who love and support you.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY NEWLYWEDS!

And happy Pink Triangle Day:) *

* Pink Triangle Day, also celebrated on February 14th, is Canada's only annual gay holiday, celebrated since 1979

REHEARSAL DINNER WITH SJ + RODDIE

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 17:00:00 GMT

Eldie Photography 2015

A flooded island can't keep these two lovebirds from tying the knot! With Toronto Island half under water, a late-in-the-game venue change wasn't what they had in mind:) But these two are calm under pressure and an amazing team - I have no doubt their marriage will be full of fun turns, quick thinking, and loads of adventure!
Happy wedding day SJ and Roddie!

I can't wait to share your wedding story with you today, but in the meantime, here's a peak into that super fly rehearsal dinner at The Steady.

WE'RE FEATURED IN WEDDING BELLS!

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 15:50:39 GMT

Have you picked up the latest issue of Wedding Bells Magazine? In addition to a stunning editorial by Chris Nicholls (my favourite!) and some dreamy dresses, Jenna and Curtis' wedding day is featured in the Real Weddings section! You'll want to have a look if you love:

- Farmer's Markets

- Piñatas

- Happy people

Thank you Jenna and Curtis for choosing me to capture your thoughtful, love-filled day! To see more of their story, and find out who their amazing vendors were, check out our post from their wedding!

ALLISON + KYLE

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 18:55:28 GMT

"Love, don't you worry, I'm running down the aisle."

I read this text to Kyle over Allison's shoulder while she wrote it, and knew immediately I would need tissues for the day. Friend's since school, the two didn't start dating until later in life. But throughout my time with them - meeting, planning, getting ready, vows - I felt these two didn't step into this lightly. They took the commitment seriously. They both fought back tears will making their vows beneath a huge tree and the setting sun.

I will also forever remember the speeches. I have never encountered such amazing speeches from friends and family - folks, if you spoke at this wedding, and you're reading this, you should probably give lessons on wedding speeches. Heartfelt, honest, and not a single cliché. It was clear that this couple is a rock for so many people - dependable, reliable, and generous.

Maid of Honour Nicole brought the house down with the most hilarious, touching, and well-planned speech I've ever heard. Heck, she had props she had saved since grade school! A guten-free brownie bar and outdoor bar set the scene for an insanely fun night where people danced inside with giant balloons, chatted outside underneath the trees, and started off this marriage with a whole lotta love.

Venue: Healy Farms

Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero

Makeup Artist: Meghan Lawlor

Bridesmaid’s Attire: David’s Bridal

Groom’s Suit: Moores

Groomsmen’s Attire: Moores

Floral Design: Roxann Brown (Sister-In-Law)

Cake: Gluten-Free Brownie Bar

Wedding Bands: Vera Wang (engagement ring), Neil Lane (hers), People’s (His)

Officient: Don McRae

KAT + BRYAN

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 21:26:51 GMT

I rarely make it down to the Toronto waterfront (which is odd, because I grew up on the ocean and miss being near the water). My avoidance is purely due to the mass of people that tend to congregate during the warmer months to go sailing, take in the view, and bask on the many patios. As lovely as all of those things are, I have this association with solitude and being near the water.

Kat and Bryan schooled me though - just go on Sunday evening! Or, even better, go on Sunday evening when it's RAINING. No one will be there! And I got it all - the view, the solitude, and those misty waters I love so much. I harassed their cat at their apartment, took full advantage of their rooftop terrance, and grabbed a drink and Boxcar Social (which is quickly becoming my favourite haunt. Seriously, the drinks are perfect and the staff treat you like best friends).

Afterwards I was treated to a little tour around the waterfront, and up around the Skydome (I will still always call it the Skydome). Kat and Bryan, I will not wish for rain on your wedding day but c'mon, you look pretty damn great in it:)

STEPH + CHRIS

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 22:15:00 GMT

STEPH + CHRIS

My favourite details at a wedding are often hard to photograph. For example:

1. The sole of the groomsmen's shoe is currently being held together by chewing gum

2. One of the bridesmaid's is a super organized teacher, and has set 27 alarms for the wedding day. Alarm 1 - wake up! Alarm 2 - brush teeth....alarm 16-getting dresses on.....alarm 24-don't forget to pee....

3. Bud Light Lime is not, in fact, swill. It is incredibly refreshing, and I will likely have another one in my lifetime.

4. If your mom is your best friend, she will shame all your friends on the dance floor. Maureen, I just want to hang out with you all the time. I want to hang out with you and drink Alabama Slammers.

5. Sometime's a bride's best friend is Blistex.

Pictou Lodge was the perfect setting for this wedding, where Steph, Chris and their families could take things slow. The morning was spent languidly in cabins, and the evening festivities spilled out to the grass, the docks...the other side of the pond....

I am in no way a master of hashtags, but if I had to use #CoupleGoals, it would be for these two:)

P.S. A huge thank you to Jessie Redmond who was the second photographer for this amazing group - and always a favourite to work with:)

VENUE: Pictou Lodge

SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER: Jessie Redmond

WEDDING DRESS: David's Bridal

SHOES: ALDO

HAIR: Cara MacInnis, Tidal Hair Lounge

BRIDESMAID'S ATTIRE: JJ's House

GROOM'S ATTIRE: Tiptop Tailors

GROOMSMEN'S ATTIRE: Tiptop Tailors

FLORALS: McKean's Flowers

WEDDING RINGS: Fawcett's Fine Jewellery

OFFICIENT: Mary Beth Moriarty

JENNA + CURTIS

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 17:00:00 GMT

JENNA + CURTIS

I tried hard not to squeal when I met Jenna and she told me where she was getting married. As a local-loving, vegetarian-eating, farmer-crushing east coaster, there are few places that fill me with as much glee as a farmer's market. the Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market is no slouch - it boasts sweeping ocean views, a rooftop patio, and floor to ceiling windows in the main atrium.

Cocktail hour took advantage of the rooftop ocean view, and I've never seen guests so calm and relaxed:) During dinner we watched the gorgeous sunset bowing down over the Atlantic. One of my favourite personal touches was a piñata; guests filled a heart-shaped piñata with notes to the couple, and on their first anniversary Jenna and Curtis get to bust it open and revel in all the love!

Once dinner finished the dance floor filled. Guests emptied the grappa before 10 p.m., and I can only imagine the late-night notes that ended up in the piñata:) Jenna and Curtis, thank you so much for trusting us to capture a day that you put so much into! It was a long time coming, but worth the wait:)

Venue: Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market

Hair: Jessica Fletcher, True Beauty Salon

Makeup: Allison Kirby

Bridesmaids dresses: BHLDN

Wedding dress: Watters/WTOO from Felichia Bridal

Groom's attire: Calvin Klein

Groomsmen's attire: Calvin Klein

Florals: Chelsea Lee Flowers (Jenna could not say enough good things about her flowers!)

Catering: Certainly Cinnamon

Decorator: Golden Dog Productions

Music: True North DJ Services

Wedding rings: Fawcett's and Fireworks Gallery

Officient: Jenny Csinos

JEFF + IRENE

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

JEFF & IRENE

What happens when two mathematicians get married?

It's not too different from when two non-mathematicians get married, actually. There were no long division place cards; no number-themed wedding cake; No "1+1=2" sign (although that would have been adorable).

Instead, Jeff and Irene weaved their quirky and hilarious personalities throughout their wedding, including:

1. Scrabble-themed decor for two fellow logophiles (that's word-lovers, for you non-Scrabble-folk)

2. Gorgeous hand-painted signs, designed and created by Irene herself

3. (My favourite) the world's best wedding hashtag - #GiveHerSomeVowels. I took one look at Irene's last name, strung up in Scrabble-tile-formation across the barn, and burst out laughing. Yup, give her some vowels.

I first met Irene and Jeff via Skype, from 3 different time zones: Halifax, where I was staying; Montreal, where she was working; and British Columbia, where Jeff was living. One of the happiest parts of their wedding day was that it took place very soon after these two finally moved to the same city after years of distance.

Their wedding day was perfect! Amazing weather for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour underneath a canopy of trees. Guests were treated to lobster tails, steak, and red curry peanut noodles. It wasn't long before the party moved back out under the stars:)

Look closely and you'll see Jeff from his undergrad days - or at least, a photo of him, made into a poster and paraded around for guest photos. I guess you can move forward together, but your past is coming with you:)

Congrats Jeff and Irene!

BETH + MARCUS

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:25:34 GMT

BETH + MARCUS

Every time I've gotten together with Beth and Marcus I'm struck by the same, beautiful thought - this is what it means when two people balance each other. Beth is calm, focus, detail oriented - I feel calmer and more organized just being in her presence. And then there's Marcus - a huge, hearty laugh living inside a quick smile, all wrapped up in having fun.

Regardless of the scenario, Marcus can make Beth smile - a huge, quick, authentic smile, at any time - I love it. I watched it while we were walking on the beach; I watched it while they were talking about wedding planning, and I watched it when Beth walked down the aisle. While getting ready she was focused, calm, serious, considering everyone around her. But the second Beth saw Marcus - she melted.

A huge thanks to the couple's dear friends who let us crash their beach house in Green Bay! Some crazy eat coast winds kicked up during our photo time, and we alternated between running around on the beach and running for drinks on their porch.

Try and not fall in love with their beautiful bridal party (that colour palette tho!), who came from all over the world to celebrate this magic couple.

Here's to years and years of smiles and adventures Beth and Marcus!

VENUE: Best Western Plus Bridgewater

WEDDING DRESS: Maggie Sottero, from Tatum's Bridal

HAIR & MAKEUP: The Look 4 U

BRIDESMAID'S ATTIRE: David's Bridal

GROOM'S ATTIRE: Hong Kong Tailor

FLORALS: Tulipwood Inc.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 03:51:19 GMT

I was dying to share a few images from this shoot, but I had to wait until all their holiday cards had been received:)

Well the holiday cards have been sent and received, the presents have been opened, and now I can show you the world's happiest baby- Winnie!

Winnie's full name is Winter, and for me she is a reminder of how wonderful this season can be. I photographed Jared and Patricia's wedding several years ago, and for their creative session (the time before their wedding when we have some fun!) we created one of my favourite photos - two people in love, hanging on the couch, throwing popcorn! Now that their family has grown by 1, it only seemed right to include her in the fun:)

Curious to see how much these two have changed? The answer: not much:)

Happy Holidays from me and mine to you and yours! May your Winter be as fun as this one.

SARAH + JOHN

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 21:40:00 GMT

SARAH + JOHN

As I've come to terms with being a dual-city lady, I'm amazed how many other people I meet who also call Toronto and the East Coast home. Just this week it's included the following: The UPS delivery man, 3 baristas, a dog owner at the park, a dog owner on the street (I pet a lot of dogs), and John, of John and Sarah:)
These two have one of my favourite meeting stories ever. It includes John jokingly impersonating his friend on Facebook while talking to Sarah, only to develop an attraction for this US babe. Online flirtation and a few visits later, they both call Toronto home but will be tying the note in Nova Scotia.

An amazing reason to visit home! It also allows us to work with a few more outstanding by's this summer, for which we are always thankful:)

My favourite thing was how we swore up and down that we would not visit the Distillery Market. As lovely as it is, the market is insane during the holidays, and usually full of dozens of couples. We laughed about how we would be different - until I saw an entire grove of pink Christmas trees and forced them into a pink forest.

Sarah and John, I can't wait for your wedding!

*Please note, no puppies were harmed in the taking of these photos. She thoroughly enjoyed the slide.

NICOLE + ALEX

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 20:48:30 GMT

Meet my cousin Nicole. She seems to have come from the deep end of our gene pool, and is as smart, funny, and kind as she is beautiful. She has found her physical and mental equal in Alex, just as stupendous.

Last year I received the sweetest email from Nicole, letting me know that they would really love me to be their wedding photographer, but would love more if I could be a guest. As much as I will have photo envy from not being the one to capture what is going to be an insanely gorgeous, fun, emotional wedding, I am so damn excited to be a guest at their wedding this summer!

But that didn't stop us from getting together for a fun shoot at the site of their beginning - Queen's University. My family in no way pushed anyone into a certain university, but it does seem we've become an accidental "Queen's family." My parents met and fell in love on campus; actually, they even married at the campus chapel! My brother attend Queen's, working for the radio station, and met his wife, then working for the Queen's Journal. I followed suit, and spent 5 years in Kingston riding cafeteria trays down Summerhill and dissecting things in the Life Sciences building.

Nicole and Alex met at Queen's, where she was a dancer and he was on the basketball team. It was a hilariously sweet and memorable day to come back with the two of them, roam the campus, and feel old. We also had a beer with Nicole's younger brother (my cousin) who has jumped on what is becoming a family tradition.

Thank you Nicole and Alex for letting me a part of your story, and I guess we also need to thank Queen's for arranging half our family marriages:)

KATIE + FRANK

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 16:50:48 GMT

I will forever remember the scene of a bride , hair and makeup done, calmly braiding her daughter's hair while the chaos of pre-wedding planning whirled about her. One child calmly eating spilled Cheeze-its off the floor, while the other screamed that she didn't want to wear her flower girl dress (Which, for the record, she was super excited to wear 5 minutes before).

My favourite things about weddings is that you can do whatever you want; Get hitched whenever and however you want to. The old adage 'first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the two with a baby carriage' is as out of place as the term adage is. Katie and Frank met, fell in love, moved to Europe, had two beautiful kids, moved back to Canada, and tied the knot. And I can't imagine it occurring any other way.

Having their girls present at their wedding really hit home that this is a family - and I think it hit home for Katie too. She was on the verge of tears most of the morning:) Katie and Frank have also been blessed with two families, it seems - their Nova Scotian/Scottish clan, and the family they mad for themselves in Europe. People came from all over the world - literally - to celebrate this important chapter in their life together.

I'm not sure if drinking beer out of a shoe is a Scottish tradition, a Nova Scotian tradition, or an Austrian tradition, but I wouldn't mind seeing more of it:) Also, any photos where it looks like the bride is screaming at someone are actually a bride singing Paradise By The Dashboard Lights with her husband.

Brian and I will forever remember this wedding, which proved to us that there is no maximum on how much love and how much ridiculousness you can pack into one weekend!

PAINT FIGHT with Jeff + Nicole

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT

"What should we do for our creative shoot?"

It's a common question we receive, and I usually give two options:

1. Let's do something you both do together a lot

2. Let's do something you've never done

We call them creative shoots instead of engagement shoots for a lot of reasons. One reason being... ...

What's an engagement shoot?

To me, it either means a photoshoot of you getting engaged (which takes some sneaky planning, and is awesome!) or it means photos taken to announce your engagement in a newspaper, which isn't as common these days.

A creative shoot serves 3 purposes:

1. We get to meet and hang out. I get a feel for how you two vibe together, move together, and what you're comfortable with. This inevitably helps with the comfort level and direction of photos on your wedding day. Creative shoot = better wedding photos for you.

2. You get a chance to meet us, ask questions, and see what it's like to be in front of the camera!

3. Do you have any professional photos of the two of you? Well you should! You'll have dozens of gorgeous photos of you on your wedding day, looking snazzy. But how about a few of you two in your natural habitat?

Which brings me back to our initial two options.

1. Let's do something you both do together a lot

2. Let's do something you've never done

To which Nicole gave me 2 equally amazing answers:

1. Let's go bowling, or

2. Let's go to the beach and have a paint fight

You can see which one we went with:)

LEAH + SHAUN

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 23:16:17 GMT

Shaun and Leah booked us for the wedding far in advance. They'd been at a wedding we shot the previous year, and called soon after. "We want you guys." To be honest, I'd never been booked that far in advance. I'd describe almost all of our couples as laid back: relaxed about wedding planning, into authentic, candid moments, not into posed photos, outdoorsy, artsy, fun. The kind of people that start planning their wedding 6-10 months before their date.

Who were these people, calling so far in advance?? The answer?

Our favourite people. Super outdoorsy, laid back, fun, and authentic. I met Leah and Shaun for a creative shoot in the woods during a rain storm, and fell in love with them. Parents to an adorable 4 year-old boy, they were super into each other and super not into agonizing over their wedding details. One caveat: their photography. They prioritized their photography first. They told me they didn't care so much about decor, but they did care about recording their day; they cared about capturing memories, smiles, moments, tears, laughs, and the odd and wondrous things that happen when everyone you love descends on Oceanstone for a weekend:)

Shaun and Leah focused on all the important things for their wedding day. Leah carried a bouquet of poppies down the aisle, in honour of her own Poppy who couldn't be there. Their son, Sonny, who carried their wedding bands down the aisle, and then couldn't wait to run down the aisle and tell his mom how beautiful she looked. Letting me into their bridal sweet the morning after, to find their two best friends bunked in with them, reliving the hazy moments of the night before......

I am so thankful for these two, for trusting us completely when we ventured into the rain, the seaweed, into all of it. It reminded me that, if you want photos that show your love, give us all the love you've got.

Venue & Catering: Oceanstone Seaside Resort

Shoes: Michael Kors

Hair and Makeup: Meg Ryan, Bowtique

Flowers: Silk'n Blooms

Officient: Maria Kuttner

Wedding Bands: Bentwood Jewelry Designs

Hiking with JEFF + IRENE

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 12:30:00 GMT

Last week we met Jeff and Irene in a place I have never been, in a province where I thought I had been everywhere. They toured us around Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia, which I now believe to be home to the world's most uninhabited beaches and most stunning sunsets.
We ran into old friends, hiked up a mountain, and clammered over rocks.
Let's all take a moment to acknowledge that Irene did this (enthusiastically) in a white sun dress.

And today? THEY'RE GETTING MARRIED!

Congratulations Jeff and Irene! We can't wait to celebrate with you today, and explore a little more:)

KATIE + JOSH

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 22:41:45 GMT

Eldie Photography 2015

Katie and Josh love the outdoors, so it was no surprise that they found the perfect woodsy venue for their wedding! The Cortwright Centre for Conservation boasts gorgeous ravines, tall trees, and more maple syrup than you can imagine! Guests were treated to maple syrup favours, mini grilled cheese during cocktail hour, a late night bonfire, and the best butter tarts I have ever tasted.

Centerpieces were designed and created by Josh's father and sister, featuring favourite quotes carved into beautiful wood and after the duo tied the knot, they couldn't wait to start their life together - they ran down the aisle! But my favourite part of the day had to be their first look - alone amongst a quiet stretch of tall pines, Katie and Josh created a world all their own.

Katie and Josh, congratulations! Here's to many more tears of trails and tales:)

See all the amazing details and vendors below:)

Dress: San Patrick

Groom's attire: Sartoria Darzi

Bridal party footwear: New Balance

Rings: Truedge Woodworks

Cake: Butter tarts from a lovely man who sells them from the bottom of his driveway on weekends

BRETT + AMALIA

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 15:08:24 GMT

Getting married is hella exciting! A chance to see all the people you love, plan a huge party, and make a really big commitment to your favourite person. It really is starting on a new road together, as partners. Which is why I was so excited when Brett and Amalia invited us over to their new home! As if planning a wedding this year wasn't enough, these two also decided to sweeten the deal with their first home:)
An early evening exploring their new digs and new neighbourhood made for an awesome shoot at home! I always try to explain the idea of a creative couples' shoot two people as having two goals:

1. To get used to working with us, and being around the camera, and

2. A chance to have photos of the two of you as a couple. Not on your wedding day, not shot on an iphone, but an honest to goodness time capsule of the two of you together during this time in your life.

I love that these photos now encapsulate such an exciting time of new roads, commitment, and park-proximity for these two:) Can't wait for their wedding!

xo
LD

KATIE + JOSH + RUCKUS

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 15:28:36 GMT

These two are getting hitched today! Sadly, their slobbery ball of energy will not be present today. So it seems like the perfect time to share a peek from their autumn engagement session at Kortright Centre for Conservation.

This place is an amazing network of paths, maple syrup taps, and conserved wetlands. I'm stoked to be heading back there today for their woodsy wedding!

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BEHIND THE SCENES: A Bridesmaid's Story

lindsay@eldiephotography.com (Eldie Photography) — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 17:26:57 GMT

This winter I attended my 100th (or so) wedding, but my first ever as a bridesmaid.

Every year I show up to dozens of weddings as a photographer. I arrive as the bride and her friends get ready, and I awe over the dress and details and laughs. I'm focused on every moment during the ceremony, every expression, every unexpected moment. I'm there for the intimate photos, touching speeches, and crazy dancing. I'm there for all of it.

Or so I thought.

I know a lot goes into planning a wedding. I know there are hours spent before the big day, prepping and planning, and often hours spent after the day, cleaning and regrouping. I know there's a lot more to it than I see. But I didn't really know.

Now I know. I know the hours you spend on the phone with your friends, discussing details that truly matter. And that if one detail changes, it can create a waterfall of other changes. I know the bachelorette is a beautiful project in itself, and you'll spend more time with your friends than you have in years, united in a common goal. I know dress choosings, and fittings, and refittings take time. I know hours go into coordinating travel plans, and lodging, and meals, and driving, and delivering, all before the actual day.

I now know that as a day-of photographer, there are incredible moments I'm not normally a part of. Like the day before the wedding, when everyone you love descends on the scene in a huge ball of love and excitement. The night before the ceremony, when everything finally falls into place. The 5:30 a.m. wake up time to ensure hair and makeup and photos can all be completed before the ceremony, and before the sun sets at 3:00 p.m.

I now know that many of you celebrate for days after the wedding - you celebrate skiing, and snowshoeing, and hot tubbing. You celebrate on New Year's Eve, and keep everyone together as long as possible. I know that some of the most touching moments won't be captured by my camera, and that may make them even more special.

I was so touched to be a part of Dave and Sara's wedding at the Fairmont Banff Springs. I was excited to attend a wedding as a guest, and not a photographer - although it was hard sometimes! Their gorgeous centerpieces, cake, and details had my inner-photographer frothing at the mouth (luckily, Dave and Sara hired Diane and Mike as their wedding photographers! I love these two, and they did an incredible job.)

To Sara and Dave, I am so in love with you, and your families, and your life. Thank you for making your week about all of the good things.

Mad respect to all the brides, grooms, bridal parties, parents of couples, and people that go into making a wedding! Here's to spreadsheets and warm feet, dresses and stresses, draught beers and many years. I feel you.

Midnight program sorting

6 a.m. jaw massage, courtesy of the maid-of-honour. Much-needed coffee, courtesy of the FOB

Grandma!

New Year's Eve with people I rarely get to see