This was a sunny, hot, emotional, teary, and memorable wedding day on Georgian Bay. Last week was filled with all kinds of love and joy. This particular afternoon was a huge addition to all that was awesome about August. Here are just a couple of my fave images of N + G. 
I really can’t even begin to explain what it took to put this unique wedding day together. Let me just say there is very talented team of professionals behind this one. It was -40 degrees outside…and inside for that matter. This was a real wedding day, an elopement in Muskoka. The planner, florist, videographer and I hijacked their winter nuptials and were able to fly this is beautiful antique/cottage theme. Two unique wedding ceremonies, two fabulous portrait sessions, and pile of excitement!
I don’t mean to be too bossy but you must, must watch Nick Marlatt’s video. Pure brilliance. We’ve been gushing over it! Check it out below.
Taija and Dee, of ShopMuskoka.ca thank you so much for allowing us to create this for you. For each of us this will undoubtably be one of the most memorable wedding days of the whole year!
White Wedding (01 | 22 | 14) from Nick Marlatt on Vimeo.
STYLIST & COORDINATOR AN ARTISTIC AFFAIR BRYN ALLISON 416.400.8404 HTTP://ANARTISTICAFFAIR.COM/ VENUE PRIVATE RESIDENCE ON LAKE BERNARD, SUNDRIDGE, ON DECOR AN ARTISTIC AFFAIR BRYN ALLISON 416.400.8404 HTTP://ANARTISTICAFFAIR.COM/ FLORAL JANE MARSHALL FLOWERS MOLLY 705.789.3615 HTTP://WWW.JANEMARSHALLFLOWERS.CA/ PHOTOGRAPHY KHI PHOTOGRAPHY KATE HOOD 705.493.7350 HTTP://KATEHOOD.CA VIDEOGRAPHER NICK MARLATT 289.218.9633 www.facebook.com/nickandrewmarlatt HAIR AND MU THE HUDSON TANYA 705.224.7000 HTTP://WWW.THEHUDSONHAIRSALON.COM CAKE SEVEN MAIN CAFE LEIGH 705.789.3107 HTTP://SEVENMAINCAFE.CA GROOMS SUIT MADE CLOTHING TOMAS 416.562.4044 HTTP://WWW.MADECLOTHING.CA
Where do I even begin? Chautauqua, New York (The Chautauqua Institution) is one of the most magical destination wedding places I’ve ever been to. Straight out of a movie, streets built for walkers, bikers and thinkers, lakes waiting for boats and swimmers, and so many beautiful places of worship it makes your heart melt. As a Canadian this place is everything I imagine that the United Stated of America should be. I couldn’t believe my eyes; around every skinny little street corner another beautiful home, more moody American Flags and tall trees. I don’t think it’ll take you long to fall in love with this place.
Alas, Jo and Toby were married here, at the Hall of Philosophy on the wet Monday following Labour Day weekend. It poured for almost three days, and on their wedding day it hailed (if you see the sun in these photos…it was a trick and lasted just moments). But it really didn’t matter. The weather rarely matters. The people, their family, the love and support – that is all a couple needs on their wedding day. I spent three gloriously rainy days photographing the celebrations, falling in love with them all, and even catching a downward dog or two. If you’re familiar with Jewish Wedding Traditions you’ll know all about the details. If you’re not – you’re missing out on a whole world of Jewish romance and history. From the signing of the marriage contract, ketubah, the giving of a ring under a wedding canopy, the chuppah, and in this case the Sheva Brachot (seven blessings) were read by Jo’s closest girl friends. And of course, the hora, which I’m certain everyone is always so excited about. Before the ceremonies begun a number of Jo’s friends participated with her in a Mikveh, which was fitting as they had just crossed the River Jordan – well it was a miniature, geographical ground sculpture. This is traditionally a purifying water ceremony. I was so thrilled to be there for all of it.
You may recognize Jo and Toby from their quiet beach session at the cottage. So without further adieu here they are – Jo and Toby, getting married in New York, loving life and being fully, utterly and whole heartedly loved by their entire family. It will be clear to you immediately why my own little family (husband and 3 year old) want to be adopted by them.
Maybe you’ve heard? If you’re a Canadian Bride or on my Facebook page you may have recently seen that Muskoka has been voted among the TOP 10 Wedding Destinations in the world by bride.com. The WORLD! If you’ve been to Muskoka, have a cottage, know someone who has cottage, visited the area, just driven through – you know why it’s been voted the best! Water, sunshine, sailboats, sandy beaches, holiday resorts…you won’t find this unique brand of dedication to the ‘summer holiday’ anywhere else in the world. So I’d like to welcome you to the heart of Muskoka. Taboo Resort – Golf Course and Spa represents what it is to be ‘in Muskoka’. The combination of modern luxury and natural living, is it!
Melissa, who is originally from this part of Ontario couldn’t really imagine being married anywhere else. Her and Reggie created a pretty spectacular Destination Wedding weekend for their families. From all of Melissa’s Etsy.com and handmade details, to a live Intervention – hosted by the groomsmen, to their actor, model, comedian MC – who played the crowd like I’ve never seen, and most importantly their friends/club DJ’s who also played the crowd as I’d never seen. I always shoot from the middle of the dance floor..dancing and shooting. not this time. I couldn’t get in on any of it. This was the most crowded dance floor I’ve ever seen. And the music? Well let’s just say I felt right at home in their wild combination of remixed Top 40 and grade-8-public-school dance anthems. LOVED!
Thank you to my dear friend and often second shooter Dave of Dave Sloan Photography based in Toronto and my newest shooter Myranada.
Please note all of these images are under full copyright to me, Kate Hood. Please do not remove them from this page and/or the blog. If you’d like access to an image file please get in contact with myself or my clients. With kind thanks and appreciation. (katehood@me.com)
Invitations: Minibook by Minted
Official Officiant (person who signed the registry): John Twist at All Season’s Weddings Men’s Bow Ties (Bridal party, Ring Bearers and father of the Groom: Elija Montgomery Crystal Belt: Tang Creations Wedding Favour Soaps: Scum Soaps by Briana Petruzzi Men’s Suits: Alfani RED Jacket, Grey Sharkskin Slim Fit Garter: The Little White Dress Men’s Socks: Argyle Socks Ring Bearer Box: End Grain Wood Shoppe Earrings: Lavender By Jurgita Hair Pin: Pinwheel crystal hair pin – JCrew Necklace: Martha Necklace – JCrew Cakes: The Bakery (Gravenhurst) Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Mystery Hair & Makeup: A Glow by Joan Flowers: Seasons in the Country
Karen and Chad…K and C…Ch’aren! I mentioned this on my Facebook page following their wedding day but I’m happy to say it again: simply being with these two makes you feel better, about all kinds of things, Yourself, marriage, love, friendship. And let me clarify, you don’t have to feel bad to appreciate this kind of ‘better’. It just is, they just bring more good. They are kind, happy, relaxed, genuine people whose families are filled with love and support. You’ll soon see that Karen radiates pure joy and confidence and Chad, a quiet, easy confidence. It was truly my honour to photograph their northern Muskoka Wedding day. Karen and I actually met years ago, she now lives out west but is originally from this beautiful little town I call home, Sundridge. Although I could have predicted it, this was yet another rainy September Saturday in Ontario. On this day it poured. And it didn’t matter one single bit…until we had to run a long distance out of a field in the pouring rain.
I had a blast this day. It’s rare that I get to shoot weddings in my own sweet community. There were plenty of familiar faces, lots of reminiscing, some of my favourites – groomsmen in underwear, and of course a little dancing too.
Ch’aren, I can’t wait to see you again soon. We’ll eat, drink and be marry…hopefully in Calgary next month.
Please note all of these images are under full copyright to me, Kate Hood. Please do not remove them from this page and/or the blog. If you’d like access to the image file please get in contact with myself or my clients. With kind thanks and appreciation. (katehood@me.com)
Muskoka and Toronto; Specializing in Documentary Cottage Weddings, Elopements, and Boudoir 