What Kristin and I saw on Shelby and Zach’s Williamstown wedding day was a couple who are surrounded by overwhelming support. There was an army of people who helped put the reception area together. There was basically an entire village present for the ceremony – and that number must’ve at least doubled in Jill’s backyard by the time that Kristin and I were packing up to go home. I’ve never seen so many people turn out to celebrate a couple!
I’d been looking forward to this day for months. Shelby’s mom, Jill, has been a big supporter of mine for a very long time and I felt honoured to be able to do this for her family, let alone for Zach and Shelby. That’s the thing about wedding photos: they impact the whole family (as I was recently reminded, when I found out that a groom’s Mom was in tears by page two of their album). That’s not something I take lightly.
When Zach was getting ready, there was a lot of banter between the guys. (It’s kind of the best part of hanging out with them while they get ready.) The tone, though, was a little different from the usual banter. The guys had a good time laughing with each other, but there was a subtle undertone of respect for Zach. I could tell that these guys genuinely appreciate Zach as a person.
Shelby’s bridesmaids were some of the most joyful women I’ve ever seen on a wedding day. So much so that it was almost impossible to take a bad photo of them because they were each so present and focused on Shelby throughout the day. Their eyes sparkled all day – sometimes with tears, but always with unadulterated happiness.
I was touched to see the way that Shelby’s brothers looked at her – or didn’t look at her, in some emotional cases – and the connection they shared with her. Seeing Dylan and Brock struggle to keep it together after Shelby made her appearance downstairs made me fall apart behind my camera.
Zach’s Dad told him how proud he is of Zach, which made a bashful Zach lower his eyes and soak it in for a second. Jill recounted a tale of an early piece of artwork Shelby completed, in which she announced that she’d live in a farmhouse and marry the farmer. I hope that they frame that drawing and put it on their farmhouse wall. Touches of John Hugh were everywhere: in the various picture frames around Jill’s home and the reception area; the plaid shirts that Shelby and Jill wore while getting ready; the pillow covers on the seating outside; the bench at the fairgrounds; and the crinkles around Shelby’s eyes when she smiled.
This day was filled with big emotion, big surprises courtesy of a Highland dance performance and fireworks (oh, and a milk machine?! I happily enjoyed a glass of chocolate milk after supper!), and some beautiful moments. One of the things I’d most been looking forward to about this day was getting to see the way that Zach looks at Shelby. I discovered this during their engagement session and adore seeing it every time it happens. Want to know what I’m talking about? Check out their first dance photos. It’s not often that a groom really focuses on his wife the way that Zach did and it’s a beautiful thing to see.
Zach and Shelby, I loved being able to document the two of you soaking in every second of your wedding day. Thank you for trusting us enough to not worry about what needed to happen next. Thank you for reveling in the joy of each moment. Thank you for living your day honestly and with such big hearts – and for taking us along for the ride.
Hair: Sylvie Rose. Makeup: Poppin Makeup & More. Flowers: Sweet Clover Flowers & Gifts. Band: Good Time Charlie (with a guest appearance from members of Hadrian’s Wall). Decor: the Munro/Herfkens family and their crew!
Here’s a look at their highlight reel:
I’m Ang. I’m a Cornwall, Ontario-based photographer offering wedding and documentary family coverage locally and worldwide. Visual storytelling is what I do best, so laughter and connection is important in my work. I love working with couples who are emotionally present on their wedding day and who love spending time laughing with loved ones, and celebrations like this Williamstown backyard wedding are my idea of perfection. If you’d like to see another example of how I approach backyard weddings, start here.
