Jason and Alyssa got married in a sunlit ceremony on the shores of the lakefront summer camp where Alyssa grew up.Jason’s personality meant that our time together while I was acting as a second shooter for Danielle Meredith was full of laughter. I dove straight in with the guys and they were happy to have me along for the ride (whether they had their pants on or not), so there was no shortage of banter as they got dressed and Jason reflected on the significance of the day ahead.
Alyssa and Jason chose the lakefront beach as the location for their ceremony, so that guests were treated to a late-afternoon view of the water as these two exchanged their vows. It was a fun surprise for me to see Donna and Harvey – parents to their own Alyssa, whose wedding I photographed here in town a few years ago – in the crowd of well-wishers. It’s always a surprise to be reminded of just how small this world really is!
Late-September in Haliburton means that the temperature drops as soon as you step out of the sun, which was just the encouragement guests needed to stay out of the shade and enjoy all of that beautiful sunlight that Jason and Alyssa had on their day. While guests enjoyed drinks and conversation spread across the lawn by the beach and dining hall, we snuck off to another stretch of each with Jason and Alyssa to capture Alyssa’s free spirit and her connection with Jason. We had a great time running around on the sand and I loved the chance to spend time playing with my tilt-shift lens for so much of the portrait session when we had unbelievable light. I even ran into the lake to try to capture a shot; it didn’t work (and I got good and soaked), but it was worth it just for the laughs!
As the sun slowly dropped behind the trees and the autumn chill began to set in, we all headed inside to hear stories about the couple and enjoy a great meal from the food truck hired to cater their meal. They laughed with their whole hearts. Alyssa’s father positively beamed. Jason’s Mom’s heart practically leapt out of her chest from pure joy for her son. I loved hearing stories about these high school sweethearts who were living in a camper while building their dream home. Night set in, the party amped up consecutive notches and I saw how these two connected with each other and their families. It was impossible for me to not totally fall in love with these two and the life they’ve created with each other.
Here’s a three-minute glimpse into how I saw their day unfold.
