How honoured I am to be shooting the wedding of one of my favourite photographers, and my lovely friend! I remember the day Lelania came to work, saying she had "met an awesome guy on the bus". On the night bus, no less, on her way home from a night out with her sister. Before saying what I was thinking (something along the lines of, "nobody meets an awesome guy on the night bus, Lelania!"), I stole a glance at her and stopped in my tracks. The woman was bubbling with excitement. I said nothing.

Before long, we had all met Mike. Kind and funny, helpful, and a perfect match for our vibrant friend. The studio was a-buzz with gossip ("I think he's the one," "Oh, I always thought he was the one...").

And he was the one.

Lelania and Mike and I road-tripped to the Township of Tiny, to do their cottage country engagement photos.

In the dusky glow of summer, they walked in the woods near Mike's family cottage, making each other laugh, and holding hands like there was no one else in the world. Before dark, we went to the beach to soak in the summertime vibes of this small Ontario town. Gazing out at Georgian Bay, dipping their toes in the shore, and breathing in the feeling of the future.

How wonderful life is.

Family. It's the people who raised you, the people who raised them, the in-between folks who had opinions about the raising, and everyone else you fell in brotherly- and sisterly-love with along the way... Lorraine and Andrew had eighteen people in their wedding party. Never have I seen such a large group of friends that are so close, they really are family. The love was BIG.

The day was bright and crisp. But Canada-crisp so, like, -17°C. A spectacular day for this Whistle Bear winter wedding.

In the guy's hotel room: a dozen men in various states of undress - tattoos, beards, golf clubs, babies, pocket squares... A bowtie-tying ordeal crowned the occasion, with much You-Tubing of tutorials, and attempts by various groomsmen, sister, and dad to make it work. In the end a very skilled cousin stepped in and saved the day.

In the ladies' hotel room things were simpler for once: where to aim the champagne bottle when popping the cork? Okay, toward the ceiling, but everyone - especially Lorraine - take cover! Look away! Shield your eyes and faces! Protect your dress! Ready the vessels - er, flute glasses! And now we drink.

Andrew and Lorraine got married at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, on a stunning February afternoon. Surrounded by their loved ones, they tied the knot and celebrated into the night. The day couldn't have been better.

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Photographers: Kate O’Connor and Lelania Little Venue & Catering: Whistle Bear Golf Club

Are you interested in authentic photojournalistic coverage of your Awesome Wedding? Tell me about yourself, and find out if we’re a good match! hello@sweetheartempire.com