Whether you’re an animal lover or not, Sarah and Blair’s Casablanca Winery Inn wedding will melt your heart. The inclusion of their fur baby had been a unanimous decision from our initial meeting. When I met him at their engagement session, and saw the bond between the three of them, I could see why.

We were so lucky with the weather the day of their wedding as it was the last beautiful day of fall before the temperature dropped. This allowed them to take full advantage of the picturesque location they’d chosen and its close proximity to the lake.

As Sarah and Blair already lived together, Blair decided to get ready at the house with the groomsmen. The beauty of working with a second photographer is that we can be in two places at once. I sent Jacquie over to cover the guys, whilst the girls and I headed to the hotel. Sarah’s dress had a lot of detailing, so I wanted to make sure I captured some close ups to serve as a reminder. Paying attention to detail is critical; be it an intricate design in a gown, close ups of the rings, or a facial expression. Some adorable expressions were to be had by their dog who seemed to reflect Blair’s demeaner.

The benefit of a second photographer is evident in this Casablanca Winery Inn wedding.

When Sarah was ready, she took her parents breath away as she glided down the majestic staircase at the Casablanca Winery Inn. Her parents’ expressions were so raw and sincere in their happiness and the setting was so picturesque.

Once done, we headed to a creek near their house for their first look and their dog’s involvement was adorable. Not satisfied with waiting in the wings, it wanted to be right up there and in the midst of the action! The location offered such a great flow as they walked past their wedding party, and laid eyes on each other on a secluded wooden bridge. The mood was heightened with Blair who was visibly teary and their dog who equally as emotionally involved.

I love getting most of the photography out of the way before the ceremony as it removes a lot of anticipated nerves. It also allows the wedding couple to take some of the pressure off without a slew of onlookers. That way they are free to enjoy mingling after the formalities of the ceremony. Guests aren’t left trying to find things to do between the wedding and reception, therefore eliminating downtime.

The couple had used Sarah’s father vintage car as their mode of transportation so I utilized it for some of the set ups. The unique, classic lines and natural quirky style worked wonderfully against the rustic backdrop as we arrived to Bruce Trail park which featured exposed barn-board outbuildings for a dramatic look. In contrast, when we headed to the lake, I wanted to emphasize the serene and still surroundings. The clean lines of the lake and the horizon offered a fantastic background to the wedding couple in the foreground.

Would you incorporate your fur baby into your wedding ceremony? This couple did in their Casablanca Winery Inn wedding.

Sarah had chosen some unique and personalized touches, such as their cake topper featuring two dogs. She made sure to tie the event together with their navy colour scheme.

After the speeches and shoe game, I managed to sneak them outside for some nighttime shots. I wanted to make the most of the sweeping staircase as it added such a grand feel to their day. By shooting from various angles, it gave different perspectives adding more dimensions.

The wedding wouldn’t be complete without one of my signature nighttime portraits, the first of which I shot through the window of the car. One of the things I love about nighttime photography is that it really eccentricities the silhouettes of the subjects. The arch of Sarah’s back as Blair has her in his arms is so romantic and magical.

Sarah and Blair’s Casablanca Winery Inn wedding showcases the benefit of adding a second photographer. Having the ability to be in two places at once, be it during preparations or during the reception; me to capture the main action and the second to capture reactions and details, adds a true sense of the overall feel of the day with no stone left unturned.