This Cranberry Creek wedding blog highlights just why this venue continues to grow in popularity in Delhi. With its seven acres of gardens, a vintage chapel, and a barn on site, its versatility is a photographer’s dream. We had limited time here for Becky and Jason’s wedding, as only the ceremony and photo session took place at the chapel. Afterwards, we would travel to a different venue for the reception. So, I fell in love with the location even without having a chance to see all of what it could offer. I can’t wait to return and see more of what it has in store.

Rescheduling and readjusting for this Cranberry Creek Wedding

Becky and Jason’s situation was similar to other couples planning weddings during the pandemic. They had to modify and postpone their wedding day multiple times during the planning process. I really appreciate couples who know what they want when it comes to their wedding day, and Becky knew that she wanted to have the ceremony at Cranberry Creek. This meant that their priority for rescheduling was working with the dates Cranberry Creek was available, even if it meant that they had to readjust with the vendors.

At one point, Becky and Jason rescheduled for a date I was unavailable. However, it worked out that one of my associates could be scheduled for their event, and Becky and Jason were happy to have the accommodation. I am so glad that, in the end, the last reschedule was for a date when I was available. Otherwise, I would have missed experiencing the amazing moments with Becky and Jason and their wonderful family and friends.

Working with the Unexpected

When most of Canada was surprised by the nationwide Rogers outage, I was up early and preparing to leave for Becky and Jason’s wedding. Without having been to this location before, I was looking to revisit the driving directions when I discovered the internet and my cell phone data was off. I turned on the TV to check the news, and it was off, too! I resorted to getting all my updates that morning the old-fashioned way – the radio! Once I discovered the news of a significant outage, I got ready to travel to Becky and Jason’s wedding, making a quick stop at Tim Horton’s to use their internet to download an offline map to assist me. It was certainly an adventure, but thankfully, I arrived with time to spare!

Getting Ready

Typically, I meet the bride and her bridesmaids at home or in a bridal suite where they are getting ready before the big day. However, Becky’s hair and makeup team was not coming to them this time. Instead, I met Becky and her girls at a Faria’s hair salon to capture some of these moments. After getting some great candid shots, we headed to their house for images of her getting into her dress. Because of the lack of internet, I had to follow the cars as we made our way to the next location, as otherwise, I had no idea where I was going!

At the same time, my second photographer, Moussa, was working with Jason and the boys at Jason’s parent’s house. Jason’s two sons from his previous marriage played a special role in the wedding – they held the important role as junior groomsman’s.

Cranberry Creek Wedding Ceremony

Becky and Jason’s wedding ceremony was held outdoors in front of the gorgeous vintage chapel. It was a clear summer day with bright blue skies, and it was also very hot. I always enjoy photographing outdoor weddings. Using available lighting means that I can focus on capturing the moments versus finding angles with the proper lighting to do so.

The chapel is situated in a clearing, making it well-lit. However, large trees surrounding the site provided some relief from the heat with their shade. These trees are strategically placed to create a natural leading line to the chapel, drawing one’s attention towards it. This setup allowed for minimal visual distractions during the bride’s arrival. The trees also served as a natural vignette, framing the couple with the chapel. It was a visual treat—picture-perfect!

Capturing the Best of the Location with Outdoor and Indoor Perspectives

Because Becky and Jason had organized a different venue for the wedding reception, we only had two hours at Cranberry Creek for the ceremony and photos afterward. Becky’s priority was capturing pictures of the family at Cranberry Creek, so we immediately started on those. After these important images, we could use the time left for photos of the wedding couple and their bridal party. Becky had a vision of where she wanted to take pictures, so we made a few stops in these terrific locations and eventually exited the gardens right into a cornfield.

At the edge of the cornfield was a double row of trees separating Cranberry Creek from the field, which was the perfect spot for some photos with Becky and Jason. The trees created a dark shade that inspired me to create what I call “nighttime photos in the daytime”. I was unsure if the reception venue would have an opportunity for these. So, I got creative and used the shade to create dark, shadowy images with the rows of trees forming an intimate feel.

The backup plan, the photo session at Delhi Quance Park

Because of the heat and humidity, Becky and Jason were melting a bit after moving around the gardens. As a bit of relief, we returned to the chapel but instead went inside to cool off from the sun. Inside, it was easier to work as everyone was more comfortable. I took the opportunity to capture more intimate and creative photos of just the bride and groom. Even though we were indoors, the light was perfect as the large, lancet windows allowed the sunlight to enter, and the white walls were perfect natural reflectors.  Here, I could finish the photo session with enough photos to make due even if we could not take them at the following location. This included my signature nighttime photos!

However, we were not quite finished yet! Becky had planned for us to visit a nearby park to take some additional photos, and after visiting, I could totally see why. We went to Quance Park, which uses the same parking location as the Tobacco Museum. As we arrived and parked, I couldn’t help but notice a charming green house with white-framed red windows a like nearby. I already knew what photos I would take, but I left them for the end on the way back.

Inside the park, there was a picturesque metal bridge spanning across the river. It was the perfect place to take more casual photos with Jason and Becky. Most of our time was spent capturing shots of the bridal party. We worked with different group combinations, including Becky with her bridesmaids and Jason with the groomsmen.

A Delightful Evening at the German House

As it was my trip to Delhi, I was unsure what the German House would be like as a wedding reception venue. However, I immediately felt comfortable when I stepped inside and really liked the vibe. They were cooking up some traditional food, which made me feel like I was back in Europe. I couldn’t wait to see how everything would turn out.

For the dinner, I was seated with the other guests. However, I ended up pulling up a chair at the kid’s table and joining in with the excitement happening there. The dinner was served family-style, and some dishes were larger and difficult for the little ones to manage. I got busy helping them fill their plates, enjoying the innocence and liveliness that you can only find with a group of really great kids. I was so engulfed in the table’s atmosphere that an adult guest walking by said jokingly, “Are you the photographer or the babysitter?”

As with every Portuguese wedding, Jason’s father did not miss the opportunity to showcase scrumptious seafood displays at his son’s wedding. Instead of a sweets table, there were about eight to ten 6ft tables overflowing with delicious seafood and a delightful array of Portuguese sweets. I was overwhelmed with where to begin capturing photos. Jason’s father was busy with the roasted pig presentation he had in mind. I took the opportunity to snap away and couldn’t resist sampling the table’s offerings, too. It was the most elaborate and carefully curated Portuguese seafood display I had ever seen.

Nighttime Photos at Night!

The German House pleasantly surprised me with its lively atmosphere. It even provided us with an opportunity to catch nighttime photos that I had worried about earlier in the day. The venue had put Becky and Jason’s names on the sign outside, and they wanted to get some photos with it. Meanwhile, some of the groomsmen and friends came outside to smoke their cigars, and I got creative with capturing the smoke and the shadows it created.

It was such a fun-filled, exciting day that it was a bit sad to say goodbye at the end of the day. However, I knew  I would be seeing them again in a few months as I was going to photograph one of Jason’s groomsmen’s own weddings. This made it feel less like a “goodbye” and more like a “see you later!”

Credits to below wedding professionals and locations that helped Becky and Jason’s wedding to be one-of-a-kind.

If you want to see another Norfolk county wedding here is Martha and Corey’s Port Dover wedding.