For many years, I wanted to photograph a Paletta Manson wedding. While I have been photographing at Paletta Mansion since 2010, I had never previously had the opportunity to capture a wedding at this location. Most of my sessions there involved engagements, pre- or post-wedding photos, and family sessions. The number of people Paletta Mansion could accommodate for an event has always been a barrier for my clients, as they typically wanted to invite more than 100 people.

However, my focus shifted to more intimate weddings during and after the COVID period. As a result, this Paletta Mansion wedding came as a referral from one of my clients who had originally planned a larger-scale wedding.

How I Started Working on this Paletta Mansion Wedding

As this particular wedding was scheduled in the Fall, I knew the weather would be difficult to predict. Ultimately, I had to be open to any changes that may result due to the forecast. Thankfully, I knew the outside of Paletta Mansion so well that I was only worried about the indoors, which, in this instance, the weather could not impact much.
I arrived at Paletta Mansion earlier than expected and decided to explore the indoors to familiarize myself. I have been working outside the mansion for the past 10+ years and wanted to feel as comfortable inside as I was outside. The day would be wonderful I knew that, but I first made sure to envision how the day would unfold.
As a blended family, Rose had her daughter and best friend as bridesmaids, while Brad had his son and best friend as groomsmen.

Getting Ready at Paletta Mansion in Burlington

Rose was preparing for her wedding in the bridal suite at Paletta Mansion, while Brad was in the library for the getting-ready photos. The atmosphere in Rose’s room was lively and energetic, and I made sure to maintain that vibe. I started taking candid photos, as Rose had requested, while also creating artistic shots of the dress and her accessories. When I finished with the girls, I went down to the library to capture some shots of the boys. It was incredible to see the view from the library windows and be able to photograph it. Brad and his groomsmen were very relaxed, and we kept that energy level going. I was thrilled with the candid documentary look that both of them were going for.

The first look photos before the rain

As I finished taking photos of Brad getting ready, I noticed that the clouds were moving fast, and we would soon have a massive rainstorm. This was actually helpful because once the clouds passed, we could have the outdoor ceremony without any rain interruption. So, I suggested taking the first-look photos before the rain broke and going outside with Brad to wait for Rose’s arrival.

Both Rose and Brad listened to my advice, and we were able to capture some incredible and emotional first-look photos. The rain started pouring just as soon as I took the last of those photos. However, we were lucky to have a cover area from the veranda at the Paletta Mansion wedding, which I used for their photos. The rain was so intense, but the happiness and excitement for their wedding were even stronger.

Once we finished the photos, we went inside, where I took some of my favourite images by one of the windows that I often photograph from outside. We completed all the planned photos, and only the family and group photos remained after the ceremony.

After the last photo in the library, Rose and Brad took some time to prepare for their outdoor ceremony. During that time, I went to take some pictures of their dining room and reception setup. The wedding cake was positioned beautifully in one of the bay windows that overlooked the estate of this mansion.

Although the rain was still falling, I could see clearings in the sky due to the brightness that was emerging.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at Paletta Mansion

The rain clouds disappeared, and the dark, cloudy view of the lake was replaced with blue skies and sunshine. I thought, what perfect timing!
The staff at Paletta Mansion quickly set up the outdoor terrace area and ensured everything was dry as if it had never rained.

Rose and Brad’s wedding ceremony at Paletta Mansion was picture-perfect. The mansion had a clear sky, endless lake view, and immaculately kept gardens. I captured all emotions and quick moments for this documentary wedding coverage.

After the ceremony, we finished all the family photos Rose had in mind while leaving some time for their cocktail hour reception. I loved the kids’ energy from both sides as this blended family became one. There was a huge happiness in their kids’ eyes and a big thank you on their parents’ faces for having them present on this special occasion.

Wedding Dinner reception

One of the greatest benefits of smaller wedding venues like estates, manors, and Paletta Mansion is that they offer multiple rooms for various functions throughout the day. For instance, the bride and groom can prepare in separate rooms, while cocktail hour, dinner reception, sweet table set up, and dance floor can each have their designated space.

It can be challenging for the staff or myself as a photographer to ensure that each room is set up correctly. However, it is incredibly convenient for the guests. They can move effortlessly from room to room and enjoy the various setups the bride and groom envisioned for their wedding day.

As a fall wedding, there was little time for sunset or any other extra photos of just two of them. After the rain, the outside had become cold, and Rose was done with her heels. Her attention shifted entirely to the reception celebration that was following.

They began the evening with their grand entrance, followed by their first dance and introductions to the dinner service. While photographing each candid moment, I found myself deep in thought, trying to figure out how to schedule my nighttime session. Understandably, Rose did not want to go outside as her feet were hurting, and she felt cold.

Nighttime photos at Paletta

After my couple and their wedding guests began eating their dinner, I ventured outside to scout for an ideal location to capture their nighttime photos. I was mindful that I couldn’t push them too far and wanted to keep them comfortable. I had always wanted to take nighttime photos at Paletta Mansion, and now that I had the opportunity, I felt somewhat limited but still excited.

Outside, I noticed the perfect twilight colours in the sky behind the mansion. It was then that I had a revelation – to position the couple inside the bay window that was 5 feet behind their table and backlight them from inside. This would keep them warm and cozy while creating a beautiful nighttime photo opportunity. I planned to be outside in the garden to capture the beauty of the mansion, the incredible sky, and my couple’s silhouettes.

I rushed inside and requested Rose and Brad to stand inside the window for those photos. They gladly agreed, and I went outside setting my lighting equipment inside and began capturing the shots. These were, by far, some of my favourite pictures from the wedding at Paletta Mansion that evening.

I am happy that I didn’t settle and forget the nighttime photos during this beautiful Paletta Mansion wedding. The pictures turned out fantastic, and my clients were delighted that we decided to take them.

This intimate wedding at Paletta Mansion had everything that one could ask for in a wedding. It was on a small scale but elegantly executed for close friends and family. Rose and Brad celebrated their marriage and the joy of their blended family.

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

If you want to see another Paletta Mansion wedding here is Eva and Damien’s Wedding.