Rochelle and Trevor’s Elora Mill Winter Wedding was nothing short of a winter wonderland fairytale. Despite the cold, the weather cooperated with overcast skies and dry conditions, allowing us to enjoy the breathtaking charm of this stunning venue fully.

The magic of the day reached its peak at night when we captured some incredible photos with gently falling snowflakes. This enchanting touch added a perfect, memorable ending to their special day, leaving Rochelle and Trevor thrilled with the experience.

Planning a Winter Wedding at Elora Mill

Planning a winter wedding can be challenging, especially when it comes to unpredictable weather and other uncontrollable factors. Rochelle and Trevor understood this well, approaching their day with flexibility and a willingness to embrace whatever conditions came their way—as long as they could brave the winter chill.

Elora Mill and the venue for their cocktail hour and reception provided stunning indoor spaces perfect for photos. Still, they were hopeful for a chance to capture some outdoor shots to highlight the breathtaking natural beauty of this picturesque location.

Hotel Getting Ready Photos

Rochelle planned for me to start the day at the hotel, where she and the bridesmaids were getting ready, allowing me to capture candid moments as they prepared for the big day. Afterward, I would meet up with the groomsmen before their first look. We chose the outdoor wedding chapel at Elora Mill for this special moment—a beautiful open area near the indoor chapel, separate from the cocktail and reception spaces of the property.

Before heading to the hotel, I stopped by the reception area at Elora Mill to drop off my lighting equipment and get acquainted with the space. While I had previously photographed weddings in the hotel and spa building, this was my first time working in the reception area where Rochelle and Trevor would celebrate their wedding.

Excited about this Elora Mill Winter Wedding, I took my lighting gear upstairs and couldn’t resist snapping photos of the beautifully finished setup. The harvest tables were perfectly arranged, and the entire room looked picture-perfect. The winter sunshine streaming through the large windows overlooking Mill Street added a magical glow, creating stunning shots. I knew I had to make the most of this light before the sun disappeared in just a couple of hours.

Elora Mill Winter Wedding Preparations

Rochelle and Trevor had a large bridal party for their winter wedding, but when I arrived at the hotel, most of the bridesmaids were already ready, and the atmosphere was calm and relaxed. I appreciated that they had multiple rooms for getting ready, which meant each space was tidy enough for photos without the need to clear clutter—perfect for capturing candid moments.

Although the time allocated for this part of the day was short, it was just right to bring Rochelle’s vision to life. Once I finished the last planned photo, I headed to Elora Mill’s indoor wedding chapel to meet Trevor and his best man as they prepared for the first-look photos.

Rochelle had a clear plan: Trevor and all the groomsmen would be present for the first-look photos at the outdoor wedding chapel, while she and the bridesmaids waited nearby but out of sight. As I positioned the groomsmen, the wind started picking up, and the temperature dropped below freezing. Having Rochelle and her bridesmaids outside with only scarves for warmth was manageable, but only for a few minutes, given the bitter cold.

The Photo Session for this Elora Mill Winter Wedding

Having only five minutes for the first look and a group photo with the wedding party was a stressful challenge for everyone involved. The cold, combined with a persistent wind that constantly disrupted the bridesmaids’ hair, made it even more challenging to capture the perfect shots while meeting their expectations.

To make things more bearable, I had the bridesmaids wait in the warmth of the venue’s minibus until it was time to start the photos. The final step before the first look was positioning the groomsmen on the stage at the wedding chapel. Once everything was set, the van doors opened, and Rochelle stepped out, walking toward Trevor, who stood with his back to her while the groomsmen watched her approach.

I captured all the sweet moments of Rochelle’s arrival, Trevor’s reaction, their first look, and their embrace. However, as I prepared them for a group photo, I noticed the bridesmaids shivering in the freezing temperatures. I quickly decided that we’d take only one set of group shots before heading indoors.

I was so proud of everyone for braving the winter chill and pulling together for those outdoor first-look photos. Asking for additional outdoor shots wasn’t even on my mind.

Once indoors, the atmosphere shifted to one of warmth and fun. While capturing photos in the indoor chapel, I envisioned taking some shots in the cocktail reception area of the other building. I love the vibe of that space and already had several creative ideas.

Given the cold, outdoor photos were no longer an option, so I focused on working with Rochelle and Trevor in the reception area. The bridal party had a wonderful time here, enjoying drinks and finger foods while I photographed the couple. It turned out to be the perfect setting for capturing their joy and love.

Winter Wedding Ceremony at Elora Mill

After finishing the last photos with Rochelle and Trevor, I hurried to the indoor wedding chapel to start capturing the arrival of guests. These candid shots, though traditional, are unique to every wedding and always tell a different story. Photographing in a documentary style is captivating—I often lose track of time because each scenario offers something special to connect with, creating memories that last a lifetime.

When it was time to begin, I turned my focus to the chapel doors, anticipating the bridal party’s arrival. As the first person entered and the others followed, I stayed a couple of steps ahead, predicting their movements to ensure I captured every precious, candid moment.

At wedding shows, people often ask how I manage to capture such authentic and priceless shots. The secret lies in a combination of experience and anticipation—knowing what to look for and being ready for it.

The ceremony itself was short but perfectly encapsulated the union of Rochelle and Trevor. Once it concluded, we seamlessly transitioned to the cocktail reception in another building on the property, ready to continue documenting their special day.

Cocktail Hour and Venue Setup at Elora Mill

With most of the photos taken, it was time for Rochelle and Trevor to relax and celebrate with their guests. The atmosphere shifted to one of joy and enjoyment, and the way the staff presented the hors d’oeuvres and canapés added to the festive mood. I was particularly impressed by their creative approach to serving and displaying cheeses, along with all the thoughtful accompaniments that elevated the dining experience.

After capturing candid moments of guests mingling and enjoying the cocktail hour, I headed upstairs to the reception area. There, I focused on photographing the beautifully arranged wedding decorations and detailed setups that added a personal touch to the celebration.

Since Rochelle and Trevor didn’t have a large family, we were able to quickly finish the immediate family photos on our list, keeping the focus on enjoying the special moments of their day.

A Magical Wedding Reception in Elora

Winter wedding receptions have a unique charm, as guests tend to stay indoors, creating a warm, lively atmosphere where everyone celebrates together. This closeness fosters an interactive and cheerful vibe, keeping the dance floor bustling once it opens and ensuring guests remain engaged with fewer distractions.

At Rochelle and Trevor’s Elora Mill Winter Wedding, capturing their first dance, the parent dances, and all the other planned activities went seamlessly. Once the dance floor was in full swing and I had taken the key photos, I saw an opportunity to step outside for my signature nighttime wedding shots.

To my delight, snowflakes were gently falling, adding a magical touch to the scene. The glow of the streetlights and ambient lighting created a warm, fairytale-like atmosphere, and I was thrilled to share this moment with the couple. Without hesitation, Rochelle and Trevor joined me outside. Still warm from dancing, Rochelle even ventured out barefoot for the photos.

As the snowfall intensified, it felt like the perfect ending to their special day. The images captured in that serene, snowy moment were nothing short of enchanting. With huge smiles on their faces, we said our goodbyes, and I left them to rejoin their friends and family, continuing the joyous celebration of their union.

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

Here is another wedding in Elora at Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, Mary Ann and Russell’s wedding.