Not having met Angela or Isaac prior to their Edgewater Manor wedding meant that I was nervous to say the least. Especially, when I saw their engagement photos. They were taken in China and featured a multi person crew over a series of days. Certainly, this signalled they meant business and knew exactly what they were looking for. My worries were cast aside after meeting with them over the phone. They assured me the reason I had been recommended to them was my ability to capture many different styles of emotional photography throughout the day. Being able to focus on their connections and the reality of the day was what they were looking for. Then, with that in mind I set out to over deliver.

Edgewater Manor is one of those venues that has the ability to take your breath away. As you enter the gates to the lakeside mansion, you feel like you have stepped back in time to an era of decadence. Angela was planning to wear three different wedding dresses to mark each unique tradition and part of the day. Cleary, Edgewater was the perfect fit as it features so many different spaces offering varying feels.

Why three wedding dresses were necessary for this Edgewater Manor wedding.

We started our day off with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in the main dining room. For this, Angela and Isaac wore traditional attire. I was able to document the offerings and emotions that came with it. Before they headed upstairs to get changed into their next outfit, I whisked them outside. Here I was able to show off the stunning patterns in the fabric with the red popping dramatically as they proudly showed off their roots. Next, Angela and the girls headed to the bridal suite where she changed into her wedding dress. It was amazing to see the amount of help she had from those closest to her as she prepared for the ceremony.

The bridal suite overlooks the lake and grounds. Undoubtedly, it is the perfect spot to watch as the guests arrive and offers fantastic natural light for photography. I felt the importance of showcasing the details of her dress, head piece and shoes. Unquestionably, they represented a classy and classic side to the day that was very fitting for the surroundings. What bride to be wouldn’t want to make a dramatic entrance? With Edgewater Manor’s sweeping marble staircase, this offered the perfect setting as she made her way outside for the first look with Isaac.

Preparation is key as you expect the unexpected

While Isaac was preparing, the boys and he were having a bit of fun before the ceremonies began. An impromptu photo opportunity by the lake then resulted in a behind the scenes mishap! His brother had jumped up with such enthusiasm in the group shot that he split his pants, much to their mother’s horror. A sewing kit saved the day!

Thankfully, Angela was blissfully unaware and headed out to a very under-utilized spot down by the waters edge. My second photographer Danielle and I positioned ourselves. We had a perfect vantage point to capture all of the emotions of their first look together. Pre-planning and knowing the location inside out worked wonders for keeping everything on track and being able to get the most out of each set up. The little walkway at the edge of the lake is often overlooked. However, I reeled in the emptiness and knew it would be perfect to keep all of the attention on my couple.

A modern Chinese Edgewater Manor wedding in classic surroundings

One of my favourite things about photographing Edgewater Manor is how majestic black and white portraits translate there. The rich history and rugged textures of the stonework create such a dramatic feel. In contrast, they work just as well as their colourful counterparts. I gathered the wedding party into the grounds and we set them up in various configurations. Undoubtedly, the blush pink hue of the bridesmaids dresses worked harmoniously with the overall colour palette. A simple flower arch complimented the exterior and the watercolour artwork of the stationary all tied into their subtle colour scheme. The ceremony ran seamlessly and using a journalistic approach of coverage provided the perfect recap of the important moments.

Before they changed into their final outfit of the day, we headed upstairs. Along with the sofas outside the Romeo and Juliet balcony, the location overlooks the pillared entrance. This area offers so much natural light and space to take a breather before having to get back to entertaining the guests. Their demeanours were natural and connected in the moment. Then, they had a quick mingle with their guests in their original traditional Chinese attire. Finally, Angela flourished into the main dining room to reveal a jaw dropping dress for the reception. It featured such intricate and delicate workmanship. Surrounded by their loved ones, their day ended as everyone danced the night away.

Signature nighttime photos at Edgewater Manor wedding

Our final images were of Angela and Isaac down by the lake under the night sky. Featuring the twinkling lights of the distant Toronto skyline, it was all  made possible by some very special helpers. Certainly, having the extra hands of Marthy, SDE Weddings lead videographer and my second photographer meant I was able to create the perfect lighting to capture these perfectly balanced and executed portraits to finish off their day, as well as bat away the flies!

Angela and Isaac were a dream to work with and we were all so happy with the results. I was truly thankful for having the opportunity to document such an eye opening day showcasing the traditions of the Chinese culture and as always, being able to showcase an Edgewater Manor wedding. Above all, their fun packed day highlighted the benefits of using one location to serve all of your needs and the impact of finding your dream location.