I have kept my fair share of secrets. However, the meticulous planning behind Michelle and John’s Estates of Sunnybrook wedding was a surprise on a total different level. The organizer of the Oakville wedding show, Janice, had introduced the couple to me. She felt I’d be just the man to pull off the challenge, so I felt honoured they had pegged me as the best for the job.

Michelle and John wanted to have their wedding specifically in March. They understood that the weather would likely be dismal but they had underlining reasons for this date. Having photographed at the location before I was familiar with the grounds. At first I was confused as to why they wouldn’t want to secure a date later on in the year. It transpired that Michelle’s birthday was in March. They were surprising their guests who all thought they were attending her birthday party!

No one was ready for the series of surprises this Estates of Sunnybrook wedding had in store for their guests

We arrived at the Estates of Sunnybrook and as I had warned, it was raining. On the other hand, the bonus was that the temperature was on our side. It created a beautiful mist that seemed fitting with the period style buildings. Both Michelle and John got themselves ready onsite in the Coach House and both looked elegant in their chosen attire. They had decided to do their first look at the site of the ceremony. It was a tasteful and minimalistic decorated space within the grounds. Knowing we only had four hours of coverage, we worked efficiently. We made the most of my knowledge of the buildings to utilize the stunning interiors and exteriors the location offered. Undoubtedly, one of the things I love about photographing at the Estates of Sunnybrook is how rich the interiors look in terms of textures, furnishings and finishings.

Michelle and John had organized their friend to drop off their dog for photos. The dog joined them for the final portraits in front of the grand wooden doors at Vaughan Estate. As they started to spy guests arriving, we snuck back inside for the finishing touches. This involved documenting all of the little details such as her dress, the flowers and their rings.

The plot thickened for this Estates of Sunnybrook wedding

When the moment came that I had been waiting for, I joined their guests. The group was waiting in the Coach House lower part complete with a Happy Birthday banner. Being able to watch their faces as Michelle and John walked into the room inviting them to join their wedding was priceless! The beam radiating from Michelle’s father’s face as he walked her down the aisle spoke a thousand words. The couple had decided to plant a tree as a symbol of the unity of their love. The room was filled with joy as they were surrounded by their closest friends and family. 

Once the ceremony was over, we gathered in the main room of the Coach House for the reception. Guests sat at a stunning harvest style table that was dressed beautifully by Lakeshore Planning Services. There was still one more surprise in store. Michelle and John announced that she was pregnant! Just having got over the first shock, the second wonderful piece of news sent guests over the edge and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

We knew that we wouldn’t be able to get any of my signature nighttime shots. Therefore, I had made sure to spend extra time prior to their guests arrival to get some stunning portraits that had a more dramatic look. The black and white variations and the play with symmetry and reflective surfaces and their silhouettes left me satisfied that they wouldn’t be disappointed with the outcome.

Michelle and John’s Estates of Sunnybrook wedding left me grinning from ear to ear and was so much fun to be a part of. I can’t wait to see the next chapter of their lives as they expand on the family unit.

Credits to below wedding professionals and locations that helped Michelle and John’s wedding to be one of a kind.