Simone and Karie’s wedding renewal in Niagara Falls was one of the most intimate celebrations of their 20-year marriage. Just the two of them, together with their children, chose to renew their vows in a cozy and charming chapel in Niagara Falls, creating a truly personal and heartfelt moment.

The Wedding Renewal of Vows at Niagara Falls

When Simone reached out to ask about my services, she already knew my work. In fact, her friend Scherrie-Ann had recommended me. A few years earlier, I had photographed her wedding with Shawn at Terrace on the Green. Simone explained that she and her family were planning a weekend getaway to Niagara Falls. During the trip, they wanted to renew their wedding vows.

Remembering the wonderful experience I’d had with Sherie-Ann and Shawn, I was thrilled to capture Simone and Karie’s wedding renewal. It was a winter day, and although I wasn’t sure what the weather would bring, I hoped for the best. At the same time, I prepared for the worst.

The Wedding Ceremony at Calvary Chapel

I hadn’t photographed at this small chapel before, so I was excited to see how the photos would turn out. I arrived early and started taking pictures of the beautifully decorated chapel. The officiant was already there, but my couple hadn’t arrived yet. A few minutes later, Simone called in a panicked voice to let me know her makeup was delayed and they’d be about 30 minutes late.

The booking was only for a short two hours, but I didn’t want to add any stress before the ceremony. I reassured Simone not to worry and kept busy capturing more details around the chapel while I waited. It was an overcast day with temperatures near zero — great lighting conditions for photos — but I wasn’t sure what they planned to wear.

Soon after, Simone and Karie arrived with their children. They dressed casually in jeans and white tops, with Karie adding a blue jacket — a simple yet perfectly coordinated look. Without delay, the officiant began the ceremony, guiding Karie to the altar as Simone walked down the aisle, escorted by her daughter.

Intimate Wedding Renewal at Niagara Falls Chapel

After 20 years of marriage, the look Simone and Karie shared at the altar was filled with the same excitement as on a wedding day. Simone’s eyes sparkled with joy, and Karie’s happiness in renewing his vows with the love of his life was clear in his smile.
As the officiant led the ceremony, their children recorded the special moment on their phones, capturing memories they’ll treasure forever.

It was one of the most intimate vow renewals I’ve ever photographed. I couldn’t say how long the ceremony lasted — it felt like it was over in an instant — and soon we were taking family photos inside the chapel.
After finishing the traditional family portraits, I wanted to capture a few shots outside. The chapel’s white exterior and the soft, overcast light perfectly complemented their choice of white tops and blue jeans. Once I got the shots I wanted, we made our way toward Niagara Falls.

The Photo Session at Niagara Falls

We had arranged to meet in the lobby of their hotel, so I needed to find parking and get inside quickly before the weather changed. If you’ve been to Niagara Falls, you know public parking near the falls is limited. My only option was to park at the hotel, which can be pricey if you’re not a guest. I didn’t dwell on that, though — I parked and met my couple at the Sheraton Fallsview.

We crossed the street and were immediately in the park area, with a stunning view of the falls in the background. The sky was bright and overcast, creating perfect, even lighting. The timing couldn’t have been better — the area was nearly empty, which made me even more eager to start the photo session.

While I stayed warm from moving around, everyone else was freezing. Simone didn’t want to wear their coats since she wanted to keep the coordinated look of their white tops, but the cold was hard to ignore. I decided to start with photos without the coats, then include their teens in a few shots. Once we finished, I made sure the teens bundled up again while Simone and Karie slipped into their brown coats for the rest of the session.

Oakes Garden Theatre Photo Session at Niagara Falls

Working with couples who renew their vows is always a joy for many reasons. Two things always stand out — they relax, communicate easily, and free themselves from the pressures of a wedding day. That makes each session calm, natural, and enjoyable.

Wedding photography styles have changed a lot over the past twenty years. Simone was so excited about my work, and her enthusiasm inspired me to capture perfect photos from every angle. With little greenery at this time of year, I focused on the foliage, nearby architecture, and the iconic scenery that makes a wedding renewal in Niagara Falls so special. There were endless creative opportunities, and I left the session already looking forward to returning next year.

The final photos we took in the small garden in front of their hotel turned out to be the most intimate — a quiet, heartfelt end to our session. Simone’s parting words stayed with me: “I’m so glad I met Scherrie-Ann so that I could connect with you. Now I have beautiful photos.” Her words truly made me proud of what I do.

Thank you, Simone and Karie, for braving the cold and keeping your smiles throughout your wedding renewal in Niagara Falls with your wonderful children. If you’ve ever dreamed of renewing your vows, reach out — I’d love to help capture the images you’ve always imagined.

Here is another renewal in the blog post ” This Family Knew How to Get the Most Out of Their Casa Loma Photos”  .