Summer Wedding at Bellamere Winery, London Ontario
As I drove up to the Airbnb where K and her bridesmaids were getting ready, I was absolutely in awe of the stunning property and blue skies ahead. After a rainy night, the sun came out just as I had packed my gear that morning. This beautiful farmhouse just outside of Arva had the most gorgeous backyard with sprawling wildflower fields that we were all so excited to explore!
While the videographer, Micaela, and I set up the details and found some beautiful light for the final veil photos, my second photographer was meeting with J and his groomsmen at Bellamere Winery. The grounds of the winery have so many stunning locations for portraits, and multiple ceremony and reception spaces to choose from. With getting ready photos complete, it was time to head to the gazebo for their ceremony!
There was not a dry eye around as we saw J’s reaction to his beautiful fiancée, finally seeing her for the first time that day. Since K & J have settled in Alberta, witnessing their Ontario family be present for the sweetest vows was so heartwarming. As their ceremony neared the end, I snuck behind their officiant as K and J signed their wedding licence. K and J had requested that the photo of their first kiss include their guests - a first for me, but of course I was more than happy to give it a try! I absolutely loved the final images of their first kiss, showing how many lovely family members and friends had come to support them and celebrate that day. And the benefit of having a second photographer means we got both angles too!
After their ceremony and family formals were complete, it was a race to get the full wedding party gathered for photos before the rain picked back up. With everyone wrangled from cocktail hour, we had so much fun with their group photos - they brought the energy AND we beat the weather! My second photographer and I wandered about the Bellamere grounds with K and J for their own portraits, finding some of my favourite things along the way - symmetry and reflections. When we spotted a large puddle in the parking lot, I knew I had to find a way to incorporate it! Even at my first wedding of the summer, those reflection photos remain some of my favourites from the entire season.
The reception space at Kindred Hall was decorated so perfectly, with the string lights framing the wooden beams. I can’t talk about their beautiful decor without mentioning the personalized touches throughout their reception. Each table number was decorated with photos of K and J’s pets back at home in Alberta. Just when I thought these were the sweetest touch for decor, I saw their cake - complete with their pups, and one with angel wings.
Now, these reception entrances were something to remember! They had the genius idea of passing a disposable film camera to the next groomsman after he entered, snapping a photo of the guys as they posed beside the bar. Energy levels were high and it made for some incredibly fun entrance photos - cranking up the guests’ excitement levels for the bride and groom! As K & J entered they went right into their first dance and followed that by a few toasts before dinner began. Their speeches ended with some lovely closing words in sign language from K’s aunt - which felt like the perfect transition into spending an intimate dinner with family from far and wide.
As my second photographer and I packed up and walked back to our cars, the rain started once again. Even nature was on our side, making K & J’s beautiful day even more picture perfect!
Officiant: Patti Lofgren
Venue & Catering: Bellamere Winery
1260 Gainsborough Road London, Ontario
Makeup: Nicole Dupuis
Hair: AlyCat Artists
Videographer: Micaela Coelho
Keywords: Bellamere Winery Wedding, London Ontario Wedding Photographer, London Ontario Wedding Venue, Bellamere Wedding Photos, Winery Wedding London