July 12, 2018

Laura & Mike | Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre | Mastronardi Estate Winery | Windsor & Kingsville, Ontario Wedding Photographers

Love, when it looks like Laura & Mike’s, is absolutely worth the wait. They’ve known each other 13 years – they met when Mike was working at Starbucks and quickly became friends. 10 years in, they attended a wedding together and things took the best turn possible – friendship turned to a relationship and after three years as a couple, they said yes to decades more together this past month.

Laura is organized and detail oriented, a trait that was reflected throughout her wedding. We arrived that morning to a beautifully decorated house – balloons spelled out ‘LOVE’ on the mantel, a #wifey banner hung below. I gathered her perfume, earrings, and shoes – even those had ‘I DO’ detailed on them – and began to photograph them as Laura and her bridal team were pampered with hair and makeup. Laura sat in the light of the window, letting her makeup artist apply the final touches, and then headed to get into her dress with the help of her mom. Her bridesmaids handed her her bouquet, she slipped on her heels, and headed to MacKenzie Hall Cultural Centre for her first look with her soon-to-be husband.

Mike’s morning was similar – minus the hair and makeup ;) His groomsmen arrived at the house ready to stand by his side for the day ahead. His suit, cufflinks and shoes sat ready to be photographed. The guys helped one another tie their ties and do up cufflinks, and Mike took a few minutes alone to read a note from Laura and get into his into his own suit. Once they were all dressed, they spent the remainder of the morning outside, relaxing on the patio until it was time to see Laura for the first time.

Once at Mackenzie Hall, Mike stood calmly in the upstairs room, only a hit of nerves showing as he waited for his bride to walk in and tap him on the shoulder. Laura arrived and did just that. As soon as he turned around he wrapped his arms around her – it was elation and complete relief to finally see one another, and total excitement for the day of come. After a few photos together, their wedding party joined them and together they rocked their portraits, enthusiastically doing everything we asked and clearly having a blast together as always.

After portraits they headed to Mastronardi Estate Winery for their ceremony and went their separate ways. Guests trickled down the aisle and took their seats, and Mike took his place at the front with his groomsmen standing by his side. When everyone had arrived – it was go time – and Laura took her first steps down the aisle toward Mike to become husband and wife. Their ceremony went off without a hitch – they said their vows, placed the rings they had chosen on one another’s fingers, sealed the deal with a kiss – and just like that, they were husband and wife. Hand in hand they made their way back back down the aisle as everyone stood to congratulate the new Mr. & Mrs.

The reception hall at Mastronardi was decorated with cream and gold tablecloths, tall vases filled with flowers sat on guests tables, and flickering candles throughout the room made it feel cozy and intimate. Guests mingled and signed the guest book, grazed at the sweets table and had fun in the photo-booth as they waited for the newlyweds to make their grand entrance. They didn’t dissapoint – Laura & Mike entered the room with hands in the air, a spin and a kiss, and took their place at the head table. Dinner was served as their parents gave their speeches. Laura & Mike took the podium to thank all those who came to support them and make their day an incredibly memorable one, before taking the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. They stepped outside for sunset portraits, sparkler photos and cigar shots, before rejoining everyone in the hall to dance the night away.

Laura & Mike, thank you for choosing us to capture your beautiful love story. Your day was so carefully planned and full of thoughtful details that reflected the love you have for each other. We loved getting to document it for you! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs!

“I swear I couldn’t love you more than I do right now, and yet I know tomorrow I will” | Leo Christopher

A REVIEW FROM THE COUPLE

“Arica and and Josh, We can summarize how your work makes us feel with one quote:

“When people look at my pictures, I want them to feel they way they do when they want to read a line of a poem twice”

– Robert Frank ( Swiss-American Photographer).

As he describes, your photographs make those who see them want to see look at them again and again and somehow experience something new and equally wonderful each time.

Thank you so much for being such a big part of our wedding day! You two went above and beyond our expectations with your attention to detail and ability to find the beauty around every corner. Your passion for what you do shines through in every photograph and you are both truly so gifted at your craft. We feel so privileged to have had one of the most important days of our lives captured through your lens. Thanks again and keep up the great work!” | Laura & Michael Docherty