Stefanie & Scott | Focus Photography at Royal Ontario Golf Club

A month has barely passed, and I still can’t forget Stefanie and Scott. Their wedding was like a dream come true.

I learned that Stefanie and Scott are actually childhood friends. And their older brothers were best friends, too! It only melts my heart to think that Stefani and Scott are each other’s best friend. Knowing this was a key detail in their relationship, I made sure to try and highlight their history in the pictures I took. 

As Stefanie and Scott got ready separately, I was able to document their preparation process. They were so similar that it only reaffirmed my vision of what true love is supposed to look like. Photographing Scott with his entourage, he seemed really laidback. I figured doing a handheld shot would be perfect. 

But, even when he smiled and laughed coolly, I had a feeling that he was a bundle of nerves underneath the surface.

And with Stefanie, everything was so easy and comfortable. She was surrounded by her big family. It was clear that they had so much love to give. I snuck as many pictures of them hugging and talking as much as possible. This was a meaningful day just as much for them as it was to Stefanie and Scott.

As I directed Stefanie with her poses and positioning, she exuded such a calm aura. As if ever since she was a child, Stefanie knew she was going to marry Scott one day.

Once the guests had arrived at St. Pascal Baylon Parish for the ceremony, everybody was beaming with anticipation. I overheard people gushing about Stefanie and how they looked forward to the reception later that day. While I was taking candid shots of the guests, I suddenly saw Scott standing all along on the balcony of the parish.

He was looking at everybody. Scott seemed like he wore his heart on his sleeve. Because as he stood there, back against the light, Scott looked proud to be the man that was going to spend the rest of his life devoted to loving Stefanie.

When Stefanie walked down the aisle, I had a moment of whiplash. I kept switching from Scott, to the guests, and back to Stefanie. Scott was absolutely speechless. He looked like all the wind had been knocked out of his lungs, and I felt giddy when I was able to capture those moments in real-time. I feel giddy now just thinking about it.

After the wedding ceremony, I had a few moments alone with the couple themself. This was the part I liked the most. Because I got to witness and be in their bubble as a newlywed. Of course, I was sure they were happy enough to share the rest of their day with their loved ones, but in those few moments, Stefanie and Scott got to cherish each other as husband and wife for the first time.

As I photographed Stefanie and Scott on their wedding day, it almost made me feel like I had known them forever. And I found myself rooting for them, and wishing them a long life full of blessings and fortune. I felt like a sap fawning over their natural chemistry and intimacy.

By the time we made our way to Royal Ontario Golf Club, everyone was already there waiting for Stefanie and Scott. The air was filled with excitement. It was such an honor to be the one holding the camera, documenting a day so precious not only for the couple, but for everyone who was a part of their love story.

Weddings always warm my heart. There is just something so delicate and precious about the way love looks when it is shared so openly. It never fades.