Connor + Annika / Whistle Bear Covid Wedding

Feb 13

Annika and Connor’s wedding was the first real VENUE wedding last summer, when we were all in that beautiful little sweet spot of Ontario’s “Phase 3” opening plan. Specifically, August. This phase was pretty short-lived, but it was so worth it. I also had one of my favourite sidekicks Lydia Ivy shoot alongside me this day, which was an extra special treat. Let’s not discuss how she and I showed up wearing the same black jumpsuit and same backpack.

Connor got ready at a local Cambridge hotel, while Annika got ready at her parents house downtown Guelph. The beautiful architectural details aided in creating the perfect backdrop for the bridal party to get ready. One of the most special parts of the morning was having all the neighbours and family friends congregate on the street to send Annika off with the warmest wishes. One of their long-time neighbours Dean Palmer was in attendance; another photographer whom I actually assisted during a school co-op over a decade ago. Dean has been photographing Annika’s family since they were little girls, a reminder of how full-circle life really is.

Their ceremony was outdoors at the beautiful Whistle Bear chapel, and we captured all our creative portraits on the venue grounds. I had no choice but to make the bride and groom and *little* late for their reception, because golden hour struck and there was no way I’d let them miss out on the stunning portraits (see for yourself). Their reception was full of heartfelt and hilarious speeches, sentimental touches to remember Connor’s late and dearly missed sister, as well as incorporations of Annika’s Dutch heritage. I wish I could have stayed all night and basked in the feeling of normalcy that this wedding gave after several months of pandemic life.