I’ve known Kate personally for a couple years now but had only met Mitchell in passing until their engagement session. I really enjoyed spending time with the two of them last fall, exploring and taking photos, so I knew their wedding day was going to be a blast. If you missed their engagement session, you can check it out here.

Mitchell and his groomsmen got ready at Kate’s brother's place, while Kate got ready at her parents home. They had their ceremony at the Campus Church in Aurora and were married by Mitchell's father. Kate had so many little intentional moments planned within the day; one that I haven't seen before was a standing reception after the ceremony for guests who only came to the ceremony. I love this idea for couples who have an open invitation to their ceremony because it's basically a mini-reception; no one feels left out, and it's a great way to spend time with everyone who came to celebrate your marriage. Following the standing reception, we hit one of my favourite spots in Aurora for portraits before heading across town to Stonehaven Banquet Hall for the reception.

A wedding photographer's dream is to have a timeline with some giggle room, and that’s exactly what Kate and Mitchell had. Because of this, no one was stressed or felt rushed; we had plenty of time for family photos, wedding party photos, and bride and groom portraits, AND we were still ahead of schedule. Another unique element of the day were yearly letters; each table at the reception had an envelope with paper and pens and a year printed on the front. Guests were to write a letter to Mitchell and Kate that they would open on the corresponding anniversary date. If this isn’t giving you ideas, I don’t know what will. Partway through speeches, we were able to sneak out for some golden hour portraits, and I’m so glad we did because, as you will see, sunset light just hits differently. They finished the night off with a sparkler exit before getting into their getaway car and heading off into the night to start their marriage.