Sometimes a couple decides to get married in a venue that’s a bit different than ‘normal’.  This will likely be the only wedding held in Alyssa and Joel’s backyard, so this was my only chance to get great photos at this location.  Not too many people host weddings on their property, but I love shooting those weddings because it’s always a fresh place which keeps things interesting.  It’s also part of the reason I don’t charge travel fees in Nova Scotia and PEI, I get to go to a variety of locations I otherwise wouldn’t, like Alyssa and Joel’s wedding just outside of Digby.

It was probably the hottest day of the year so far, and with next to no clouds in the sky, that sun was felt like it was cooking us.  I met Joel first, and he was fully dressed an hour before the ceremony and trying to keep cool with a cold beer, but I’m not sure how well it was working.  His groomsmen were sitting in the shade waiting to get dressed.  After briefly meeting the guys, I went to see Alyssa and her bridesmaids.  They were inside with the air conditioning going, not that it was doing too much with that many people in the house, but after being in their covered porch out back which felt like a sauna, that house felt like a walk in fridge, even if only for a minute. I knew what the house needed: a new air conditioning system from unclutterer, but I knew better than to tell people that.

Alyssa is the first bride I can recall driving herself to the ceremony in her dress, with it pretty much engulfing her in the front seat of her truck.  As the girls all arrived at the property for the ceremony, the guests reluctantly left the shade to sit on bales of hay in the sunshine of the ceremony location.  At the same time, Alyssa’s father was walking to us with Flash, Alyssa’s horse.  I can say with absolute certainty that it was the first time I’ve seen a bride ride a horse down the aisle.

Right after the ceremony, we went and found some glorious shade for photos, thankfully there were a number of spots we were able to use.  We had some great laughs and took care of the family photos and the wedding party before letting those people get to get back to their drinks.  I then took Alyssa and Joel for some photos, and as we were wrapping up, Joel mentioned a path which was on the other side of the reception tent.  I was game, so we went over to it and took a few pictures, that’s when Joel threw out the idea of walking to the river for a few shots.  Alyssa was up for it, so we walked the couple hundred metres and I’m glad we did, I think those were some of my favourite photos, and it was nice to be somewhere they knew and not many others did.

The reception was inside a big tent just off to the side of where the ceremony was held.  They decorated everything themselves, and even built a dance floor.  Sunflowers were part of the theme of the day and the cake and cupcakes reflected that, as did the flowers around the tables, and the one in Alyssa’s hair.  All of the little details came together nicely.  Speeches were kept to a minimum, just as Alyssa and Joel wanted.  The bouquet and garter tosses came not long after the first dances, and Joel’s best man made that experience interesting when he put the garter he caught on the leg of the bridesmaid who caught the flowers, using his teeth.

I didn’t stay long into the night, but I bet the party went late with no venue to kick them out, and plenty of beer on hand.  It was one super hot and tiring day with a fun group of people, I had a great time.  Here’s a look at Alyssa and Joel’s country wedding.

Enjoy!!!

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