Donald Gordon Centre Wedding Ceremony + Reception | Mia and Alex's Super Fun Spring Wedding
What is your favorite memory of dating your partner?
Alex "forgot" his wallet on our first date! LOL
-Mia
I’d met Mia years ago. I photographed her a few times through roller derby, so when she messaged me to ask if I had May 27th 2023 free for wedding photography, I just about fell off my chair with excitement. 🤩
Mia’s energy is awesome, and that killer smile + red lip combo is iconic. Her derby name is Red Lip Renegade for a reason.
I’d never met her beau, Alex, before, but I knew that he’d have to be a pretty rad dude to keep up with Mia.
And for sure, that turned out to be the case.
Their wedding was a whirlwind of awesomeness. They had it all at the Donald Gordon Centre, which was really close to an old apartment of theirs, so we did some of their couple’s photos just a short walk away.
You can read the full story below, or just enjoy the photos - your call.
But just trust me when I tell you, it was a really gorgeous wedding, with the best people.
The morning started with the girls getting ready at the Artistry Collective. It’s a super cute downtown spot, and owner Alana has made sure it’s inclusive, welcoming, and colorful. It even boasts unisex pricing (cause it’s a bit weird to have to self-identify with a gender before getting a cut, right?), and pronoun buttons in the reception area!
My second shooter, Erin, was on site and she captured these glorious shots of everyone laughing and having lots of fun the morning of the wedding.
We’re always looking to capture various angles and reactions. And here, you’ll see Mia’s mom, Ilene, reacting with a warm smile to something Mia is saying. These genuine, candid moments are so important - they make up the majority of a wedding photo gallery!
And it’s crucial to have some ‘in-the-process-of-getting-ready’ shots. At least for me. Quirky Love is different that way. The getting ready photos aren’t about presenting everything perfectly finished. Rather, they’re about telling the evolving story.
Meanwhile, over at the Donald Gordon Centre, Alex and his mother Robin were busy creating this unique album filled with photographs of their couple during their dating life together. As you can see, there were dozens of photographs strewn on the bed from which to choose from, of the smiling, laughing Mia and Alex while on various adventures together. It was actually a tough job to narrow it down!
I have a lot of these photos - where Robin helps Alex with his tie, his suit, etc. It was actually tough choosing which photos to show you. I settled on this black and white diptych. It shows a tender moment between mother and son as well.
And this is what I talk about when I tell folks that they should consider getting ready photos. Because it’s not about the shoes or rings…. it’s about the people moments, like this one.
By the time Robin and Alex have finished getting ready and putting that photo album together, Mia and her crew have made it back to the Donald Gordon. (The Gordon for short? I’m not sure… 🤔)
I juxtaposed this still photo of the dress hanging by itself with two photos showing just how much more dynamic that same dress looks when worn. You can choose what you like better. Mia got both!
This is one of my favourite photos from the day: Mia’s sister, Chantelle, helping Mia up the stairs with her dress.
Afterwards, we had Mia sit on the big windowsill while she awaited Alex to arrive for the first look.
This is the spot a lot of folks love for couples’ photos or first look photos at the Donald Gordon, because there’s light spilling from everywhere, and that window is to die for. #YGK really has some amazing spots.
First look at the Donald Gordon Centre.
This is the first look. These photographs speak for themselves, I think. And here is part two:
Once again, here, as a photographer I’m making decisions. Like, do I go close up to catch their tender moment, and kiss, or do I give them space?
If you know me, you know I tend to err on the side of closeups. It often depends on the couple. For Mia and Alex, they were so lost in the moment, they didn’t even notice that I was there. And I’m happy I caught it all!
After the first look, we had the run of the property for a little while. We made use of that gorgeous windowsill again, this time with the two of them. Hands are emotional, you know. They tell a story, too.
The staircase spirals and adds a wonderful detail. I took another closeup, this time of their hands.
reading letters to each other
Oo, I love when couples do this. They write letters to each other, and then read them in privacy. (well, with the photographer).
I think if I got married again, I would definitely do this. I’ve got a lot to say! haha.
Anyway, this piece of wedding tradition can lead to some incredibly sweet moments. I’ve included a couple of them here, but in reality, Mia and Alex received like 40 images that were all emotional and raw and beautiful.
Oh, okay, phew. I knew that I had pulled back and given them space at the beginning. Here’s a long shot, with the bouquet in the foreground giving a creamy, peaceful aesthetic to the whole photo. Does it work for you?
Well, I couldn’t resist sneaking in a couple more from this series. After this, we went outside, and Mia and Alex walked over to their old apartment, which was just down the street from the Donald Gordon Centre. We took lots of photos there, but some of those were secret and for the couple’s eyes only 👀
But I can show you these ones, where Alex bends Mia back like a pro, and some kissy ones, too. If you’ll notice on that first one below, there are two girls very inquisitively peeking out from behind the bushes to see the happy couple in the street. Awww. 🥰
Here are two more traditional couple portraits. We found some night light under this tree, and I used my long lens to blur the buildings in the background, so that they wouldn’t be distracting. I kept the tree in the composition, to the right of that bottom-left image, because I think it adds to the story. For me, that tree bark is complicated, and beautiful. Like love.
A tip on faimly photos (not shown)
After the couple photos, Mia and Alex wanted to do some family photos. We took a while to get through these. It was a long list of photos to get through, but it was important to Mia. I typically suggest minimizing the groupings for family photos. For instance, instead of doing (1) groom + his family, (2) bride and groom + his family, (3) bride + his family, consider doing just one: bride and groom + his family. You know? Since you’re now married, it’s nice to have you both in all the photos. And it cuts down the amount of photos you have to take!
The ceremony was in the courtyard at the Donald Gordon Centre, and it was just the perfect space to accommodate their guests and provided a beautiful stone backdrop to the proceedings.
We’re fast forwarding here to the end of the ceremony, where you can see joy on everyone’s faces. Most of all, Mia and Alex.
For many couples, this is the best part of the wedding day, and it’s one that folks frequently list as being the moment they are most anticipating - walking up the aisle together after the ceremony.
Everyone now shifts into party mode, because all the official stuff is DONE!
Alex tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to photograph this important moment, above, and so I did. I made it black and white, so that the emotion is what carries. Sometimes colourful backgrounds can be distracting.
While folks were milling about and having a cocktail, I couldn’t resist to snag a couple of bouquet photos (flowers courtesy of Nancy Jensen). I’m not a big details person. I won’t photograph rings and shoes for hours, and I frequently don’t do much more than a couple of quick floral shots like this. Llowers are beautiful and make everything happier. I love to use the natural backdrops, like this grassy lawn.
Now let’s peek inside the reception hall at the Donald Gordon, decorated accordingly in blue details to match the florals. I will typically create an album spread with reception hall details like this, just to provide a little backdrop to the story that’s about to evolve inside during reception.
Oh, and how can I forget this beautiful cake table, complete with the day of the dead decoration?
I won’t show you the entire series of speeches, but let’s take a peek at a few shots. Speeches can be really emotional, and this wedding was no exception. I like to get a good mix of shots here, including a few closeups (surprise surprise!).
Awww… such a tender moment. Sometimes weddings are the spaces where everyone feels safe and welcome to get their lovey feelings all out on the table. I definitely get teary eyed when listening to speeches. Haha. I’m just an old sap.
So, like, if this was a movie, then these are scene-setting shots of sorts. Or maybe ‘change of scene’ shots. I really have no idea, I’ve never made a film. I just know that sometimes I stroll around trying to capture something a little different, to provide variety to the gallery. That variety can come from a change of location, or composition. It can happen when folks go outside for a week break, and I snap a completely candid photo of them…
We’re back indoors now, and we’ve changed location once more. This is the Coach House Pub, a charming name for a charming place. Mia and Alex had their first dance here, and after that they danced with their parents.
Alex danced with Mia’s mom, and then - in possibly my favourite album spread of the bunch, you’ll see his dance with his own mom.
Heartwarming. And this isn’t even half of the photos I took!
Awww, that last photo above ❤️ It just melts your heart!
But look, maybe you’re not a natural dancer like Alex and Robin (his mom). That’s okay. But if you can, take a moment or two during your wedding to have a special moment with your parent. It doesn’t have to be loud or out there. You won’t regret it.
Now the party proper is starting.
I’ve got boatloads of photos from this portion of the night, because I’m a dance party junkie, but I won’t subject you to all the craziness. I’ll show you a couple of slides:
Haha, okay, that was three. I just couldn’t help it. The couple opted for a playlist they played through a PA system. They’d worked really hard on the playlist, and were also diligent in keeping an eye on the vibes, and adjusting accordingly. I guess they were essentially DJs at their own wedding, and they did a bang up job, because folks danced for hours. I left after 10pm, and the party was still in full swing.
What a day!
Congrats, Mia and Alex ❤️ Your wedding was an unforgettable one!
Wedding Vendor Thank Yous:
Bigger weddings like this one don’t happen without a lot of vendor magic coming together.
There are always folks that are busy working behind the scenes to make sure everything is perfect. So naturally, I’d like to include them in this blog.
Donald Gordon Centre - Venue 🏰 [@donaldgordoncentre]
Folks often wonder what it’s like to have a wedding at the Donald Gordon. It’s wonderful, as I hope this blog has shown. They have plenty of different spaces for the entire day, from getting ready to the ceremony, reception, and party afterwards.
Nancy Jensen - Florist 🌺 [@floristatkingston]
I was a big fan of these floral arrangements. You might have gathered from the photos :)
Artistry Collective - Hair & Makeup 💇♀️💄[@artistry.collective.ygk]
I was lucky enough to meet with Alana of the Artistry collective, despite not being there the morning of this wedding (my second shooter, Erin Byrne, photographed the girls at the salon. It’s a wonderful, inclusive and welcoming space right in the heart of downtown. Make sure to check it out for your next cut!
Erin Walker Photography - Second Shooter 📸 [@erinwalker_photography]
Erin is really talented, and I knew this. Even so, I was blown away at her gorgeous shots of the girls getting ready at the salon. ❤️
Dina's Sewing - Dress Alterations 👗✂️🧵[@dina_s_sewing]
Mia’s dress fit her to perfection, and that’s all thanks to Dina.
Limestone & Lace - Dress Supplier 👗 [@limestoneandlace]
North Roast - Coffee Favors ☕😋[@northroast]
These were super cute little favour ideas! I mean, who doesn’t like coffee? And even if someone doesn’t, they can easily repurpose this little favour in cooking or as a gift. Right? I just love edible/drinkable favours! And North Roast are awesome. (I just went to their warehouse last month for the first time! The smell was yummy.)
If you’re planning your own wedding - big or small - and you feel like you jive with the vibes you’ve seen here, then please reach out! We’ll have a quick chat, price something out for ya, and see if we’re a match 😍
Book a no-pressure consultation here:
Or send me an email: hi@quirkylovephotography.com 😍