The community of Elora Ontario is one of our very favourite places in Canada. Long before Ever After Photographers became a reality Norbert was hiking and photographing inside the local Elora Gorge. He remembers swimming in the deep quarry in the summer and ice climbing the cliffs in the winter. The below fall wedding photography was taken near the Elora Mill Inn in a little village located in Southern Ontario about 20 km, north of Guelph. Elora is just over an hour drive from Toronto and it features small shops, restaurants, cafes, nature hiking and cycling trails and one stunning Elora Mill Hotel and Spa towering over this tiny community by the Grand river.
This 19th century mill was renovated in 2014 and now as a hotel and spa it hosts small and large weddings throughout the year. In our view, Elora Mill Inn it is one of the very best wedding venues we know for wedding photography in all of Ontario.
No wonder that we were excited to work with Haley and Aidan who on November 6th, 2020 had a magical late fall wedding at the Elora Mill Hotel just before a Covid-19 lockdown.
GETTING READY
The day started with Haley getting ready inside the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa. We love the images below of Haley’s dad and her bridesmaids seeing her for the first time in the beautiful wedding dress.
As Haley was getting ready to walk down the aisle, Aidan settled in at a rented Airbnb near Fergus Ontario located on a farm. This. farmhouse was extensively decorated. Each of the many rooms themed in detail in a specific unique style. For example, the style never repeated in any of the other spaces. Next, the arriving groomsman, clearly taken by the farmhouse, were quickly welcomed by Aidan. Aidan was a warm and attentive host despite his many tasks.
One of my favourite photos of the day was taken when I asked the groomsman to describe one thing they respect most about Aidan. Next, I asked them to chase after Aidan in a race, while giving the groom a head start. I love the way that good photography can freeze motion and more importantly freeze moments and feelings.
THE FIRST LOOK
We captured the many candid getting ready images and now it was time for the First Look. It’s so exciting to see the expression on the face of the groom or bride when they see their beloved and soon to be married love for the first time.
THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
We captured the bride and groom and the bridal party images before the ceremony. Because of this we still had good light for photography on this warm yet short November day. The Elora Mill Inn features wedding photography locations in the small village and in the natural gorge. Working with the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa wedding coordinators we took a village walk with Haley and Aiden. Then, we quickly made our way to the natural gorge. The scenery is stunning. It featured Water, trees, cliffs, rocks, bridges and of course our gorgeous couple.
THE CEREMONY
The indoor ceremony space located in an old foundry. This is one of the many reasons why we think Elora Mill Inn is such a special venue. The space features old stone walls, raw wood and plenty of large windows. All perfect for capturing the fleeting moments of any wedding ceremony.
It was such a pleasure to see two beautiful people stand in front of their loving friends and family. They acknowledged their support, love and commitment despite the hardship and uncertainly of the current pandemic. It was a moment we will remember and note for many years. After their moving ceremony, Haley and Aidan accompanied by their small group of guests walked across the foot bridge. The reception was inside the romantic stone-walled granary building.
THE RECEPTION
The love and care, not only for each other but for their guests, was so vividly on display this evening. And, although no dancing happened on this night, the warmth of this community reminded me that despite the tangible loss, grief and uncertainty during this COVID-19 pandemic, the human spirit thrives and can’t be broken. Thank you Haley and Aidan for making this night in Elora not only magical for all of your guests but also for us.
