With Mark and Kate living in North Bay and getting married in Gananoque – most of our conversations were by email or phone. I loved hearing Kate talk about her wedding because she is so enthusiastic. “We’re getting married in Gananoque because I looooooove my cottage and the area there. It’s my favourite place and so important to me….” or “My mom is helping do a lot of the planning – I love my mom so much. She is the best. I just love her!” and it seemed every person, every detail, every vendor in Kate’s day was loved SO much by her. And it was easy to see the feeling was mutual by all.

One detail Kate shared was that her dad was piping her out of the ceremony (because she looooved her dad and his piping of course!). I didn’t realize – he was also piping all the girls as they walked to the ceremony. It was like a parade as people would come out of their homes and cottages to wave and yell congratulations out to Kate. This processional to the ceremony was one of my favourite moments of the day. Kate is surrounded by her sisters, cousin, parents, friends as she “walks” to Mark. I would hardly call what Kate was doing walking – she was practically running to the altar! She was so excited to marry Mark. As she raced to the ceremony with her dad piping the way for us, her mom holding her arm, her maid of honour Heather cuddling in and laughter coming from all the girls… it was a moment to celebrate. Complete joy. As Mark said when I had asked him earlier in the day if her was nervous marrying his girlfriend of 8 years… “Nervous? I’ve had 8 years to be nervous. Not at all.”

Their day was absolutely surrounded by people and things they love – most of all each other.

But… let’s back up!

The day started with Mark at the Sleepy Hollow Bed and Breakfast in Gananoque. I love old homes and this place was gorgeous!

Mark is in the air force and wore his uniform – love that! Three of the groomsmen are also in the air force and wore uniforms also.

Kate found a lot of great details on etsy (girl after my own heart)… and I just loved these boutonnieres… and the guys I think preferred them to wearing a flower!

The handsome groom himself….

Then it was on to Kate’s family cottage they all refer to as “the Boathouse”… it was so special to have a two page spread in the home section of the Ottawa Citizen newspaper the day of the wedding featuring this amazing cottage!! Kate’s family loving renovated this cottage using local vendors – going no further than Kingston (20minutes away) for anything. Likewise – later in the reception it was shared they did the same with the food. They planned the menu out in advance so that all the food – even the marinades! – could be locally grown and produced. I love this support of their community!!

I loved how Kate left the bouquet completely up to the florist as they know best… she simply told her she wanted lots of colour, whatever was in season and no white flowers. Kate admitted she didn’t even know the names of any of the flowers – but she couldn’t be more pleased with the results!

Kate made a gorgeous bride in her simple, elegant J.Crew wedding dress…. a timeless beauty!

Kate’s dad was so nervous – he had practiced and practiced in preparation – and he did a GREAT job! He piped the girls to the ceremony, piped the happy couple out of the ceremony and then piped the whole wedding party back to the cottage!

Mark and Kate had their ceremony at the lovely Gananoque Inn outside in front of the water. Seems fitting for a couple who met on a 30day, 600km canoe trip.

The Gananoque Inn is a beautiful old inn… and loved that is also had old vintage bikes for us to use. Mark and Kate both enjoy doing triathlons together, and went to France on a bike trip as an early wedding gift… so bikes definitely had to be part of the day!

I love this photo as they stroll back to the Boathouse. Kate looks radiant… Mark looks adoringly at her… the groomsmen are being goofs… and Fall colours are brilliant!

Back at the BoatHouse we had time for some portraits….

And then it was into Kingston for the reception and some portraits first!

Mark had attended the Royal Military College – and the reception at the Radisson looked right across at the college.

The reception was so full of joy and laughter – a great evening!

And now.. enjoy this slideshow!

Mark and Kate – thank you so much for a wonderful day!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista