Grand Bend Ontario Wedding Photographer | Jen & Blake's Rainy Oakwood Resort Wedding

I remember telling Jen that her guests would never forget her wedding day. And I can confirm, a year and a half later, that it is still one of the most memorable weddings I’ve had the pleasure of documenting. Like every other couple planning an outdoor ceremony, Jen and Blake kept an eye on the weather leading up to the big day. When it looked like rain, they picked up a bunch of umbrellas and decided to make the best of it, hoping that the rain would hold off at least during their vows, which were to take place on the beautiful terrace at Oakwood Resort in Grand Bend. Well, the rain did not hold off for the ceremony, in fact it picked up as the ceremony start time approached. But not only did the rain not dampen anyone’s spirits (pun not intended, but appropriate!), they decided to go ahead with the outdoor ceremony anyways. Big kudos to the incredible Oakwood staff as well as the amazing team at Unmistakably You and Melissa Snyder, their fearless officiant who pulled it off without a hitch. Another big thank you goes out to my second shooter, Melissa Pushelberg, who followed me around with an umbrella as I shot the ceremony from every angle. I’m sure that was quite the arm workout (especially since I am 6 feet tall)! :) Everything went smoothly, everyone was happy (albeit a bit wet!), and Jen and Blake got an outdoor ceremony they (and their guests!) will never forget. It was so special to look out onto the sea of umbrellas as their guests stood in the rain, watching with smiles and laughter as Jen and Blake said “I Do” under their own shared umbrella. I did not hear a single complaint, and if anything the rain added extra charm and character to their day. It was such a memorable wedding, and I am so happy to be sharing some favourites here on the blog.

Venue: Oakwood Resort, Grand Bend 

Caterer: Oakwood Resort (chef Rory)

Photographer: Raw Footage Photography

Second Shooter: Melissa Pushelberg

Florist: The Garden Gate Gifts & Flowers, Grand Bend 

Hair: Sommer Hair Studio

Makeup: Britt Darling Make Up

Dress: Novia Mia, Red Deer (Madison James dress)

Suit: Rob Rae Clothiers, Red Deer (custom suits)

Rings: Marlow Designs, Calgary

Planner: Unmistakably You, London (Amy, Jenn, & Kaleigh)

Decorator: Oakwood + Unmistakably You

Rentals: NJS Designs

Doughnuts: Culbert's Bakery, Goderich

DJ: Vanrock, London (Adam)

Officiant: Melissa Snyders

Ceremony Music: Encore Music, London

Grand Bend Wedding Photographer | Lauren & Riley's Oakwood Resort Wedding

Lauren and Riley’s Oakwood Resort wedding was one for the books. You may recognize them from my promo video, as I was lucky enough to have Brian from Novelist Studios tag along with me that day to capture some behind the scenes footage of me shooting. I’ve said before that I love shooting at Oakwood for many reasons, but their gorgeous terrace for outdoor ceremonies and the proximity to their private beach is top of the list. Lauren and Riley said I do on a beautiful sunny day and snuck out to the beach for some breathtaking sunset portraits. Lauren wore one of the most gorgeous dresses I’ve had the pleasure of photographing, and the entire day was just so full of love and laughter. Lucky me, I will get to see many of these beautiful faces again when I have the pleasure of photographing Lauren’s sister’s wedding next Summer!


Florist: Lyric Flowers

Hair: Grotto Hair Studio

Makeup: Lyndsie Hinch Makeup

DJ: Music Central

Dress: Pearl Bridal House

Suit: Moores

Planner/Coordinator: Oakwood Resort

Decorator: Above and Beyond Event Design and Decor

Videographer: Rebel Hearts Photo & Film

Second Shooter / Assistant: Saleme Fayad