A lighthouse on the water? Check! A mansion of an Inn with a Golf Course? Check! Wild St John’s Wort growing tall in the most redolant shades of pink and yellow? Check! The water glimmering in the morning light and crashing on the rocky shore? Check! A stunning bride and handsome groom? Check check! Everything was aligned to make Mamiko and Aaron’s wedding day in breathtaking Owen Sound, Ontario absolutely memorable this past September.

Mamiko was so friendly via e-mail and when we met for her trial earlier in the summer, we hit it off like fast friends when we finally met in person. Her gentle disposition and great sense of humour along with her firm ideas about her bridal aesthetic made our job such a delight. We loved the hair and makeup look she chose, and her dress was absolutely stunning. The location she and Aaron chose was perfectly suited to their style: outdoorsy, natural, sophisticated and minimalist chic. Needless to say, we were thrilled to be invited and honoured to have shared in part of this special occasion with the bride and her family and dearest friends.

The night before the wedding, I arrived in Owen Sound. Since I left after work, I witnessed the most spectacular sunset driving North West to the BnB Mamiko had generously booked for us. Arriving after dark I drove by it on the small, poorly lit country road at least once! The driveway was shrouded by the tallest old trees I have ever seen! A site to behold! I was told they were ancient Norwegian Spruce and so majestic, I had actually stopped to admire and give thanks to them on my first drive by! I knew these pinecone-laden friends were a good sign of the night and day ahead.

Greeted by the trees and then Sim, the most welcoming host of the BnB, i was invited to join her and the other guests outside by the cosy bonfire in the huge backyard. I was singing Mamiko’s praises to high heaven and only wish she and Aaron and friends could have been there! Luckily, we got to spend time together the next morning.

Meeting everyone at the Cobble Beach Resort and Golf Club on the morning of the wedding, Shanna and I got started on the mother of the Bride and mother of the Groom’s hair and makeup. We always love getting the mothers ready first, because they are so excited for their children, and love having someone pamper and take care of them, for a change! It really sets the tone for the day.

Mamiko and her party were a mix of charming and relaxed, organized and fun and we had such a great time together, getting them glam. My friends and collaborators photographer Whitney Heard and Master Florist Tina from Living Fresh were also part of the morning, lending their incredible talents to this special day. The arbor and exquisite colourful bouquet Tina created for Mamiko and photographed by Whitney, came together like something out of an Italian painting. A wonder of balance and colour, talents I most admire in my photographer and florist friends! The photos Whitney took of the ceremony and party are some of my favourites ever!! Naturally, it was nearly impossible to narrow down so many gorgeous photos of a beautiful couple and their dreamy day to a handful or more, but here are me best efforts!

Picture perfect ceremony. Photo of Mamiko and Aaron by Whitney Heard. 2018. Flowers by Tina from Living Fresh.

The stunning bride: Mamiko. Photo by Whitney Heard. Makeup by Maya Goldenberg. Hair by Shanna Layton for Maya Goldenberg, Eco-Beauty Professional.

The bride and groom near the lighthouse. Photo courtesy of Whitney Heard. Bride’s makeup by Maya Goldenberg, hair by Shanna Layton for Maya Goldenberg, Eco-Beauty Professional. Flowers by Tina from Living Fresh.

Photo of Mamiko and Aaron, courtesy of Whitney Heard 2018. Flowers by Tina from Living Fresh.

Photo courtesy of Whitney Heard 2018. Bride and bridal party’s makeup by Maya Goldenberg, all hair by Shanna Layton for Maya Goldenberg, Eco-Beauty Professional. Flowers by Tina from Living Fresh.