Ottawa, Canada Wedding Photo of The bride and groom lost in each other during their first dance in the tent
Jon and Lindsay get lost in each other during their first dance, as their guests watch and smile on.
Lindsay and Jon's elopement was not the originally intended plan, but it ended up way better than they could have imagined.
The morning started at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Hotel in Ottawa, where Lindsay got ready with her mother, sister, and best friend. Her fiance's daughter was there, too.
After the hair and makeup, there was time for snacks (pizza pockets from the hotel lobby fridge!). Then it was time for the short drive to the groom's parents' house, the location of the ceremony, and a small reception.
The ceremony was in the backyard, in the shade of mature trees, and the white tent was just to the side of that. It was beautifully decorated, with place settings of teacups filled with gerbera. Bees visited the fragrant backyard flowers, and the entire affair had a British air. The croquet games that ensued certainly helped this feeling.
Punch and lawn games were followed by dinner and dancing. There was cake, too, of course. The bride and groom both had different ideas of how they should feed each other the said cake. Let's say... one was more gentle than the other. Apparently, they said, this matches their personalities as well.
Who would have thought: how you eat cake is how you are in life.
Overall, it couldn't have gone off more splendidly.
Pro Canadian Wedding Photo from Ottawa created as The bride laughs with a drink by the window
Lindsay laughs with a drink by the window. The getting ready portion is about these moments of connecting with those gathered to support and help you. Lindsay had her mom, sister, and best friend there, as well as her fiance's daughter. That's a lot of support, and made for a really fun morning.
Homewood Suites Hilton Ottawa Kanata Wedding Photo from the time to leave the hotel suite for the ceremony
When it's time to leave the hotel suite for the ceremony, Lindsay grows nervous. She's getting her shoes on, and trying to quell the butterflies, as those gathered around her tell her it'll be ok.
Ottawa Outdoor Wedding Pic from The ceremony in the backyard, in the shade of mature trees
At the ceremony, Lindsay lights up when she sees Jon. Finally, they are married, and she can relax. She clutches his hands and breathes a huge sigh of happy relief that they're now married, and the festivities can begin.
Ottawa, Outdoor Ceremony Wedding Image of guests witnessing the backyard vow exchange event
The guests, including Jon's parents who hosted this event, witness the backyard ceremony.
Kanata, Ottawa, Backyard Wedding Photo from the first dance also a group dance
Part of the first dance included a group dance with Jon's daughter and son. You can see how much fun Lindsay is having during this choreographed version of the Apache, by the Sugarhill Gang.
Ottawa, Backyard Tent Wedding Picture of Guests writing with colored markers on little cards
Guests were encouraged to write with coloured markers on little cards, as a memento for the married couple. But summertime brought some mosquitoes as well.
Ottawa, Backyard Wedding Image showing the feeding of a slice of cake for the couple
Finally, it's time for a slice of cake... Or a thumb-full... or... something. The cake was had.
Ottawa Wedding Couple Portrait with a parting kiss wearing masks before the end of the evening
And a parting kiss with their wedding masks before the end of the evening, so that Lindsay and Jon can always remember how bittersweet this year was.
