Gillian and Sam’s wedding wasn’t just a party – it honestly felt more like a homecoming to me. Held at Gill’s family cottage in Muskoka (which has been in her family for something like 80 years), it was the perfect spot to host family & friends in a way that felt meaningful for everyone involved. I can’t emphasize enough how much this type of wedding is MY JAM!
Rain on Your Wedding Day:
No wedding day is perfect (although this one came close). The morning began with heavy rain and chilly temperatures but that didn’t slow anyone down. Gillian’s dad even volunteered to jockey cars for myself and other vendors so we could stay dry and get to work out of the rain. What a guy! Gill was unfazed, she told me “Whatever happens is fine. We just want to get married. Even if it pours we’ll get married in the rain.”
As luck would have it, the sun started breaking through the clouds during a very sweet first look session and came out in full force just in time for the ceremony! The timing couldn’t have been better. Sam and the groomsmen made a pretty sweet entrance by boat – a nod to cottage life that everyone loved. Then Gill & Sam exchanged their vows on their custom built wedding platform, as her brother officiated. After the ceremony, and a sun-soaked cocktail hour on the patio, the dinner bell was rung and the cottage living room transformed into a warm and cozy dining space. Twinkling candles, fresh florals, and a stone fireplace set the perfect tone for an intimate dinner filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and incredible food.
A Special Guest:
One of my favourite parts of the day was the inclusion of Gill & Sam’s beloved dog, Gus, who stole the show. A true cottage pup, he spent the day bounding up and down the hill from the lake to the house just living his best life. Whether photo bombing portraits or sneaking treats from guests, he was at the heart of it all. I can’t resist a wedding pup.
A Golden Hour Boat Ride & Festive Evening Celebrations:
As the sun began to set we took advantage of the golden light and captured some pretty dreamy photos on the lake in the vintage wooden boat that Sam had gifted Gillian. As our couple took a little break from the party, we floated along side them and candidly photographed some equally fun and romantic moments.
The celebration continued into the night with a magical first dance surrounded by friends and family holding sparklers, followed by a pie cutting. No cottage wedding would be complete without a down & dirty dance party in the living room.
From the emotional vows to the golden hour boat ride, every part of Gill & Sam’s day reflected who they are. It was a celebration of love, family, and the place they hold closest to their hearts. We had an amazing team working to make this wedding a success for our Muskoka babes. I’ll list them below. I need to send an extra special thanks to Shannon at All Things Love Events for planning a day felt effortless. Her thoughtful coordination really allowed Gillian and Sam to be fully present, soaking up every hug, laugh, and happy tear. I know they appreciated it as much as I did.
I adore this couple and this wedding. Please enjoy this super special wedding day on Lake of Bays, Muskoka; photographed on film & digital by me!
TEAM:
Planning – All Things Love
Florals – A Wild Vine
Catering – Eclectic Cafe Orillia
Hair & Makeup – Eryn Shannon
Rentals – SB Creative Studio
Music – Tobin Spring
Bar – Toasted Bliss
Bakery – Erika’s Wildflour Bakery
Dress – Loversland
Suit – 4 Men United
I’m obsessed with Cottage weddings! I’d photograph them every weekend if I could. Want to see more Muskoka goodness? Feel free to check out this little ditty I shot a couple years back — CLICK HERE
Photography has always been more than just images to me—it’s about holding onto the moments that matter most. The raw, unfiltered bits of life that tell our stories.
My approach is candid, vibey, and unposed whenever possible (don’t worry, I still gently guide your portraits when needed). I believe every emotion—joy, laughter, quiet tears, the big and small—is deeply beautiful and deserves to be remembered.
As your wedding photographer, my job isn’t to stage your love—it’s to witness it, document it, and let it shine in its most authentic form. Because at the end of the day, these aren’t just wedding photos. They’re the moments that will bring you back to exactly how it all felt.
I’m so glad you’re here—I can’t wait to get to know you!
Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, diet Coke fan, Swiftie, mom, wife, vibe capturer, lover of love…
FOUNDER + LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER
JENNIFER
Culling your own work is tough—it’s easy to get attached to every frame. Let a real human with a photographer’s eye (not just AI) help you curate a gallery that flows seamlessly, highlights the strongest moments, and tells a story your clients will love.
