Ever heard of burn-out? You know, when you’ve been hustling hard, not sleeping enough, emotionally exhausted, etc? Well, burn-out is extremely common among wedding photographers. I’m not sure what it is about this industry that fries our brains this way but often by the end of wedding season we find ourselves stumbling around like zombies and feeling totally done. But the thing about wedding photographers, is that no matter how spent we are at the end of the year, we can’t wait to get right back at it once we’ve recharged the batteries. And let me tell you, right now I’d give anything to be back at Sir William Mackenzie Inn for this wedding, with these people.
Sir William Mackenzie Inn might be one of my very favourite venues in the Kawartha Region. Tucked away on a sprawling, wooded property in teeny tiny Kirkfield Ontario, the inn is home to tons of character, beautiful nooks and crannies, and it DEFINITELY has ghosts. Jackpot. When Olga & Lars contacted me to photograph their Tolkien inspired wedding at Sir William Mackenzie Inn there is was no way I could refuse.
From the first moment these sweet souls emailed me I felt like this day was meant to be. I had originally been contracted to photograph a different wedding that day but due to an unfortunate illness in the family, the first couple had to move their wedding plans. I’m not exaggerating when I say that minutes after I released the date, I received Olga & Lars’s inquiry to book. They snapped the date up immediately and we began planning their July wedding in the Kawarthas!
This wedding day was a complete labour of love for my dear little Hobbits. O&L put together every inch of their decor with so much care and truly went all out with their Bilbo Baggins party vibe. They put their souls into every touch and their guests really appreciated all the intricate hand-crafted details. From traditional elements representing their heritage, to their adorable “Dog of honour” right down to their “First Fight” they really nailed their vision.
The amazing handiwork was wonderful, but for me the highlights of the day were the buckets of tears and ALLLLL the hugs exchanged among their families. Maybe I’m feeling sentimental because I know weddings aren’t going to happen for a while, but to me connection is everything and this day was packed with it. Family & friends travelled from all over the world to celebrate the love of two people and they didn’t take a single moment for granted.
I can’t wait to get back to weddings. I miss them so much and I’d trade stress/quarantine burnout for busy burnout any day. It’s cliché but true, you really don’t know what you have till it’s gone. But. We know weddings won’t be gone forever, they’re taking a break while the world heals and when they come back they’re going to be more special than we could have imagined.
Stay safe & be kind.
xo ~ Jen
Dream Team:
Venue & Catering – Sir William Mackenzie Inn
Officiant – Sara Hall
Flowers – Hello Poppy Floral
DJ – Lauren Roy Entertainment
Handmade Wedding Bands – The Devil’s Workshop
Stationary – Paper Truly
