I was intrigued by an email I received from an American girl named Amanda in November of 2007. She was recently engaged but (sheepishly) admitted she had been a fan of my work for quite sometime prior to saying “yes” to Benjamin.  I thought that was fun and it was certainly a compliment : )

Amanda and Ben’s wedding on August 31, 2008 was by far the most unique wedding I have ever been a part of.  Their beautiful wedding day took place on an island!  Not the kind of island with palm trees and coconuts, but the Canadian kind with large maple and evergreen trees, rocks (instead of sand) along with sparkling blue water.  Fairholm Island is located on Lake Muskoka, west of Bracebridge.  Amanda’s dad drove me to the island from the dock by speedboat - that was a fun ride.  When I arrived to the island, I was blown away!  This family cottage has been around for over 100 years which was built by Amanda’s great-great grandfather.

Amanda and Ben reside in the state of Pennsylvania and their families have the special treat of spending time here every summer.

Amanda and her sisters/bridesmaids. Andrea (left) is Amanda’s twin. By the way, Amanda MADE those too cute sweaters - she is definitely another Martha Stewart!

Amanda with her mom.

I met Amanda and Ben for the first time on their wedding day. Amanda was dressed and ready to go when I arrived and I knew as soon as I saw her that her dress was absolutely perfect for her! It matched her personality and could not have been more suitable for the theme and location of their wedding day.

Ben and the boys. Ben is on the right.

I love this one of Ben.

I couldn’t resist a photo of Amanda inside the cottage by the piano……

….along with some sassy portraits in the cottage porch.

As we all know, Pennsylvania is the home of Hershey’s Chocolate so Amanda and Ben had these chocolate bar’s labelled with “Ben & Amanda”. Very clever.

More than absolutely incredible setting.

The emotion that took place during the ceremony is certainly that of which Amanda and Ben will be able to relive their wedding day for years to come.

Tears.

Ben - very romantic.

Like - wow! That is quite the dip.

The entire gang in front of the cottage.

Still loving that super BLUE water.

One of my absolute favourites.

From a photographer’s perspective, I was thrilled that Amanda and Ben’s ceremony was held at 5pm because when it was time to do photos of A & B alone, that light was so totally fantastic.

First dance. Awesome light happening which really accentuated the emotion during this time.

Now this was absolutely hilarious. Amanda and her dad were having their daughter/father dance to a nice sweet song and then all of a sudden “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith was busted out through the speakers and we witnessed this wild and fun dance.

Mom’s little boy all grown up.

Of course we took advantage of doing some more photos after dinner around sunset.

Congratulations to Amanda and Ben! It was truly a privilege for me to be a part of your special day at a beautiful location that means so much to you and family!