When I met Tracy a few months ago, we just connected. I knew she got me and I most certainly got her and her remarkable story. At the end of the day, Tracy and Matthew were finally getting married. They both have two kids from previous marriages (kids who I just adore, like seriously… they are just wonderful human beings). These love birds decided it was time to make it official. Life is too short and it’s a lesson they’ve had to deal with head on. To say it was an extremely heartfelt and emotional day is an understatement but I’m going to shut up now and let the photos do the talking. Before I begin, isn’t Tracy’s designer gown by Justin Alexander just gorgeous?
I was able to catch Matthew for a few moments before the ceremony began at St. Jude’s Anglican Church in downtown Oakville. It is easily one of the nicest churches I’ve ever been to and shot at. I shot a small wedding there in 2012 and it brought me right back.
We took a few family photos outside of St. Jude’s Anglican Church on their beautiful grounds before we took off for some family portrait fun! And by portrait fun, I mean family photos!
Lewis, Braedon, Kendra and Josh are all close in age and have a great relationship. It was clear from the moment I met them and it was extremely refreshing to see. We laughed a lot. They took my direction without any complaints. They endured extremely wet grounds (my shoes were soaked so I can only imagine what theirs were like). They even handled a swarm of gnats with style and grace. Yes, gnats!! Welcome to Spring in downtown Oakville! Seriously, it was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I edited most of the gnats out from their photos (they were swarming around the gazebo) but I left one photo with them intact so you could see just how bad they were!
Do you see how awesome Tracy and Matthew’s kids are – gorgeous and hilarious people. So blessed to know them.
Once the kids were done having their fun, we took a few bridal portraits alone, which was lovely getting to spend more time with just Tracy and Matthew in Oakville, Ontario.
Our final destination, The Oakville Club, where their beautiful reception took place. I really liked how they set up their dinner. All of their favourite food presented in stations for people to enjoy after cocktails. It was casual but super elegant; you really can’t get any better than that! Tess really enjoyed their mashed potato bar, it was a big hit. Me personally, I was all over their pot pie and paella. Talk about comfort food, mmm!
It was also a real treat to see my friend Brian DeLima playing piano for their cocktails. He’s an amazing pianist if you’re ever in need of one for your special day.
Once everyone had something to eat, the speeches began. They were heartfelt, humorous, cheeky, heartfelt and extremely emotional. When Lewis spoke about his father, I lost it. Really. There wasn’t a dry eye, including myself. Yes, I usually tear up during weddings but I was flat out crying, mascara running down my face, after 30 seconds of him speaking. To hear him talk openly about how grateful and proud he was to have both Tracy and Matthew in his life and the struggles his father has faced … there really aren’t words. Hug your family. Just go. Do it now.
And finally, a beautiful way to end the night… dancing and celebrating life and love – and everything in between.
Tracy & Matthew, Josh, Kendra, Braedon and Lewis — thank you for trusting me. For letting me into your lives. For letting me capture your day in a real and true way. The path you’ve taken is a beautiful one and I cherish the relationships I’ve made with you all because of your love.
For me, one thing is clear … it starts and ends with love. And with that, I wish you both all my best for a healthy and beautiful future ahead, Robyn xo
