Ali and Dom Backyard Wedding and Ale Amberwood Lounge Reception - Ottawa Wedding Photographer

Ali and Dom's wedding was the first of the 2019 season for me, and I could not have asked for a better way to start. It sounds cheesy, but it's true! The day was just SO perfectly 'them' in every way: from the small intimate backyard ceremony with only their families present, to photos on Ali's parents front doorstep where the two shared their first kiss. Having kept things low key and simple meant that the focus would truly be on them and their commitment to each other, and overall, I would happily do the whole day over again and again because it was just THAT good! The two totally rocked their engagement session in a snowstorm and that's when I knew, these two were un-freakin-stoppable!

We started off the day with a First Look in the park just down the street, the same park where Ali played when she was little. You'd never guess, but just steps away from where Dom stood and waited impatiently for his bride, there were construction fences and uhmm... a Porta Potty! But none of that took away from the moment, and Ali's words about her First Look experience with Dom explain it perfectly:

"We took a while to decide whether we wanted to do a first look or not. I’m definitely a more anxious person than Dom so when Val promised it would be a way to calm any nerves beforehand, I knew it was the right choice. I’m also a private person, so I really enjoyed having some time just the two of us, to chat and connect before being surrounded by people the rest of the day. It was honestly one of the best moments of the whole day, even though we weren’t even married yet!

We were completely relaxed for the ceremony and ready to embrace the chaos of the day. Another bonus for brides: your hair and makeup are super fresh for those photos! You have to make about a million decisions when planning a wedding, so just let Val make this one for you. You won’t regret it!"

If you thought that having a First Look would take away from the moment you see each other walking down the aisle...

NOPE. Look. Dom's face doesn't lie! And I just CAN'T EVEN with how cute these two are!

And of course, a round of shots and bubbly to celebrate newlyweds!

Ali and Dom's first kiss was on Ali's parents front doorstep. So, naturally, we had to take a few romantic photos there too! :)

After the ceremony, Ali, Dom and their families went out for dinner at a restaurant nearby while I had a chance to visit the nearest McDonald's for a cheeseburger. It's not often that a wedding day schedule allows for an hour-long break because usually, it's go-go-go all day. Not gonna lie, I loved having a bit of downtime before the party started! We met up again after everyone had been fed and we continued the festivities at Ale Amberwood Lounge for the reception.

Willow trees are AMAZING for photos! Especially when it's mid-May and none of the leaves on the other trees have grown yet. You'd never guess, but the grass was complete mush and our feet got soaked, but it was definitely worth it to get these photos!!