Chantale and Warren's Boho Inspired Wedding at The Herb Garden - Ottawa Wedding Photographer

Chantale and Warren met one night when they went out with friends to Zaphod's (which sadly no longer exists) here in Ottawa. Little did they know at the time that their lives would be changed forever and that one day years later, they would be getting married at the beautiful Herb Garden in Almonte. :)

When we met at their consultation earlier this year, I knew that they had something special between them. I could tell just how EXCITED Warren was to show me the video of when he proposed in their favourite city of Prague. The two love to travel and to be together and it’s easy to see that they are a perfect match.

The day started out with the girls getting ready at Chantale and Warren's home in Ottawa and everyone was so happy to be there and Chantale was as cool as a cucumber. I knew that I was in for a great day!! After getting a few detail shots of Chantale's shoes, her ring and her accessories (and of course her dress!!!) we decided to do a First Look with her bridesmaids which turned out to be a really sweet moment.

Her mom helped her into her dress and I think in that exact moment it all just: sank. in.

The day we had all been waiting for was finally here.

I knew when we did their engagement session last January that the venue was going to be gorgeous but I honestly was blown away when I saw the decor! From the archway at the altar, the flowers on the tables. There were even personalized engraved coasters that each and every guest was able to take home at the end of the night. These were lovingly made by the couple.

Can I just say that while looking through the photos that Emily took.... My mouth was legit WATERING at the sight of those pizza slices!! I'm also totally okay with the fact that one of the groomsmen snuck in a slice for the formal photo of the guys in the stairs, because pizza is a fundamentally important part of anyone's day. Just look at that cheese......... Mmmmm...... *drool*.

When we got to The Herb Garden, I could tell that Warren was a little bit nervous. I think he was just really really excited to see his bride. As soon as I told him how gorgeous she was, his eyes LIT UP and it seemed like the nerves went away and the excitement started to take over: the realization that he was finally going to see his bride for the first time in just moments for their First Look.

My second shooter Emily and I, took the two aside where they could share their own intimate moment before an amazing day of celebration with their closest family and friends. It was clear to see that they were just SO excited about this day.

We snagged a few photos of the two of them, and off they went just a few moments later to GET MARRIED!

The views from the ceremony location were amazing: Chantale and Warren were surrounded by their loved ones! Of course, let’s not forget their adorable German Shepherd Bella who was sitting front row to watch mom and dad say "I do"!

Also, wait til you see Chantale's twin brother Dan get overwhelmed with happiness during the ceremony. I, for one, just about lost it, that moment was just so, SO sweet to witness.

Also, mom's reaction in the background.

Omg who's cutting onions here?

The ceremony was literally THE BEST. One of my favourite parts of the day (there was also the dance floor, but that's later!)

There was a dog. There were beautiful florals and archways, there were smiles, there were tears OF JOY. There were laughs! Literally everything everyone wants for their ceremony, right??!

Me: Okay guys!! Now I want you soooo close together that it's awkward! Then get even closer when you think you can't get closer!

Tia: OK

Chantale: OK

Tia: OKKKK

Chantale: I'M STUCK IN TIA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go on, keep reading.

And then to finish off photo time, we slipped off just the 4 of us for some sunset photos. This is when the true photo magic happens, y'all!

*Insert heart eyes emoji here*

Just check out that GLOW.

Necessary pre-dinner food sampling from Meatings BBQ, the caterer. The smokey and delicious smells were in the air during our sunset photos, and I'm not going to lie to you, I was quietly salivating and excited to finally try Meatings food after hearing so many amazing things!!! They did not disappoint. I'm still dreaming about those mouth-watering ribs.... Mmmmm...

Oh right, so:

THERE WERE BABY SQUIRRELS IN ATTENDANCE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!!!!! And we kept calling Chantale the modern day 'Snow White', obviously!

They literally ran to us and the wedding party, and crawled up everyone's legs! Which sadly means they were orphaned, but have no fear, because my super-duper second shooter Emily came to the rescue! She brought them home with her, hand fed them Pedialyte until she was able to bring them to a nearby wildlife rescue.

Have I ever said how amazing Emily is????!

Update: The rescue says they will contact her again in a few months when it's time to re-release them into the wild. My. Poor. Little. HEART!!! Thank you Emily for giving these little guys a fighting chance! And also, I hope you take photos of this momentous event.

No caption needed.

Cue more drooling........ I snuck into where my nose brought me. It was, of course, the behind the scenes of some seriously AMAZING FOOD being served. Can you tell I was hungry at this point?!

Also, shoutout to guests who match the wedding decor. Good job dude!!

The sweetest first dance.

So apparently Warren is known to love a good hoodie or two or LOTS. So his groomsmen surprised him with his very own CUSTOM:

HOODED JACKET! For both class and comfort?! As you can see, it was well-received. Hah!

That was when The Socials along with DJ Danny took good care of us, until the wee hours of the night. They all did an amazing job at keeping the dance floor PACKED all night!!!

I'm truly SO thankful to be able to work a job that allows me to take part in some of the BEST. DAYS. EVER! Congrats Chantale and Warren, from the bottom of my pizza and BBQ loving heart.

I love my job, I love my job!!!!

- xo Val

Dream team vendors

Main photographer: Valerie Miles Photography

Second photographer: Emily Dozois

Venue: The Herb Garden

Hair + makeup: SD Beauty

Bride’s dress: Renewed With Love Bridal Outlet

Bridesmaids dresses: Lulus

Groom + groomsmen attire: Moore’s

Florals: DIY

Cupcakes: Nihad El Ghrabli