Andrea & Jamie have quite the love story, and it was celebrated in the most beautiful way at their outdoor summer wedding at the Strathmere Garden House!
There is no way I will do their story justice, but here is just a snippet so you can get all in your feels. They grew up one house over from one another, and Andrea was (and still is) best friends with Jamie’s sister. So Andrea & James have known each other for 20-some odd years, and Andrea spent tons of time at their house growing up. A few years ago they both just happened to be living in Victoria, BC so they got together to catch up, and yup, fell in love. Like what?!!! What!! There is more to the story of course (like a long distance relationship after Jamie moved back to Ottawa while Andrea was still living out west) but look at them now!!! My heart soars at these types of love stories. So so special.
Needless to say, watching these two families who have known each other for decades come together to celebrate Andrea & James was just the best feel-good day. The road to this wedding day was, like many others, full of pandemic ups and downs, new dates, new venues, old venues, government restrictions and the likes. But the day arrived, the sun was shining, the florals were next level beautiful (just wait until you see the bouquets), the veil was long, the music was great, and the love was real.
Due to the restrictions at the time, Andrea and James were unable to have their reception at the venue. So they had their outdoor wedding ceremony at Strathmere, followed by a couple of speeches and their first dance. After that wrapped up, they were heading to a restaurant downtown that could accommodate their group on their patio for a dinner. It certainly wasn’t what their original plans looked like, but they made the most of it and the day flowed seamlessly.
And! They had a surprise for their guests. During their speech they announced that they are expecting! And not only that, they were going to find out whether they were expecting a baby boy or a baby girl right then and there with their guests!! Talk about excitement! Loved all of the hugs and happy tears and congratulations that followed this announcement.
After wrapping things up at Strathmere, they were headed to the Canal Ritz for dinner on the patio, but not before taking a few more minutes to themselves for some photos along the canal. Ah, this day was just so so beautiful. What weddings are all about – family, togetherness, and love.
Happiness!
Photography: Carley Teresa
Venue: The Garden House at Strathmere
Dress: La Maison Bridal Boutique
Florals: Maison Anthea
Live Music: Dylan Holton
Hair: Mane Collective
Makeup: Beauty by Sarah
