Jon & Jocelyn’s small Ottawa backyard wedding was absolutely perfect, even with a little rain.
From the moment these two told me about their plans for a small wedding, I knew it would be special. An intimate ceremony in the backyard of the house Jocelyn grew up in (my heart), with a pretty evening reception at Sidedoor in the market. Backyard weddings make my heart siiiiiing. I was so excited showing up on the day of the wedding and seeing all of the hustle and bustle inside.
Jon & Jocelyn were both at the house that day, and Jon could see as Jocelyn’s hair and makeup was being finished. I loved that they were both in the house and could chat to one another. After the hair and makeup was done and family members arrived, Jocelyn got into her red dress for the tea ceremony. This was my first time photographing a tea ceremony and I loved the traditional aspect of it.
After the tea ceremony, Jocelyn’s mom helped her into her wedding dress and Jon & Jocelyn were ready for their first look. As family and friends had already begun arriving and were hanging out in the backyard, we decided they would do their first look in the front yard. So out the front door Jocelyn went. Her and Jon had a special moment together and read cards that they had written for one another. It was such a sweet moment.
After they had a few moments to themselves – we walked down the street to a park for a few quick photos before the rain started (it was inevitable ahah). Sure enough the rain started and we headed back to the house to take cover inside. These two were troopers, though. Jocelyn’s uncle drove down the street and offered to drive us back to the house but Jon & Jocelyn were happy to walk and laugh together in the rain. The best!
Back at the house, guests waited inside for the rain to pass. Once it was light enough, a handful of guests went out with towels in hand and dried off all of the seats (this was their third time doing that this day – the rain was off and on all day)! I loved how everyone chipped in and did what they could to help out. And sure enough, the skies around cleared just in time for Jocelyn to walk down the aisle.
Jon & Jocelyn’s backyard wedding ceremony was the perfect combination of emotion and humour. There were laughs and there were certainly happy tears, and it was very sentimental. They read handwritten vows to one another and that always gets me.
After the ceremony, Jon & Jocelyn had another few minutes to themselves in the front yard to soak it all in. I cannot stress enough how special it is to build in these little pockets of time. Literally just a few minutes here and there to be together, just the two of you to take it all in. The day goes by in the blink of an eye. And I think these little moments are ones that you’ll always remember.
After some family photos in the backyard, we were off to Sidedoor in the Byward Market for dinner & dancing.
Vendor Team:
Photography: Carley Teresa
Reception Venue: Sidedoor Restaurant
Hair & Makeup: The Cat’s Meow Spa
Bridal Gown: Allure Bridal
Groom’s Wear: Moores
DJ: DJ Acie
