Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens
Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens is an amazing spot to elope. While some dream of their wedding day since childhood and have a scrapbook filled with clippings of their perfect gown, there are others who choose to elope instead. Years ago, eloping meant running down to City Hall or taking a boozy trip to Las Vegas. But, today, many are having intimate, personal, and stylish elopements all over the country. In fact, elopement ceremonies are on the rise, especially among millennials.
For Courtney and Lony, they wanted their family present for the ceremony. But most of the morning was just them. We started out at the bride’s family home for morning prep. She wore a traditional flirty tea-length wedding dress. It was a sleeveless dress with a scoop back. The light chiffon fabric was perfect for this casual summer wedding.
We went to Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens for their bride and groom portraits. It’s one of my favorite Toronto parks to work out of. Their permits are very reasonable. Even their immediate family joined us for a few. The family portrait session was one of the quickest ones I’ve ever done. Afterward, we spent a good chunk of the afternoon doing portraits as a couple.
Ceremony
Courtney’s father rendezvoused with her at CIBO restaurant. He escorted her through the private room to where her husband-to-be waited. They had their first look at the park but that didn’t stop him from smiling as she walked down the aisle.
The civil ceremony was short and sweet. There were no formal readings. However. the couple did write their own vows and recited them for this occasion. They signed the marriage contract, exchanged rings, and shared their first kiss as husband and wife. They did have a casual cocktail hour with their guests afterward. A few of these guests I’ll see again when I photograph their weddings over the next few years…
I’ll also be seeing Courtney and Lony again when they have their first son. Check out his newborn session, one-year session, and their Christmas family portrait.
