Terrace on the Green
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that has a cozy home-like ambiance, Terrace on the Green is the place for you. Their Madison Banquet Room holds 150 and creates a feeling of intimacy for your party guests. The outdoor patio, gazebo, water fountains, and lush landscaping provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. The landscaping is magnificent and really brings out the details of this autumn wedding. The grounds change their colours, complimenting the wedding pumpkins and fall floral decor.
I’m not surprised at all by this venue considering the couple that selected it. David has been one of my best friends for the last decade. Holly is a teacher with a keen eye for detail. The day started out with morning prep at the couple’s respective houses. Despite the fact that Dave is one of my dearest friends, I had my second shooter cover his prep. I was eager to see all the elements Holly had planned. Her garden princess hairdo to her embellished wedding dress. Her mom is your classic Canadian hockey mom. So when it came to lacing the wedding dress, she put some serious elbow grease into it.
Ceremony
The boys arrived at Terrace on the Green early to set up their outdoor civil ceremony. The alter was custom made and required some assembly. They also had an assortment of lawn games for the cocktail hour. Holly’s walk down the aisle may have been emotional for her parents, but David had the biggest smile on his face. He is a big jokester so laughing throughout the day was inevitable. I laughed along with them while he recited his vows as did all the guests.
The portrait session around the venue’s grounds was amazing. Not just because the gardens were beautiful, but because I know both of their families. These two included their families in their engagement shoot last year. So this was a bit of a reunion and a lot of familiar faces.
Reception
By the time their cocktail hour and the reception began, I started to relax. As their friend/photographer, we had an agreement about how the day would go. Since receptions are a bit more low key and documentary, the idea was for me to transition into becoming a guest while my second shooter took over. However, I have a distinct inability to put my camera down. So during the night, I found myself up and taking photos of the highlights while still maintaining conversation with my attending circle of friends. It wasn’t until the dance floor officially opened that I finally had a proper drink and put my camera down.
I know some couples have concerns about hiring a friend to photograph their wedding, and I don’t necessarily encourage it. However I personally love doing it. I hate being a bridesmaid, but I love the idea of being with my friend throughout their wedding day. This to me is the perfect way of doing it. I’m with them on one of the biggest days of their lives. And since photography is such a key element of the memory, I’m honored to play such a big part.
Holly and David, I can’t thank you enough for including me in your big day. May you enjoy countless road trip adventures, cottage weekends filled with friends, and days filled with laughter. I wish you both a lifetime longer of the magic you’ve already created.
The second shooter for this wedding was Carla Evans.
Aside from their engagement photos, this couple also returns next year for a family photo session with their dog and siblings.
