Andrea and Troy – A Wedding in Sussex

As sick as I was on Thursday, nothing could quell my enthusiasm.  I had a wedding to shoot.  And while Beaver and I already shot one wedding this year, this wedding felt more like the start of wedding season.  The sun was shining.  The snow is gone.  And I feel like we started the season on a high note!

You may remember Andrea and Troy from an earlier post done by Beaver after he photographed them for their pre-wedding session.  They are an adorable couple.  As with most weddings, I start my day with the boys and Beaver with the girls.  I drove up to Sussex and it was a gorgeous sunny day, albeit a tad windy.  I arrived at the best man’s house a little early.  I have a bad habit of that!  I hate to be late.  Colin met me at the door.  I was welcomed in and made to feel at home.  I think that is one of the things I really like about shooting weddings.  You are there celebrating such a happy day for family and friends.  So while we meet as strangers, I always feel we part as friends.  Troy arrived shortly there after and I could tell he was a little nervous about the big day.  So I let the boys unwind and chat a bit and then I suggested they get dressed and we start shooting.  I start off with some of the mandatory posed images and then, when the boys are more comfortable in front of the camera, I try to be a little more creative.  In days past, the focus was always on the bride, but now with modern wedding photography, we try to give the groom equal time.  Try to create some images that the bride would love to have of her man.  Here is my favourite of the session.  I think it really conveys the moment.  As I was talking to him, I was telling him to think of the day, his bride and what lies ahead.  He looks so introspective. 

After the boys finished suiting up, I took them outside.  Here’s a shot of Troy and his best man Colin.  They are great friends and great neighbours.  They actually live right across the street from one another.

Here’s a detail shot of Troy.  I love the simplicity of the Calla Lily boutonniere. 

A current trend, or maybe a it’s a change in philosophy, is the first look.  Instead of waiting until after the ceremony, brides and grooms are choosing to see each other before.  This has many advantages and is something I personally encourage.  If you’re having an evening wedding you may choose a first look so that you can capture the light of the day for your outdoor portraits.  Also, by doing most of your portraits before the ceremony, you are freed up to spend time with your guests instead of being taken away by the photographer for a couple of hours.  Of course, this is a personal choice, and bdf will always follow what the bride’s preference is.  Andrea and Troy chose a first look.  Andrea arrived at Colin’s in a stretched Escalade.  It was an impressive sight.  Andrea stayed in the car and we brought Troy out.  He opened the door and saw his beautiful bride.  This was his reaction.

Then I was there to capture this touching moment.  I love it when I can be part of moments like this.  To capture them forever.  This picture will remind of that day.  That look in his eyes.  His love for his bride. 

Andrea got out of the car and we spent some time at Colin’s before heading off to do portraits.  I took a moment to get a shot of Andrea’s beautiful bouquet.  The wedding was full of gorgeous flowers and they were all done by the amazing Goold’s Nurseries in Sussex NB. 

We went to a covered bridge in Sussex to do some portraits.  A little shelter from the wind.  Andrea was a stunning bride.  I don’t think I have the vocabulary to justice to how sensational she looked.  Her whole demeanor.  The way she carried herself.  In some ways she reminded me of a glamour of years gone by.  You could not take your eyes off of her.  Beaver was taking some portraits of the couple and I was off to the side.  During the shoot, Andrea glanced over at me and smiled.  She was a very happy bride.  I quickly snapped this image.  And if you’re wondering, her dress came from Lockhart’s Weddings and Special Occasions in Sussex.

And speaking of gorgeous ladies, I would be remiss if I neglected the equally stunning Alison.  Again, she had a sort of throw-back glamour to her but still very modern and now.  The ladies were naturals in front of the camera.  Since Beaver spent time with the girls I’m sure he’ll post a lot of images of them but I would like to post one of my own as well.

Let’s not forget why we were all there.  There was a wedding after all.  St. Paul’s United Church in Sussex is a beautiful facility.  It was so bright and beautiful.  I alternated shooting with and without flash, because I could.  I have some great detail shots but I think this post is getting a little long.  :)  So I’m going to post just one picture from the ceremony.  While these are usually such serious affairs, who says you can’t have a little levity.  I love the expressions in this image.

Andrea and Troy, thank you for allowing bdf to capture the moments of your big day.  I really enjoyed spending time with you both.  I wish you both much happiness.

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O OO O

Everything Penny had to say about this couple is absolutely true – what a great couple.  Thanks to them, their families and friends for helping us have a wonderful day.

So……….I had the easy job of shooting the bride, nothing important and certainly not a hard task when dealing with such natural beauty as Andrea……check out the smile!  So here are a few samples of the over 1500 images that I took.

Andrea’s mom Kathy wanted this shot having seen something like it on our web page – a wedding shot two years ago.

Both these images were taken next to a small window in her parent’s bedroom, sun light being diffuse by the shears that covered the window.

Andrea & Troy traveled in style that I’ve not seen….being  chauffeured around in a 39 foot long/17 passenger white Cadillac Escalade by  Phillis and Dave of   Classy Limo Service out of Moncton. It’s been a long time since I’ve driven around in a vehicle as long as a school bus.  I wonder what people were saying as we drove the back roads of Norton on our way to the reception being held at Andrea’s Uncle Dave’s new restaurant “Up-to-Par” in Midland.  What a great place!

Beaver