Lago Bar Grill summer wedding in the Vista Room: Tess and Trevor |

Oh Emm Gee, this day! I knew this Lago Bar Grill wedding was going to be an easy one to photograph, because Tess and Trevor’s engagement session was such a beauty! But, this group was so laid back, it was almost concerning. Things were so calm and relaxed, even though hair and makeup was running a little behind and I was not able to stay long enough with the girls to get some photos of Tess slipping into her wedding dress. But Tess wanted to be sure the boys had their time to shine, as well, so I skipped out as the girls were finishing up with hair and makeup.

bride having her makeup done in the kitchen bride getting her makeup done in her kitchen Engagement ring and wedding bands in black and white bridesmaid in silk robe pouring herself a mimosa bride getting her hair done sitting in the living room Kate Spade sparkly keds bride getting her hair done in the living room

Over at Trevor’s parents place, the boys were watching soccer and sipping on beers before getting dressed to go. I love how little time it takes for guys to get ready. The girls take hours getting all dolled up. But the guys take max fifteen minutes. I wish.

groom's suit jacket hanging from railing groom and groomsman drinking beer watching soccer on the couch groom's tan leather shoes groom putting on his cufflinks groom and groomsmen putting on their ties groom adjusting his purple tie groom putting on his suit jacket

I met the gals at the Ornamental Gardens in the Experimental Farm while we waited for the boys to make their way over in the limo. Tess was radiant against all the green on this beautiful sunny day. And my god, Wedecor nailed it with these flowers! So gorgeous against the bridesmaids dresses!

bride laughing underneath a tree holding her bouquet bride and bridesmaids laughing holding red and white bouquets bride and bridesmaids standing under a tree laughing and smiling at the camera bride underneath green trees holding a red and blush bouquet red and blush rose bouquet bride and bridesmaids in red walking down tree lined path in the Ornamental Gardens

Also, Klava Zykova, you and your gals never cease to amaze. Tess’ makeup was flawless.

portrait of the bride smiling

Once the boys arrived, I got Trevor into place for the first look and gave the signal to Tess when we were ready to rock and roll. I swear, I feel like I’m just as excited and anxious as the bride and groom are for this moment. I feel like there is an instant sigh of relief on everyone’s part when they finally get to lay eyes on each other and feel the comfort of being in each other’s company. It’s adorable.

bride walking over to see her groom for first look bride and groom first look in the Ornamental Gardens portrait of bride and groom in the Ornamental Gardens in Ottawa bride and groom walking through tree lined path in the Ornamental Gardens portrait of bride and groom cuddling in the Ornamental Garden in black and white groomsmen wearing sunglasses underneath a tree groom and groomsmen smiling underneath a tree in the Ornamental Gardens groom and groomsmen walking and smiling in black an white wedding party in marsala coloured dresses standing under tree in the Ornamental Gardens at the Experimental Farm bridesmaid helping the bride into position for a photo in front of a greenhouse at the Experimental Farm wedding party standing in front of greenhouse at the Experimental Farm

Over in the Vista Room at Lago Bar Grill, the wedding was set to get underway. The girls at Wedecor did such a good job with this space. It was beautiful!

black and white photo of vista room at Lago Bar Grill jar of sparklers with "Let love sparkle" written on kraft paper Guest book table with gold colours guest book album floral wreath altar outside white and red roses with greenery on gold stand lining the outdoor aisle red and blush roses with greenery on top of arch at the end of the aisle bride walking down the aisle with her father smiling at guests groom wiping away a tear as his bride walks down the aisle bride at the end of the aisle with her father father giving away his daughter to the groom bride and groom holding hands standing at the end of the aisle couple canoeing in dows lake on a sunny day bride and groom smiling at their guests during the ceremony bride smiling at the groom during outdoor wedding ceremony bride and groom reading their vows to one another bride and groom smiling at each other during wedding ceremony bride and groom first kiss under floral alter bride and groom walking down the aisle together as husband and wife

After a few family photos, I snapped a few more photos of the indoor space before the couple had their grand entrance into the reception!

head table lago Mr and Mrs Wilson cake topper

Can we talk about how beautiful this cake is?! The best man’s mom made it…wowzers!

cake table with cupcakes Letter W on cupcakes wedding menu head table red and white decor on head table bride and groom grand entrance into wedding reception

Onto some hilarious and heartfelt speeches, some great food (Lago never disappoints), and then a first dance on the balcony overlooking Dows Lake, the evening was off to a great start.

Best man speech groom laughing during speeches groomsman's feet crossed peeking out from underneath the table cloth maid of honour speech bride smiling at maid of honour speech father of the bride speech groomsmen laughing during speeches parents of the groom speech bride laughing at the groom during speeches bride and groom kissing during wedding reception at head table red candle on gold candle stick wedding menu and place card on champagne table cloth cake table cake cutting at Lago Groom smushing cake into the bride's mouth bride and groom first dance outdoors at sunset first dance on patio overlooking dows lake at sunset guests watching as the bride and groom share their first dance outdoors father of the bride and his daughter laughing while dancing mother son first dance

So, in truth, I never used to get very emotional during the dances, until I had Smith. And now, every time I watch the mother of the groom dance with her son, I’m reminded that it will potentially one day be my turn to dance with Smith on his wedding day. And then I bawl. Literally bawl. And then I saw this dad get teary eyed, and I was literally wiping away tears. Ugh. Killer.

father of the bride crying during dance with his daughter bride and groom by dows lake canoes bride and groom cuddling by water at dows lake during sunset bride and groom walking on the docks of dows lake outside of lago bar grill bride and groom cuddling at sunset by dows lake sparkler at wedding sparkler exit bride and groom