Wedding Photography Fusion at The Gibson Centre in Alliston, ON

Stephanie + Richard | Wedding Photography in Alliston, ON

World travel is an integral part of Stephanie + Richard’s love story. When we met them, Stephanie was living in Vancouver, while Richard was residing in California. We chatted briefly over Skype about wedding details and other fun stuff (like fabulous pedicures from Paint Shop Beverly Hills).

This past May, we finally got the chance to meet in person. We decided to gather at The Gibson Centre, where the much anticpated event was to take place. After hugs and congratulations to the happy couple, we discussed all the details of the day. We knew right then that their wedding was going to be super fun. And it was. This is their wedding story.

PREPARATION
We began the day at The Hair Gallery in downtown Alliston, where Stephanie and Lisa, her matron of honour, were getting final touches on their hair and make-up. We spent a few moments at the salon, then drove a short block away to The Gibson Centre to meet Richard and James, his best man and brother.

Richard put on his tie and coat, then opened a gift from his bride-to-be. Stephanie created a beautiful album, filled with email correspondence and photos of the couple throughout their long-distance courtship. Then, James handed Richard his boutineer. Stephanie surprised him by accenting his floral arrangement with a greyhound pendant, in remembrance of their beloved dog, Fishie, who passed away earlier this year. Stephanie’s bouquet was adorned with the same pin, so the two of them could honour their four-legged friend on their special day.







Downstairs, Stephanie got into her gorgeous gown. Lisa assisted with the dazzling and delicate button-back. Stephanie put on her jewelry, then sat in a nearby armchair to open the coveted Tiffany box set before her–a gift from Richard. She received a sterling silver airplane charm from her husband-to-be. Stephanie attached the plane to her bracelet, then hopped into the elevator for the first look.









CREATIVE
We met Richard upstairs in the room where the ceremony would later take place. Stephanie walked down the aisle, while Richard waited patiently at the end of the room, facing the opposite way. She tapped him on the shoulder and they embraced.





After giving Stephanie + Richard a few moments to enjoy their first look, we walked outside for family and bridal party portraits.



















CEREMONY
Friends and family excitedly chatted, while awaiting the bridal procession down the aisle. Everyone stood to welcome Stephanie, as she entered the room. Richard couldn’t take his eyes off his bride. The ceremony consisted of a reading of a song, and amusing anecdotes from their siblings. The couple, then, stated their heart-felt, hand-written vows to one another. They kissed and were pronounced husband and wife. Stephanie + Richard traveled back up the aisle newly married, followed by the entire room, as they all headed outside for a group photo.











RECEPTION
Miniature globes decorated tables set around the room. Each table consisted of white frames filled with interesting facts about the couple, and cities around the world they’ve visited. Upon entering the reception, all the guests were encouraged to sign postcards and place them inside a silver mailbox with an italicized “The O’Grady’s” writted along the side panel.

The bridal party entered the room to a standing ovation, then everyone gathered around the dance floor to circle the couple as they danced their first dance as newlyweds.

A delicious dinner was served, with an intermingling of short and sweet speeches from loved ones. At the end of the formal toasts, Stephanie + Richard thanked all their guests for coming, then serenaded the crowd with a surprise performance of Adam Sandler’s “Grow Old With You.” Stephanie sang lead, while Richard accompanied on guitar. The room cheered! It was time for the guests to jump on the floor, and dance the night away. In lieu of a cake cutting, or bouquet/garter toss, Stephanie + Richard chose to honour Stephanie’s Aunt Bea + Uncle Lloyd (celebrating 65 years of marriage), with an anniversary dance.









THANK YOU
Stephanie + Richard, we truly enjoyed spending the day with the two of you and your fun family. What an amazing group of people! We had a great time! We wish you all the best in your many travels together as husband and wife!

“If you and I had some drums and some horns and some horses if we had some hats and some flags and some fire engines we could be a holiday we could be a celebration we could be a whole parade!”
– Sandol Stoddard Warburg

THE TEAM
Photography Fusion: Darlington Studios
Venue: The Gibson Centre
Day Coordinator: Gail – A Day to Remember
Florist: Flowers by Lady Di
Hair + Make-Up: The Hair Gallery
DJ: Joe Cully
Gown: Essense of Australia
Suit: Calvin Klein
Soundtrack: “Waiting” by Handsome & Gretyl, licensed with permission by The Music Bed