Wedding Photography Fusion at Windermere House in Windermere, ON
Claire + Craig | Wedding Photography Fusion at Windermere House
We have been looking forward to this day for quite some time now. We met Claire + Craig last year at the wedding of Kori + Gareth, where they were in the bridal party. Then, we saw them, yet again, at the wedding of Amanda + Shawn, later that year! We have truly enjoyed getting to know this incredible group of friends throughout the past two years! We could hardly wait to reunite with this fun gang all over again!
It was a crisp, sunny, autumn-like morning when we joined Claire + Craig on their special day. We arrived at Windermere House to find a very excited Claire (and her bridesmaids) in their modern suite. Claire’s stunning gown hung on the doors of the bedroom window. Her dress was spectacular, with a tight fitting bodice that flowed into an elegant train. This dress boasted dazzling beading and lace details. It was the perfect dress for Claire! She, then, excitedly told us about a treat she had up her sleeve for Craig. A friend from work was bringing a 1955 Ford F100 to surprise Craig. As if that wasn’t enough, Claire tucked an envelope containing Leaf tickets on the windshield!
We left Claire and her entourage to finish dressing for the day, and traveled next door to see Craig. We captured Craig getting ready, as his groomsmen snacked on Oliver & Bonacini room service (full plates of prosciutto) and sipped on Caesars with a bacon garnish. The room was electric with excitement. Craig let us in on his surprise for Claire, a beautiful bracelet that he hid in a gun case to get her fired up for the day! We definitely had a good laugh watching Claire’s reaction while opening it!
When we saw Claire and the ladies again, they were dressed and ready to go! Claire’s bridesmaids wore flowing, floor-length, navy-blue dresses! Claire was radiant! Ceremony time was drawing near!
Wanting to keep the great unveiling of the bride for the ceremony, Claire kept out of Craig’s sight. However, they wanted to go out on the balcony (separated by only a wooden fence) to chat before the main event. They shared a few quiets moment together while still keeping in tradition.
It was time for the ceremony! Before a rustic wooden arbor, guests were seated facing Lake Rosseau. The tranquil water sparkled in the afternoon sun. The wind was crisp, but the warm sun basked the happy couple in it’s glow. It was perfect weather for a perfect wedding!
Claire’s father escorted her down the aisle towards an ecstatic Craig. It was touching to witness them both fighting the emotions welling inside, surrounded by family and friends. In the presence of their loved ones, Claire + Craig shared their heart-felt and amusing vows. They professed their love for one another and their promise to care for one another through the good times and the bad. They vowed to support one another’s dreams, endeavours and adventures. With the beautiful lake as a backdrop – two became one! And of course, they sealed their vows with a kiss.
A few happy tears and a group photo later, guests celebrated the newlyweds with food, drink and much laughter.
We walked down the stone steps of Windermere House with the bridal party for a few moments on the dock. Then, we headed back uphill to the front of the resort to get some portraits of the couple and the 1955 Ford F100 truck.
After the creative session, we headed back inside to the beautifully decorated reception hall for the grand entrance, dinner and speeches. Claire works as a nurse, and many of her colleagues were present, so Craig informed the entire room that in case of emergency they have strategically placed nurses around the room. It was pretty hilarious! He got jokes! The emcee read a telegram for the couple from their dog, My-Lee (who could not attend) to let them know that she was doing fine and on a girls night out with Lucy (Amanda + Shawn’s dog). The rest of the speakers for the evening strolled down memory lane to the beginnings of this couple’s timeless romance (they met in elementary school) and wished them happiness for years to come. Once, the speeches finished, Claire + Craig cut their cake, and shared their spotlit first dance under dreamlike clouds. To end the night, Claire tossed her bouquet to all the single ladies. Then, Craig (ever being a mechanic) with nuts and bolts in tow, got to work (mechanical gurney and all) on the garter. See, he got jokes for reals!
What a fun day! Thank you Claire + Craig for inviting us to capture your gorgeous wedding day! We had an amazing time! We wish you both all the best!
THE TEAM
Photography: Darlington Studios
Venue: Windermere House
Wedding Planner: Virginia Goldsmith
Florist: Kim Janse
Cake: Melissa L’abbe
Hair Stylist: Kate McGibbon
Make-Up Artist: Mel O Makeup
DJ: Keep The Dancing
Intern: Clarisse Robertson
Music: “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat, licensed by Songfreedom
Thank You so much to Paul and Melanie for capturing our wedding, we couldn’t have picked a more amazing talented couple to share our memories with!
Great pictures! Thank you!
Great pictures! Thank-you!
These pictures are gorgeous! So honoured to be part of Claire and Craig’s special day! Congratulations to the happy couple and kudos to Darlington Studios for doing such a fantastic job at capturing their special day!!
Beautiful pictures! Breathtaking! I will think of you when I get married..which hopefully comes around since i caught the bouquet! HAHA. Congrats Claire and Craig..xoxooxoxoxox
Gorgeous wedding Claire. Congrats to you and Craig!, Your video is adorable just like you. All the best is the years to come!
Awesome video!!!!
The most beautiful wedding ever on a gorgeous picture perfect day! Warm sunshine, blue skies over sunlit, sparkiling waters and an exclusive resort backdrop, all hosted by excellent service and staff, and of course, the perfect bride and groom to make the day so very special! Thanks for letting us share in the most memorable day of your lives. Wishing you both many days of blessings and happiness ahead and forever. Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy xo
The most beautiful wedding on a gorgeous sunny day, blue skies, and sunlit sparkling water to offer the perfect setting. The exclusive resort backdrop with it’s more than excellent staff of hosts and hostesses helped to make the perfect day even more special, not to mention the beautiful bride and handsome groom that portrayed the gift of love at it’s finest! Thank you so much for allowing us to spend the most memorable day of your lives together, in celebration with you. Love Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy xo
Such a beautiful day and it was captured by Paul and his staff in a magical way. Very well done and thank you for all the memories.
Stunning and full of love. Congrats guys. The pictures are amazing
What a beautiful wedding Claire! Congrats and all the best!!
Amazing, yet again!!
Absolutely beautiful Claire and Craig
Congratulations
Beautiful video and pictures! I’m so happy for you both, congratulations!
Such an amazing morning watching these girls get ready. Photos are gorgeous, can’t wait to see more.
What a beautiful video Claire! Seems like it was the perfect day for you two.
Awesome pictures Craig and Claire, memories to last a lifetime
Congratulations! I love everything about this, especially the Muskoka Chairs as Guest Book! CHEERS and all the BEST!
Absolutely amazing pictures, it was a magical day!!
So happy for both of you. xoxo
Beautiful photos!!! Congrats Claire and Craig! 🙂
Absolutely beautiful wedding Claire and Craig. I especially loved the video and the capturing of your Vows..it was simply beautiful. I hope it was everything you wished for and more. xoxo
Great pictures and video!! Looks like you had a fantastic day 🙂
This was the best wedding ever ! Thanks for the invite.
What a wonderful video.You will have wonderful keepsakes from this moment on.
Stunning!
Beautiful couple,Beautiful wedding. Congrats to both of you. it was wonderful to share the day with you. Nurses know how to party.
Nice. I want to go to a wedding.
Claire you were a very beautiful pride. Thanks for sharing with me your wedding pictures. Wishing you both great happiness and joy.
Claire ,
Pictures look awesome!! Congrats, wish u and Craig a lifetime of happiness
Congratulations Claire and Craig. The pictures are absolutely breathtaking…..Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness.
Claire, you look just like a princess.
Claire you look stunning! These pictures are amazing. Hope you and Craig are forever as happy as you looked on this day! Congrats!!
Beautiful video and a beautiful wedding!!! Luv ya both 🙂
Awesome pictures for two awesome people 🙂
Beautiful wedding.
what a beautiful wedding, so well captured on camera. The wedding of the year-such a good looking couple, that look so happy together. Enjoy each others love forever.
Love you both! Congratulations it was an incredible wedding! And what an amazing video capture the moments that will never be forgotten.
What a beautiful wedding!! I love the pictures and video, perfectly captured the amazing day. Congrats Claire and Criag xoxo
What beautiful pictures of your Wedding Day! Congratulations and Best Wishes!
Congrats you two! What a day, well captured in these pictures
Congratulations!! What a wonderful day. Beautifully captured by two amazing photographers 🙂
Beautiful Bride, Groom, couple, day, wedding, celebration, everything — captured perfectly and beautifully! Now a beautiful Husband & Wife <3
Loved the video Claire! And the garter belt scenario-that was cute!
The photographs are breathtaking and truly capture the feel of the day in every way. The true charm, however, is in how your love for each other shines through. I wish you a lifetime of happiness XOXO
Absolutely fabulous!
Stunning! Congratulations!
tobad [ could not have stayeda little longer
Beautiful! Congratulations to you both!
Love it!! Amazing once again!!