Jovar and Kaydene’s Gairloch Gardens wedding was one of the most spontaneous weddings I have booked and photographed in a long time. Although Jovar and I had a few back-and-forth conversations, I only found out the date and location of their wedding a week before the photo session. They had a vision for their wedding photos that perfectly aligned with my work, and that was the main reason they chose me as their wedding photographer.

The Gairloch Gardens Wedding at Golden Hour

Jovar and Kaydene planned a very intimate wedding with just a small number of friends and family. They had considered hiring a photographer for the entire day, but as they explored their options, they realized two things:

First, while they had the budget to hire a full-day photographer, they didn’t like the work of the photographers they found. Second, they couldn’t afford someone like me for the entire day, and they weren’t sure what to do.

After speaking with Jovar and seeing how much they liked my photography, I suggested being hired just for the photo session, so they could get exactly what they wanted. They also had the option to book one or two hours—similar to how a real wedding day might unfold—leaving time between the ceremony and reception for photos.

To make things more complicated, they hadn’t decided on a location yet, but they wanted something vibrant and worthwhile for the investment they were making. Many beautiful photography locations charge a fee to use their property, so finding a spot that worked without an extra permit cost was a challenge. I mentioned that, depending on the day and the number of people in the session, I could offer suggestions for free photography locations.

And that’s how the Gairloch Gardens wedding photos became one of the most spontaneous and fast-booked sessions I had that summer. They booked me for two hours, which we scheduled around golden hour on their wedding day.

Golden hour photos in Oakville by the Lake

I had not met either of them before the wedding, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. In situations like this, I never go in with expectations, which helps me avoid disappointment. I knew, however, that I could deliver amazing Gairloch Gardens wedding photos, having photographed there for the past 10 years. I discovered Gairloch Gardens early in my photography career, and it quickly became one of my favourite spots in this part of Ontario.

The gardens at Gairloch Gardens and Oakville Galleries are some of the most versatile locations in Oakville. I have shot numerous engagement sessions there, and every time, I’m able to create unique photos in any season of the year.

Arriving for Jovar and Kaydene’s Gairloch Gardens wedding, I noticed a unique lighting opportunity right from the parking lot. Gathering my equipment and preparing for the session, I was excited to start capturing their photos.

We met Jovar and Kaydene at the parking lot and made our way toward the lakeview and gardens. I could tell they were very, very nervous, so instead of trying to calm them down with words, I decided it would be better to start taking photos right away—at least for this couple, it worked perfectly.

The Gairloch Gardens Wedding Photos

I made sure to fix any imperfections in their outfits, and we began by the small bridge spanning the picturesque pond, filled with real water lilies. Interacting with them earlier, I hadn’t yet seen their true personalities, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The moment I pointed the camera at them, I witnessed one of the most amazing smiles I had seen that summer. Jovar’s green eyes and genuine smile perfectly complemented Kaydene’s happiness and excitement in their Gairloch Gardens wedding photos.

At this spot, the gardens and lakeview were almost empty, which was ideal for the photos I wanted to capture. This time of day offered 100% of what the location had to offer, and I wasn’t going to miss it. I managed to relax them very quickly, despite it being the first time we had met or worked together.

As the sun’s rays emerged from behind the trees, they created perfect backlighting for the next set of photos I had planned. As they casually walked toward me and enjoyed the moment, I captured spontaneous, unposed images that perfectly showcased their natural smiles.

Even with an overcast sky, the setting was beautiful from every angle. Having photographed here before, I was able to move us through all my favourite spots in the gardens. Everything flowed smoothly, and it was refreshing to see how quickly we established a great relationship of trust between photographer and clients. While my experience played a role, most of the credit goes to Jovar and Kaydene.

Their initial focus on following my instructions slowly broke down barriers, allowing their true personalities to shine through. This approach gave me a genuine representation of who they are, and it translated beautifully in their Gairloch Gardens wedding photos.

Garden Photography in Oakville

Coming full circle, we ended their Gairloch Gardens wedding session in the actual rose garden. The soft sunlight and golden hour setting created the perfect backdrop for their final set of photos. I could see the tiredness in their eyes, mixed with a spark of excitement, knowing we had achieved fantastic results in just two hours.

Exactly two hours later, they walked away with some of the most creative photos those two hours could offer. They trusted me with their limited budget, and I was able to deliver exactly what they wanted—and more—for the investment they made. I was thrilled that they found value in their wedding photo experience and happy to support a couple whose budget didn’t allow for full-day coverage.

Are you planning an intimate wedding and want to dedicate a limited amount of time to your photos? No wedding is alike, so reach out, and I’ll be happy to create a collection that’s uniquely yours. Connect with me here.

Here is another celebration with their photo session at Gairloch Gardens in the blog post Liuna Station Wedding: Kathryn and Orlando’s Unforgettable Day.