Intimate Spring Elopement

Tristan called me one week before their intimate spring elopement. “What are you up to on Tuesday”? he asked. “Nothing really, just a few work things” I said. Asking me if I was available for his elopement in one week I said, “Of course I will be there 100% no matter what”! We chatted about their vision & how their day was going to flow and I was tingling with excitement.

This intimate spring elopement was one of the few I’ve photographed that was very ‘go with the flow’.  The ceremony time, and dinner time with friends were set and I knew that they wanted some photographs at Too Good Pond in Unionville. With both of them living there at the time, and me growing up in childhood there – I was super excited.

Before it was the norm – intimate spring elopement

When couples decide to do whatever they want on a wedding day, breaking the ‘traditional norms’ I absolutely love it. Why does the wedding industry make all these boxes for people to fit into? Just do what you want! These two eloped in 2018 with just 5 people including me! They got ready together in the morning which was so special to photograph. They even had a video call with Cassandra’s mom (and this was in 2018)!! We were then off to the Toronto Wedding Chapel to meet Tristan’s good friend, and Cassandra’s brother who flew in from Colorado. The ceremony was short, sweet and full of laughter and tears. I cried as I watched my cousin marry the love of his life.

Envisioning a magnolia tree all morning for their photos I told myself, “If it happens, it happens”.  Of course as good luck would have it, I drove past a huge magnolia tree on an abandoned lot on the way to the ceremony. This was after taking a wrong turn.  So after the ceremony I said to them, “I saw this crazy beautiful tree and I would love to check it out on the way to the pond”! I didn’t know exactly where it was but I knew we would get there with a few extra turns on the way. Taking photos at the magnolia tree was very special, and then we were off to Unionville to take more photos.

Unionville holds a very special place in my heart having spent my formative years growing up there. Our home backed onto the baseball diamond where my dad played ball, and the curling club where my grandfather curled. Our grandparents lived a few streets away, and my cousin Tristan a street away from them. We had our spot on the street during Unionville Festival, and my cousin and uncle were always in the parade. We would watch the boats race on Too Good Pond and it was always such a great little community. Taking pictures of my cousin & his new wife Cassandra here was extra special, and some of my favourite moments that year.

Their wedding goes to show that you don’t need to spend your life savings on a wedding, and that it can be just as special even when it’s just 5 people, and a few friends joining you for dinner later.

I hope this inspires you to have your wedding any way you choose.

~ Caitlin

xox