Intimate Backyard Wedding | Aurora, ON | Maria & Gabriel

For my first wedding of the 2021 season, I couldn’t have asked for a more genuine, easy-going, and fun couple to work with. Maria and Gabriel (Gabe) are two of the nicest individuals, now husband and wife, you can surround yourselves with and being there to document their wedding day was no different.

My time with Maria and Gabe started in the fall of 2020 – we connected through an engagement session giveaway and I can honestly say the stars aligned that day. It’s always a photographer’s dream when you get the chance to work with laid-back couples who are down for anything and are a true joy to be around.

Maria and Gabe’s journey began in high school where they first met. They eventually started dating after sharing the same spare period in Grade 12. Fast forward years later and the next thing you know, Gabriel is on one knee proposing to Maria in an intimate setting by the living room fireplace at Maria’s place.

Leading up to their wedding, Maria and Gabe wanted their big day to be an intimate celebration with their closest family and friends. It was truly special getting to witness and document their close bond with their parents, siblings, and family and friends.

The wedding day arrives and Gabe’s feeling excited and anxious, while Maria is feeling calm. I arrived at Maria’s to capture her and her wedding party getting ready, as well as some portraits. Maria was looking beautiful in her white, lacy mermaid style dress from Dreams Bridal with her makeup done by Ally Battello. Likewise, her wedding party was working it in their long and flowy royal blue dresses. As an added bonus, Maria’s parents were so welcoming, which helped put me at ease for the start of my first wedding of the season.

Over at the newly renovated ceremony location, Our Lady of Grace Church in Aurora, Gabriel, his wedding party, and his mother were hanging outside making conversation upon my arrival. This was my first time meeting the squad and they were just so chill and awesome to be around. I could sense the excitement in Gabe as we proceeded to capture some group portraits with his family and wedding party. Gabe decided to rock a light grey suit and a royal blue tie to match Maria’s wedding party’s outfit, while his wedding party rocked slightly darker grey suits with matching ties.

Cue the ceremony and Gabe’s eagerly waiting at the front for Maria to walk down the aisle. Maria makes her grand appearance and Gabe’s thinking to himself “She looks so damn beautiful!” The emotion in Gabe’s eyes and face was priceless as he gazes at his soon-to-be wife glide her way towards him. As Maria makes her way down the aisle, she’s thinking “Holy shit, this is happening!” As Maria gets closer, it looks as if her smile grows more and more. Now inches from each other, she then stares into his eyes, while grinning from cheek to cheek as Gabe shakes the hand of Maria’s father.

Gabe’s favourite moment from the day was seeing Maria in her dress for the first time, while Maria’s favourite moment was walking out of the church where all of their friends and family were waiting to welcome the newlyweds. Documenting their wedding ceremony was just so special.

Due to the COVID pandemic, Maria and Gabe weren’t able to host the reception celebration they were hoping for. The couple decided to host an intimate backyard wedding with small gathering celebrations in Maria’s backyard, in order to celebrate with all their family and friends that day – a very thoughtful gesture that allowed them to celebrate their union with as many friends and family they possibly could. It was a late afternoon filled with tasty hors d’oeuvres, drinks, great conversations, and laughter!

Maria and Gabe had the help of Ashley from Velvet Bordeaux Events who helped them plan their wedding day flawlessly!

To wrap up the heart-warming story of Maria and Gabe’s journey, the couple wanted beautifully captured moments that they could cherish for a lifetime. Here’s a glimpse into some of my favourite moments from their wedding day!

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