Deanna and Alex’s Wakefield Grand wedding balanced thoughtful detail with a relaxed, natural vibe. The venue’s classic European influences with natural wood and rustic charm provided a backdrop that felt both intimate and open.
The table decorations were designed entirely by the bride. Driftwood pieces, weathered and textured, were paired with dried flowers and pinecones in neutral tones. Each arrangement varied slightly, creating a sense of organic flow rather than uniformity.
A notable part of the day was the presence of Lilly, the couple’s Japanese Akita. She had a rough start, vomiting during the first look shortly before the ceremony, but proved to be a real trooper. Despite the nerves and the crowd of guests, she walked down the aisle with Alex and later returned alongside both Deanna and Alex at the ceremony’s conclusion. Her calm, social demeanour made her a perfect participant. Something our Great Pyrenees would never have managed in such a situation!
Moments like these highlight my approach to documenting the day. Elliott Erwitt, famous for his photography of dogs, captured this philosophy perfectly:
“You can find pictures anywhere. It’s simply a matter of noticing things and organizing them. You just have to care about what’s around you and have a concern with humanity and the human comedy.”
On this day, those “pictures” were in the small, unscripted details: Lilly walking down the aisle, driftwood and dried flower arrangements on the tables, guests pausing to take it all in. Observing and recording these interactions without staging or forcing them was what revealed the story of Deanna and Alex’s wedding. The venue, the bride’s design choices, and the couple’s decisions about what and who mattered most all came together to create a day that was intentional, personal, and naturally expressive.
Venue: Wakefield Grand Weddings, Wakefield, Quebec
The Wakefield Grand is a venue that balances rustic charm with understated elegance. Its spacious, light-filled interiors and natural surroundings make it a versatile backdrop for weddings of all styles. The food is exceptional. The chef consistently delivers thoughtful, beautifully presented dishes that guests remember long after the day is over. For Deanna and Alex, the venue provided the perfect combination of atmosphere, flexibility for personal touches, and a dining experience that was as memorable as the rest of their celebration.
I’m Sara, an Ottawa Wedding Photographer, and I love capturing weddings that are full of real moments, small details, and the little stories that make your day unique. From engagement sessions to full weddings and elopements (mini-weddings), I photograph across Ontario, throughout Canada, and internationally. My approach blends documentary storytelling with an artistic eye, focusing on the moments you might otherwise miss. The laughter, the quiet gestures, and the personal touches that make your wedding truly yours.
If you’re planning a Wakefield Grand wedding or a celebration in the Ottawa or Gatineau region and want someone who will notice the little things that tell the story of your day, I would be thrilled to work with you. Contact me to book a free consultation and start planning how we can capture your celebration.
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Equipment used: Panasonic S5IIX and S5II with a 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f1.8, 20mm Nikon f/2.8 (MF – with an adapter)
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