Julia + Matt | Belcroft Estate Wedding in Gilford, Ontario
There is something particularly special about photographing a wedding where the setting feels like part of the story. Julia and Matt were married at Belcroft Estate in Gilford, Ontario, surrounded by sprawling grounds, heritage buildings, old barns, willow trees and the people closest to them.
Their wedding day was warm, relaxed and full of the kinds of moments I love photographing most—the quiet anticipation while getting ready, the emotion of seeing one another, laughter between friends, and all of the small interactions that happen naturally throughout a wedding day.
Julia got ready in the heritage house on the property before meeting Matt beneath one of Belcroft’s beautiful willow trees. Away from the busyness of the day, the two shared a quiet moment together and read their vows to one another—a chance to slow everything down and simply be together before the ceremony.
One of my favourite things about photographing weddings is finding the balance between creating beautiful portraits and leaving space for people to actually experience their day. Belcroft Estate gave us no shortage of places to wander: weathered barns, tree-lined paths, open fields and even a vintage red car made for an incredible backdrop for Julia and Matt’s portraits and photographs with their wedding party.
But some of my favourite photographs from their gallery are the ones in between—the glances, movement, laughter, embraces and moments that weren't created for the camera at all.
After their ceremony, we slipped away again around sunset. The grounds around Belcroft become especially beautiful as the light softens in the evening, and we spent some time by the pond and bridge before Julia and Matt returned to their guests for dinner, speeches and dancing.
As the daylight disappeared, the celebration moved into the evening, ending with Julia and Matt surrounded by their favourite people on the dance floor.
It was such a pleasure documenting this day and creating a collection of photographs that feels not only like what Julia and Matt's wedding looked like, but what it felt like to be there.
Wood sign: ScreechOwlSupply
Custom Engagement Ring: Livia Diamonds
Wedding band: Mejuri
Wedding dress: Pronovias
Vendors:
Venue: Belcroft Estate, Gilford, Ontario
Catering: Wildwood Catering
Flowers: Twineandtendril
Bridesmaid dresses: Park & Fifth Co.
Planning a wedding at Belcroft Estate or elsewhere in Ontario? I photograph weddings with a documentary and lifestyle approach, focusing on genuine connection, candid moments and photographs that feel like you. Get in touch to tell me about your wedding day.