Prince Edward Island Mini Weddings

wedding dates - July 21st, & September 15th, 2019

I’ve been asked about our mini wedding days so many times over the last few months so I’m pleased to share some photos and a bit of the back story! Hey, even CBC was talking about them.

Last winter Kristina from Elysian Weddings & Events and I met for coffee about an idea she had for a full day of small weddings back to back where couples would essentially share a full day booking from some of our Island’s top vendors. Although admittedly we weren’t sure if it would be a hit or not, I was on board right away. We discussed a lot of the details and what was important, but above all we wanted couples to feel like they were treated special and had a quality, fun, and positive experience that wasn’t rushed. Couples each would receive a two hour time slot which included their wedding ceremony with photography, videography, ceremony space, officiant, coordination, florals, champagne, and cake - all for $2,500! You just needed to show up with a marriage license. We assembled a top notch team of vendors and the host was one of the Island’s most loved venues, Clinton Hills. Once the July 21st minis were announced, they filled up right away and there was enough demand for a second day to be added in September! In July we celebrated 4 weddings, and 3 in September.

We loved how every wedding did things differently and felt unique. Each couple decided how they wanted to spend their time so some opted for a first look while others arrived together. Their families would then head up to the wooded ceremony space at Clinton Hills (or inside if raining). After their own personalized ceremony by Elysian Weddings, we walked to the outdoor courtyard at Clinton Hills for cake & champagne. We took a group photo and let our couples relax and mingle with their friends and families before we captured some family photos. Once guests departed Simon and I took each couple around the property for their own fun portraits and video.

After they left us, every couple had their own plans for the rest of the day and night. Some rented restaurants for private dinners with guests, one had a stay at Dalvay, some threw a big party, one stayed at home and enjoyed a kid free evening, and one even had a full tent wedding reception afterwards! It was so nice to see how everyone made the day unique to them.

It was the biggest compliment to hear from every couple how much fun they had, what an easy experience it was, and how they would recommend it to others. We’ve also had so many people say they wish they had done it too!

We would love to host these again so stay tuned for the details on this Summer’s upcoming mini wedding day! Thank you to all the vendors who made these days so great:

ceremony & coordination - elysian weddings & events

venue - clinton hills weddings & events

photography - brady mccloskey

videography - simon reid studios

florals - sakurah’s flower studio

cakes - butter (july), KGJ Bake Shop (september)

Jess & Alex - Elopement in Point Prim, PEI

wedding date - june 8, 2018.

Jess and Alex travelled to PEI from the United States looking for a peaceful and inclusive place to celebrate their marriage. They felt welcomed right away by Prince Edward Island and their hosts Melody & Val at The Steeple Cottage in Point Prim - a unique venue with a dramatic and beautiful beach on the rocky shore of Point Prim.

I showed up that cool and rainy day and suggested the pair hang out and enjoy a little time together before the ceremony. Alex played guitar and we enjoyed the warm cottage before heading out to meet the marriage commissioner Melody & her partner Val. We took our chances whether it would start to rain again and traveled down the steps to the red rock beach where they said their vows. Although the rain did come on strong during their ceremony, everyone was still laughing and enjoying the moment. After a retreat back to the cottage to dry off and warm up, we travelled to the nearby Point Prim Lighthouse for more photos. Just before we said our goodbyes we stopped at one last field of dandelions that were white and turning to seed. The sun broke through the clouds at the perfect time, glistening off the flowers and creating one of the most amazing pink sky sunsets that I’ve ever captured. A perfect ending to a lovely evening.

Congratulations Alex & Jess - it was a true pleasure meeting and working with you!

Enjoy,

venue - the steeple cottage

suits - ASOS

marriage commissioner - melody ellis

photography - brady mccloskey photography

Chelsey & Tyler - Elopement at Dalvay by the sea

wedding date - august 29th, 2017

Chelsey & Tyler contacted me with the simple idea of eloping on Prince Edward Island on a Tuesday evening in August of 2017. As Calgary residents they had no real connection to PEI, didn’t have any guests, and wanted a stress free and casual wedding on the beach. They thought of the options for where they could get married, and kept coming back to the beaches of PEI. I love elopements and although they are not for everyone, they can be such a genuine and meaningful experience which was exactly what Chelsey & Tyler had.

I met them in their room at the beautiful Dalvay by the Sea on Prince Edward Island’s North Shore and we walked across to the beach to meet their marriage commissioner. Down by the water on beautiful and warm August evening they said their vows during a peaceful and intimate ceremony. After the quick official words, we parted ways with their commissioner and photographed on the beach and around the Dalvay property. Any time I am photographing a couple I love to talk with them and hear their stories about how they met, where they came from, and get to know them a little more.

Chelsey & Tyler wanted a typical, larger wedding but the more they began to plan it and think about it they realized they would enjoy a small ceremony to themselves much more. There were no expectations and they could really enjoy each other’s company. Their evening on the beach in Dalvay was exactly what they pictured, and we had so much fun capturing these photos. I think they are a perfect representation of their bond, and the experience they had that evening.

To Chelsey & Tyler - all the best for your many years together! <3

2018 Favorites

2018 brought another year of adventure. New people, new places, and so many new experiences. I’ve been welcomed into the lives of strangers and friends during nearly 200 photo shoots this past year. It is always a time consuming and difficult task of narrowing down my personal favorite photos from my wedding and portrait work, only some of which can fit in this post. For many different reasons, these are the photos that stand out to me personally.

Working with people every day is the best part of this job, and being invited to be a part of all your moments is so appreciated. To every single person who was behind the camera this year, I thank you for allowing me to tell a little part of your story. I’ve had a blast. 2019 is sure to be another big year, and I hope to see you along the way.

Many thanks, and enjoy.

Karen & Lloyd - Elopement in Avonlea

Karen & Lloyd met and started dating in their home province of Newfoundland 11 years ago. After five years together they decided to pack up and move to Prince Edward Island, to a property they never even saw in person. They now call the Island home, living in between two potato patches just as you would. Inspired by their ongoing happiness and love, they decided to elope this June with a little 5 minute ceremony on the North shore of PEI. With just the two of them, Marsha Weeks, a friend to sign as a witness, and me to sign as the second witness, they had a simple and special ceremony overlooking the water. Being a long time Anne of Green Gables fan, Karen picked the picturesque Avonlea Village for photos of the two of them afterwards. We then spent an hour and a half together, laughing and enjoying their new titles as husband and wife.   

Whether your wedding has so many guests that I can't possibly make my way through them all, or so little that I must sign as a witness, everyone's love is just as special in the end. They said they didn't have one good photo of the two of them, but now there are so many. Thank you to Karen & Lloyd for sharing your happiness with me!