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)

Amy & Webster - Destination wedding on PEI

wedding date - august 20th, 2017

Amy & Web grew up in the same town in Massachusetts and went to high school together. They connected early because of how much they laughed together, and remained friends over the years and through college. After graduation they both ended up moving to Boston where they reconnected and decided to try going on a date. During a romantic Italian dinner on a snowy evening in January, everything felt right and they realized they must to be more than friends. They spent more and more time together, moved in, and got engaged two and a half years after that first date. 

Ever since he was born Webster spent each Summer at his grandparent's home in Prince Edward Island. It's a special place for his family and meant a lot when he took Amy to visit for the first time in August of 2015. She also fell in love with the Island's rolling hills and beautiful coastline. After a rainstorm, Amy & Web took a walk and sat on the cliff by Cape Tryon Lighthouse. Web used this as the perfect time and place to ask Amy to marry him, and she obviously said yes! One year later, they returned to PEI to get married.  

Feeling the pull of Prince Edward Island, they knew it was the perfect place to get married despite the distance from home. Every guest travelled from afar, making PEI a destination for all. Using their families as their wedding inspiration, they also incorporated decor inspired by Amy's many visits to her grandparent's in Cape Cod. A nautical farm theme of navy and white was executed by Kiss The Bride. 

Despite the hard work that went into preparing, Amy & Webster's wedding day had a feeling of ease and simplicity that was focused on enjoying the Island and being present in the moment. We photographed at Webster's parent's beautiful Summer property and the nearby French River beach, before heading to Clinton Hills for the ceremony & reception. These two were a joy to work with, and I am so happy they feel in love with Prince Edward Island, and each other!  

advice from the couple

Enjoy your day and trust those around you! Chances are you'll have support from your family, friends, and even staff from your venue, so plan ahead as much as you want but make sure you and your future spouse both live in the present on your wedding day to enjoy every moment. 

number of guests - 85

officient - valerie downe

ceremony and reception - clinton hills

hair - blake caissie signature blonde salon

makeup - urban daisy boutique 

wedding dress - madeleine's daughter bridal

groom's suit - blank label

flowers - prestige floral studio weddings

wedding coordinator  - kiss the bride

Music - Zach Squires

Cake - Butter

Caterer - Broadway 45

Stationary - keynote paper studio

photography - brady mccloskey photography 

Sydney & Phil - Married at Clinton Hills

wedding date - july 21st, 2017

Sydney & Phil connected on their first date in Toronto where Sydney accidentally arrived late, making Phil wait for her "dramatically" in the rain outside. Thankfully after meeting they were both completely at ease. During that date they broke the rules and talked about all topics you shouldn't discuss on a first date, but agreed on most points. After lots of healthy conversation and some debate, they quickly agreed to meet again soon, and ever since their second date two days later, they've been pretty much inseparable. 

Getting engaged was a joint decision they made, even shopping for the ring together. It was always clear that they would be together, so a wedding was just a formality - albeit a fun one! It was important for Phil to speak to Sydney's parents before proposing, so they planed a trip to see them in PEI. Phil asked the question under a big old tree in her parent's backyard, where they later took their first look photos on the wedding day. 

When Sydney & Phil talk about their wedding day, the thing they always come back to was what a positive, happy, and incredible day they had, surrounded by their loved ones. Most guests travelled from off Island to be there and everyone enjoyed the Island hospitality and beautiful scenery. The weather called for heavy rain and thunder showers that day but thankfully we dodged them throughout all the outdoor activities. Just as Sydney began to say her vows during the outdoor ceremony at Clinton Hills, a dramatic and loud clap of thunder hit, causing everyone to laugh and hope for the best! The rain held off just until we were all under the dry cover of the barn, when lighting and thunder began to roar outside. 

Sydney & Phil are two of the kindest and sweetest people you could ever meet, and working with them for this special day was so memorable. I absolutely love these photos and hope you will too!

advice from the couple

"Get a wedding planner. :) All the details were far more overwhelming than we anticipated, and although we were beyond lucky to have my friend Maggie coordinate everything, and lots of family members willing to help, we wish they all could have just enjoyed the day with us.

Also, try to put as much meaning into the day as you can. All of the personal touches of things that people did for us (through things they made, or sentiments they shared) are the things we will carry with us forever."

number of guests - 70

ceremony and reception venue - clinton hills

officiant - richard oastler & erica otto (family)

hair and makeup - Bounce! hair studio

wedding dress - wtoo by watters, felichia bridal

groom's suit - michael kors

flowers - flower buds

decorator - the wedding chaperone

coordinator - maggie o'dea (friend)

dj - matt horner (friend)

cake - krista macquarrie

caterer - broadway 45

stationary - paperless post & katerine yager (friend)

transportation - twilite limo & prince edward tours

photography - brady mccloskey photography

Jossie & Liam - September Wedding at The Rivershed

Wedding date - September 10th, 2017

Jossie & Liam are big animal lovers and came up with special touches to include them into their wedding day. Jossie is a long time staff member of The PEI Humane Society, and the couple has fostered countless animals in their home over the years. When Liam proposed to Jossie, he brought her along as he pretended to be looking for a family friend's lost dog in Victoria Park, but when they found Divot he had an engagement ring on his collar! On their wedding day the same dog was their ring bearer and carried rings on his collar once again. 

Adorable foster kittens from the PEI Humane Society helped the girls get ready the morning of the wedding, and these cute photos went viral - being featured on The Dodo, Yahoo, Yahoo News, and CBC! All kittens were quickly adopted afterwards. 

Jossie & Liam were married at his family's Summer home on the water in Cymbria, and hosted their reception at the newly opened Rivershed events venue in Oyster Bed Bridge. Guests enjoyed a long cocktail hour with delicious food and an intimate dinner with great speeches, all followed by the best private fireworks show I've ever seen. This day was so nice to capture, and these are two of the kindest people you could meet. Thank you Jossie & Liam for allowing me to capture your special day <3

Wedding advice from the couple

Just relax! Don't stress about the small stuff, it's not worth it :)

Number of guests - ~80

Officiant - George Clark Dunning

Hair - Crissy Crane
Makeup - Chantelle Brown

Wedding Dress - Perfect Pear Bridal

Florals - Hearts and Flowers

Groom's Suit - Moores Clothing for Men

Decorator - Debby Penny

Venue - The Rivershed

photographer - brady mccloskey

Brittany & Allan - Riverside tent wedding in Kensington

WEDDING DATE - July 7, 2017

Brittany & Allan met long ago as young teens when they both worked at the Cavendish Boardwalk in the Summer months. Allan was Brittany's best friend's manager which led to them often running into each other before Allan finally built up the courage to talk to Brittany. After a few dates Brittany claimed she didn't want a boyfriend, but once Allan got another girlfriend, Brittany soon changed her mind....haha! Many flip phone text messages were exchanged and their dating years began. After 7 years together Allan proposed to Brittany (who is a teacher) while having coffee on their patio the morning of her last day of school for the year. They flew home to PEI that evening and celebrated with everyone they loved. 

I met Brittany and Allan during our university days at UPEI when Brittany and I lived in the same residence building. We later bonded more over our shared experience as exchange students in sunny Barbados. When it came time to plan their wedding, I was thrilled to be their photographer! 

As evident in the emotions, expressions, and the laughs in these photos, Allan & Brittany fully enjoyed their beautiful day this past July. An all star team of vendors helped pull it all together as well. 

Congratulations Britt & Allan, you are the funnest!
 

Wedding advice from the couple

Enjoy every moment and don’t get overwhelmed with all the small details. It is truly about the memories you get to make and the moments you spend with all the special people in your life. The immense love you get to feel that day is unlike anything, so soak it all in!

NUMBER OF GUESTS- 120
OFFICIANT –MARSHA WEEKS
PHOTOGRAPHY - BRADY MCCLOSKEY
HAIR- KENSIGNTON HAIR STATION
MAKEUP- MAKEUP BY AIMEE DOW
WEDDING DRESS – MAGGIE SOTTERO, BRIDAL DEBUT
GROOMS SUIT- HUDSON BAY COMPANY
FLOWERS- ISLAND MEADOW FARMS
PLANNER- KLF WEDDINGS (KRISTINA FISHER)
DJ- MUSIC EXPRESS (ANDREW CROSS)
CAKE- BUNS AND THINGS BAKERY
CATERER- MELVIN FORD

7 Photos, 7 Stories

Often times there is so much more behind a photograph that we don't see. The backstory can be so important and a photograph only captures this for a split moment. A story can make a photograph, and a photograph can make a story. I've captured thousands of these over the years and don't get enough chances to share them, that's why I've chosen to highlight 7 photos and the stories behind them. Thank you to those who shared their stories with me. 

Enjoy. 

The Tear

I admit, I've been chasing this photo for a long time. Countless times I have stepped behind the bride and her father as they come down the aisle, framing the groom and hoping he will show real emotion in his face. I never like to do things twice, but it's so rare that everything comes together perfectly so I had challenged myself and was determined to capture this shot eventually. On a Summer day in July 2016, I did what I had done many times before and framed this shot of Michael watching Laura and her father walk down the isle. To my selfish delight and excitement, there it was - the full emotion, tears, and woah, wait a minute.....the icing on top, a KLEENEX! YES! Michael was incredibly excited to see his beautiful bride and this photo really preserves that moment. Laura later told me the moment she walked down the isle was her favorite of the day, so being able to capture it like this was really special. This photo became one of my favorites shots from 2016. 

The Dance

Back in 2013 I photographed Carlye & Jon, a wedding day that will always have a special place in my heart. One of the reasons was this particular photo. About a year before their wedding, Carlye's good friend Jacob suffered a traumatic brain injury that confined him to a wheelchair. During his long recovery, he promised Carlye he would stand up and be strong enough to dance with her on her wedding night. After many hard months of rehab and a strong determination, Jacob did what he promised, stood up out of his wheelchair that night, held on to Carlye and slow danced to an entire song. Besides the beautiful music by Ten Strings & A Goat Skin, you could hear a pin drop in the barn that night as all eyes were on this amazing moment. Today, four years later Jacob now doesn't even use a wheelchair and has gone on to be married himself. An amazing turnaround from a person they weren't sure would even survive the air lift to Halifax the night of the injury. 

The Proposal

In the Fall of 2015 Sam booked a session for her, her boyfriend Dylan, and the couple's two dogs. That was all good and I was looking forward to meeting them at Orwell Corner one Sunday afternoon. A couple weeks later I was excited to receive an email from Dylan letting me know he actually planned to propose at their session! We worked out a plan together and waited for the day to come. When that Sunday arrived, it unfortunately was pouring rain but knowing what was about to happen and not wanting to wait for a new day, we both had to convince Sam that yes, it was a great idea to still go ahead - pouring rain and all! In Sam's mind I'm sure there wasn't any logical reason why the session should still happen outdoors, but I brought umbrellas and they showed up as planned. After taking a few photos and trying to stay dry, I set Dylan & Sam up in a perfect location and let the proposal happen. Everything worked out in the end, the rain stopped, and of course, she said YES. Afterwards we all laughed as Sam pieced the whole puzzle together! Such a fun moment to be a part of for two very sweet people.

The Rocks

16 years ago, Len & Brent travelled from Vancouver for their first trip to PEI together. Len is originally from the Island and wanted Brent to experience his home province and meet family, so they packed their bags. After checking into their cottage the evening they arrived, the first place they headed was to the rocks at Cavendish Beach, one the the most picturesque places on the North shore. Years later, in the Summer of 2015 they returned to that very spot to exchange their marriage vows. It was a heart felt and emotional ceremony that really was a beautiful thing to be a part of. As a special touch at the end, Len & Brent walked to the water's edge and tossed in two small glass hearts made by a favorite Vancouver artist. This was a little tribute to the place that is so special to them. Many times they have strolled the beach looking for sea glass and they know some day someone will find those hearts and hopefully experience the same excitement and joy. 

The visit 

For the past 3 years Mary has worked as an RCW worker at the Dr. John Gillis Memorial Lodge in Belfast, PE. Throughout these years she has built strong friendships with the senior residents, laughing with them, caring for them, and helping with daily activities. According to Mary, the residents talk to you about life, they give advice, and they get over the moon excited for you when you share any exciting news - especially an engagement and planning a wedding! Since the residents and staff are like family, they became just as excited about the upcoming wedding as the rest of Mary & Leo's family and friends. Since they were unable to attend, Mary & her husband Leo made it a priority to stop by the lodge on their way to the reception that evening, visiting every guest and every room for a quick Hello, hug, or chat. This particular resident Kenneth has grown fond of Mary over the years, always making her laugh and making sure to share one dance for her every Saturday during the hoedown. He was just one of the residents so excited to see their Mary, who they love so much. Being there to capture everyone's joy and excitement was so much fun to experience. 

The Goat

This past Summer I photographed the fun and energetic wedding of Kelly & Ian, a good time from start to finish. After the speeches were finished that evening I was pulled to the side by the MC and told they had one more surprise gift for the bride and groom. Outside the tent he said was a live GOAT about to be walked in! Ian grew up on a farm while Kelly is a self proclaimed city girl and not who you would call an animal lover at all. Their friends knew how much of a laugh this would bring so they adorned the goat in a "the gift of love" ribbon and walked it into the tent to everyone's shock and surprise - especially Kelly. After the looks of confusion, surprise, and even horror from the bride, everyone had a great laugh. Today, Milly the Goat as she's been called, happily lives on Ian's family farm, frolicking with the families two dogs and enjoying the open space. They now love their new part time goat and Kelly is just happy it wasn't a full time puppy like Ian wanted! 

The Ladybug

Natasha and her Mother were very close when she was growing up. Their 'thing' was always ladybugs and any time either of them would go away without the other, they always brought home a small gift that was ladybug related. This continued for years and the ladybug forever became a special symbol and reminder of Natasha's Mother after she passed away. During visits to the gravestone, or after a rough day, a ladybug would somehow always appear for Natasha when least expected. Even on a January day in -40 weather, Natasha and her husband moved into their new apartment in Alberta and when they arrived for the first time there was a ladybug inside, welcoming them home. After their wedding ceremony in 2014, the sun was shining and guests were mingling in the receiving line. I heard my name called and when I walked over, sure enough a ladybug had landed on her great Aunt's hand - just after they had talked about how much her Mother would have loved the ceremony. It sat there long enough for me to capture this, then gracefully flew away <3 

Katelyn & Patrick - September wedding in Brudenell

Wedding date - September 10th, 2016

Katelyn & Patrick originally met at Montague High and quickly became friends. They attended classes together, were each other's date to Christmas Dance, held hands at the movies, and danced to James Blunt through their awkward teenage years. After high school they kept in touch as they went their separate ways, and later crossed paths again one Summer night, dancing the night away. They kept running into one another again and again that Summer so they decided to give things a go. 

Over the years they lived in different provinces, travelled, graduated university, bought a home as well as a dog and a cat. Wedding talk was never a matter of if, but only a matter of when. They were engaged in December 2015 while walking their pup William on the snowy beach by their future home. This home later became the setting for their wedding ceremony on a gorgeous blue sky day this past September overlooking the Brudenell river. 

I'm lucky to say Kate & Patrick are friends of mine and they are the type of people everyone loves to have around. They have many friends and there were a lot of fun personalities in attendance which made for a great day, and a great night. It was an honor to document their wedding day! Congratulations to The Drakes!

guests - 162

Hair - Natlaie McCarthy & Julie Vandenbroek

Makeup - Megan Wilson at Lambretta's

Wedding dress - watters wtoo from chester & felicity's

Groom's suit - tip top tailors

Florals - house of flowers

band - The wannabeez

cake - candi's cakes

caterer - montague lion's club

reception venue - montague curling club

stationary - minted

hair piece - oh dina!

photography - brady mccloskey photography

Lindsey & Derek - Married in their own backyard

wedding date - September 27th, 2016

In the winter of 2013, Lindsey & Derek connected in Canmore, Alberta and went skiing for their first date. What was supposed to be a couple hour long date turned into the entire day as they laughed and chatted the whole time, feeling as though they had met each other ages ago. Since then they have been back and forth between Derek's home on PEI, and Lindsey's home in Alberta. When it was time to plan the wedding day, their cottage in Rollo Bay, PEI became the perfect setting. It was a rainy ceremony but with their positive and fun attitudes, it was hardly noticed.

Lindsey & Derek are incredibly laid back and easy to be around. Their wedding day reflected this from the start and the main priority was for guests to be as relaxed as possible. As Lindsey put it - "We broke every rule we could...no assigned seating, ditched the cake and formalities, sat on hay bails and just had a ton of laughs and love." 

One of their favorite moments of the day was when Derek surprising Lindsey with professional highland dancers and bagpipers at the reception! Lindsey used to teach highland dance and it has been a tradition in the family to dance at each other's weddings. They had the entire barn moving so Lindsey and her sister even joined in on the fun. 

I hope you will enjoy all the laughs and moments from this day as much as I did. Thank you another amazing couple, and congratulations to The Hennesseys!

Ceremony venue - private home

Reception venue - Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival

Officiant - brenda bulger

Hair - Kerri Dawn

makeup - amp hair and makeup artistry

flowers - stephanie compton

Band - Larque

Stationary - vistaprint

Transportation - COach atlantic 

Entertainment - The College of Piping

photography - brady mccloskey

Mary & Leo - Backyard wedding in Orwell, PEI

Wedding date - august 26th, 2016

Mary & Leo's relationship took off after they both travelled for a mission trip to Haiti in 2012. During that time they spent many days and nights talking about life and how they both viewed it. After returning to PEI with a new outlook, they spent every day together and began their series of adventures and travels, including a working holiday which took them all across Canada in an old RV. They eventually settled and bought a farmhouse in Pinette, PEI where they now grow turnips and look after their chickens, goats, horses, and more. One night at the farm in 2015, Mary arrived home from work at midnight to find a note telling her to go out to their beloved RV in the backyard. She opened the door to find Leo on one knee with the ring, and the rest was history! 

Mary & Leo's wedding day was focused on the simple thing that is the true core of a wedding - family & friends coming together to celebrate the married couple in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. They are both such chill, easy going people who care so much about everyone around them and it was a real pleasure to experience it all. From their backyard ceremony at a friend's house, to their casual reception outside the barn at their farmhouse, it all felt right and we had a fantastic time. Thank you so much to Leo & Mary for choosing me to document the day! 

Officiant - Pastor Bill Arsenault

Hair - Divine Hair design

Makeup - Nuala Casey

Dress - Sugar & Spice

Flowers - House of Flowers

DJ - DJ Newf

Videographer - Shane Mallard

Photographer - Brady McCloskey Photography