I met Vanessa and Tyler through a virtual bridal show – a first for me! In fact they were one of the first couples I ever met virtually, bridal show or otherwise. From the comfort of my studio, we chatted all things bridal and got to know one another better. At the time I wondered if shows like that would be the way of the future? Who could have known that virtual ‘meet-ups’ would become a routine, staple of daily life during covid? We are all so much better at using Zoom now than we ever thought possible. Had anyone even heard of Zoom prior to covid? It is still harder to meet virtually than in person, but it does make wedding planning so much more efficient for couples! It might be one of the few silver linings for engaged couples like Vanessa and Tyler who can have so much uncertainty and heart-ache while planning a wedding at a time when they should be celebrating such excitement. It can really take the joy out of it all. But I have learned while getting to know Vanessa and Tyler better that it will take more than covid to change their ‘can-do’ attitudes or to upset their plans for a wonderful day and celebration.

In the months following the bridal show, Vanessa and I corresponded back and forth, trying to hone in on a spot for their engagement session. Ultimately they chose the iconic Elora Gorge as the site for their August engagement photos as they had their hearts set on that particular location. I immediately did a happy dance! The gorge had all the elements that they were looking for and represented them/what they like – being outdoors, adventurous/rugged terrain, natural elements like wood and stone. And so there was no other location that would suit. Can’t say that I was disappointed at all – I am a big fan of the whole entire area and immediately got to dreaming of photos in the Gorge itself as well as in the quaint downtown core.

Our backdrop for the evening was the iconic and historic David Street Bridge, and we were flanked on one side by the characteristic limestone cliffs of the Irvine Gorge, complete with small cave. The location couldn’t have been more perfect for these two…..it was well worth the wait!

Unfortunately, we ended up having one of the most rainy summers on record (and by that I mean torrential downpours every other day). As a result, Vanessa and Tyler had to wait longer than almost all my 2022 couples for their engagement session as we ended up cancelling and re-booking their session multiple times. We just couldn’t take a chance on wet weather since we would be climbing down the gorge (and many flights of slippery steps) to take their photos. But I am so glad they stuck to their dream location, even if it meant disappointment after disappointment as we delayed and delayed. (I would come to admire Vanessa’s determination to see a plan through…..I could certainly learn a thing or two from her! :)). When the day finally arrived and the clouds cleared, and the sun made half of an appearance and I met Vanessa and Tyler in person for the first time, I soon discovered their outdoor, adventurous spirits and to my delight, that they were both up for anything and open to all suggestions! Athletic and agile, (did I mention that they are big fans of working out?), the climbing over and under fallen trees, through large rock piles, and manouvering down the rock face were a breeze for them.

And can we talk about another rock?? One that is a little more sparkly? Stunning. Best rock in the place! I’m sure Vanessa would be in agreement.

Their easy connection with one another was evident as Tyler lifted, dipped and carried. A former synchro swimmer, Vanessa moved with grace and elegance and pointed toes! And of course we had a few moments of straight fun when Vanessa became distracted for just a moment with real fish in the water!

I am really looking forward to celebrating with Vanessa and Tyler and capturing their day this summer…….I figure they’ve had enough rain delay leading up to their wedding that their summer ceremony will be filled with rays of sunshine! I have a feeling that, even if it isn’t, this resilient couple will just ride it out no matter what the weather and make the best of it!