There’s not much I can say to really give this wedding the justice it deserves. I get goosebumps just looking over these gorgeous photos from Mango Studios, reliving this day, all these moments, over and over again. Alex and Josh exemplify true love, that selfless, knock you off your feet, I-want-that kinda love. I shared a bit more about these two and the process I went through getting to know them over on Ruffled where the entire wedding is featured. And I encourage you to go read what I shared so you too can catch a glimpse into the world of Alex and Josh. It’s a beautiful, musically inspired, incredibly raw, imperfectly perfect world that I was utterly and absolutely honored to have been a part of.

When a bride asks for a crown of bay leaves to pair with her Jenny Packham gown, you don’t argue.

Alex and Josh prepared for their wedding in their respective childhood homes, with their families and bridal party members surrounding them and helping them calm their nerves. The couple decided to see each other for the first time when they met at the alter. There’s magic in this folks. Magic I tell ya. The couple’s faith and belief in the Lord combined with their deep admiration and respect for their family’s culture was very inspiring to me.

Boxwood greens, white wax flower, bay leaves and brunia berries made up the boutonnieres.

The church was breathtaking. What a perfect place to start your married life in right?

In the next photo you’ll see Josh in the church, and beside him his father who also served as his best man. This photo was taken the second the church doors opened, revealing Alex and her Dad beginning the bride’s processional. Oh, and beside Josh’s dad is the bride’s brother. Don’t get me wrong, I love a gorgeous detail photo as much as the next person out there, but THIS is what weddings are about. The longer I’ve worked in this industry the more I find I’ve grown to focus on and appreciate what’s really important here like the emotion that’s undeniable in this photo.

Best ‘Just Married’ photo I’ve ever seen!

Between the ceremony send off and the traditional Italian cocktail hour starting back at the venue, the bridal party hiked out to the woods for some amazing photos and video footage. The natural surroundings and Canadian autumn weather were the perfect compliment to the wedding aesthetic and couple’s personal style, am I right?

Each girl’s bouquet was made up with a variety of different blooms including chocolate cosmos, white anemones, David Austin garden roses, pink astilbe, white veronica, privet berries, jasmine vine, bay leaves and two varieties of ferns. The bouquets were understated but romantic to compliment each bridesmaid’s style of dress. Aren’t these girls so stunning? They were  so sweet throughout the day, making me feel welcome while making sure Alex felt like a million bucks.

This.

Josh is in an amazingly rad band and music is a huge part of the couple’s lives. Naturally this happened.

It’s customary at Italian weddings for each guest to take a shot once they make their way through the receiving line. Not a bad tradition to follow through with right? Even better, after your choice of shot, you make your way to the dance floor, where an impressive display of Italian antipasti selections await. Towers of breads, meats, cheeses and seafood, chefs stations and platters of appetizers, followed by a four course meal, late night food display and dessert table all ensured each and every one of the 220 guests were satisfied and well taken care of.

It’s always such a pleasure to work with Jocelyn of Sugarbelle Cakes. She’s a true artist and joy to work with whenever I have the pleasure of working back home in Canada. Her trio of delectable cakes were surrounded by cake stands with authentic Italian cannolis made at a little bakery that Alex’s family frequently visits and homemade custard tarts.

Then after the couple cut their cake, we ushered everyone out to the lake front for a sparkler send off under the guise of it being a fun photo opportunity. Which it was. However, just as the couple exited out of the tunnel of guests the first firework shot off into the sky from the nearest lake pier off the property. Guests quickly gathered around the couple and took in the 12 minute surprise show, clapping and cheering with every firework that lit up the October sky.

I hate to be redundant here but this was magic. Absolute magic.

Oh and please watch this video. Like right now. It’s the most remarkable wedding production I’ve ever seen. Outside In Studio just gets it. Between being an absolute pleasure to work with (Ric and Vic I adore you guys), being true artists with their craft and giving people like Alex and Josh these hand crafted memories to treasure forever? Fine fine fine, I’ll shut up now. You probably get it. Watch the video. Love on this couple. You’re welcome :)

Alexandra & Joshua – Mountains are made molehills. from Outside In Studio on Vimeo.

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Photography: Mango Studios / Partial planning, design, florals and coordination: Hey Gorgeous Events / Videographer: Outside In Studio / Venue: Liuna Gardens / Wedding dress: Jenny Packham / Groom’s suit: Harry Rosen / Wedding cake: Sugarbelle Cakes / Fireworks: Firemasters Productions / Vintage rentals: Fancy Fray / Linens: La Tavola and Luxe Event Linen / Stationery: done by the bride