Elora Mill Hotel & Spa | Elora, ON Fall Engagement | D + E

This first photo of Dolly and Eddy is probably one of my favourite moments I captured last year. It was a simple gesture, but Dolly’s hat fell off and Eddy quickly jumped at an opportunity to make her laugh by playfully stealing her hat- I thought it was SUCH an adorable candid moment that totally captures the sweetness of their relationship! Can’t wait to photograph their wedding next month!

Venue: Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, Elora Ontario

Planning your own Elora Mill wedding? Read my Elora Mill wedding guide for my favourite photo spots, timeline tips and FAQs.

A rainy fall engagement in Elora

Dolly and Eddy’s engagement session is proof that a little rain can make for the most romantic photos. We spent an October evening exploring the Elora Gorge and the streets around Elora Mill, and the soft, misty light made every colour glow.

Down in the gorge

We started on the river below the high arched bridge, with the limestone walls and green trees rising on either side. Dolly wore a mustard dress with a wide-brimmed hat, a perfect fall colour against all that green, and Eddy looked sharp in a grey vest with his sleeves rolled up. A clear umbrella came along for the drizzle, and the two of them stood out on the big flat rocks by the water. Her emerald-cut engagement ring got its own close-up too.

Around the Mill at dusk

As it got darker we walked up to the Mill itself. The old stone buildings, the glowing street lamps and the wet, shining pavement made such a moody backdrop. We finished at a little café nearby, sitting at a bistro table by the window with a jar of sunflowers, warm and cozy after the rain.

Tips for a rainy-day session

1. Don’t cancel for drizzle. Soft, rainy light makes colours rich and skin glow.
2. Bring a clear umbrella. It keeps you dry without hiding your faces.
3. Plan a cozy last stop. A café or covered spot gives you a warm finish.

See L and M’s intimate fall wedding at Elora Mill, or J and M’s portraits in the Elora Gorge.