A whimsical garden ceremony with a modern industrial reception. David and Bella tied the Knot at From The Potting Shed’s Stone Cottage Studio, then spent the evening celebrating at the place where they shared their first date- Abe Erb restaurant and brewery in uptown Waterloo.
One of my favourite moments to photograph was their ‘first look.’ Honestly, these two were SO giddy and excited to see each other! If I could use one word to describe their wedding it would be ‘genuine’. Everything in their emotions and love towards each other was so real and I was honoured to be the one that had the chance to document it!
Cheers to you both, David and Bella! I wish you many many more years of that giddy, unrestricted-kind of love!
A garden wedding at From The Potting Shed
David and Bella’s June wedding began at From The Potting Shed’s Stone Cottage Studio, and it felt like stepping into a secret garden. Bella got ready inside the cottage, where a garland of white flowers and greenery draped the mantel beneath a crystal chandelier. She wore a lace-topped gown with a full tulle skirt and a flower crown in purple and lilac, and carried a loose, garden-style bouquet of white roses, blush blooms and deep purple clematis with long ribbons trailing down.
A first look on the lawn
Their first look happened on the lawn outside the stone cottage, and it was one of the happiest I’ve ever photographed: David swept Bella right off her feet. Her bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in blush, silver, navy and rose, with baby’s breath crowns and little bundles of lavender tied with ribbon, while the guys kept things relaxed in blue trousers, suspenders and sunglasses.
Celebrating at Abe Erb
After their ceremony on the lawn, everyone headed to uptown Waterloo for the reception at Abe Erb, the restaurant and brewery where David and Bella had their first date. The industrial space was the perfect contrast to the garden: long wooden tables, metal chairs, fresh white flowers in bottles and custom “Tie the Knot” beer labels with the couple’s photo on every table. It was relaxed, personal and so much fun.
Tips for a garden-to-city wedding
- Mix two settings. A garden ceremony and an industrial reception give your gallery two very different looks in one day.
- Choose a place that means something. Celebrating where you had your first date makes the whole day feel like you.
- Let your wedding party show personality. Mismatched dresses and suspenders photograph beautifully together.
Planning a wedding nearby? See more of my favourite spots as a Kitchener-Waterloo wedding photographer, or my favourite wedding venues around Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.
