Carmens Hamilton Wedding Photographer

When Courtney and Shauna emailed me about capturing their big day, I was very excited as this was just my second ever ‘generational’ wedding- I had captured her parents wedding 7 years ago, which was also at Carmens Hamilton Wedding Photographer! The only special request they had was to recreate a photo I took of her mom doing her lipstick in the mirror. Courtney and Shauna were married back in October 2022 and I’m so happy to be finally throwing it back to their lgbtq wedding photographer Hamilton Ontario. This was a pretty stressful start to the day with my second shooter calling me as I was driving there to tell me that they had tested positive for covid, fortunately I had enough time to still capture both sides getting ready, and to get another second photographer to step in from the ceremony until the end of the night. Their ceremony was short but very sweet and I loved capturing their portraits at the nearby Albion Waterfall, such a beautiful spot in fall. I loved their speeches and getting creative at golden hour and night photos. 

Tell us the story of how the two of you met.

• What were your first thoughts on seeing each other?
  We had our flirt on from the very beginning. I (Courtney) was so nervous but excited around Shauna. I knew she was someone that I wanted to spend more time with.
• Tell me the proposal story (the long version is fine)
  Shauna originally wanted to propose in Tobermory but unfortunately due to covid, she didn’t get to do that. She actually had the ring for 6 months before proposing. On the day of, us and a couple of friends had a plan to go to Rockwood Conservation Area to see the caves. When we got there, the park was at full capacity. I (Courtney) remember everyone was so upset that we couldn’t get in and I wasn’t sure why. We immediately got on Google to find another perfect adventure spot. We ended up at Eramosa River Park. Shauna and her friend said they needed to find a perfect spot to take photos for a friend’s clothing company. So me (Courtney) and our other friend, went for a walk along the trail to let them take some photos. When we were walking back, all I (Courtney) could think of was how beautiful of a place it was and how cute proposals must be there because it was so calm and private. When I walked around the corner, I saw Shauna’s friend video taping. I was so confused at first. Then i walked a little more and saw Shauna waiting for me. I was speechless. She got down on one knee and said “what do you say?” Which is so very “us” of her to say. It was perfect even if it didn’t go completely as planned.
• What is your favourite memory together (other than those mentioned above)?
  Our very first date as a couple, we went to Ripleys Aquarium on New Years Day. Shauna is so fascinated by sharks and I knew she would love it. At the gift shop, Shauna got me the cutest little necklace with a sea turtle and the letter “C” on it.
• What do you love most about each other?
  Shauna loves that I keep her grounded and can always help her with whatever emotions she is going through. I love that she continuously makes me feel the best about myself even if some days I’m having a hard time with it. She knows I can be too hard on myself and she always reminds me that I’m doing great. She also supports me with whatever crazy ideas I come up with.
• Have you thought of anywhere in your house you would like to hang your wedding photographs?
  Above our kitchen island
• Why did you choose us?
  My parents got married in 2015 and Woodgate Photography captured their big day. I love the creativity in so many of their photos and that’s what we are hoping for with ours
• What are your wedding colours?
  Black, Gold and Dark Teal

Ceremony/reception venue and catering: Carmens Hamilton
Makeup: @spoildxmishka
Bridal Bouquet: Urban Jungle
Jewelery (hairpiece): SweetV
Invitations: Vistaprint
Rings: Michael hill (engagement)