Gloria & Nick - Sparkling NYE Wedding in Charlottetown

Wedding date - December 31st, 2016

Since photographing the wedding of Katie & Greg on NYE 2015, I love the idea of a December 31st wedding. What better way to celebrate and dress up then attending the wedding of two people you love? Or as Gloria put it, what better way to start a new year than to marry your best friend!

Gloria & Nick met in 2008 while both attending UPEI and started dating 3 years later. Shortly after this Nick moved off Island for work as an engineer, but began driving back to PEI every single weekend to visit Gloria. On a cold and rainy day in the Summer of 2015 during their annual hike around Howe Point, Nick used the help of their golden doodle Ollie to propose to Gloria. From there started the wedding planning for NYE!

It is safe to say everyone had such a fun time at this wedding. Gloria & Nick are the type of people you want to be around, and feeding off their energy and enthusiasm was so great. They took every moment as it came, didn't stress about small details, and took the time to enjoy a few limo sociables. It was like hanging out with friends and I love that I was able to capture this day for them. Thank you for the laughs, the hugs, and the espresso shots. 

To Gloria & Nick, here's to many more happy days like this! 

Brittany & Clark - Healy Farm wedding in Kentville, NS

Wedding date - July 8th, 2017

At the end of 2015 I received an email from Halifax wedding planners Elegant Productions about a mystery couple who just had to have me for their 2017 wedding day in Kentville, NS. I was flattered but curious as to who it was and why they were hiring an Island based photographer. After several emails to confirm things I was surprised and thrilled when my friend Brittany sent me a message letting me know it was her and her fiancé Clark that I had booked! 
It was a beautiful thing to be invited to capture their wedding day this Summer at Healy Farm in Kentville. Surrounded by family and friends, including many who travelled all the way from Clark's home of Australia - Britt and Clark made everyone feel special and appreciated. They are two of the kindest people and I am so happy to call them friends!

A backpacking adventure turned into an unforgettable love story for this fun loving couple when they met during Brittany's travels abroad. Movie nights and walks home from the pub lead them to their fist official date. Upon Brittany's return, the two continued their 2 year long distance relationship. Toughing it out, Brittany and Clark re-united and went on a bucket-list tour of Newfoundland. It was on a beach in Fogo Island that Clark romantically picked a pebble, and proposed. If that isn't cute enough, the two decided to get married on the 5 year anniversary of telling one another they were in love. 

Elegant Productions helped bring Brittany's vision to life with a beautifully treed venue (Healy Farms) and added touches of vibrant Canadian greenery with hints of yellow mustard. Soft tones were paired perfectly with the raw harvest tables and refurbished wood chairs Brittany's late grandfather had crafted over the years. The day was a perfect fit to reflect the spirit and love Brittany and Clark share with one another. It was an honor to capture this day for my friend her new husband. 

Wedding Advice from the couple

1. In their own word's, Brittany and Clark recomends couples take their time with the planning process. Enjoy every minute of the engagement!

2. Invest in a Pro! Help take the heat off by hiring a planner to help turn your vision into reality.

3. Consider stocking non-alcoholic beer and wine for 'cheeky' guests who may secretly be pregnant.
 

NUMBER OF GUESTS -90
PHOTOGRAPHY- BRADY MCCLOSKEY PHOTOGRAPHY
VENUE- HEALY FARMS
OFFICIANT- TERRY MACDONALD
HAIR- LAKEHOUSE (JESSICA FLETCHER)
MAKEUP- ALLISON KIRBY
WEDDING DRESS- PETER TRENDS & BRIDAL BY AUBREY ROSE
GROOM'S SUIT- MOORES
FLORALS- CHELSEA LEA FLOWERS
DECORATOR- ELEGANT PRODUCTIONS
CAKE- CAKES BY LIZ PINCH
CATERING- CERTAINLY CINNAMON
STATIONARY- DULY NOTED
TRANSPORTATION-NEW HOLLAND TRACTOR
VIDEOGRAPHER- ARROW & KNOT
BAND- THE FINE TUNERS

 

CBC - "P.E.I. photographer named one of Canada's 'most inspiring'"

On October 8th 2017, CBC News ran an article about me recently being named one of Canada's top 25 Most Inspiring Photographers for 2017 by Weddingbells Magazine! It was a huge honor to be put on this list and I thank Weddingbells for the shout out.

This was a fun interview to do, and I am so thankful to Sara Fraser from CBC News for doing such a great job writing this! I since received a lot of thoughtful messages from family, friends, clients, and strangers and they have all been so appreciated. If you haven't read the article, you can do so here:

P.E.I. photographer named one of Canada's 'most inspiring'

Enjoy!

Karen & Lloyd - Elopement in Avonlea

Karen & Lloyd met and started dating in their home province of Newfoundland 11 years ago. After five years together they decided to pack up and move to Prince Edward Island, to a property they never even saw in person. They now call the Island home, living in between two potato patches just as you would. Inspired by their ongoing happiness and love, they decided to elope this June with a little 5 minute ceremony on the North shore of PEI. With just the two of them, Marsha Weeks, a friend to sign as a witness, and me to sign as the second witness, they had a simple and special ceremony overlooking the water. Being a long time Anne of Green Gables fan, Karen picked the picturesque Avonlea Village for photos of the two of them afterwards. We then spent an hour and a half together, laughing and enjoying their new titles as husband and wife.   

Whether your wedding has so many guests that I can't possibly make my way through them all, or so little that I must sign as a witness, everyone's love is just as special in the end. They said they didn't have one good photo of the two of them, but now there are so many. Thank you to Karen & Lloyd for sharing your happiness with me!

Travel - Australia & New Zealand

I recently returned from one of my favorite trips I've ever done, 5 weeks in Australia and New Zealand! Although I've never been a big fan of photographing landscapes and I actually rarely travel with my camera, this time I put an effort into capturing the beauty around me, enjoying the process, and creating art to have forever. I had such an amazing time exploring and photographing these, and I love the end collection it forms. It was my first solo trip which made for a lot of quiet, relaxing days photographing and enjoying the incredible outdoors. l only brought one camera and used just one lens I hadn't touched in years, the tiny and super travel friendly, Canon 40mm lens. 

This may be something I start to do on more of my trips in the future but until then, I hope you enjoy! 

Australia

During my three weeks in Australia I visited Sydney, Byron Bay, Melbourne, and Wollongong. I soaked up the sun, swam, surfed, visited friends, hiked, and enjoyed many Tim Tams and espresso martinis along the way. 

New Zealand

For almost two weeks I travelled New Zealand, including renting a car and driving over 2000km in 9 days on the South Island. Though I travelled through many places, I spent nights in Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill, Dunedin, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo, and Auckland. I spent so much time in the outdoors, hiking, walking, reading, and driving. Kilometre after kilometre, I couldn't believe how dramatic the scenery was and no matter where you went, it never became boring or dull. It truly was an experience I'll never forget.  

Elizabeth & Josh - Saraguay House Wedding in Halifax, NS

Wedding date - October 8th, 2016

So excited to share this wedding day! During the time they were living in Toronto, Liz & Josh contacted me about their Halifax, Nova Scotia wedding at the Saraguay House and I was very interested from the beginning. I photograph the majority of my weddings on Prince Edward Island, but if the timing is right I love to travel too! It was easy to see why Liz & Josh chose the The Saraguay House, it was an amazing backdrop for their east coast wedding and Elegant Productions showcased it all beautifully.

Liz & Josh are a super interesting and fun couple who met at the concert of their mutual friend (who later played during the cocktail hour!). They quickly hit it off, became engaged, and planned their NS wedding, where Josh used to live. Their attitude towards the wedding day was so calm and easy, and they truly enjoyed their time with friends and family. I believe the vibe and the fun that was had shows through in these photos and that is just what you want from your wedding photography. This wedding was also incredible for me as a wedding photographer, so I hope the fun I had also shows through!

Congratulations Liz & Josh!

Wedding date - October 8th, 2016

Planning & Design - Elegant Productions

Reception flowers - DIY by the bride 

Bouquets & boutonnieres - Chelsea Lee Flowers 

Decor rentals - MacFarlands Party Rentals 

Specialty rentals (twinkle lights, votives) - Make Merry Events

Hair - Jessica Fletcher of True Beauty Salon

Make up - Sasha Taylor Makeup Artistry

Liz's Dress - Sarah Seven 

DJ / Uplighting - True North DJs

Stationary - Duly Noted Stationary 

Double Decker - Ambassatours

Band - Chris Gostling & the Tempo 

Pie bar & wedding cake - Jennifer Turner (family friend) 

7 Photos, 7 Stories

Often times there is so much more behind a photograph that we don't see. The backstory can be so important and a photograph only captures this for a split moment. A story can make a photograph, and a photograph can make a story. I've captured thousands of these over the years and don't get enough chances to share them, that's why I've chosen to highlight 7 photos and the stories behind them. Thank you to those who shared their stories with me. 

Enjoy. 

The Tear

I admit, I've been chasing this photo for a long time. Countless times I have stepped behind the bride and her father as they come down the aisle, framing the groom and hoping he will show real emotion in his face. I never like to do things twice, but it's so rare that everything comes together perfectly so I had challenged myself and was determined to capture this shot eventually. On a Summer day in July 2016, I did what I had done many times before and framed this shot of Michael watching Laura and her father walk down the isle. To my selfish delight and excitement, there it was - the full emotion, tears, and woah, wait a minute.....the icing on top, a KLEENEX! YES! Michael was incredibly excited to see his beautiful bride and this photo really preserves that moment. Laura later told me the moment she walked down the isle was her favorite of the day, so being able to capture it like this was really special. This photo became one of my favorites shots from 2016. 

The Dance

Back in 2013 I photographed Carlye & Jon, a wedding day that will always have a special place in my heart. One of the reasons was this particular photo. About a year before their wedding, Carlye's good friend Jacob suffered a traumatic brain injury that confined him to a wheelchair. During his long recovery, he promised Carlye he would stand up and be strong enough to dance with her on her wedding night. After many hard months of rehab and a strong determination, Jacob did what he promised, stood up out of his wheelchair that night, held on to Carlye and slow danced to an entire song. Besides the beautiful music by Ten Strings & A Goat Skin, you could hear a pin drop in the barn that night as all eyes were on this amazing moment. Today, four years later Jacob now doesn't even use a wheelchair and has gone on to be married himself. An amazing turnaround from a person they weren't sure would even survive the air lift to Halifax the night of the injury. 

The Proposal

In the Fall of 2015 Sam booked a session for her, her boyfriend Dylan, and the couple's two dogs. That was all good and I was looking forward to meeting them at Orwell Corner one Sunday afternoon. A couple weeks later I was excited to receive an email from Dylan letting me know he actually planned to propose at their session! We worked out a plan together and waited for the day to come. When that Sunday arrived, it unfortunately was pouring rain but knowing what was about to happen and not wanting to wait for a new day, we both had to convince Sam that yes, it was a great idea to still go ahead - pouring rain and all! In Sam's mind I'm sure there wasn't any logical reason why the session should still happen outdoors, but I brought umbrellas and they showed up as planned. After taking a few photos and trying to stay dry, I set Dylan & Sam up in a perfect location and let the proposal happen. Everything worked out in the end, the rain stopped, and of course, she said YES. Afterwards we all laughed as Sam pieced the whole puzzle together! Such a fun moment to be a part of for two very sweet people.

The Rocks

16 years ago, Len & Brent travelled from Vancouver for their first trip to PEI together. Len is originally from the Island and wanted Brent to experience his home province and meet family, so they packed their bags. After checking into their cottage the evening they arrived, the first place they headed was to the rocks at Cavendish Beach, one the the most picturesque places on the North shore. Years later, in the Summer of 2015 they returned to that very spot to exchange their marriage vows. It was a heart felt and emotional ceremony that really was a beautiful thing to be a part of. As a special touch at the end, Len & Brent walked to the water's edge and tossed in two small glass hearts made by a favorite Vancouver artist. This was a little tribute to the place that is so special to them. Many times they have strolled the beach looking for sea glass and they know some day someone will find those hearts and hopefully experience the same excitement and joy. 

The visit 

For the past 3 years Mary has worked as an RCW worker at the Dr. John Gillis Memorial Lodge in Belfast, PE. Throughout these years she has built strong friendships with the senior residents, laughing with them, caring for them, and helping with daily activities. According to Mary, the residents talk to you about life, they give advice, and they get over the moon excited for you when you share any exciting news - especially an engagement and planning a wedding! Since the residents and staff are like family, they became just as excited about the upcoming wedding as the rest of Mary & Leo's family and friends. Since they were unable to attend, Mary & her husband Leo made it a priority to stop by the lodge on their way to the reception that evening, visiting every guest and every room for a quick Hello, hug, or chat. This particular resident Kenneth has grown fond of Mary over the years, always making her laugh and making sure to share one dance for her every Saturday during the hoedown. He was just one of the residents so excited to see their Mary, who they love so much. Being there to capture everyone's joy and excitement was so much fun to experience. 

The Goat

This past Summer I photographed the fun and energetic wedding of Kelly & Ian, a good time from start to finish. After the speeches were finished that evening I was pulled to the side by the MC and told they had one more surprise gift for the bride and groom. Outside the tent he said was a live GOAT about to be walked in! Ian grew up on a farm while Kelly is a self proclaimed city girl and not who you would call an animal lover at all. Their friends knew how much of a laugh this would bring so they adorned the goat in a "the gift of love" ribbon and walked it into the tent to everyone's shock and surprise - especially Kelly. After the looks of confusion, surprise, and even horror from the bride, everyone had a great laugh. Today, Milly the Goat as she's been called, happily lives on Ian's family farm, frolicking with the families two dogs and enjoying the open space. They now love their new part time goat and Kelly is just happy it wasn't a full time puppy like Ian wanted! 

The Ladybug

Natasha and her Mother were very close when she was growing up. Their 'thing' was always ladybugs and any time either of them would go away without the other, they always brought home a small gift that was ladybug related. This continued for years and the ladybug forever became a special symbol and reminder of Natasha's Mother after she passed away. During visits to the gravestone, or after a rough day, a ladybug would somehow always appear for Natasha when least expected. Even on a January day in -40 weather, Natasha and her husband moved into their new apartment in Alberta and when they arrived for the first time there was a ladybug inside, welcoming them home. After their wedding ceremony in 2014, the sun was shining and guests were mingling in the receiving line. I heard my name called and when I walked over, sure enough a ladybug had landed on her great Aunt's hand - just after they had talked about how much her Mother would have loved the ceremony. It sat there long enough for me to capture this, then gracefully flew away <3 

WPPI Las Vegas Recap

I place a lot of value on always learning in my photography business and believe in the importance of continuing to invest in education every year. This year, I attended the WPPI Conference & Expo in Las Vegas from Feb 5th-9th! WPPI is one of the largest and most well known conferences in the industry and attracts over 12,000 photographers a year from all over the world. Through a mix of keynote presentations, workshops, networking, and the expo, there is an overwhelming amount of educational opportunities. I always wanted to attend so I was excited that I was able to make it work this year! 

I attended presentations and live shoots from photographers such as Sue Bryce, Susan Stripling, Tyler Wirken, Peter Hurley, Dan O'Day, Jen Rozenbaum, The Youngrens, and Jerry Ghionis. Covering an array of topics, each speaker brought something different to the table and it was awesome to hear new perspectives and methods. I also took part in a fantastic, 6 hour wedding photojournalism workshop with Kansas City's Wirken Photography. That day we dove deep into the real reasons we photograph weddings, the importance of our roles, and about how capturing a couple's real love and connection should be more important than their wedding day details and decor. Through candid talks our group of 25 left the workshop with a new outlook and an excitement for our future work. 

This was also my first time to Vegas and I was fascinated by how over the top, grand, and flashy everything was. Although most of my time was spent at the convention centre, I did get a chance to explore the strip, do some photography for fun, and take in Cirque Du Soleil's Mystere - which was totally unbelievable. 

If you're a photographer planning to attend WPPI someday I would recommend it for the experience, and for the opportunity to stop, step back and take a look at your business to see what is going right, and what needs to be improved. I would recommend staying close to the convention centre (I was only 10 min away and still getting 18,000 steps a day!), bringing lots of water and snacks, and making a game plan of who you want to see before you go.  

The Las Vegas Convention Centre was the new home of WPPI this year after being held at MGM Grand for years. 

Canon had an awesome booth at the trade show where I was able to test any camera or lens I wanted and ask questions to their super friendly, and helpful staff. Thanks to Canon for the great service!

Miller's is the great company who takes care of my wedding albums. It was so helpful to see first hand their new product offerings, get advice from their staff, and work with them to make a plan for a new product I'll soon be offering my clients. I'm really excited about this and look forward to sharing more on that soon!  

I was also able to visit several other companies I work with including my print lab, WHCC. There were so many new products on display at the show that I could have spent a whole day wandering the floor. It was a photography nerd's dream land. 

A couple quick shots of our workshop with Tyler Wirken. 

One of my biggest influences and teachers over the years has been Susan Stripling - she is an incredible NYC photographer and I got to see her speak live, twice! 

Stay tuned later this winter as I'll be doing more travel photography and hopefully sharing those trips on my blog as well! Thanks for reading!

Katelyn & Patrick - September wedding in Brudenell

Wedding date - September 10th, 2016

Katelyn & Patrick originally met at Montague High and quickly became friends. They attended classes together, were each other's date to Christmas Dance, held hands at the movies, and danced to James Blunt through their awkward teenage years. After high school they kept in touch as they went their separate ways, and later crossed paths again one Summer night, dancing the night away. They kept running into one another again and again that Summer so they decided to give things a go. 

Over the years they lived in different provinces, travelled, graduated university, bought a home as well as a dog and a cat. Wedding talk was never a matter of if, but only a matter of when. They were engaged in December 2015 while walking their pup William on the snowy beach by their future home. This home later became the setting for their wedding ceremony on a gorgeous blue sky day this past September overlooking the Brudenell river. 

I'm lucky to say Kate & Patrick are friends of mine and they are the type of people everyone loves to have around. They have many friends and there were a lot of fun personalities in attendance which made for a great day, and a great night. It was an honor to document their wedding day! Congratulations to The Drakes!

guests - 162

Hair - Natlaie McCarthy & Julie Vandenbroek

Makeup - Megan Wilson at Lambretta's

Wedding dress - watters wtoo from chester & felicity's

Groom's suit - tip top tailors

Florals - house of flowers

band - The wannabeez

cake - candi's cakes

caterer - montague lion's club

reception venue - montague curling club

stationary - minted

hair piece - oh dina!

photography - brady mccloskey photography

Josie & Nick - November wedding at PEI Brewing Company

Wedding date - November 26th, 2016

Josie & Nick have already been together a whole 12 years, since they were little high school kids in grade 10 and 11! After high school they both completed their university degrees and began 4 years of long distance, which ultimately made their relationship stronger. Being a doctor and a nurse, their careers have taken them from Charlottetown, to Halifax and now to their new home in Kelowna, BC. However, when it came to planning their wedding they returned to PEI for the big day. We started their photos at Josie's parent's home and then headed to the Prince Edward Island Brewery for their wedding ceremony and reception. 

I often get asked if I enjoy photographing my friends, and the answer is always YES! There were so many members of the wedding party, family, and guests that I knew and it made the experience even better. Starting with one of the most real and emotional first looks I've ever captured, Josie & Nick's entire event was a joy to be a part of. Their love is so strong and evident to everyone around them, it really was a beautiful thing to see. Plus, don't they look so great together?!

Congratulations to The Mooneys! 

Makeup - AMP Hair and Makeup Artistry

Hair - Divine Hair Design

Bride's dress - Karma Bridal, Zachary Alexander

Groom's suit - Tip Top Tailors

Florals - Branches & Blooms

Officiant - Brenda Bulger

Band - Vintage

Venue - PEI Brewing Company 

Lindsey & Derek - Married in their own backyard

wedding date - September 27th, 2016

In the winter of 2013, Lindsey & Derek connected in Canmore, Alberta and went skiing for their first date. What was supposed to be a couple hour long date turned into the entire day as they laughed and chatted the whole time, feeling as though they had met each other ages ago. Since then they have been back and forth between Derek's home on PEI, and Lindsey's home in Alberta. When it was time to plan the wedding day, their cottage in Rollo Bay, PEI became the perfect setting. It was a rainy ceremony but with their positive and fun attitudes, it was hardly noticed.

Lindsey & Derek are incredibly laid back and easy to be around. Their wedding day reflected this from the start and the main priority was for guests to be as relaxed as possible. As Lindsey put it - "We broke every rule we could...no assigned seating, ditched the cake and formalities, sat on hay bails and just had a ton of laughs and love." 

One of their favorite moments of the day was when Derek surprising Lindsey with professional highland dancers and bagpipers at the reception! Lindsey used to teach highland dance and it has been a tradition in the family to dance at each other's weddings. They had the entire barn moving so Lindsey and her sister even joined in on the fun. 

I hope you will enjoy all the laughs and moments from this day as much as I did. Thank you another amazing couple, and congratulations to The Hennesseys!

Ceremony venue - private home

Reception venue - Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival

Officiant - brenda bulger

Hair - Kerri Dawn

makeup - amp hair and makeup artistry

flowers - stephanie compton

Band - Larque

Stationary - vistaprint

Transportation - COach atlantic 

Entertainment - The College of Piping

photography - brady mccloskey

Laurence & Peter - Outdoor Wedding at Shaw's Hotel

wedding date - September 4th, 2016

Laurence & Peter wanted the focus of their wedding day to be about celebrating with friends and family in a relaxed and casual atmosphere on beautiful Prince Edward Island. Although Laurence is from Montreal and Peter from Halifax, many of Peter's family is from the Island and it is where they spend a lot of their vacation time during the year. When it came time to plan their wedding, PEI seemed like the natural fit! Many guests travelled from away so the Island became the home base for a week of activities to thank everyone for coming from afar. 

The picturesque Shaw's Hotel provided the wedding venue on a sunny and warm September afternoon. After the backyard ceremony, we escaped to the beach for photos while guests enjoyed lots of time to mingle, drink, and eat some Island seafood chowder. We all gathered again on the back patio for some stories and laughs before heading inside for their incredible meal and more speeches. Laurence & Peter's friends even surprised them after dinner with a hilarious puppet show depicting how they met and fell in love! Then, it was on to the 'Lobster Trap' barn to dance the night away. 

Thank you Laurence & Peter for choosing Prince Edward Island for your beautiful wedding day! 

Megan & Mitch - St. Dunstan's Basilica Wedding in Charlottetown

Wedding date - September 2nd, 2016

11 years ago back in 2005, Megan borrowed a friend's spare school ID to sneak into Colonel Gray's high school dance. It was here that she first met Mitch. After sharing a few dances, they kept in touch and have been together ever since! Real life high school sweethearts. Wedding planning began 10 years later in 2015 when they got engaged during a Summer trip to Cape Breton. Mitch later surprised Megan by engraving her wedding ring with "it all started with a dance". 

Megan & Mitch wanted their wedding day to be about how everything felt, not how everything looked. This is certainly evident by their expressions, laughter, and happy tears all throughout the day. The amount of emotion was so special to see, and really brought their wedding photos to life. They have the biggest hearts and are loved by so many. Their advice to other couples getting married is to keep things focused on the marriage and not the wedding, as guests are there to celebrate you and your marriage and the rest of the material things will fall into place after that. Very true words.

Congratulations Megan & Mitch!

Number of guests - 170

Ceremony - St Dunstan's Basilica

Hair - mary coloris

makeup - Larissa Faith

Dress - Allure Romance, The Wedding Place

Groom's suit - Dow's

Florals - Island Meadow Farms

Decor - Jenn Maxwell

DJ - Aaron Doucette

Reception venue - Delta Prince Edward

Mary & Leo - Backyard wedding in Orwell, PEI

Wedding date - august 26th, 2016

Mary & Leo's relationship took off after they both travelled for a mission trip to Haiti in 2012. During that time they spent many days and nights talking about life and how they both viewed it. After returning to PEI with a new outlook, they spent every day together and began their series of adventures and travels, including a working holiday which took them all across Canada in an old RV. They eventually settled and bought a farmhouse in Pinette, PEI where they now grow turnips and look after their chickens, goats, horses, and more. One night at the farm in 2015, Mary arrived home from work at midnight to find a note telling her to go out to their beloved RV in the backyard. She opened the door to find Leo on one knee with the ring, and the rest was history! 

Mary & Leo's wedding day was focused on the simple thing that is the true core of a wedding - family & friends coming together to celebrate the married couple in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. They are both such chill, easy going people who care so much about everyone around them and it was a real pleasure to experience it all. From their backyard ceremony at a friend's house, to their casual reception outside the barn at their farmhouse, it all felt right and we had a fantastic time. Thank you so much to Leo & Mary for choosing me to document the day! 

Officiant - Pastor Bill Arsenault

Hair - Divine Hair design

Makeup - Nuala Casey

Dress - Sugar & Spice

Flowers - House of Flowers

DJ - DJ Newf

Videographer - Shane Mallard

Photographer - Brady McCloskey Photography

Hannah & Rory - Rollo Bay Fiddle Grounds Wedding Reception

Wedding date - August 13th, 2016

Rory and Hannah have been good friends of mine for years and I was so thrilled to be able to capture their wedding day this past August. Their wedding was the kick off to what our friends called "wedding week", two weddings on back to back weekends for the same friend group. What a blast it was!

Hannah & Rory met while studying music at UPEI and after initially starting off on the wrong foot, they were the couple that everyone (but them) saw coming. Throughout their wedding day their love of music was evident in many of the details, including incredible musicians playing their ceremony music, decor, a personal performance for their first dance, and the reception being held at the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival grounds. With Rory being a musician in the military, we also photographed him in his Canadian Forces dress uniform in the early evening, a special touch to honor his commitment. 

As you can tell from the massive smiles in their photos, Hannah & Rory fully enjoyed their day and laughed all along the way. The vibes were amazing, and we will always remember the good time we had on August 13th. Congratulations to the O'Donnells! 

Number of guests - 200

Ceremony - St Mary's Roman Catholic Church

Reception - Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival Grounds

Photography - Brady McCloskey Photography

Videographer - Mark MacLean

Ceremony music - Atlantic String Machine, UPEI Chamber Singers, Rebecca Apps (Soprano)  

Wedding dress - The Perfect Pear Bridal

Suits - Moores 

Bridal bouquet - Hearts & Flowers

Makeup - Jacqueline Gormely

Hair - The Dry Bar

Cake - Candi’s Cakes

Laura & Michael - Blue Sky Wedding Day in Clinton, PEI

Wedding date - July 2, 2016

Laura & Michael met 4 years ago at the Halifax Hypothermic Half Marathon after she saw Michael needed a ride home because of a bus strike. After chatting on the way to his house, they realized they had a mutual friend and were both invited to the same upcoming party on Friday. After dropping him off, Laura didn't expect to see him again but Michael had other plans. The party came and after Michael pretended to be surprised to see her there, they both hit it off that evening and later decided to go on a date. After two years of dating Michael & Laura got engaged at Canoe Cove Beach while visiting PEI for a bike race. Even though neither are Islanders, Laura always dreamed her wedding day would be on Prince Edward Island. Who could blame her?

Thank you to Laura & Michael for such a fun day photographing your wedding celebration. Everything came together in such a perfect way and you really showcased the Island to your guests. I am so thankful to have been able to capture it all and wish you nothing but the best in all of life's adventures going forward! Congratulations Mr & Mrs Gfeller! 

Number of guests - 68
Photographer - Brady McCloskey Photography
Venue - Clinton Hills
DJ - Music Express
Cake - Sweet Pea Creations
Bouqets & boutonnieres - Island Meadow Farms
Hair & Makeup - Bounce! Hair Studio
 

Laura & Chad - Bahia Principe Esmeralda Wedding in Punta Cana

Wedding date - may 9th, 2016

A wedding? The beach? Sun? Great people? Food? Drinks? YES, I'm in! 

I was thrilled to get the email from Laura & Chad inviting me to be a part of their wedding week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic this past May. Anyone who follows my Instagram knows I love to travel any chance I get and what better way than photographing a destination wedding at the beautiful Luxury Gran Bahia Principe Esmeralda. 

With almost 40 guests in our group ranging from ages 2 to 94, there was plenty of excitement for the big day. Wedding day was three days after we arrived and the ceremony took place right on the beach before sunset. The ceremony was performed in Spanish and a local band serenaded everyone down the isle. The scenery was picture perfect and with a bride and groom so easy and fun to work with, it was a joy to photograph. After the sun set we all enjoyed a great meal together and some stayed to extend the party well into the wee hours of the morning. 

Even though I had just met Laura & Chad and only knew a few of their guests before the trip, everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming and I felt right at home as soon as we got on the bus from Charlottetown. I had a blast spending the week with everyone basking in the sun, snorkeling, ordering Bahama mamas, eating too much ice cream, and visiting the "disco" a time or two...

Thank you Laura and Chad for being the most wonderful hosts, and to everyone else who made the #happilyeverheron wedding week such a great time! This was certainly one for the books and I cannot wait for the next destination wedding.

To view the video of their day from Boxtop Film, click here.

wedding dress - perfect pear bridal

Venue - Luxury Gran Bahia Principe Esmeralda

videography - boxtop film

photography - brady mccloskey photography

 

Candice & Logan - Outdoor Clinton Hills Wedding

Wedding date - August 1st, 2015

Clinton Hills is quickly becoming one of PEI's most popular wedding locations, and for good reason! The sprawling property was the perfect setting for Candice & Logan's wedding day this past August on Prince Edward Island. They chose to do a first look followed by photos in several locations including New London and Stanley Bridge. Everyone gathered again at 4pm for their outdoor ceremony in the woods back at Clinton Hills. The shade of the surrounding trees was perfect during that hot sunny day. 

A cocktail hour filled with food, drinks, & live music was followed by the reception inside the old barn. Dinner, drinks, & dancing ensued. It was a pleasure to capture the love of Logan & Candice - congratulations to the MacKays! 

To see the video of their day filmed by Serious Media, click here!

Ceremony & reception Venue - Clinton Hills

makeup - faces

hair - blake cassie

flowers - home grown & handmade

catering - murphy group catering

videography - serious media

photography - brady mccloskey photography

Katie & Gregory - Candlelight NYE wedding at PEI Brewing Company

Wedding date - Decemeber.31st, 2015

Katie & Greg often debate about how they met and who made the first move, but they both agree it was during high school and had something to do with basketball. Years later, a week after moving into their new home Greg proposed to Katie at the end of a scavenger hunt. 

It's been said Katie has had her wedding day planned since she was a little girl, and seeing everything come together on their wedding day it was no surprise. The PEI Brewing Company hosted their stunning candlelight wedding ceremony and reception, complete with florals by Prestige Floral and an archway built by Greg himself. It was a rare experience for me because the first time I saw Katie that day was when she walked down the isle. I actually gasped out loud as she was beaming with excitement and looked completely perfect! Greg had his trademark smile to match. 

Their wedding day was filled with great energy and happiness and was an absolute pleasure to be a part of as they are two of the nicest people you can meet. What a way to ring in the New Year!

I hope you all enjoy this wedding as much as I do! 

Number of guests - 145

MAKEUP - REBECCA POWERS, KISS & MAKEUP

HAIR - MARY COLORIS

Dress - Perfect Pear Bridal

Bridesmaid dresses - Chester & Felicity

Groomsmen suits - Roots cardigans & Moores

Cake/Cupcakes - City View Bakehouse

Decor - Unique Events Decor

Wedding Planner - Simplicity Wedding & Event Coordination

Florals - Prestige Floral Studio Weddings

Officiant - Valerie Downe

Invitations - Julie Hanan Design Ltd. 

DJ - MUSIC EXPRESS

Ceremony musicians - Olivia Roberts & Pierce Clark

photography - brady mccloskey photography

Ashley & Kurby - Prince Edward Island Wedding

Wedding date - July 24, 2015

Right after they got engaged last Summer I was thrilled to get the word from Ashley that they wanted me to capture their wedding day. I've know Ashley for many years,  we were babysat together, went to school together, and grew up in the same small town. Everyone who knows her knows what an amazing, bright personality she has and I knew Kurby must have been a special person to match it.

Ashley & Kurby currently live in Alberta (where they met), so many friends and family travelled across the country to celebrate their day in beautiful Prince Edward Island. As a special touch, it was the last ever wedding performed at Ashley's home church, St Alexis Parish in Rollo Bay. After photos we then travelled to Charlottetown for the reception at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel. 

From the many photos and faces of laughter, it's easy to tell this was a day filled with happiness, fun, and pride. Kurby, his parents, family, and friends were all so proud of the wife he had chosen, and the same went for Ashley. They are two very special people with hearts of gold and I wish them all the best in their new lives together. Keep on smiling. 

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Sherbanuk!  

Makeup - AMP Hair & Makeup Artistry

Hair - Divine Hair Design

Florals - House of Flowers

Transportation - Ultimate Party Limo Bus

Photo Booth - Instabooth PEI

Venue - Delta Prince Edward Hotel

Decor - Colour Your Event

photography - Brady mccloskey photography