Brews, Boots, and Happy Tears: Ashley & Marc’s Ottawa Celebration
If you know Ashley and Marc, you know they are usually found somewhere off the grid. As serious outdoor enthusiasts, their natural habitat involves hiking boots, paddleboards, and questionable cell service.
But for one Saturday in Ottawa, they traded the Gore-Tex for formal wear (and looked incredible doing it) to celebrate with the people who matter most. It wasn’t a hike up a mountain, but the energy was just as high.
The Ceremony: A Hydration Event
We started the day at the Ottawa Wedding Chapel, a beautiful spot that sets a great tone.
I have to mention a specific family trait here: Ashley’s side of the family are criers. And I don’t mean a single, delicate tear rolling down a cheek. I mean full-on, dehydrating waterworks. I’m pretty sure they are single-handedly keeping the facial tissue industry in business. It was hilarious, incredibly sweet, and made for some of the most genuine photos of the day.
I also pulled double duty for this one, shooting video of the ceremony alongside the photography. It made the workflow fast-paced and fun, allowing me to capture the audio of those vows (and the sniffles from the front row) to round out the story.
The Party: Pints by the River
After the “I dos” and some portraits on the chapel grounds, we headed over to the Mill Street Brew Pub for the reception.
Mill Street is such a solid choice for a couple like this. It’s got that historic, rustic grit that outdoor lovers appreciate, without the need to pitch a tent. We took advantage of the stone walls and the river views for the rest of the portraits, and the vibe was exactly what they wanted: great beer, zero stiffness, and a lot of laughter.
Ashley and Marc, thanks for trusting me to document the madness, the tears, and the beers. Here’s to your next big adventure!
