Photos from a Downtown Ottawa Wedding

Weddings

Aug. 26

KERRI + BRYSON

I first met Bryson while we were both in school. He was a year ahead of me in the program so most of our encounters were quick hellos in between classes or passing each other in the hallways. In our program his third year took him to Kingston. We were not close enough, and both a little shy, to keep in contact for that year but each had a feeling that we should have made a move. After returning to Ottawa for his career, we happened to meet up while I was completing my clinical rotation at the hospital where he was working. One day, we caught each other by surprise as I was leaving the OR. We laugh about it now as I was so embarrassed at the time! After a year since we last saw each other, I happened to be in oversized scrubs and a funny looking OR hat the first time we bump into each other. After that chance meeting, Bryson asked me out on a date and we haven’t looked back since.

When it came to popping the question, Bryson knew me all too well. Any “surprise” dinner, or anything else out of the ordinary, he knew I would start to ask questions. He planned it perfectly so I would never even get the chance to think it would happen that day. It was close to Christmas, but not too close that I would get suspicious. I was post night shifts, probably a little cranky from lack of sleep, and decided to hit the gym. When I came home, sweaty gym clothes and all, he had planned a beautiful heartfelt proposal. It was perfect for us and we couldn’t have been more excited!!

During our 3 years together we had attended close to 4-5 weddings every year. We had been through my sister’s wedding where I was maid of honour, and Bryson had been a groomsman more times than we could count. When it came time for our own, we had a great sense of what we liked and what we had hoped for on our big day. We opted for the Shaw Centre for its gorgeous views of parliament and no shortage of light from the wrap around windows. Bryson and I went for a classic romantic look with blush, creams, champagne and a hint of mint. Our priority was for guests to feel welcomed and to show our appreciation for their love and support. Despite a little rain and cold weather, our day couldn’t have been more perfect. The best part of the whole thing is having everyone you care about, all in one place, celebrating love!

After the venue and date had been chosen, there was no doubt that Union Eleven was our next call. We first met Derrick at Bryson’s sister’s wedding about a year before ours, and the experience with him and all of Union Eleven staff was phenomenal. Our first meeting with Derrick about our own wedding felt like catching up with an old friend. He was relaxed, and really took the time to get to know us and what we were looking for. What we love most about his work are the unedited emotions and candid moments he captures. We now have amazing photos with which to remember our day. And the ones we love best were taken when you think no one is watching….but Derrick is!