Richard & Joe

WeddingCouplesDocumentaryAdventure Session

Nov. 3

It’s probably not easy to see, but if you squint a little you might get it. It’s not a puzzle. It’s actually quite obvious if you’ve been paying attention over the last century. As much as Richard and Joe’s wedding looks and feels like most ceremonial unions, it has is poignantly inspiring, even close to 20 years after Ontario (and then the rest of Canada) allowed gay marriage to be legal. 

Sure, we enlightened folks know this as the standard nowadays. But, for gay couples in Canada, it’s still an extremely new concept given the length of time straight couples have been given those rights. Twenty years in, this union is still an incredibly courageous and prideful feat. The fact that I was chosen to make photo memories of their incredible day, was a true honour. 

The day started with the couple getting ready together at the Windsor casino. We then dodged droplets during the portrait part of the day at the Water’s Edge Event Centre. The moment we finished, the skies opened with gushing storms. 

Not surprising that they had the word LOVE lit behind them during the ceremony. Everyone in attendance was there to uplift and celebrate their union with love and excitement. The room watched as they laughed, cried, held hands, and committed their lives to each other. 

The couple’s first dance was magical. The reception fabulously MC’d by two drag queens, which was as hilarious as you imagine. And food from Smashed Apple was off the hook, amazing!

It’s not often you get to be a part of a wedding that includes two handsome grooms, drag queens as MCs, and Harry Potter-themed flourishes. Witnessing Richard and Joe’s day was part fantasy, part history, part pride. But it was all love.