Some wedding days don’t go exactly as planned, but sometimes, that makes them even more special. Melyssa & Michael’s fall wedding in Sussex, New Brunswick, was supposed to be a partly cloudy day, but instead, they were met with rain showers. However, small pockets of sunshine broke through at just the right moments, making for a beautiful and memorable celebration.

The day began in the comfort of their home, where they shared an intimate first look in their living room. It was such a sweet moment, filled with excitement and anticipation before they officially became husband and wife.

Their ceremony took place at Saint Francis Xavier Church, a breathtaking venue with towering ceilings and stunning arches. One of my favorite parts of photographing this wedding was the ability to capture a unique balcony shot of the couple with their guests behind them. This angle is something I rarely get the opportunity to photograph as a solo shooter, but thanks to attending the rehearsal and coordinating with the Priest, I was able to plan ahead and ensure I didn’t miss a thing. One of the things I always appreciate about church weddings is the extra time they allow for capturing details, emotions, and multiple perspectives. The longer ceremony meant I could document not just Melyssa & Michael’s vows but also their loved ones’ reactions, the intricate details of the church, and those little in-between moments that often go unnoticed.

After the ceremony, the rain continued, so we adapted and used the church stage for family portraits before heading back to their home for a more relaxed celebration with their wedding party. The groomsmen even took on the role of wedding MVPs, using a squeegee to clear the rainwater from the deck so we could still capture portraits outside. Then, as if on cue, the sun peeked out just in time for the bride & groom’s portraits, giving us the perfect light to work with. We even managed to capture a sweet moment with their beloved dog before making our way to the All Season’s Inn for their reception.

Since time constraints didn’t allow for decor shots before guests arrived, I had to get creative. With dim lighting and a full room, I relied on strategic angles and on-camera flash to capture the beautiful details while keeping backgrounds as clean as possible. The reception was a heartfelt celebration filled with laughter and emotion. Instead of spending the evening seated at the head table, Melyssa & Michael made it a priority to interact with their guests, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This gave me the opportunity to capture countless candid moments, resulting in a beautifully extensive album.

They also made time for formal portraits with loved ones in front of a backdrop they had set up, ensuring they got meaningful photos with family and friends. Then came the shoe game, which had everyone laughing, followed by their romantic first dance and cake cutting. Their wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches, with a strong emphasis on family. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate as planned, Melyssa & Michael embraced every moment, and their love shone through—rain or shine.

Vendors:

Photography: Myself; Brittany Gauthier Photography

Ceremony Venue: Saint Francis Xavier Church, Sussex NB

Reception Venue: All Seasons Inn & Restaurant, Sussex NB

Florist: Faye Logan

Hair stylist(s): Sarah MacIsaac 

Dress: Lockhart's Weddings & Special Occasions 

Bridesmaid dresses: Azazie 

Groom attire: RW&Co

Groomsmen attire: RW&Co

Jewellery: Brides set - Brilliant Earth; Grooms ring - Costco

Caterer: All Seasons Inn 

Cake/cupcakes: Superstore 

DJ/band: Marc Pepin - DJ 

Officiant: Father Daren Bryk