Last Saturday, we had the joy of photographing Darren and Amber’s summer wedding at The Atlas Hotel, a day filled with excitement, nerves, and unforgettable memories. In the words of Taylor Swift herself, “Today was a fairytale.”

It is so funny how relationships can bring about balance in two people. Darren slept amazingly well the night before the wedding. Probably, he confided, even a little too well. He started the day off with a sense of calm, managing to have (what he claimed) was the fastest shower of his life. As we arrived at the house for the groom’s preparation photos, the reality of the day began to set in for him, bringing with it a mix of excitement and nerves.

Amber, meanwhile, staying the night in the bridal suite, had a restless night. The anticipation of the upcoming wedding made sleep elusive to her. But even with her lack of sleep, as the morning unfolded, she found herself balancing calmness with intermittent waves of nervousness. These waves only intensifying once she slipped into her wedding dress.

The morning preparations were filled with laughter and cherished moments. Darren and his groomsmen shared jokes and last-minute speech ideas, a light-hearted start to the day. Amber, surrounded by her bridesmaids, enjoyed the intimate time together, sipping mimosas and soaking in the significance of what was to come. The moments she shared with her parents before the ceremony were especially touching, a reminder of the deep, meaningful bonds shared and the special connections that we love most about weddings.

As the ceremony approached, it was evident how much thought and care had gone into every detail of the day. Darren was particularly proud of how seamlessly everything flowed, from the beautiful setup of the ceremony and reception spaces, to the overall experience. Seeing their vision come to life was a testament to all of their planning and the effort they had put into making the day special.

When Amber began her walk down the aisle, Darren’s emotions were palpable. Seeing her in her wedding dress for the first time left him speechless, the weight of the moment hitting him like a ton of bricks. Amber, on the other hand, seemed to have developed tunnel vision as soon as she stepped through the doorway. Everything else faded into the background, as Amber’s gaze focused solely on Darren’s face as she made her way toward him, as if being drawn in by a tractor beam. It was a perfect moment and it was clear that nothing else in the room mattered except the two of them.

Amber, a true Swiftie at heart, added an incredibly personal and whimsical touch to the celebration. She spent hours leading up to the wedding, crafting personalized friendship bracelets for the VIPs taking part in her and Darren’s big day. But she didn’t stop there; Amber went the extra mile by making a few HUNDRED more for an extraordinary friendship bracelet toss at the reception! The joy was infectious, and it wasn’t hard to see who managed to catch the most of these colorful treasures.

Throughout the day, there were moments that stood out not just for Darren and Amber, but for everyone present. Darren’s first sight of Amber at the end of the aisle, the fun atmosphere during the photo sessions, and the experience of being the center of attention during their first dance were all highlights. For Amber, seeing Darren’s emotional reaction at the altar, her Opa’s tears during their dance, and the overwhelming happiness they shared immediately after the ceremony were moments she will never forget.

Their first dance was a reflection of their relationship—one full of love, joy, and a bit of humor. Darren, ever the jokester, couldn’t resist making Amber laugh with a light-hearted comment during the dance. Amber, equally playful, guided Darren into a twirl they hadn’t practiced, but a spontaneous move that added to the fun of the moment. The dance, like the rest of the day, was natural and filled with so much genuine emotion.

Amber chose to include a first dance with her Opa. It was such a joy to see them glide across the dance floor, singing together with wide smiles on their faces.

As they embark on their journey together, Darren & Amber are excited about the road ahead. From the prospect of having children to enjoying the everyday moments that make life special, they are looking forward to building a life filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences.

Darren & Amber, we are so thrilled that we got to be part of your beautiful day! You have such a heartfelt connection, and we were honoured to witness the magic unfold before our eyes. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness and can’t wait to hear about your incredible honeymoon adventure to Italy!

xoxo

Cam & Courtney

(related: Darren & Amber – Fall Engagement 2023)

{ Darren & Amber – Summer 2024 Wedding }

Wedding Vendors

Bride’s Hair: Blush Beauty Bar
Bride’s Makeup: Micah Keziah MUA
Bride’s Dress: NWL Contemporary Dresses | Pronovias
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Groom’s Suit & Cufflinks: Tip Top
Grooms/Groomsmen Vest & Ties: Azazie
Groom’s Shoes: Aldo
Wedding Rings: Peoples Jewellers
Bride’s Jewelry: K&B Jewelry
Ceremony Venue & Reception Venue: The Atlas Hotel
Wedding Cake: Whisk & Bake Desserts (Sweet & Plump Confections)
Wedding Co-ordinator: Imagine Events
Additional Decor: A1 Rent Alls
Party Bus: Peekaboo Limousine
Videographer: Whitetail Films
Photo Booth/DJ: All In Event Services