Anthea & Paul Wedding

If everything had gone as planned, Anthea and Paul would have filled the church with supportive friends and family. There would have been kisses and hugs, reception tables full of laughter, speeches that made everyone tear up. And dancing, lots of dancing. 

The truth is, that wedding dream couldn’t possibly touch the beautiful magic of their intimate wedding. COVID threw a wrench into those plans. But what came out of it was an absolutely magical and poignant day, where everyone was there in some form or another, and the tears and laughter upheld Anthea and Paul’s love and they committed their lives to each other. 

Inside the church, Anthea and Paul lined the pews with printed photos of their family and friends who couldn’t be there in person. They set up a live video stream so that they could beam their love out to everyone watching. 

Anthea was in her friend Kristina’s wedding last year, which I photographed. Kristina’s father is the pastor of the Lutheran church in Windsor where both ceremonies took place. 

It all came together quickly, and I met them for the first time at the church that day since they live in Toronto. They hired me to take photos of them after the ceremony, but I asked if I could document the ceremony, too. 

They chose to marry despite the global pandemic. Maybe even because of it. Their commitment to each other was greater than the virus. What a truly beautiful experience that I got to witness and document. It was a day I’ll never forget. I’m sure they won’t either.