We always look forward to winter weddings and we had so much fun with Mandy and Derek at their beach engagement session that it just made us look forward to it even more. What a contrast this day was to that. It was really cold December 18th and we really could not stay outside long. You felt like your fingers were falling off if you did. Mandy made a gorgeous bride. Her dress was beautiful! We really enjoyed the morning photographing the girls getting ready. After their church ceremony we headed to John Paul II Secondary School for some photos. Mandy and Derek and most of their bridal party along with a bunch of close friends that attended their wedding all went to this school together and it was where Derek and Mandy met as well so it was very appropriate! So sweet…high school sweethearts!
After that it was off to Sunningdale! Just love that venue for a winter wedding! It is so cozy especially when a fire is going! Mandy and Derek’s reception was one of the best we have been to. The speeches had everyone laughing and crying. They were so hearfelt! Even the guys in the wedding party had tears (maybe that is an understatement)…and we have to say that Derek’s speech was the best grooms speech that we have ever heard. After speeches they had a slideshow but with a surprise twist. Her dad had arranged for a family friend to sing the song Mandy during the slideshow. You would have thought it was Barry Manilow himself singing it. It was amazing! In fact some people didn’t realize that a person in the room was singing it that is how good he was. Loved it! What a great surprise! Last but not least for their first dance instead of having a slow dance for all the couples in the bridal party they all partied on the dance floor together. It really got their whole party started. The dance floor was full and the music was great!
Mandy and Derek we loved being a part of your wedding day. You are really wonderful people and we wish you happiness always!
