Nicole and Marks 14th Coffee Wedding
I do not love you as if you were salt-rose or topaz
or arrow of carnations the fire shoots off:
I love you as certain dark things are loved,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant never blooms but carries
hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body
lives the dense fragrance that rises from the dark earth.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don’t know any other way of loving
but this, in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep, it is your eyes that close.
It only seems approriate to begin this blog post with a beautiful love poem after my wonderful friend Nikki and Mark’s wedding. To be in the presence of true love is certainly a blessing, and their day was nothing less. This wedding was very special, because Nikki is not only the other half of me when it comes to shooting weddings, but she is a creative soul, the type of person that walks into a room and can get along with anyone. She is passionate, she is funny and a wonderful mother. She is a worrier at times, but only because she loves with all her heart. She is one of my closest friends. To be in the presence of her and Mark is to really be around a couple that loves each other. They laugh together, they support each other, they have qualities that are opposite but complimentary to each other. they celebrate together, they parent together, they know each other and they truly love one another.
Their beautiful union was a small, intimate affair at 14th Coffee Company in Essex. The venue is beautiful, boasting a small cafe, a barn with a loft, an amazing house rental and gorgeous grounds and gardens. Nikki walked down the aisle in her beautiful blush gown and met Mark underneath a spray of amazing flowers. They wrote their own vows, which cause some tears, smiles and certainly some laughs. Even though their 3 year old daughter Georgia didn’t want to go down the aisle, there were some tender moments with her mom. Cocktails and appetizers were served in the garden before we headed up to the loft in the barn for dinner.
The loft was stunning. Eclectic, unique, rustic with a modern touch. Many small special touches had been included by Sue from 14th. Each dinner plate and glass was different than the next. Vintage chairs surrounded the long kings tables and succulents decorated the tables. The meal was prepared by amazing chef Jason Ouellette and was enjoyed by all. The speeches were sweet, heartfelt and funny. It was truly a room full of people that were the most important to each other.
After dinner everyone headed back outside for a dance party under the stars. Nikki and Mark shared their first dance under the arbour as the sun set in the background over the property. It really could not have been much more perfect. Nikki and her daughter, Georgia shared a special dance with her dad as well.
This day was so special. It was a small intimate gathering, about 35 people , who came together to celebrate Nikki and Mark. Every single person came that day because they are the most important people in their lives. We sometimes forget in the crazy planning of weddings and the trends and the one upping each other,that this is what a wedding is really about. Its about being with your family and friends and enjoying that moment in time, and thats what I saw that day through my camera and through my eyes. It was an honour to photograph their wedding. Nikki girl….you know I love you so very much and am blessed to have you in my life. Mark ….you are so kind, supportive and you love this girl….you also have the best smile I’ve ever seen. I wish you two the happiest life together and can’t wait to spend more time with you guys! I hope you have the most amazing honeymoon and have a pint for me!
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