Love, Laughter, and Heat: Stephanie & Steve’s Wedding

Stephanie & Steve in a loving kiss

How we met

I first met Stephanie and Steve at the Elegant Wedding Magazine Bridal Show last year. The moment they walked in, I noticed them. You couldn’t miss it, two people who were absolutely glowing, not just gorgeous on the outside, but carrying that kind of energy that makes you stop and say, “I need them in front of my camera.”

Sometimes as a photographer, you just know. You can feel it in your gut when a couple’s story is going to be unforgettable. With Stephanie and Steve, that feeling hit me instantly. It was love at the first sight, between the photographer in me, and Stephanie & Steve.

After exchanging information at the show, I did what any curious photographer does these days, I stalked them on social media. And wow… I was hooked.

Their feed wasn’t just pretty pictures; it was life. Pure happiness, laughter in every frame, adventures across the world. From breathtaking landscapes to goofy selfies, it was obvious that these two weren’t just in love, they were partners in crime, explorers, travelers, best friends.

As a photographer, that’s the dream. You want to capture couples who radiate joy in their everyday life, because you know their wedding day is going to be electric. And Stephanie and Steve? They were exactly that.

Stephanie

The beautiful Stephanie

From the very first moment of the morning, Stephanie’s getting-ready at her house was pure vibe. It was one of those hot summer days where the sun just wouldn’t quit, but instead of letting the heat slow them down, the house turned into a party. Wine was flowing, music was playing, and Stephanie was glowing.

She was surrounded by her mom, her mother-in-law, Steve’s daughter, her bridesmaids, and even her dog, each one adding to the energy of the room. Laughter echoed between sips of wine, mascara touch-ups, and dance breaks. Her makeup artist worked magic, making those bright blue eyes sparkle even more and highlighting her flawless skin.

Then came the gown. The moment she slipped into it, everything changed. She wasn’t just Stephanie anymore, she was the bride. She looked every bit like a queen, radiant, confident, and ready to own the day.

And because Stephanie is Stephanie, she gave us one of the funniest bridal moments I’ve ever captured: in the middle of the heat, she literally climbed into the fridge to cool off. Yes, inside the fridge. That’s how you know you’re photographing a bride who knows how to live the moment.

Stephanie cooling off in the fridge

Steve

Steve and his son, getting ready for the big day

Just 10 minutes away, Steve was writing his own pre-wedding chapter. He wanted to soak in every second of the day, so he kicked things off with a brunch surrounded by his closest friends and family. The clink of champagne glasses and the sparkle of mimosas set the mood, it was clear this was going to be more than just a wedding day, it was going to be a celebration.

You could feel the excitement buzzing around him. Yes, there was a little nervous energy, he couldn’t wait to get to the “I do” moment, but he wasn’t rushing. He was savoring, enjoying, laughing, embracing it all. And right there with him was his young son, walking by his side through every moment, adding an extra layer of meaning to the day.

Then it was time for the guys to suit up. And let me tell you, these boys knew how to do it right. Sharp suits, big smiles, a little bit of mischief in the air… they managed to look like a GQ spread while still having the best time. The stage was officially set for what was about to become an unforgettable day.

The Ceremony

Boy, was it a hot day. The kind of heat that makes you question why you wore a suit at all. But none of that mattered once the ceremony began. All eyes were on Steve, and you could feel his anticipation. He couldn’t wait to see his future wife walk down that aisle.

And then… there she was. Stephanie. Radiant. Glowing. Absolutely stunning. The moment Steve laid eyes on her, it was over, his emotions got the best of him. You could see it in his face, in his smile, in the tears he tried to hold back. It was one of those moments where time stops.

The ceremony itself was short and sweet, but it was packed with everything that matters. Laughter, heartfelt words, a few tears, and pure joy radiating from everyone present.

And that first kiss? Let’s just say the summer heat had nothing on them. If the day wasn’t already hot enough, Stephanie and Steve’s kiss turned up the temperature. It was that hot.

Steve and Stephanie Ceremony

Stephanie & Steve Kissing in front of their guests

Stephanie & Steve

If I thought the ceremony was emotional, the couple’s session took things to a whole new level. Honestly, I barely had to do any posing, Stephanie and Steve just were. Natural. Effortless. Completely lost in each other.

From the second we started, it was obvious: these two couldn’t keep their hands off one another. And the kissing? Non-stop. It wasn’t forced, it wasn’t staged, it was pure passion spilling out into every frame.

As a photographer, this is the dream. You don’t need to manufacture anything because the story writes itself. Every embrace, every laugh, every look was cinematic perfection. Stephanie and Steve weren’t just posing for photos, they were living their love story, and I had the privilege of capturing it.

The Reception

The reception kicked off with a vibrant, high-energy entrance that set the tone for the night. Stephanie and Steve came in like royalty, and the room lit up with cheers and applause.

Once the music softened, it was time for the speeches, and wow, were they powerful. Parents, siblings, and close friends all took the mic, delivering words that brought the room through waves of emotion. There were tears of love and pride, and just as quickly, bursts of laughter that reminded everyone exactly why we were celebrating this couple.

The dances followed, first, the touching father/daughter moment, then the emotional mother/son dance. Each was beautiful in its own way, but nothing compared to the highlight: Stephanie and Steve’s first dance as husband and wife. It wasn’t just a dance, it was a story, a slow, romantic chapter in a day filled with energy. Everyone in the room was captivated.

And then… the switch flipped. The DJ dropped the beat, and suddenly the entire room erupted. The dance floor roared to life, and it turned into a party that nobody wanted to end. Even I stayed an extra hour. It was that good.

Stephanie & Steve first dance

Final Thoughts

When I think back to meeting Stephanie and Steve for the first time at the Elegant Wedding Magazine Bridal Show, I remember that instant spark. Something told me their story was going to be special. And after seeing them on social media—traveling, laughing, living life to the fullest—I knew their wedding day would be nothing short of unforgettable.

I was right.

From the laughter and love during the morning prep, to the emotional ceremony, to the passion during their couple’s session, and finally, the roar of the dance floor at the reception—Stephanie and Steve gave us a wedding that was pure magic from start to finish.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible team of vendors who helped bring their vision to life. From the hair and makeup artists who made Stephanie shine, to the florist who filled the day with beauty, to the planner who kept everything seamless—the list of talent goes on. The catering team and hall staff worked tirelessly, and the band and DJ made sure the night ended on the highest note possible. Every one of them contributed to making Stephanie and Steve’s wedding a day to remember.

As a photographer, I live for days like this. Days where love doesn’t just show up, it takes over the room. Stephanie and Steve, thank you for trusting me to capture your story. It was an honor, and I can honestly say…your wedding will be one I’ll never forget.

Please take a moment to show some love to some of the vendors who contributed to this amazing wedding
Venue- Plaza Rive-Sud
Hairstylist- @elyynad
DJ- dj_asma
Planner- @mushuexperience
Make Up- @leanneperron.makeupartist