Wedding Vendors

Venue: The Kincardine Beach Pavilion
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero from Becker's Bridal
Makeup & Hair: Courtney of Hair Connection
Suit: Indochino
Ceremony & Wedding Portraits: Kincardine Rock Garden
Flowers: Everlastings Flowers
Decor: NJS Designs
DJ: Dave Barnes from Parkside Drive
Photographers: Diego and Liza Photography

A Lake Huron Wedding with Historic Charm

Right on the shores of Lake Huron, tucked in Bruce County, sits the charming town of Kincardine — a place known for its sandy beaches, clear blue water, and warm small-town energy. While Kincardine was officially founded back in 1848, it didn’t hit our radar until this summer, when we were invited to photograph Carolyn and Leo’s wedding. And wow — what a hidden gem. Carolyn grew up spending summers here, just minutes from the historic downtown and close to her family’s cottage. One place that holds a special spot in her heart (and her family’s) is the Kincardine Beach Pavilion. Her parents would tell stories of the dances they used to go there as a young couple — back when the Pavilion was known for having one of the best dance floors on all of Lake Huron.
So when it came time to plan their day, choosing the Kincardine Beach Pavilion as their wedding venue wasn’t just about the location. It was about memories, legacy, and celebrating where it all began — the perfect place for a romantic beach wedding with roots.

Getting Ready at the Family Cottage in Kincardine

We usually start counting down the days once we’re about a month out from a wedding — but with Carolyn and Leo? The countdown started the moment they told us about their plans. A beachside wedding in Kincardine. Getting ready at their family cottages. And celebrating at the historic Pavilion Dance Hall? We were all in from day one. On the morning of the wedding, we made the three-hour drive from Toronto to Kincardine and were instantly greeted by the calm, coastal vibe that makes this small town so special. Carolyn and Leo each got ready at separate cottages just a few doors down from each other, both overlooking Lake Huron.

When we arrived, Leo was laser-focused on his laptop, putting the final touches on some wedding details while his groomsmen trickled in. With a little extra time before getting suited up, one of the guys even took a quick dip in the lake — a perk of cottage weddings that you just don’t get anywhere else. Meanwhile, the energy at the ladies’ cottage was already buzzing. Hair was done, makeup nearly finished, and the champagne was flowing. With Carolyn’s wedding dress and pearls ready and waiting, there was nothing left to do but relax, share stories, and laugh — a lot.

But before heading to the ceremony at the Kincardine Rock Garden, there was one moment we couldn’t wait to capture. Carolyn didn’t want a first look, but she did want a moment to say hello and hold Leo’s hand — without actually seeing each other. With Leo just down the beach, we orchestrated the perfect plan. Blindfolded, he was walked to Carolyn’s family cottage, where we were met by the most adorable grooms-pup in a blue bow tie. (Yes, please let every wedding include a pup in a bow tie.)
A few moments later, Carolyn — also blindfolded — was guided by her sister and bridesmaids to meet Leo. We placed them back-to-back on the beach, and when the blindfolds came off, they shared a quiet moment holding hands, laughing, and grounding each other before the big walk down the aisle. Naturally, their pup joined in too — curling up right on the train of Carolyn’s dress like it was made for him. 🐾

As Leo headed off to the ceremony site, Carolyn had one last surprise waiting for her: a pink vintage Ford Fairlane, gifted by her parents to take her to the Kincardine Rock Garden. Her reaction when she saw it? Pure joy. The perfect final touch before saying “I do.”

Wedding Ceremony at the Kincardine Rock Garden

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding ceremony in Kincardine, the Rock Garden is about as magical as it gets. Nestled right beside the historic Pavilion and overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Huron, this spot is a total-hidden gem. Think manicured gardens bursting with colour, a stone pathway winding through the florals, and the sound of the lake just behind you — it’s a postcard come to life.

For Carolyn and Leo, this place wasn’t just beautiful — it was meaningful. Guests were seated in a circular formation, creating an intimate space where the couple could be truly surrounded by their favourite people as they exchanged vows. Carolyn appeared at the top of the garden path with her parents, and Leo was waiting there with a smile that said it all. Arm in arm, they made their way through the garden, soaking in the love from every direction. You could see it on their faces — this moment was everything.

The weather delivered big time — sun peeking through the clouds just enough to highlight the vibrant garden colours and shimmer across Lake Huron behind them. It was warm (okay, maybe a bit hot), but the glow it cast over the ceremony made everything feel even more ethereal. The ceremony included a few heartfelt touches that made it all the more personal. There were readings from family and friends, and a beautiful wine unity ritual shared with their parents — a symbolic blending of families and traditions.

And yes, even the bees wanted in on the celebration. A few buzzed around, likely drawn in by the flowers (or maybe just the good vibes). But nothing could throw off the energy of that moment. The joy was too big, the love too strong.
(Also… if you spot a few bees in the ceremony photos, consider it a bonus “Where’s Waldo?” moment 🐝)

Wedding Portraits at the Kincardine Rock Garden and Beach

After the ceremony wrapped up and guests headed into the Kincardine Beach Pavilion to cool off with some well-deserved refreshments, it was time for one of our favourite parts of the day — couple portraits!

But first, a little pit stop at the lake. The bridesmaids, heels off and dresses hiked up, made a beeline for the water. There’s something so honest and joyful about moments like that — laughing barefoot in the waves, cooling off after the emotion and excitement of the ceremony. It was spontaneous, refreshing, and so them. With everyone recharged, we dove into portraits with Carolyn and Leo at the Rock Garden — and wow, did they bring it. The way the sunlight poured over the garden, casting soft rays across the greenery and flowers, gave us the most beautiful golden glow. These two were total naturals in front of the camera — relaxed, in love, and so present in the moment.

We captured everything from wide scenic shots to intimate close-ups, making the most of the incredible garden setting before heading down to the shoreline for a few beachy frames. It was the perfect blend of elegance and laid-back fun — just like Carolyn and Leo. As much as we could’ve stayed out there with them chasing light and soaking in the view, the reception was calling (and sunset portraits still to come). So we made our way into the Pavilion, ready for the next chapter of this unforgettable Kincardine wedding day.

Reception at the Kincardine Beach Pavilion

As the sun dipped lower over Lake Huron, the celebration moved indoors — and what a space it was. The Kincardine Beach Pavilion glowed from the inside out, transformed by Carolyn’s impeccable eye for design and Leo’s hands-on craftsmanship. The warm wood interior, flickering candlelight, and strings of bistro lights created the kind of cozy, romantic vibe that every couple dreams of.

From the moment guests entered, the energy was joyful and personal. There were heartfelt speeches that had everyone laughing (and maybe tearing up a little), hilarious games with funky little prizes, and an elegant Viennese waltz for Carolyn and Leo’s first dance that brought the entire room to a standstill. Every single detail reflected their personalities — fun, thoughtful, and full of heart.

As golden hour arrived, we stepped away for sunset portraits at the nearby Kincardine Harbour and the iconic Kincardine Lighthouse. It was the perfect moment — just the two of them, a soft breeze, and the sound of a bagpiper playing from the lighthouse as the sun sank into the horizon. It doesn’t get more magical than that… well, minus one tiny hiccup when a stray fishhook caught Carolyn’s foot (don’t worry — she handled it like a champ, laughing the whole way through).
Sipping from their custom His and Hers flasks and soaking in the last light of the day, Carolyn and Leo wrapped up their wedding exactly how they started it — side by side, smiling, and totally in sync.

To Carolyn and Leo: thank you for sharing your incredible day with us. We felt the love from start to finish, and we’ll never forget the warmth, generosity, and full-on joy that surrounded your wedding. The old Kincardine motto says, “Where You’re A Stranger Only Once,” and from the very first moment, that couldn’t have felt more true.