10/18/2026
On Friday, I wrapped up my 2026 wedding season with the Witty wedding and did we ever go out with a bang!
I've gotten to know Samantha over the last five or so years. She's been a bridesmaid in so many of my weddings -- almost like a 27 Dresses ordeal. I told her one year that she had to be "next" soon, and sure enough, she was emailing me with the news that she was recently engaged to Josh. She booked her wedding date with me three years in advance just to make sure I could spend the day with her. And I'm glad she did! I wouldn't have missed it for the world!
The day started at their home with Josh and his crew getting ready. The weather was frigid, but we made the most of the sunshine despite rain being in the forecast. Josh looked impeccable in his mismatched suit and cowboy boots - I think it was one of my favourite groom looks of the year! Despite the loss of his father seven years ago, he kept him close all day, wearing his ashes around his neck and a special shell in his boutonniere.
The ladies got ready at a family home. We ate too much food, attempted to pop some alcoholic beverage that wasn't actually ch*****ne, and sang "Chapel of Love" ferociously to get in the spirit when the rain started just before they were headed to the ceremony. Sam surprised me with a special bracelet as a thank you gift for helping with her wedding process, and I haven't taken off that bracelet since I got home that evening. I may have ugly cried in my car.
The two were married at Crimson Ridge on the first hole. It was cold. Freezing, actually. The temperatures dipped below freezing by the end of the night, and all vehicles were coated in heavy frost. Not exactly the best temperature for an outdoor ceremony, but we donned our wooly coats and made the best of what Mother Nature threw at us.
The wind whipped through the trees during the ceremony, and kept blustering when we ventured around the course on golf carts like we were playing Mario Cart. Even though we were freezing, we had so much fun with the entire wedding party.
After the Witty's zipped off to the hospital to visit a family member, we all settled into The Pavilion for the reception. We all still donned our coats with the heaters blaring, trying to find any warmth. And just when we started to get toasty, I stole the couple away for the quickest golden hour moment on record as the sun peaked in between clouds for all of two minutes during a light rain shower.
We ate delicious food, sipped w**e, and danced the night away. But the highlight of the night was when Sam surprised everyone with a three-song drum solo. Since February, she's been secretly taking drum lessons and wanted to perform for Josh and the entire wedding audience at her wedding. She blew us all away! Never in my 10 years as a wedding photographer, have I ever seen anything like it. The energy was electric and I'm pretty sure Josh fell even more in love with his wife in that moment -- I think we all did, honestly!
Even though it was bitterly cold, the day was perfect. Getting to know Sam has been one of the highlights of my career. I consider her a good friend, a champion supporter, a lover of a life, and a girl after my heart with a wicked sense of humour. And getting to see her have her happily ever after with Josh was the icing on top. This man is smitten and so in love with his bride. He is proud and just in awe of her.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Witty. I love you both!
