Alan Dickson Photography

"And at last I see the light, and it's like the fog has lifted. And at last I see the light and it's like the sky is new. And it's warm and real and bright and the world has somehow shifted. All at once, everything looks different, now that I see you." Alan Menken, Tangled

Sand, surf, big water, white dress and blue sky - sounds like the perfect destination wedding, doesn't it? Well, for a romantic couple from Dorion, Thunder Bay was their choice destination! Alex and TJ had a plan that involved the very best of our 'Superior by Nature' side and the clouds didn't dare show their faces at all! The entire day was spent at Chippewa, which both Alan and I were pumped for, since we scoped out locations for Martha and John's family photos last fall (Check out that blog HERE). We just knew that this place was a treasure trove of locations, from easy breezy beach stuff to deep North Western Ontario forests to log cabins by the lake. The morning started off  in one of the cabins, with their two children participating, and the ceremony took place by the beach, with a pair of white doves being released at the perfect moment.

The wedding party was totally into the fun and the great style. The guys pulled off a look that just said 'Bogart' and the girls looked so sweet in their graduated yellow summer frocks , parasols and yellow wellies! The colours of yellow, blue and white is a classic summer/beach combination (think Martha Stewart) and it hit the mark on this wonderful hot day.

Alex had definite plans of shots she wanted, and TJ was thrilled to watch his bride channel actress Scarlett Johansson in her theatrical debut! These two are so much in love and they wanted their wedding photography to reflect that. Alex was game for anything Alan would throw at her, and the fashion side of wedding photography came to the foreground for a few hours. TJ is an easy-going 'Owen Wilson' kind of guy, and he was happy to play off Alex's dramatic flair. There are some stunning images here, making one wonder what is all the fuss with Punta Cana?!! (Well, sort of...)

And the evening was perfect, with a catered reception at the Great Hall. Alex's dad brought steaks in from Calgary and the whole gang had a barbeque fit for royalty. The sun cast glorious golden light across the water and to top it all off, all the guests released Chinese lanterns into the sky and sunset, just like in the movie 'Tangled'.

This wedding was truly one of a kind, and my hat goes off to Alex and TJ for making it so beautiful. You took the very best that our region has to offer and gave it a fairy-tale quality. Just like all those stories, may you both live happily ever after!

• Beautiful

  Posted By Dale Stenlund on 8/3/2011 10:33:29 AM

  ABSOLUTLY BEAUTIFUL PICTURES. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE ONES YOU TAKE FOR MY SON AND HIS FIANCE'S WEDDING.

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• I wish I could have been there!

  Posted By Colleen Rose on 8/3/2011 10:33:29 AM

  It was so hard to be so far away on the day of my nephew's wedding to such a wonderful girl. I wondered so often that day what everyone was doing and how everything looked... I'm so glad I've been able to see these beautiful pictures, because they made me feel that much closer to experiencing what I missed. Once I saw the first photos, I was touched by the details and colours captured... but as I kept looking at each photo I began to start to 'feel' their special day. By the last photos I had a tear in my eye as I proudly saw my nephew begin a new stage of his life. Congratulations on capturing such lovely memories!

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• LOVE the Atkinson Pics

  Posted By rachel on 8/3/2011 10:33:29 AM

  you guys sure did an amazing job with the pictures!! Alex is the most beautiful bride i have ever seen! ans Tj sure looked handsome as well!! Ben & Beau are as cute as ever! great Pics!!LOVE THEM ALL!!!

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• Congrats!

  Posted By Kelsey on 8/3/2011 10:33:29 AM

  Congratulations to you both! You look beautiful Alix!

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• Congrats!

  Posted By Kelsey on 8/3/2011 10:33:29 AM

  Congratulations to you both! You look beautiful Alix! The picture of you lying in the medow is stunning

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• Congratulations!

  Posted By Emily on 8/3/2011 10:33:29 AM

  Congratulations guys! Beautiful shots!

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• Alex & Tj Atkinson

  Posted By Rachel on 8/3/2011 9:29:26 AM

  LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE all the pictures of Alex, Tj & the boys!!! that was a beautiful wedding and you sure captured iT!! great job!

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• Alex & Tj

  Posted By Carole on 8/3/2011 11:37:34 AM

  Wonderful pic's. This beautiful day was god's gift to you. Not to mention you both looked great.

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• gorgeous

  Posted By Janine L on 8/3/2011 2:14:25 PM

  Absolutely beautiful photos guys! Im very happy for you and wish you all the best!

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• WOW!

  Posted By Alexandra Atkinson on 8/5/2011 9:15:41 PM

  Alan we are both so impressed with your photography!The images look beautiful! Thank you so much for being a part of our special day!

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• Photos of Alex and TJ Atkinson

  Posted By Reta Atkinson on 8/5/2011 9:15:41 PM

  The photos taken were not only spectacular, but so very personalized. Photos like this will bring many happy memories for them, and their families.

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• A Lovely Couple

  Posted By Alan on 8/9/2011 10:17:32 AM

  Thank you all for your comments. It was one of those weddings I just didn't want it to end.. Thank you Alex & TJ for your inspiration throughout the whole day! You both photograph very well and were game for anything. Thank you for letting me be me and giving me a blank canvas of which to paint beautiful images of everything I saw. Who says you have to go to some island to create awesome destination images. We have it all right here in our own backyard, you just have to open your eyes. Have a wonderful life!

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• Photos Alex And TJ Atkinson

  Posted By Courtney Angeloff on 8/9/2011 10:17:32 AM

  The photos are amazing alex you look beautiful in all of them TJ you looked pretty stunning in your tux, i loved the boots and the guys sunglasses, my favorite one is of ben hanging on the fence post and alex, TJ and Beau sitting as a family i had tears looking at the pictues. LOVE THEM ALL. All the best guys LOVE YOUS

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• TJ and Alex Atkinson wedding

  Posted By Michele(mother of the groom) on 8/15/2011 3:07:09 PM

  What beautiful photos. We will definately be getting some family pics done. I also love the picture of Ben being Ben hanging on the fence post. Alan thanks for capturing such beautiful moments of my 'babys' wedding. Hope you are still taking pictures when and if my daughter decides to get married. See you soon.

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• Alex & TJ wedding

  Posted By Stacey on 8/16/2011 10:12:04 AM

  beautiful wedding guys. alex you were a total babe! tj, you were handsome as well! the boys were both so cute too. cant wait to see you all again!

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