Alan Dickson Photography

With all the weddings we photograph, there is always a different story in how each couple met.  This one has a nice local flavour to it, very 'rural Thunder Bay.' In earlier days, Sara volunteered at the Oliver-Paipoonge Fire Station. Sometime later, Carl began to volunteer as well, and they seemed to hit it off. Before long they were an item but both still had to finish their schooling. Sara was taking her Masters (and later her PhD), while Carl was working on his Policing. Once that was finished, they were free and clear to get married! They are both from the Stanley area, so country is in their blood and had to be in their photos as well! After the ceremony, we were in for a treat and we all headed over to the Stanley Hotel to have a bite to eat. While living in Thunder Bay all my life, I had never been to the Stanley - not for River Rafting nor for one of their Famous Stanley Burgers - I didn't know what I was missing! Their food is awesome! 3 cheers for their great cooks!!











Seeing that they both volunteered at the Oliver-Paipoonge Fire Station, they decided to have some shots of a pumper truck along with the wedding gang outside of the hotel. And since they frequented the hotel a fair bit during their courtship, why not include the Stanley in a few shots? This wedding was a lot of fun and we had a blast going from spot to spot capturing the history and personality of this couple.





    



Next the special spot where Sara & Carl had their first kiss. The Harstone Bridge is just down the road from the Stanley Hotel, and spans the Kam River. The bridge is very old and has lots of character, making it a great backdrop for our photos. We then finished our day off at the Valhalla Inn. Once again the Valente DJ services were in fine form, getting everybody up dancing to their heart's content. What a day it was, fresh country air, lots of sunshine and a couple happily in love.















Sara & Carl -thank you for choosing me to be a part of your big day and entrusting me in capturing some of the most memorable moments of your lives. Congrats once again!

July 9,2010 was a special day for Courtney & Jason and also for me. It was 30 years ago that I shot my first wedding. It was July 1980 at Friendship Gardens. It too was a beautiful day, just like Courtney & Jason's, but these two had an old car that gave it that nostalgic look. When we sat down to discuss the details of the day, they both wanted to go to Friendship Gardens for their photos. I asked them what was special about the park. They said that they like going for walks with their dog and spending time enjoying the beauty. We had done their engagement session a few weeks before, but when it was time for the wedding photos they added a nice old car to the mix to create a look of classic style, not to mention Courtney's stunning wedding gown and Jason's GQ Tux.  Every park or location that we go to is something special for the couple and we try to make it even more special by adding our own mix of fun and excitement. One unexpected visit we had was from a family of ducks! As we photographed Jason and Courtney, they had their own audience of little duckings! Whatever location we decide to go to  I like to cover different spots to photograph in, as in this park we hit 10 different areas to photograph giving the couple a variety to choose from. Their wedding party were all young,  eager and just a great complement to our beautiful couple. After the park we headed off to the Valhalla Inn for the rest of the evening. Frank Valente had the tunes a-pumpin' and the dancing never stopped. He is one DJ that knows how to get the party moving. Here are some highlights:

























This was a wonderful day with a beautiful couple to photograph. Congrats to both Courtney & Jason!

Well what can I say about Sarah & Eli's wedding?  July 3rd - one of the hottest Saturdays so far. Both are from rural Thunder Bay, both well educated, both Country kids at heart. The ceremony & reception were at the Nor'Wester Hotel and both planned a great location for their after ceremony photos. Seeing that they live in Victoria B.C., we didn't get a chance to do their engagement photos in which I learn a bit more of what they like. But have no fear - Eli knew exactly what was in store! They both knew where we were to go for the photos and Sarah had some ideas of her own. The day had spontaneous moments where we would just pull off the road, jump out and shoot a bunch of images.









Let me tell you what happened after the ceremony: The couple had rented a full-sized school bus to haul the family, wedding party and me to the the desired locations. While we arrived at Eli's parents house in the Highway 130 area, Eli was directing the bus driver to go around the barn to pull up against the house.  As the bus rounded the corner I saw an old truck in the distance - bingo! There is my first shot and as we kept moving, I saw an huge open field, and that gave me ideas for my second shot. 2 unexpected shots waiting to happen and more to go! The excitement was building!











We first took some family photos, then off to the open field and then the truck. I am always keeping my eyes open for opportunities that would make a great shot. Eli had our next location down as we pulled into a yard with a nice country house, some rustic out buildings and a barn that they decided on. We talked to the owner briefly and told him what we were hoping to do, he suggested don't go to far around the corner of the barn - a bee hive was in full force, so caution to all of us. We got to work creating images that are one of a kind for this couple. We were all thankful for the little breeze, as it was very hot. There was so much to shoot as the possibilities were endless. Some guys - some girls - some wedding party and mostly our couple. Each setting like this has its own look and this barn/farm setting had a very classic look to it. (This was very different from our previous barn wedding with Susan & Chris. Different barn/ different couple. The style changes with each couple. There is one thing I tell my couples about wedding photography. It's your day let's make it about you.) Most of the couples this year have suggested the locations they want to go to, it's my job to bring out the best in those locations. You won't find another couple at this spot - this is special for Sarah & Eli. These are very exciting times we  as photographers are in. Masterpieces are all around us, we just need be creative & capture them. When we left the barn to go to the reception, the elderly couple remarked " I really don't see what you like about our barn" I just chuckled to myself, if you only knew!













Sarah & Eli, your  wedding day was one of a kind. Your ceremony was beautiful with guests throwing rose petals at you as you walked down the isle to the unexpected photos taken along the way. Thanks for your ideas and your smiles. You are a very Classy Couple!

As you can see we are on a wedding blog roll and it isn't about to end any time soon! On the day of June 26,2010, Laura & Steve tied the knot in the garden of the Airlane hotel. The weather was fabulous with beautiful blue skies and no rain. We started the day off at Steve's parents home where Steve grew up. The guys were in fine form and as the day continued the craziness of Matt, Paul & Joe nearly got out of control! Laura's smile was just beaming as she walked up the isle, where Steve took her from dad's arm's into his. Throughout the day we photographed in 3 different locations all of which we discussed prior to the wedding. The Trucks were a part of the picture taking as they are special to some of the guys. The style of photography that Laura & Steve were looking for was a bit on the rustic side, along with some classic park shots, a little bit of romance as well as some not-so-planned-but-very-welcomed laughter. The guys kept the girls entertained while we were busy capturing some beautiful images of Laura & Steve. Waverly Park is one of Thunder Bay's nicest park to photograph in. It has some very tall trees - great for shade as well as texture, plus a great walking path. Laura liked the ruggedness of PACI , which gave us some different images to choose from. Even though I have photographed at Waverly,Hillcrest & PACI several times, I strive to capture something different for each couple. Here are some of my faves:





























Laura & Steve your day was a wonderful one, with your crazy wedding party keeping us all laughing and your smiles that just didn't want to stop. You both are a great couple, congrats on the most memorable day of your lives. Alan

If you are looking for the real Barn wedding, then Susan & Chris' wedding had what it takes! This is a wedding that says country,country, country! When Susan & Chris approached us about their wedding ideas  a year ago, I was thrilled with what they had planned for their big day. The ceremony and reception were to be held at the Groenheide Farm in South Gillies. To be married in the field is one thing, but to have the Barn Dance in a Real Barn that would be filled with straw & hay in a few days is another. We were all concerned about how the weather was going to turn out as the ceremony was being held in an open field, but fortunately God allowed the clouds to stay still while Susan and Chris said their vows amongst family & friends. Let's back up and I'll tell you how it all unfolds.





    



In the early part of this year, Susan & Chris booked their 2 hour engagement shoot (Check out Susan & Chris: Urban Nature in a previous blog.) We went to a variety of spots around Thunder Bay that appealed to them both, which gave us a chance to get to know each other better. A few days before the wedding, we talked about how the day was to unfold and what said 'them.' Chris had expressed his desire that photos be done at the same place that they were engaged - an abandoned house and barn in the Hymers area. This was their spot for the photos to be done. They basically left it up to me to create what I wanted and how to fit my vision with their ideas.



    



The girls dresses were beautiful bright yellow and the guys had vests and hand picked belt buckles. And let's not forget to mention they all wore cowboy boots - yee haw!











We spent about 2hrs shooting in a variety of spots, all of which they loved and enjoyed. We did all the wedding photos before the ceremony (which is a big trend in the States), that way after the ceremony the guests could spend some time in the barn, having apps and drinks, while we did a few family photos. I must say that couples are becoming more involved in their photography then ever before and I am thrilled with their choices. It allows me to be more creative as the locations that couples choose are what they like and what says 'them.' If the location has a special meaning for the couple, then they are going shine in every way. Here is an inside peek of Susan & Chris's big day:





    







Susan and Chris, your wedding was amazing, your choices superb and individual! Congrats to both of you! Alan

Wow, this year's weddings have taken off with a surge of excitement. From the 1st Saturday in May till the end of September we will be shooting non-stop! Every weekend is booked for those special couples, and one of those couples is Kendra & Jason. June 12 was the day Kendra & Jason have been waiting for and what a day it was! I have photographed Kendra several times. From her nursing photos, to promotional shots for the TBDRHSC, from family portraits to the engagement session. Originally, Jason was not as eager as Kendra to be photographed, so that's where the engagement session came into play. All weddings we photograph have an engagement session included. It allows the couple and myself the time to get to know each other better, and see what makes them tick. After meeting with them both briefly , we went out around the town and shot for 2 hours. They both loved how they looked in the shots and at that point Jason felt more comfortable in front of the camera. Now they couldn't wait for the big day to arrive! As we have had an overcast and wet June, Kendra & Jason were hoping for the perfect day - and they got it. No rain, some sun, some clouds. When I walked into the room at the Nor'Wester Hotel and saw the dress hanging against a wall of beautiful glass, the magic began to happen. Images came rushing into my head and I knew at that point we were in  for something special. Kendra looked stunning in her Wedding Gown and she beamed as we began to capture her beauty. All the bridesmaids were fun to be with and had their own moments of laughter.





The church was set for Wesley United and as Kendra stepped out of the car the sun came out and the smiles just got bigger!







Kendra had some ideas of what to do after the ceremony. She had thoughts of downtown, water, rustic old fences and romance. They both wanted to go to the old bank on Victoria Ave, so while on our way a spontaneous little dance at the intersection made them all get into that party mood. I had scouted out a few other spots to go to, days before the wedding as I want to be efficient with the time we had and to keep the flow going. So 'downtown 'is checked off her wish list and onto location 2.









I decided on the Kaministiqua Park off Syndicate Ave. for the next locale. It was a playful time, with hugs, kisses, dips, and a simple stroll on the boardwalk. The wedding party were adding to the mix of laughter and fun and it didn't want to end. This area has a lot of textures and views to consider. Creativity comes quickly when engaging the couple and seeing them play and being sooo in love! It was an awesome time. Words can't describe it, so the images you see will give you an idea.













Onto location #3. As we were headed for the reception, a nice spot at the side of the road make for the portrait/fashion/romance part of the mix. It was a nice time getting more romantic shots amidst the red pines and  old fence and off to the reception we went. It was a full day, but we all didn't want it end.





    





The reception at White Water was great, lots of fun in a beautiful venue.







Kendra & Jason, you are a lovely couple. Thank you for allowing me to capture the most important day of your lives. May you treasure these images forever. Alan

When I sat down with Alan to view Therese and Neil's images for the blog, what struck me immediately was the abundance of texture. When I asked him about it, he said that both Therese and Neil are Geologists, and of course, it all made sense after that! It was the interplay of texture, fabric, patterns and elements that caught my eye, and it is evident in almost every image, from the simply-cut but beautifully detailed wedding dress hanging out on a clothesline to the one-of-a-kind bridesmaids dresses, from the cowboy hats and cigars to the woven parasols, every shot here smacks of texture and pattern and contrasting elements. Even the conservatory was used to its best, as the day was as wet as they come, and if you look very carefully, you can notice raindrops leaking through the roof, splashing the normally-arid cactus room with beads of water! Everything about this wedding said 'Therese and Neil' - not one detail was overlooked, and it all worked together to create a very personal, delightful wedding. The wedding planners, Dorothy, Jen and Nadine from 'A Dash of Love' Events, went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly on this important day. (Two thumbs up, ladies!)

Therese did not stop smiling the entire day (honestly, this woman smiles just like Anne Hathaway!), and the laughter was contagious, even to the point of a spontaneous toss of Neil's hat in the air right after the ceremony! And we can't forget the cake - specially made just for them, no one else will ever have another cake like it in the history of wedding cakes or Geology! These are some examples of remarkable textures, patterns and details:





    









    



So, hats off (literally and figuratively!) to Therese and Neil. May your married life together be like its first day - fascinating, elemental, original and of course, solid as a Rock!

As they say in the Real Estate business, 'Location, Location, Location!' For Heather and Paul, the unexpected turn in the weather didn't put a damper on their plans for a tent wedding and if anything, it enhanced it. Paul's family is from England (Liverpool, actually - Go Fab Four!) and so they felt right at home in the damp weather, and no one was about to let a few raindrops stop the magic. The ceremony was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, which just glows with beauty and architectural style, no matter what the weather is like outside, and the stained glass is second to none in the city. It is a classy church which Alan enjoys shooting in very much, and when the flower girl took a random walk across the aisle, even Fr. Pat had to smile!





    

The next venue was the White Fox and the grounds looked stunning after the summer rain. Both Heather and Paul have a West-Coast chic style, and Paul was totally working his 'Michael Buble' groove with the pocket watches and waistcoats! Heather was the epitome of grace and her 'joi de vivre' radiated in every shot. The wedding party themselves were a blast and the guys were true gentlemen when the weather grew cool, and they gave the ladies their coats. The rain just gave everything a lush, organic feel, which totally worked with this wedding, emphasizing the moody, chic West-Coast style that characterized the entire day.









    

    



Even the tent worked its magic as there were more guests than the Inn itself could comfortably hold, and the White Fox staff went above and beyond to make sure the weather stayed outside! It is a perfect location to meld indoors and out, and the tent added a casual touch to an elegant day.





Hats off to Heather and Paul for being such a great and gracious couple to work with, and for making a cloudy day alive with warmth, style and beauty!

If there is one trend that I'm noticing with the crop of this year's brides is a return to Romance!'Pretty' is back in a big way - pretty, classy, fresh and romantic all rolled into one, and Stacey and Jared's wedding is a perfect example. The sunshine was captured in the bridesmaids dresses and in the sprays of Gerber and Shasta daisies that made up the bouquets. And the guys are not forgotten in all this romance - oh no! Jared is an avid fisherman, and he and Stacey were often found angling for a pickerel or two during their courtship. In fact, he showed his own romantic heart by hiding the ring in a tackle box when he decided to propose! So, Alan chose McVicar's Creek as a perfect backdrop for both 'pretty' and 'pickerel' - and some of the images are truly delightful. Take a peek:

      



      







Best of luck to you both, Jared and Stacey! Hope your future fishing endeavours will be as successful as your wedding day!

A lovely day, a lovely couple, some lovely venues - what more could a photographer ask for? Anita and David are a classy couple who wanted their wedding day to reflect a style of casual class and effortless elegance, from pearls to champagne to the White Fox Inn, and Alan was happy to oblige. But there was little that was 'traditional' about the day, as the ceremony was being held at the White Fox later in the day, allowing for a full afternoon of pre-marriage shooting (very big in larger cities) all around Port Arthur, with specific spots in mind. Anita has fond memories of the PUC building, where her mom worked for many years when she was growing up, and the Marina was also a desired locale, despite it's current construction zone! These two are so obviously in love - there was hardly an image where either Anita or David wasn't smiling at the other, and they were always hand in hand - soooo romantic! Take a look at some of these images:



   











Lovely images of a couple so much in love! Thanks Anita and David for sharing your love for each other (and for Thunder Bay!) with us!