Okay. I shoot a lot of weddings in the vineyards and wineries of Niagara, but this one really had something special. Southbrook Vineyards is an immaculately designed establishment. A low wide building with a dramatic periwinkle wall reaching out like an arm across the land, a sleek blending of warm wood and glass, barrels of exquisite wine stacked and temperature-regulated and displayed in floor-to-ceiling glass cases, rows of vintage bottles set into the walls like artwork. And then, beyond the structure of the place, a bio-dynamic farm, growing wine-grapes while raising sheep to tend to them. And the 2006 Chardonnay–a truly perfect wine….but back to the wedding.

It was a small group of only Laura & Dave’s closest people, few enough that they would be able to really visit with everyone. After a brief ceremony, the day quickly became all about enjoying tasty treats and the company of one another, and of course, the wine. But this was also the first wedding that Southbrook had ever hosted, so Laura & Dave were quite willing to take the time to make photos that would truly mark the occasion.

I love that Laura & Dave picked this place for their wedding–it speaks volumes about them and what they value: fine food, good wine, intimate relationships, clean living. They hired a chef from St. Catherines, Eric Peacock, to cook a delectable meal made up of local seasonal dishes: poached tomatoes with goat feta and arugula, strip loin with whipped potatoes and heritage purple and red carrots, chocolate truffle cake with Niagara cherries—every course paired with wine. Yummmmmm. Is it obvious I have a food fetish?

It was a simply delectable dinner. A perfectly chosen place. A distinctly sweet celebration.