From Elora to “I Do”


Rachel and Thomas’ wedding felt like the next chapter in a love story I’ve had the honor of witnessing unfold. Just a few months ago, we wandered the streets and cliffsides of Elora for their engagement photos; a day filled with nerves that melted into laughter, adventure, and the kind of easy love that’s effortless to photograph. (You can revisit their Elora engagement session here → Rachel & Tomas's Elora Engagement)


Their September wedding day at Wren House by Stella Co in St. Jacobs, Ontario (just outside of Kitchener-Waterloo) carried that same spirit; elegant, romantic, and full of intimate moments that felt like they belonged only to them.


If you're planning a wedding or engagement session in this area, you can learn more about what it’s like to work together here.

Why I Love Wren House by Stella Co


If you’re looking for a venue in St. Jacobs, Ontario, Wren House by Stella Co is such a dream location for a wedding. It’s bright, versatile, and feels like a little white villa tucked into the countryside.


The upstairs room is perfect for getting ready, the gardens are lush with flowers and stone pathways, and the riverfront adds a completely different backdrop for portraits. The courtyard with its water fountain and large fireplace becomes the heart of the venue; whether that’s for portraits, cocktail hour, or a first dance under the stars.


As a photographer, I love how every corner of this space offers something unique, while still feeling cohesive and intimate.


Love this venue? Let’s talk about your date there!

A Morning of Anticipation


Rachel spent the morning getting ready in the bright upstairs room at Wren House. It’s such a beautiful space; full of mirrors, little corners for details, and a balcony that looks over the courtyard. She was surrounded by her bridesmaids, with calla lily and baby’s breath bouquets they had made together resting nearby.


One of the most touching parts of the morning was when Rachel shared some quiet moments with her mom before everything began. Meanwhile, Thomas and the guys were out on the patio getting their flowers on and killing some time with a game of mini putt in the gardens. It was lighthearted, fun, and a perfect balance to the nerves building upstairs.


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A Garden Ceremony


Their ceremony took place in the gardens, which were stunning in September. The trees were starting to shift, the flowers were full, and the space felt intimate with friends and family gathered close.


A family friend officiated their ceremony, having traveled all the way from BC and even re-licensed in Ontario just to marry them, how special is that? Rachel’s Maid of Honour read a beautiful piece, and Rachel and Thomas surprised their moms with roses during the ceremony, which brought plenty of happy tears.


Their vows to each other were heartfelt and personal. It was one of those ceremonies where you could feel the emotion ripple through everyone present.

Garden wedding ceremony in front of a charming white chapel with spring blossoms at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Bridesmaids in mint green dresses looking at the bride and groom during ceremony at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Bride smiles up at her groom during their garden ceremony surrounded by greenery at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Bride and groom and wedding party stand in front of guests in the gardens surrounded by trees at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groom sits casually on stone steps showing off his colorful socks in the garden at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groom in classic black tuxedo poses on brick steps in garden setting at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Two groomsmen in formal attire pose casually in garden setting at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos strike playful poses in garden setting at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Two groomsmen in black suits stand together on lawn with stone wall backdrop at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groomsmen share drinks and laughter during outdoor wedding photoshoot at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos pose together in a garden setting with white hydrangeas and rocks at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Wedding party members in formal attire playfully pose in a landscaped garden setting at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groomsmen share a candid moment while standing on grass with decorative rocks and flowers at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Wedding party members strike fun poses in a garden landscape with hydrangeas and stone features at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groomsmen in matching black tuxedos stand together on grass with a landscaped garden backdrop at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groomsmen in black suits strike playful poses on grass with decorative garden rocks behind them at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groom and his groomsmen pose with their wedding party gifts in the garden at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Wedding party arranged in casual poses against a natural stone wall and garden backdrop at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Groomsmen surround the groom and congratulate him in the gardens at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.

Riverfront Portraits At The wren house


After family and wedding party photos, we made our way down the path to the riverfront for portraits of just the two of them along the grand river. This space at Wren House is private and tucked away, and it honestly feels like a whole different venue. The mature trees and calm water made it such a peaceful spot, the perfect chance for them to soak in the fact that they were finally married.


These are some of my favorite photos from the day, because it was just the two of them, being themselves, away from the noise.

Bride's long lace train trails beautifully across green grass during outdoor wedding portraits at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Small chape creates romantic backdrop for wedding couple portraits in garden setting at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Bride and groom embrace in doorway of a little chapel surrounded by greenery at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Bride and groom snuggle into each other in the small chapel building surrounded by greenery at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Elegant little chapel frames romantic wedding portraits in garden setting at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
A couple shares a romantic moment in front of a stone church entrance surrounded by lush greenery at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Bride and groom embrace in a white church doorway with stone foundation and flowering plants at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
A bride playfully spins in her dress underneath a tree canopy on the riverbank of the grand river at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
A bride with a flowing white wedding dress twirls under tree branches at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
A couple shares an intimate moment by a river with trees and a bridge in the background at The Wren House in St. Jacobs, Ontario.

A Candlelit Reception at the wren house


Dinner was held outside under the pergola, with long wood tables lined with greenery, candles, and gold accents. It was elegant but also warm and inviting.


The speeches were some of the best; hilarious, heartfelt, and full of personal stories that had everyone laughing and tearing up in turn. Later in the evening, we snuck away to the courtyard fountain for a few evening portraits before heading back to the party.


Their first dance took place in front of the fireplace, surrounded by all their friends and family. It was such a romantic setting, and the parent dances that followed made it even more special.


Once the formalities were done, the party moved inside where the energy went up a notch; glowing wands, loud music, and a packed dance floor. It was the perfect way to end the night.

Their Story Continues


From their Engagement Session in Elora to their elegant September Wedding in St. Jacobs, Ontario, Rachel and Thomas’ love story has been such a joy to document. Their wedding at Wren House by Stella Co was filled with laughter, tears, and so many unforgettable moments, and it couldn’t have been more true to who they are.


If you’re planning your own wedding and searching for the perfect venue, I can’t recommend Wren House enough.

I also photograph weddings in areas like Kitchener, Guelph, and Hamilton.


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Wedding rings photographed with dramatic lighting and shadows creating an artistic composition.