Today I wanted to share some of my favourite photos from Sara and Justin’s dream wedding at The White Poplar. From the heartfelt moments shared with their nearest and dearest to the joyous formal portraits filled with laughter and love, this wedding was an absolute dream come true.

getting ready

First things first, let’s talk about the MVPs of the day: their amazing friends and family. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the love and support radiating from everyone involved. They helped with everything from planning and decorating to keeping the energy levels sky high all day long. I mean, who needs a wedding planner when you’ve got a squad like that?

Keeping the getting ready portion of the morning as fun and relaxing as possible is key! Sara and her girls allotted plenty of time for getting ready, even though they were already at the venue.

details

The White Poplar is such a great venue if you want to keep it chill and stay in one place for your whole day. Justin and his groomsmen were able to get ready on the second floor of the bridal house while Sara and her girls got ready on the main floor! They didn’t see each other, it was easy for me to hop back and forth, and the wedding party didn’t need to stress about coordinating travel. It’s one of my favourite things about this wedding venue!

Sara and Justin opted not to do a first look but we decided to make the most of our time before the guests arrived! We took a few individual photos as well as separate wedding party portraits. Having a first look is a personal decision, there is no wrong or right choice! We just work the wedding timeline around how YOU’VE always envisioned your day.

When you choose not to do a first look, it leaves a little less time for formal portraits. Which is totally okay! Opting to do a few separate wedding party portraits (and even family photos) before the ceremony is a good way to make sure you still have lots of time to spend with your guests during cocktail hour!

ceremony

But let’s get to the heart of it all: Sara and Justin themselves. From the moment we connected for their engagement session, I knew we were in for something special. Sara’s warm spirit made me feel like we’d been friends for years, and even Justin, self-proclaimed photo hater, found himself having a good time (or maybe it was just my camera skills 😉). These two are the epitome of relationship goals – kind, welcoming, and full of laughter. Capturing their love story was an absolute honour.

And speaking of dreamy, let’s chat about The White Poplar. Y’all, this venue is the stuff of fairytales. From its picturesque layout to the impeccable service, it’s no wonder it’s one of Winnipeg’s top wedding spots. The owners and staff went above and beyond to bring Sara and Justin’s vision to life, ensuring every detail was perfect. Trust me when I say, they know how to throw a party!

portraits

They radiated pure joy and affection, making my job as their photographer an absolute breeze. Whether they were stealing kisses, sharing inside jokes, or simply basking in each other’s presence, every moment was filled with genuine emotion and laughter.

We started with some classic poses that showcased their timeless elegance and undeniable connection. But you know what? As our time went on, they loosened up and let their personalities shine through. We threw in some fun and playful poses that had us all in stitches – they were up for anything!

But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the love and laughter that filled the air. Sara and Justin’s chemistry was palpable, and you could just feel the love radiating between them.

And let’s not forget about the backdrop – The White Poplar provided the perfect setting for our portraits. With its beautiful pond, lush forested areas, and the gorgeous white reception barn, every shot was picture-perfect!

wedding party

Okay the weather gods were seriously on our side that day! It rained for like 10 minutes tops, before the sun came out just in time for their ceremony! But you know what? Even if it had poured rain, nothing could dampen the joy and love that filled the air.

But here’s the real tea, folks: at the end of the day, it’s not about the weather or the decorations or even the delicious treats. It’s about the people – the ones who show up, lift you up, and make sure you have the time of your life. And let me tell you, Sara and Justin are surrounded by some truly incredible people.

reception

Oh, and let’s not forget about all the adorable little ones running around, adding an extra sprinkle of cuteness and family feels to the day. And don’t even get me started on the AMAZING ice cream bar at The White Poplar – talk about a unique dessert option!

The reception space has such a great flow, the open sides of the building allow your guests to mingle around with ease and stop for chats at the standing tables. Not to mention the “LOVE” sign out in the yard is just adorable and so fun!

So here’s to Sara and Justin, the stars of the show, and all the amazing memories they created on their wedding day!

xo kelsie