Name: Custom Family Session
Brand: Darren Brown Photography
SKU: 4cc608eb-b09c-42cd-b3a5-9f35cc0a5bd0
Price: 595.00 CAD
Availability: InStock

Ottawa, ON, Canada

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Darren Brown

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The Year Book

Perhaps the most popular package, the 8-hour Stanfield package, named after one of my favourite National Geographic photographers, offers you the perfect amount of time to capture some "Getting Ready" images as well as some of the party during the wedding reception at the end of the night. How you choose to use the wedding photography coverage is up to you!Expecting a barn-burner of a party? Shift your coverage time to start a bit later, maybe forgoing some of the getting ready, and capture all the craziness!Want more of that "behind-the-scenes" coverage and see what your partner was up to while they were getting ready in the morning? Shift your to wedding photography coverage to start sooner and get a more "story-telling" portfolio from your day.

Engagement Session

The Stanfield

The Short and Sweet package is perfect for families who may be having portraits done for the first time, have young children or just want something to send Grandma and Grandpa at Christmas time. They are a mix of posed and more active photos. I generally start with some active images to burn off the energy of the little ones before moving on to images that require a bit more direction. However, all direction is kept to a minimal amount and I encourage my subjects to interact with each other rather than just staring at the camera. This will offer the most natural smiles and images you'll want to hang on your walls. \ Locations can be anywhere within central Ottawa or outside Ottawa, however additional travel charges may apply. If you want to add extended family, check out my custom family session that's up to an hour of photography.

Short and Sweet

This 3-hour documentary photography session aims to capture what I like to call, "The Beauty of Normality"Scheduled during any time of the day, these sessions are completely unscripted and capture whatever happens during that time. Ideally, I suggest my clients start with some photos at home before going out on a little adventure. Don't think your life is exciting enough for this package? Think again. When you see your life through the eyes of a dedicated photojournalist you'll realize just how special the bond you have with each other. You'll get all the best images edited in colour and black and white (the true documentary form) and delivered via your private online gallery to download, share and print. This session is geared towards the client that wants to get deeper than just a few posed snapshots. You'll remember these images more than anything else you have - guaranteed! Ask about the coffee table book add-on

A Day in the Life

My Family Collection package offers a comprehensive photography service tailored specifically for immediate families. With this package, you will receive 1 hour of lifestyle photography coverage, ensuring that every precious moment is captured. In addition to the coverage, you will receive 50 high-quality edited photos that perfectly encapsulate the essence of your family. These photos will serve as cherished memories for years to come. To make sharing and viewing your photos convenient, an online gallery where you can easily access and share your images with friends and relatives is included. This gallery enables you to relive those beautiful moments and showcase your family's happiness. Our Family Collection package is ideal for immediate families, capturing the intimate bond and the joy shared amongst family members. However, if you would like to include extended family members in the session, please don't hesitate to inquire about adding them to the package. We are more than happy to accommodate your needs and provide a tailor-made experience for your entire family. Choose our Family Collection package to ensure your family's special moments are beautifully captured and preserved forever.

Custom Family Session

Capture the essence of your special occasion with our 6-Hour Wedding Photography Collection. This package is ideal for smaller, intimate weddings with smaller bridal parties and guest counts. The duration allows enough time to document all the important aspects of your event, from candid moments to planned shots. To ensure your satisfaction, this package includes a pre-shoot consultation. I believe in working closely with my clients to understand their vision and expectations. This personalized approach ensures that every photograph I take resonates with your desired aesthetic and captures the unique atmosphere of your event. After the event, you will receive the best images professionally edited. These high-quality images will be carefully selected to tell the story of your event, allowing you to relive those special moments anytime you wish. Moreover, I provide an online gallery for easy access and sharing. This feature allows you to view, download, and share your photos with family and friends. It's a convenient way to keep your memories safe and readily available. Every event is unique, and I would love to be a part of yours. Connect with me today for any inquiries or to book your 6-Hour Wedding Photography Collection. Let's create beautiful memories together.

The Ogilvie

Capture the beauty and intimacy of your special day with our Cartier-Bresson wedding photography package. This service offers up to 10 hours of contemporary documentary-style photography, ensuring every enchanting moment is frozen in time. 
With this package, you'll receive all the best images, professionally edited and delivered in high resolution. These are not just pictures; they are cherished memories, captured with the utmost attention to detail, color balance, and composition. 
Moreover, you'll be provided with a private, online gallery which remains accessible for up to 90 days. From this platform, you can view, share, download, and print all of your stunning images. It's an easy and convenient way to relive and share your special day with loved ones near and far.
To ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day, this package also includes a pre-wedding prep consultation. During this session, we'll discuss your specific needs, expectations, and preferences to ensure we capture your wedding exactly as you envision it.
Let us help you make your wedding day unforgettable. For inquiries or to book the Cartier-Bresson package, please get in touch.

The Cartier-Bresson

I'm starting to grow my business and do between $500-$1000 a month in bookings.

Core Plan

green - C,B

<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">A Wedding as One-of-a-Kind as the Couple: Glen &amp; Sheridan at the Experimental Farm</h2>
Some weddings are elegant. Some are heartfelt. And some, like Glen and Sheridan&rsquo;s, are a masterclass in personal expression&mdash;woven together with love, creativity, and a touch of the unexpected.
On a sun-dappled day at Ottawa&rsquo;s Experimental Farm, Glen and Sheridan turned a historic, unconventional venue into something completely their own. Every corner, every detail, and every moment was infused with their personalities, making their wedding an experience as unique as their love story. If you&rsquo;re looking for inspiration for your own wedding and searching for an Ottawa wedding photographer, this celebration is proof that the right vision (and the right photographer) can capture something truly special.
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<h3>A Dress Like No Other</h3>
Sheridan&rsquo;s gown wasn&rsquo;t just something off the rack&mdash;it was a reflection of her. Embellished with personal touches she had carefully added herself, it became more than just a dress. It was a canvas of love, dedication, and individuality, setting the tone for a day that was anything but ordinary.
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<h3>The Element of Surprise</h3>
Weddings often have their surprises, but Glen and Sheridan had a particularly memorable one up their sleeves. Just before signing their wedding documents, they revealed the identities of their surprise witnesses&mdash;adding an extra layer of emotion and excitement to an already heartfelt ceremony. The gasps, the laughter, and the sheer joy that followed proved just how much thought they had put into every detail of their day.
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<h3>Playful, Personal, and Perfectly Theirs</h3>
Their reception wasn&rsquo;t just a dinner and a dance&mdash;it was an experience. Guests didn&rsquo;t just sit back and watch; they became part of the celebration through interactive games and personal touches that kept the energy high and the smiles wide. Every aspect of the reception reflected the couple&rsquo;s shared interests, making their love story come alive in ways that were both fun and deeply meaningful.
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<h3>A Wedding That Defined &lsquo;Unique&rsquo;</h3>
It&rsquo;s easy to call a wedding unique, but Glen and Sheridan&rsquo;s day truly earned the word. From the DIY details to the unexpected twists, every moment felt authentically them. More than just a wedding, it was a heartfelt expression of who they are, shared with the people they love most.
Glen and Sheridan&rsquo;s Experimental Farm wedding was a testament to what happens when a couple fully embraces their vision and makes their wedding day a true reflection of their story. If you&rsquo;re planning your own wedding in Ottawa and need Ottawa wedding photography that captures every personal touch, consider how a documentary-style approach can showcase the authenticity of your day. After all, the best weddings aren&rsquo;t just photographed&mdash;they&rsquo;re felt, remembered, and cherished forever.
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Experimental Farm Wedding - Glen and Sheridan

If you&rsquo;re dreaming of a wedding that feels like stepping into a fairytale, Sara-Lyne and Owen&rsquo;s A Midsummer Night&rsquo;s Dream-inspired celebration at Strathmere was pure magic. From handcrafted wings to flower crowns and even an officiant with elf ears, this wedding was an enchanting blend of romance and whimsy.
<h3>A Fairytale Setting at Strathmere</h3>
Nestled just outside of Ottawa, Strathmere provided the perfect backdrop for Sara-Lyne and Owen&rsquo;s woodland-inspired wedding. With its sprawling gardens and charming rustic spaces, the venue set the stage for a truly otherworldly day. (If you&rsquo;re considering Strathmere for your own wedding, be sure to check out my separate blog post all about why this venue is a dream for wedding photography!)
<h3>Magical Details and Thematic Attire</h3>
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that this wedding would be something special. Everyone embraced the theme, donning intricate costumes, ethereal makeup, and whimsical accessories. Even the officiant, with his background in theatre, fully committed to the theme with an outfit that included elf ears&mdash;a perfect nod to Shakespeare&rsquo;s beloved play.
Sara-Lyne brought her own creative touch, crafting wings that were magnetically attached to her dress, giving her an almost fairy-like presence as she moved throughout the day. Owen looked dapper in his suit, and both wore delicate flower crowns that tied their looks together beautifully.
<h3>Picture-Perfect Moments</h3>
As an Ottawa wedding photographer, capturing this day was an absolute joy. One of my favourite moments was in the morning when Sara-Lyne&rsquo;s friend applied her makeup in soft, beautiful window light&mdash;a quiet, intimate moment before the day&rsquo;s festivities began.
Later, during the portrait session, we wandered through the estate and stumbled upon a garden of sunflowers. Though the blooms were nearing the end of their season, I worked to frame the couple among the best flowers, which meant getting down low&mdash;literally lying on the ground&mdash;to capture the perfect shot. The result? A stunning, golden-toned image that perfectly encapsulated the warmth and magic of the day.
<h3>A Wedding to Remember</h3>
With a beautiful venue, an incredible theme, and a couple who fully embraced the magic of their day, Sara-Lyne and Owen&rsquo;s wedding was truly unforgettable. Their celebration was a perfect reminder that when couples infuse their personalities and passions into their wedding, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
If you&rsquo;re planning your own Ottawa wedding and looking for the best wedding photography in Ottawa, I&rsquo;d love to chat! As an experienced Ottawa wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing love stories with creativity and heart. Reach out to learn more about how we can make your Ottawa wedding photos as magical as your big day.

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Enchanted Wedding of Sara-Lyne and Owen at Strathmere Country Retreat

Just a stone&rsquo;s throw away from Ottawa, the Strathmere Country Retreat, Spa and Cafe is a beautiful, versatile wedding venue with a charm that's sure to captivate any couple. It's not just a venue, it's a destination with a variety of settings, each with its unique appeal. The venue offers three distinct spaces to choose from: The Farmhouse, The Lodge, and The Garden House.
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The Farmhouse is a Victorian-style house offering an intimate and romantic setting perfect for smaller weddings. Built in the early 1860s, this farmhouse is filled with romantic details. Imagine making a grand entrance down a sweeping circular staircase, sharing a quiet moment with your betrothed in the upstairs alcove, or exchanging vows under the canopy of majestic 160-year-old walnut trees. As the sun sets, you can steal a moment in the fragrant Heritage Garden filled with roses and wildflowers.
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The Lodge offers a more rustic appeal with its exposed wood beams. It's a space where you can dance under six iron and crystal orb chandeliers hanging from a 160-year-old beam across the cathedral ceiling. Toasts in your honour will be made against a striking backdrop of a 24-foot-high limestone fireplace. The Lodge offers an outdoor dance floor, where vintage lights and a canopy of trees set the mood. It has space for up to 180 dinner guests and 225 for receptions.
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Tucked away on its own 10-acre parcel, The Garden House is a serene setting nestled between a grassy hillock and the woods. Sunbeams stream through wraparound windows, sparkling off white-gold chandeliers. A handcrafted limestone fireplace is flanked by French doors that lead outside to a tranquil ceremony site. The Garden House can accommodate 50 - 160 guests for dinner and up to 200 for receptions.
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Strathmere&rsquo;s flexibility with multiple venues in one location, ability to accommodate varying guest counts, and their seasonal pricing makes it a versatile choice. The charm of the country setting adds an extra touch of romance to the big day. As a photographer, the multitude of settings, from rustic to romantic, provides endless opportunities for creative and memorable wedding photos. If you're looking for a venue that combines country charm with flexibility, the Strathmere Country Retreat, Spa and Cafe is worth considering for your special day.

Review: Strathmere Country Retreat, Spa and Cafe - A Photographer's Dream Wedding Venue

Real Love Stories, Authentically Told
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After 20 years behind the camera as a photojournalist and wedding photographer in Ottawa, I&rsquo;ve learned this: the best moments aren&rsquo;t staged. They happen in the blink of an eye &mdash; a touch, a look, a laugh that tumbles out unexpectedly.
That&rsquo;s why I&rsquo;ve launched Laneway Films &mdash; a new venture dedicated to wedding films that feel honest, beautiful, and true to you.
I&rsquo;m Darren, a longtime visual storyteller. My roots are in photojournalism, 20 years of capturing real life, real fast, for major news outlets. I&rsquo;ve photographed hundreds of weddings in and around Ottawa, always with an eye for authentic, unscripted moments. Now, I&rsquo;m bringing that same instinct, that same reverence for story, into motion.

Why Wedding Films?

Photography freezes a moment. Film lets it breathe.
With Laneway Films, I&rsquo;m creating cinematic wedding documentaries that go deeper than highlight reels. These are artfully crafted, emotionally resonant films &mdash; not just about the day, but about the two of you, and everything that brought you to it.

What You Can Expect:

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Cinematic storytelling with a documentary soul
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Raw, real moments &mdash; not overly posed or staged
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Full-day coverage, from quiet morning prep to dance floor chaos
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Social-friendly teasers, full edits, and personalized story-driven films
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An experienced eye from someone who&rsquo;s seen it all &mdash; and knows what to look for
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Ottawa Is My Backyard

From Parliament views to tucked-away laneways (see what I did there?), I&rsquo;ve spent decades documenting Ottawa&rsquo;s stories &mdash; weddings, news, life as it happens. That&rsquo;s the energy I bring to every film I make: grounded, local, heartfelt.
Whether you&rsquo;re planning a countryside ceremony in Wakefield or a candlelit rooftop celebration downtown, I&rsquo;ll be there with quiet presence and a filmmaker&rsquo;s eye, catching what matters.

Let&rsquo;s Talk About Your Wedding Film

This isn&rsquo;t just a video. It&rsquo;s your story, told in motion.
Ready to make something beautiful together?

Wedding Videography in Ottawa

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<h2 style="text-align: center;">Capture the Energy and impact of your Ottawa Conference with Professional Photography and Videography Services</h2>
<h3>At Laneway Films (a division of Darren Brown Photography), we specialize in documenting the essence of your conferences, corporate events, and business gatherings in Ottawa. Our professional photography and videography services ensure every moment is captured in vivid detail, providing you with powerful visual assets&nbsp;for marketing, promotions, and internal communications.</h3>
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Ottawa Event Photography and Videography

<h3> 1. How many weddings do you typically shoot in a weekend?</h3>
The way I photograph weddings is very physically demanding. I'm constantly moving, working multiple angles, so I'm pretty much broken after eight to ten hours of that. It's important to me that I have the energy to commit to each wedding I photograph so my preference is only to photograph one wedding per weekend.
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<h3>2. How long have you been a wedding photographer?</h3>
Since a friend asked me to photograph her wedding in 2004, I've been lucky enough to be invited into the lives of countless couples to document a turning point in the lives of their families.
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<h3>3. Can you show us a full wedding album you've shot recently?</h3>
I'm happy to show an entire wedding of delivered images upon request.
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<h3>4. How would you describe your photography style?</h3>
I would describe my style as contemporary documentary wedding photography. Having worked as a news photographer for daily newspapers in Ottawa for nearly 20 years, I know there is a strict code of photojournalism ethics. That means no photo manipulation or "photoshopping." However, I've found that when it comes to weddings, I like to add a bit more drama to the photos and, when necessary, clean up and distract elements that might pull attention away from the focus of the images.
<h3> 5. Do you charge extra for travel or overtime?</h3>
In most cases, there is a charge for travel to weddings more than 200 km from Ottawa.
We've all been to a wedding that is running behind schedule so despite all the best planning some weddings can go beyond the coverage time purchased. It's important to me that couples not be stressing about time overages during the day so I'm happy to stick around if it looks like we'll get the rest of what's needed within an hour. For weddings where it looks like things are a little further off the rails (it happens), overtime is charged at $500 per hour.
<h3> 6. Can we customize a wedding photography package to suit our specific needs?</h3>
Of course! If you don't see something that fits your needs, I'm happy to create a custom package that suits your wedding perfectly.
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<h3>7. What type of camera equipment do you use?</h3>
I use professional-grade full-frame digital cameras two of them. I always photograph with two cameras at once. Each camera has two memory cards to and each image is recorded in the rare event that one card is damaged.
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<h3>8. What is your approach to capturing candid moments vs. posed shots?</h3>
Documentary wedding photography is founded primarily in what's often referred to as "candid" photography. There is very little direction, allowing you to connect with the people who are with you on your wedding day and making sure that you don't feel that you are in an all-day photo shoot.
However, if needed, you can trust that I will step in to suggest locations are setups that may lead to better images or specific ones I'm trying to get.
Of course, when it comes to the family photography formals, that's when I take over the make sure the family photos are done efficiently and you get back to making memories with your closest friends and family.
<h3> 9. How do you coordinate with other vendors, such as the videographer or wedding planner?</h3>
It's important to me that all wedding vendors work together. When it comes to your relationship with your wedding photographer and videographer, it is the most intimate of all your wedding vendors, so that partnership really needs to be seamless. That said, as someone who has also filmed a wedding, I do feel that if there is a hierarchy, the photographer is on top. The photographer can always be in a wedding film but a videographer creeping into a wedding photo can ruin it (if they can't be "photoshopped" out).
<h3> 10. Will you be the one shooting our wedding, or do you work with a team?</h3>
I will always be the one photographing your wedding. Unless I get sick, you will be informed ahead of time and have the right to refuse the photographer, upon which time you will receive a full refund.
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<h3>11 &nbsp;- What is your editing process like, and can we request specific edits?</h3>
On average, editing your wedding images takes about 1 to 1.5 times the length of the wedding. I start by culling or removing the images that don't meet my final quality check. Throughout photographing an average wedding, I can take anywhere from 3000-5000 images, more for longer weddings or weddings where two photographers shoot simultaneously. While the number of final images varies, I generally deliver 15-20% of my photographs. I don't like to "pad" the number of final images with images that are similar to each other. I offer more options for formal photos, as it's normal for people to be particular about how they look in portraits.
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<h3>12. How long does receiving the final edited photos typically take?</h3>
The final images from your wedding will be delivered in four to six weeks, depending on the number of weddings I have booked around your wedding date. If there are delays, you will be notified well in advance.
<h3> 13. Will we have the rights to the high-resolution images, and are they watermarked?</h3>
You will receive high-resolution digital files in a private online gallery. The images are not watermarked. You can print, share and, of course, download the images. The only restrictions are when giving or selling the images to other vendors and publications.
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<h3>14. Do your packages include an engagement session?</h3>
My wedding photography packages do not include an engagement session, but one can be purchased separately. The average engagement session is about two hours and is available for $595 plus tax.
I like to have my engagement sessions incorporate some activity in a location that has meaning to my clients. I find having something else to focus on rather than having their photos taken can feel overwhelming without a distraction, like a fun activity or place to play.
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<h3>15. What is your payment schedule and method?</h3>
For weddings, a non-refundable retainer payment of 50% is due upon booking, and the remainder is due one month before your wedding date.
For engagement sessions, 100% of the amount is due upon signing.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Capturing Moments, Crafting Stories: Meet Your Photographer.

Done with the same care and attention I put into my Ottawa wedding photography, Laneway Films, a Darren Brown Photography project, is your path to story. From the quiet moments of bridled anticipation to the emotional vows to letting loose on the dance floor, capture all the moving emotion with a cinematic wedding film to re-watch over and over throughout the years.

Ottawa Wedding Photography

Our biggest fear as we started looking for a wedding photographer was that we'd get stuck with someone tense, imposing, and scattered throughout the day. Simply put, we wanted someone who could work with us to set a broad plan for the day, and just "do their thing" without us worrying about it.

Darren was excellent from day one. He is incredibly approachable and quickly understood what we were hoping for.

My favourite part about the wedding photography experience was Darren's ability to find balance. Darren was able to make sure we got the "must-have" shots we agreed on, while not imposing on the natural flow of the day and time with family. We never felt pulled away from meaningful time with our guests, and Darren was comfortable

Janelle and Jared

Our biggest concern when hiring a photographer was finding that person who would capture the spirit of our wedding and our eclectic group of guests in an authentic and creative way. When we saw Darren's work, however, we knew he was the right photographer to capture our special day. And he came through in such a huge way.

 Our favourite part of the photography experience was that we were able to just be ourselves and enjoy the day without having to put on a show. Darren, both warm and considerate throughout the day, really fit in just like the rest of our guests and captured the events in a very journalistic manner.

Many of our friends were so impressed with both Darren's work and his outgoing personality that they hired him to shoot thei

Justine and Alex

I’m a photographer myself, so people kept asking me, “How does a photographer choose a photographer for their own wedding?”

It was an easy decision after Darren came to mind. We wanted someone who would document our day as it happened and capture the spirit of the day. We didn’t want anyone who would manipulate scenes or add any pressure to the day. Darren was perfect for this.

Esther and I loved Darren’s approach to photographing our wedding — we loved simply being able to focus on each other and celebrate with our guests. Darren’s relaxed yet professional presence allowed us to be carefree about the photography.

Justin and Esther

Darren was absolutely stellar! The way he captured the love joy and happiness throughout our wedding was incredible. 
Darren was intuitive, always being in the right spot at the right time. One of my favourite pictures looks planned, but Darren just watched our dance and got to the perfect spot and captured this stunning shot. Truly authentic. 
Although Darren didn’t have a 2nd shooter, he didn’t need one. He was everywhere at once. In our ceremony, we have shots from so many angles. In watching videos from our day, it is incredible watching him somehow be in every place at once. 
Darren was also so approachable. He was so great leading up to the wedding, during, and after.

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