A Heartfelt Wedding at the Andaz Hotel: Tim and Honna’s Intimate Celebration

March 30, 2024, was a day filled with warmth, love, and a sense of deep connection, even though the weather in Ottawa still held the crispness of early spring. Tim and Honna’s wedding was a beautifully intimate celebration. As their photographer, I was fortunate to witness and capture their love story in one of the most unique settings I've photographed: a large suite at the Andaz Hotel in Ottawa’s Byward Market.

An Intimate Ceremony in the Heart of Ottawa

With a guest list of just under 40 close friends and family, this wedding felt more like a heartfelt gathering than a formal event. The ceremony took place in the living room of their hotel suite, where family and friends gathered in a circle, creating an atmosphere that was both relaxed and personal. There was something truly special about this informal setting, where a quiet sense of reverence and joy replaced the usual pomp and circumstance of a wedding.

The ceremony was simple but deeply meaningful. What stood out the most was the emotional connection between the couple and their guests. Family members were visibly moved, especially during the wedding speeches, where there was an outpouring of love, laughter, and even a few tears. It was a privilege to document those raw, unguarded moments—one of the true highlights of the day.

A Personal Touch to Every Detail

Every part of Tim and Honna's day reflected their laid-back, genuine personalities. Honna’s stunning blue dress, which perfectly complemented her radiant silver hair, was a standout element in its beauty and the way it captured her vibrant spirit. The colour of her dress contrasted beautifully with the warm spring light streaming into the room, and the atmosphere in the suite had a timeless elegance.

What made the wedding even more special was how their families came together to support and contribute to the day. This wasn’t just a wedding but a shared experience for everyone involved. Tim’s daughter, who had gifted them the photography as a wedding present, was incredibly excited, and I could tell she played a pivotal role in ensuring everything went smoothly.

The Beauty of Natural Light and Candid Moments

One of my favourite moments from the day occurred as Honna was getting ready in the bathroom before the ceremony. The early spring light flooded the room through the window, casting soft, warm tones across the space. It was the perfect setting to photograph her—her dress, silver hair, and the quiet anticipation on her face all coming together in a moment that felt intimate and fleeting. The soft light highlighted the natural beauty of the suite’s decor, creating an image I’ll always treasure.

As the day wore on and the sun began to set, the low golden light made perfect portraiture opportunities. I had the chance to capture romantic moments between Tim and Honna and beautiful images of their family and friends, all basking in the warmth of the evening. There was something magical about these portraits—the crispness of early spring was still in the air, but the sun’s soft glow added warmth and comfort.

A Perfectly Small Celebration

With just a few dozen people present, the wedding felt incredibly personal. Everyone was part of a tight-knit celebration, and you could feel the sense of community and support in every moment. The event's small size allowed me to seamlessly integrate into the background, capturing candid moments rich with emotion. Whether it was a shared laugh, a heartfelt hug, or a quiet moment of reflection, I could get close enough to document these authentic interactions without intruding.

The Setting: Ottawa in Early Spring

The time of year played a big part in the overall aesthetic of the wedding. Though the weather in Ottawa was still cool, the early spring light provided a soft, glowing backdrop for the photos. The city’s landscape, with its blend of urban charm and historical elegance, added a unique atmosphere to the day, particularly during the sunset portraits. We didn’t have to go far to find beautiful backdrops—the Andaz Hotel's location in Byward Market provided a wealth of iconic photography settings.

Final Thoughts

Tim and Honna’s wedding was a testament to the beauty of small, intimate gatherings. With the support of their family and the quiet, meaningful moments they shared, their day was a true reflection of their love. For me, it was a joy to document their Ottawa wedding and the emotional connections that made it unforgettable.

From Honna’s striking blue dress to the emotional speeches and heartfelt family moments, every detail of the day celebrated love, laughter, and family. These kinds of weddings stay with you long after the day is over—memories of raw emotion, authentic connections, and the beauty of a well-loved couple.

Thank you, Tim and Honna, for allowing me to be part of your special day. I’m honoured to have captured these moments for you, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together.