I had the pleasure of second-shooting this Ottawa wedding with Sean from U&i Photography. Essentially second shooting is where you work in tandem with the main photographer. While I love having my own weddings, second shooting really allows me to try some new things and take a few more chances as I'm not the only photographer.

That said, I work solo during part of the day, often when photographing the Groom getting ready. On this day, I was photographing Chris as he got ready with his close friends and family at his home in Ottawa.

The getting ready part is always action-packed. Clothes are flying, ties are getting tied or at least trying to get tied - lots is going on so you have to keep your head on a swivel and your ears pinned, listening for the next shot.

After Chris was ready and they loaded into the limo, we all headed to the wedding venue, Temple's Sugar Bush, just on the outskirts of Ottawa. There, I stayed with the Grooms in the log cabin as they waited for the Bride to arrive for the first look.

Sean and I photographed the first look together. This is always a fun time as we work together to make sure the Groom and Bride link up at the same time. I'm often in charge of ensuring the Groom is in the right spot before Sean, the main photographer, follows the Bride as she makes her way to the first look.

From then on, it's all automatic as Sean and I tag-team the wedding ceremony, this time held outside in the gardens at Temple's Sugar Bush. The direct sun shining on the guests and the softer, diffused light shining on the bride and groom meant I had to keep an eye on the exposure. One of my favourite images is Emily getting escorted down the aisle by her father while framed in the yellow daisies.

Cocktail hour took place under a white tent which always offers nice light. Here I'm looking for laughs, hugs and general emotion. While it's important to try to get photos of as many guests as possible, I would rather the photo be of more than people just standing around.

The speeches brought lots of laughs, which showed just how much Chris and Emily love to laugh together.