Father and Daughter at the Appleby College Chapel

A traditional church processional at Appleby College in Oakville

The father of the bride walking his daughter up the aisle at the Appleby College Chapel in Oakville, in the seconds before he hands her to the groom. This is one of the moments that any wedding photographer has to get right, and it almost always comes down to discipline and discretion: knowing where to stand, when to move, and when not to.

Inside a church, my respect for the ceremony is the first thing. The couple should be the ones at the centre of the room, not a photographer reaching for a better angle. I use the existing light wherever possible, add only what is needed and allowed, and try to disappear into the woodwork. Over the years, the small compliment I have appreciated most is when ministers and officiants have quietly thanked me afterwards for staying out of the way.

Location: Appleby College Chapel, 540 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON L6K 3P1, (905) 845-4681