Lauren and Scott’s micro wedding at DTK Chapel was memorable for many reasons, but I think what most stood out to me were all of the genuine expressions of love, that didn’t require words or gifts. It was all the little looks, touches, and the many, many tears that were shed that said it all.
Groom Prep
Before heading into downtown Kitchener, known by locals as DTK, I stopped by Scott’s parents’ house in town to document his preparations for the big day. The house was quiet and calm. Just the groom-to-be, his parents and brother were there. Both his mom and dad helped Scott to look his best, with tears in their eyes and so much love in their hearts. I was chatting with the mother of the groom, who expressed how it felt like just yesterday that her little boy was running around and suddenly he’s a man about to become a husband. It made me think about my two young boys at home. In the blink of an eye, my sons will be adults, moving out and getting married.
Bridal Prep at the Walper Hotel
I met Lauren at her hotel room at the historic Walper Hotel in downtown Kitchener, where two of her closest friends were helping her get ready for the amazing day ahead. Since Lauren and Scott planned a micro wedding, there was no wedding party. I’m used to walking into a little taste of chaos, with a handful of bridesmaids running around, getting their hair, makeup and outfits just perfect. This was very different. No makeup artists, no hair stylists – just three pals hanging out in a spacious corner hotel room with tons of natural light streaming in through the windows, focused just on getting the bride ready to say her I Do‘s, sharing some laughs along the way. Once Lauren had changed into her dress, the three amigos took the short walk from the hotel to the DTK Chapel, where the groom and guests were waiting for her arrival. The wind caught their hair and Lauren’s dress as they walked across King Street.
Micro-Wedding at DTK Chapel
DTK Chapel was the perfect venue for Lauren & Scott’s intimate ceremony. Not only is it charming AF, it’s also run by one of the region’s best wedding pros, Jeff Maeck, officiant extraordinaire. During the pandemic and weddings were at an all-time low, Jeff of Maeck Weddings, got the keys to the space which is conveniently located inside of Kitchener City Hall in downtown Kitchener. Previously, the chapel was called “The Wedding Belle Chapel” and saw thousands of couples get married there in the past quarter-century. Jeff had a vision for what used to be quite a sad, outdated-looking space, and completely transformed the space with a breathtaking new look and new life . With room for 37 seats for guests, it’s perfect for intimate gatherings like Lauren & Scott’s wedding ceremony.
Although Jeff wasn’t available to officiate, Cheryl stepped in and did a spectacular job leading the heartwarming ceremony. In such a small space, with an intimate group of guests, the emotion of a wedding ceremony intensifies. Everybody can sit close to the front, see the highlights on a glossy eye welling up with tears, hear every quiet sniffle. The emotion becomes infectious and becomes a beautiful shared moment of vulnerability and an expression of love for the couple. At one particular moment, I briefly stood next to Scott, closer to the back wall, and could see the way his parents were looking at him, proud as can be, to see their son make a lifelong commitment to his soon-to-be-wife, Lauren. By the end of the short ceremony, nearly every person in the room was wiping their cheeks with tissues.
Wedding Photos in Downtown Kitchener
When you’re married in DTK Chapel, you’re never rushed out for the next wedding to start setting up, like at some busy venues. Instead, you’re afforded plenty of time to mingle with guests and take photos inside the chapel as needed. After a few family photos, the newlyweds and I headed to the public square in front of Kitchener City Hall and down King St, back to the Walper Hotel for a few more photos to commemorate the powerful connection Lauren & Scott share.
I had such an amazing time working with these two, and I’ll leave you with the review they wrote about their experience working with me:
“When we were planning our intimate micro-wedding, we knew the worth of a good photographer.
From the beginning consultation to our wedding day, Ben remained professional, communicative and undeniably genuine throughout the process.
Ben’s artistic style of candid photography fit the vision we had in mind. He has a keen eye for the hidden moments, leaving us verbally ‘wow!’-ing at the end results. Our guests and family really enjoyed his presence. We will cherish the moments he captured.
Thank you Ben!
-Lauren & Scott”
Backyard Wedding Reception
After photos, everyone gathered at the bride’s parents house for a backyard dinner reception. With string lights, candles and a small firepit, the mood was set for an evening of laughter and happy tears. The drinks were flowing, the food was delicious, there were lawn games and speeches shared. After cutting the cake, the newlyweds shared their magical first dance. It was a perfect way to end an absolutely beautiful day. Congratulations Lauren & Scott!
