HAIR & makeup
The Charming & Historic Puddicombe House
Puddicombe House served as the perfect location for Shay & David’s wedding. Nestled in the charming town of New Hamburg Ontario, the historic Puddicombe House stands out for all the right reasons. Built in 1868, the main building is home to an award-winning restaurant, an elegant inn, and full-service salon & spa. Standing just behind the main building is the Grand Hall, built in 2016, with architectural features that make the new building feel right at home on the property.
Dave was getting ready at home with the groomsmen. He put on an acoustic Arkells vinyl on his record player before the group put on the final touches, like socks, ties, suspenders and, to my surprise, sneakers. Shortly after that, I headed to Apple Inn Bed & Breakfast in Wellesley, where Shay was getting ready with her bridesmaids and adorable flower girls. After Shay put on her dress, the emotional reaction from her friends set the tone for the day.
We headed outside into the heat of the sunny backyard, for a first look with Shay’s dad and then with Dave. Dave was tearing up before he had even turned around, and then had the most heartfelt reaction to seeing his beautiful bride-to-be in a white gown and veil. It was truly a touching moment of vulnerability and sincerity.
Grand Hall Ceremony at Puddicombe House
After spending some time capturing wedding party photos by the Nith River, we took a short drive to New Hamburg for the ceremony. The event space at Puddicombe House conveniently separates into two rooms so that the wedding ceremony can be set up on one side, hiding the reception décor from view. Once the sliding wall is removed, the entire space can later be used for your reception, seating up to 250 guests.
Before each ceremony, I always attempts to connect with the officiant in case they have any special instructions for me. Imagine my surprise when I recognized the officiant as David Chilton, of CBC’s Dragon’s Den and author of The Wealthy Barber. I later found out that the investor/author/TV personality is a family friend of the bride and agreed to lead the ceremony portion of the day ahead.
There’s something special about having a close friend or family member officiate your wedding ceremony – especially one as comfortable speaking to a crowd as David Chilton. He injected humour and personal stories into Shay & Dave’s ceremony that made it entertaining and special. While the couple read their personalized vows to each other, an overwhelming feeling of love filled the space.
A Heartfelt Reception at Puddicombe
The newlyweds and I took a short walk across the street to the Nith River for some couple’s portraits, before returning to the tail end of the cocktail hour, hosted just outside of the beautiful Grand Hall. Great food is one of the things I’ve come to expect from a wedding experience at Puddicombe House, and it’s because they always deliver. As expected, dinner was delicious, and the flower girls surprised the couple with an adorable choreographed dance. After dinner, the crowd was treated with some of the funniest and heartfelt speeches I’d ever heard. In the meantime, The Crumby Cookie Dough Co. set up their charming trailer, which is decorated inside to look like a 1960s kitchen. Guests were invited to treat their tastebuds, by taking a few steps outside the Grand Hall, and pick from a selection of flavours of safe-to-eat cookie dough.
Shay & Dave’s wedding was truly one to remember. So much love and excitement and fun all day long. I can’t say enough good things about Puddicombe House – it’s a beautiful, charming space place to gather your loved ones to celebrate with you. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a wedding venue in Waterloo Region. If you connected with the way I capture the story of a wedding day, I’d love to learn more about what you’re planning for your wedding. Connect with me to get the process started.
