River’s Edge Paris Wedding: Chelsea & Scott’s Historic Connection

There is something iconic about a wedding in Paris, Ontario. The town has a historic charm that feels deeply personal, especially when you are standing at the scramble intersection between the Arlington Hotel and the River’s Edge Paris.

Chelsea and Scott’s wedding day was a perfect representation of why this venue is a favourite for Southern Ontario couples. They created a day that allowed for meaningful conversation but could also transform into one of the most fun dance floors I have photographed all year.

River’s Edge Paris Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony took place at Rivers Edge. Chelsea and Scott chose to stick with tradition and did not see each other before the ceremony. However, we did capture a “first look” between Chelsea and her bridesmaids up in the hotel room earlier. For couples planning their own timeline, this is a fantastic way to include your wedding party in the morning’s anticipation without breaking the tradition of seeing your partner for the first time at the aisle.

River View vs. Brick Wall Ceremony

River’s Edge Paris offers the choice between two different setups for your ceremony: brick wall background or river view background. When it comes to River’s Edge weddings, this decision seems to be a hotly debated topic. I see the advantages to both options, but from a strictly photography perspective, there’s an obvious choice, and it all comes down to lighting.

Chelsea & Scott opted for the brick wall background for their ceremony, and let me tell you, it was the best choice. Using the brick wall as a background, the floor-to-ceiling windows along the riverside are to the side of your ceremony. This allows a blanket of beautiful, flattering light to cover the altar and all of the guests seats. The light is dynamic, flattering and even – a photographer’s dream.

The river view background option seems like it would be the better choice. You’re choosing this venue for a reason, and it’s in the name: River’s Edge. Why wouldn’t you feature the river in your ceremony? I’ll tell you why. On a sunny day, a ridiculous amount of daylight streams through the floor-to-celling windows. When your guests watch your ceremony, it can feel a bit like when you’re driving a car and you’re directly facing the sunset. The bright light is a bit blinding and anything in your field of view that’s not as bright falls to darkness. This contrast effect is even more pronounced to a camera. Even with professional level cameras, the contrast between the bright daylight and the dark inside light is impossible to be captured evenly. Either the view outside will disappear into blown out highlights, or you and your partner will appear like dark shadowy figures. Plus, since the ceremony space is on the second floor of the building, when guests are seated for the ceremony, they won’t be able to see the beautiful view out of the windows. At best, they’ll see the tops of the trees across the river. Ultimately you will get beautiful photos of your ceremony with either setup, but for the best photos, choose the brick wall option.

Exploring Paris Ontario for Wedding Portraits

After the ceremony, we took advantage of the unique architecture that Paris offers. While the dam served as a distant, beautiful background for some golden hour photos, we mostly focused on the unique architecture and classic brickwork of the historic Arlington Hotel.

One “must-have” shot for any couple at this venue is the diagonal crosswalk across the iconic scramble intersection with the Arlington Hotel in the background. It captures the energy of the town and the elegance of the hotel perfectly. If you are getting married in Paris, I highly recommend not missing a photo of this iconic spot.

A Wedding Reception Vibe Transformation

The reception at Rivers Edge beautifully balanced two different vibes. During dinner, the atmosphere was cozy and intimate, giving the 85 guests plenty of time for connection and meaningful conversations. The evening was anchored by heartfelt speeches from parents and friends, highlighting the couple’s love story (and their Bruins vs. Leafs rivalry).

Once the formal traditions like the cake cutting were finished, the energy shifted completely. The dance floor became the center of the night. It is a testament to the layout of Rivers Edge that it can feel like a cozy dinner party one moment and a high-energy celebration the next. Those who wanted to keep a chill vibe could step out onto the large balcony overlooking the river to mingle, drink, and carry on.

Practical Tips for River’s Edge Paris Nearlyweds

• Photography Timeline: Since Chelsea and Scott opted for photos after the ceremony, we utilized the cocktail hour for their formal portraits. If you want to join your guests for drinks and appetizers, consider a “First Look” earlier in the day to get those photos done first.
• Ceremony Orientation: Choose your ceremony setup wisely. Both options are beautiful, but your photos will benefit from choosing the brick wall option.
• Vendor Communication: Chelsea and Scott had an incredible vendor team. From expert officiating by Nathan Grieve, to the music by Nitro Music, having talented and experienced vendors who know the Rivers Edge space means you can trust them to create the best possible wedding experience for you and your guests.
• Prioritize VIPs: Chelsea prioritized heartfelt moments with her grandmas, sharing the bouquet charms she added with photos of her late grandfathers. In the rush of a wedding day, it is easy to forget to take time to really soak in these meaningful moments of connection, so I always recommend making a short list of “must-have” family members for your photographer to pay special attention to.

Chelsea and Scott, it was a joy to document your day and see your vision come to life in such a beautiful location. If you are currently planning your own wedding at River’s Edge at the Arlington in Paris Ontario, I would love to chat about how we can tell your story through documentary-style photography.

Vendors

Venue: Rivers Edge at the Arlington

Photography: Ben Lariviere Photography

Officiant: Nathan Grieve

Makeup Artist: Hilary Grimm

Hair Stylist: Amanda Weldon

DJ: Nitro Music

Attire: David’s Bridal & Tip Top