Lauren & Hesham's Wedding at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery: A Day Full of Heart and Sunshine

There are wedding days that just feel different — where love radiates not just between the couple but through every hug, every speech, and every shared glance. That was exactly the kind of day Lauren and Hesham had at the stunning Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery.

As a photographer, you live for days like this.

The Setting: Rustic Elegance in the Heart of Niagara

If you’ve never been to Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, let me paint the scene: rolling vineyards, charming rustic architecture, and a kind of warm, golden light that seems to kiss every leaf and glass of wine. It's a dream backdrop — and on this particular September afternoon, it was bathed in sunlight, with just the softest breeze rustling through the vines.

Lauren and Hesham couldn’t have chosen a better venue. It was intimate, effortlessly romantic, and reflected their personalities perfectly — elegant yet relaxed, refined but full of fun.

The Morning: Quiet Joy and Beautiful Chaos

I arrived as Lauren and her bridesmaids were getting ready in one of the estate’s charming rooms. The air was filled with the scent of perfume, the sound of laughter, and that wonderful blend of nerves and excitement. Lauren looked radiant even before stepping into her dress — calm, grounded, and absolutely glowing.

Hesham, on the other hand, was just down the way, surrounded by his groomsmen. There was a moment — just before he put on his jacket — when he paused and looked out over the vines. I snapped a quick candid, and it’s one of my favorite images from the day: quiet anticipation in a single frame.

The First Look: Just the Two of Them

We carved out a private moment for Lauren and Hesham to have their first look — tucked behind a grove of trees, away from the buzz. As soon as Hesham turned around, his whole face lit up. Lauren couldn’t stop smiling. It was real, unfiltered emotion, and being able to capture those few minutes where time seemed to stop… that’s what makes this job so meaningful.

The Ceremony: Vows in the Vineyard

Set among the vines, the ceremony was heartfelt and personal. The officiant spoke with such warmth, and when Lauren and Hesham exchanged vows, there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd (yes, myself included — behind the camera, of course).

The light during the ceremony was perfect — golden hour hitting just as they said “I do.” Everything felt cinematic. Surreal, even.

Golden Hour Portraits: Magic in the Vineyard

After the ceremony, we snuck away for some portraits in the vineyard just as the sun was dipping low. The sky gave us soft pinks and oranges, and the rows of vines created these beautiful lines that led straight to the couple.

Lauren’s dress moved like water in the breeze, and Hesham — well, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. It made my job easy.

The Reception: A Celebration to Remember

The reception was full of joy — incredible food, heartfelt speeches, and the kind of dancing that makes your cheeks hurt from smiling behind the camera. One of the most memorable parts? Their first dance under the open sky, surrounded by twinkling lights and the sound of their closest people cheering them on.

There was so much love in that space — friends from different parts of their lives coming together, family members tearing up during the speeches, and spontaneous bursts of laughter all night long.

Final Thoughts: A Day that Stays With You

Some weddings feel like stories you’ll tell forever — Lauren and Hesham’s is one of those. It was a day full of sincerity, joy, and the kind of love that makes everything around it glow a little brighter.

To Lauren and Hesham: thank you for trusting me to capture such a meaningful day. Your connection is something special, and I’m so grateful I got to witness and document it.

And to anyone reading this who’s considering Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery for your big day — I can’t recommend it enough. It's a place where stories come to life, and where every photo tells a little piece of the magic.