Wedding of Marie-Christine & Kevin : The moving sand ceremony at Strathmere (Ottawa)

Mayou Gagnon-Larivière
Aug 22
2 min read

When wedding photography meets the magic of love and family, unforgettable moments are created. That’s exactly what happened during Marie-Christine and Kevin’s wedding at Strathmere, Ottawa.

Bouteille en verre de la cérémonie du sable — Par May Photographie au Strathmere

A truly unique wedding, Marie-Christine and Kevin chose to place the celebration of their blended family at the heart of their day. One of the highlights was the symbolic Sand Ceremony. For those unfamiliar, this ritual involves blending different types of sand—often in various colors—into a single vessel. It represents the union of two distinct lives into one, symbolizing the unbreakable bond of love. While this ceremony is often reserved for the couple, they decided to include their children, making the moment even more magical. Together, they highlighted a family love that transcends blood ties and unites hearts.

The emotions were palpable throughout the ceremony. I was deeply moved by the intensity of these moments. Capturing the tears of joy and the radiant smiles of Marie-Christine and Kevin, along with the heartfelt reactions of their loved ones, was both a privilege and an unforgettable experience.

The wedding venue, Strathmere in Ottawa, added a rustic charm to this special day. With its wide-open green spaces, lush gardens, and warm atmosphere, Strathmere provided the perfect setting for such an elegant celebration. Every corner of the estate became a backdrop for magical moments that I was honored to capture through my lens.

As a wedding photographer, there is nothing more rewarding than documenting genuine, emotion-filled moments. Marie-Christine and Kevin’s wedding at Strathmere was truly one of those, and I am honored to have witnessed their love story.