An Emotional Hillside Acres Wedding- Melissa & DJ

After capturing their engagement photos, I knew Melissa and DJ’s wedding day would be just as special. Held at the beautiful Hillside Acres wedding venue, their day was filled with deep emotions, love, and personal touches that made it truly unforgettable.

The day began with Melissa and DJ getting ready, followed by a first look in a stunning tree-lined area on the property. This intimate moment was quickly followed by an even more emotional one—Melissa and DJ chose to read their vows to each other privately right after their first look. The weight of the moment was palpable, especially since Melissa had recently lost her father. The emotions from this loss carried through the day, especially during the speeches, making their vows and promises to each other all the more meaningful.

After their private vow exchange, we captured some beautiful portraits with both the bridal party and groomsmen. The ceremony itself was sweet and intimate, with a serene pond serving as the backdrop. Melissa and DJ’s love was the centerpiece of the ceremony, and the natural beauty of the venue complemented it perfectly.

For dinner, the couple opted for a fun and casual food truck, adding a laid-back touch to the celebration. As golden hour approached, the sunlight painted the entire venue in a warm, golden glow. DJ, who is an RCMP officer, even brought a vintage police car from Camrose, tying his profession into the day. We took some playful and meaningful photos with the car during golden hour, creating another special moment to remember.

One of the most touching moments of the day happened before the official ceremony pictures were taken. Melissa and DJ snuck into their reception tent for a private look at the space, and it was here that they shared a private first dance. I played their song on a Bluetooth speaker, and they danced alone—just the two of them, soaking in the significance of the day. This private dance paralleled their official first dance later that evening, adding a beautiful sense of continuity to the celebration.

As the night progressed, the speeches were incredibly emotional, reflecting the deep connections they share with family and friends. The evening ended with everyone dancing the night away, celebrating the love and joy that Melissa and DJ share. It was a perfect way to close a day filled with both laughter and tears, and I’m so grateful to have been part of it.