Carleton Golf & Yacht Club Wedding

Carleton Golf & Yacht Club Wedding for Mélanie & Ian in September. Some wedding days are pure joy from beginning to end, and Mélanie & Ian’s wedding was exactly that. From lighthearted morning preparations with close friends to choreographed dances that wowed the entire guest list, this day was overflowing with energy, love, and unforgettable memories.

It was our very first time photographing a wedding at Carleton Golf & Yacht Club, and we left the day not only with full hearts but also a new appreciation for how beautiful this space is for weddings. With bright skies, lakeside views, and endless possibilities for portraits, it was a dream backdrop for Mélanie & Ian’s September celebration.

Lighthearted and Fun Morning Prep

Mélanie began her morning in a close friend’s brand-new home—a fresh, modern space filled with light and laughter. The energy was fun and relaxed, with bridesmaids buzzing around, helping her get ready, and soaking up the anticipation of the big day. Her mom & MOH helped her into her dress, and that quickly became one of the most emotional moments of the day. The look in her mom’s eyes as she zipped up the gown was pure love, and it was impossible not to feel moved by their connection.

Mélanie shared a first look with her dad and her brother, both of which were incredibly heartfelt.

A Romantic First Look on the Golf Course

Before the ceremony, Mélanie & Ian shared their own first look near the third hole of the golf course. The space was quiet, private, and filled with anticipation. As Ian turned around and saw Mélanie for the first time, the joy on his face was unforgettable. It was intimate, romantic, and the perfect start to their wedding celebration.

Ceremony Beside the Water

Carleton Golf & Yacht Club offers one of the most peaceful outdoor ceremony spaces in Ottawa wedding venues, with the water stretching out beside the couple as they exchanged vows. On Mélanie & Ian’s wedding day, the sky was brilliantly blue without a single cloud in sight—perfect weather for an outdoor celebration.

Guests gathered along the shoreline as the couple said their vows, the glistening water to one side and the lush golf course greenery on the other. The setting created a natural, serene backdrop that perfectly matched the calm and joy of the moment.

Cocktail Hour & Candid Guest Moments

Mélanie & Ian chose to keep family photos short so they could spend as much time as possible at cocktail hour. This decision gave them the freedom to connect with their guests and enjoy every detail of the day they’d worked so hard to plan.

For us, this meant capturing the candid magic: hugs, laughter, and spontaneous interactions between friends and family. Cocktail hour is often one of the best times for natural, storytelling photography, and this wedding was no exception.

Three Choreographed Dances

If one choreographed dance is impressive, three is absolutely unforgettable! Mélanie & Ian wowed their guests with not only a beautifully choreographed first dance as a couple, but also two very special family dances.

Ian shared a choreographed dance with his mom, a performance that blended joy and sentiment, leaving not a dry eye in the room. Watching his Dad get so excited and kiss his mom after was pure magic. Then, Mélanie took to the floor with her mom for a surprise mother-daughter dance that had everyone cheering and clapping along.

These three dances showcased the love they share not only as a couple, but also with their families. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for their guests, and one of the most magical parts of the evening.

Exploring New Photography Gems

Because it was our first time shooting at Carleton Golf & Yacht Club, we had the chance to scout and discover new photo locations. From the lush greens of the course to hidden nooks by the water, the venue provided endless inspiration. We found some stunning backdrops but couldn’t help imagining how fun it would be to capture more photos out on the course—or even from a boat on the water!

This space has incredible potential for couples who want variety in their wedding portraits.

A Reception Full of Energy

The reception was just as fun-filled as it was elegant. Guests enjoyed delicious food, heartfelt speeches, and a buzzing dance floor. A huge part of that energy came from Dynamix Productions, who had the room moving all night long. The music, the lighting, and the vibe made the reception feel like a true celebration.

Final Thoughts

Mélanie & Ian’s wedding at Carleton Golf & Yacht Club was everything a wedding should be: filled with laughter, emotion, and unforgettable experiences. From the lighthearted prep and emotional family moments to the three choreographed dances and a packed dance floor, every part of the day reflected their personalities and their love for each other.

For us, it was a day of discovery—a new venue, new photo gems, and the chance to capture some of the most heartfelt dances we’ve ever seen. We left the wedding feeling inspired and can’t wait to return to Carleton Golf & Yacht Club for more beautiful celebrations.