This was one of the most unique, adventurous, and heart felt destination weddings I had ever had the pleasure of photographing … and it was in Nova Scotia! Cory and Ailsa met while working on a film set in Vancouver. Their friendship eventually turned into romance, which led to perhaps the true test to any relationship, traveling 6 months together, in a camper around north and central america. {Follow their adventures on Instagram @bigfoottracks} Along the way, their relationship grew even stronger and they even adopted a rescue dog when in Baja and named him Bones. It wasn’t long after that, they were engaged and Ailsa told her dad she wanted to get married at the family cabin in Nova Scotia. This is the most gorgeous property, overlooking the Bay of Fundy and they were to get married on the private beach surrounded by close friends and family. What was supposed to be a retirement project for her father, quickly turned into completely building the cabin and transforming the entire area for the wedding.
I had no idea what to expect upon arrival, but I was blown away by all the amazing DIY details crafted to perfection done by their artistically talented friends and family, this truly was a labor of love. There was no detail left undone, everything had a meaning, and everything was homemade, one way or another … the rings, the bridesmaids jewelry, the men’s knives, Ailsa’s dress and shoes, the vows, the food, and an arbor built tree branches?!
Two weeks after they were married, Cory was off to Alaska to work on a Shrimp boat for a month and Ailsa flew to Dubai to work on a secret movie project and I have no doubt, they are already planning their next big adventure. I am so grateful to have had this amazing opportunity to capture this chapter in your life, your wedding day, we will all remember this legendary event forever.
I love Ailsa’s hand crafted engagement ring!
Aisle’s Bridesmaids jewelry/gift for the girls!
Their handwritten vows …
The cabin!
Ailsa, you are absolutely stunning!
Twinning! Cory has a twin brother, Craig.
I love that Ailsa’s Dad played the bagpipes while walking her down the isle.
Confetti!! 
The boys!
The girls!
Gosh, anyone who knows me knows I am obsessed with dogs and a dog in a suit jacket … even better. Bones has a larger than life personality and he truly is loved by all and was an exceptional wedding guest.
Cory and Ailsa’s very talented friend performed for them
And then … things got crazy. I just love this epic shot (taken by Robby!) because Cory truly is on top of the world, feeling like a king, experiencing pure bliss, as he should on his wedding day.
Below is an amazing time lapse video taken by Cory’s brother Craig showing the construction of the arbor, the wedding, and when it got swept away by the sea
© Melissa Desjardins Photography 2015 | Wedding and Portrait Photographer | Central VA and Destinations Worldwide
Vendor Information coming soon!
Photographer: Melissa Desjardins
Second Photographer: Robby Smolen
Engagement ring, wedding bands + bridesmaids’ rings: Janet Harrison
Having a Destination Wedding and interested in getting more information about hiring us?! Contact Melissa HERE