When Andrew and I got married I wanted nothing more then to paddle to the ceremony. It was a pipe dream, as my father is not comfortable in a canoe, we couldn’t find a location that this would work etc. etc. For a lot of our clients this is not a dream. Growing up with old wooden boats or canoes is a Muskoka tradition and because of that it is a necessity for their wedding day.

Our top three tips for boating or paddling on your wedding day

1. Timing- it does take more then a few minutes to get in and out of a boat in a wedding dress! Also, to paddle or drive the boat out to the perfect spot can take a bit of time. When looking at your timeline just make sure you have planned enough time with a little bit of cushion room. Example total time 40 min-20 boating with 10 min to get ready and 10 min to pack up.

2. Extra’s- Blankets, padding, towels are all good things to bring to protect those beautiful clothes from getting dirty. Also, great for padding canoe seats or knees if in a canoe and as well as drying anything off if needed.

3. Helpers- it does take more then one person to help you get all that crinoline into a boat or canoe. Sometimes, you require a driver or another boat entirely in order to get a variety of  photographic perspectives. With canoes you need someone responsible for holding the canoe or carrying it. It’s always best to let your wedding party/friends know your plans and ask them for their help at different parts. This makes everything go smoother and no hiccups for your day.

Bonus Tip- If on your wedding day it’s not going to work to go boating. Then make sure to include that special boat during your engagement session.

So, no I didn’t get to paddle into our wedding ceremony but yes I did get to paddle on our wedding day. Our good friend Charlie who owns a local marina brought us a brand new canoe to paddle around the Wye river in. Andrew and I often paddle this same route on our wedding anniversary.

Here are few wedding images where boating was a must for our clients

Liz got to paddle to her ceremony and afterwards on with her groom. This couple met while guiding a river trip in Alaska. Had to get that paddle in for their day. Wedding at Arowhon Pines

Sara & David above cuddling in their own wooden boat. On this day I was in another boat shooting towards their vintage boat, whole Andrew was in their boat taking images like this. We are in the Lake of Bays- wedding was held at Port Cunnington Lodge.

The red cedar-strip canoe below is ours. We call it the wedding canoe!  Found it on a by and sell page and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to own it. It’s been fully re-conditioned and repainted by us.  Many of our clients see this canoe and ask us to bring it along to their wedding. At one wedding Andrew actually started his day with a paddle across to Bartlett Lodge.  Just how any work day should start!