Discover Rustic Charm and Authentic Moments at Strathmere Wedding Venue
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing Charles and Kim’s beautiful Strathmere Summer Wedding near Ottawa. Strathmere offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and elegant vibes, creating a stunning backdrop for their special day. From heartfelt vows to intimate moments during the traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony, every detail showcased their unique love story.
Charles and Kim’s Love Story:
Charles and Kim’s journey began in the most unexpected way—through a game of badminton. Despite Kim’s initial impression of Charles’ unconventional badminton style (who plays with one hand in their pocket?), they quickly bonded over their shared love for gaming and neighborhood carpooling. Their relationship flourished over time, from playing Final Fantasy 15 to Charles moving his belongings into Kim’s apartment, symbolizing the start of their beautiful journey together.
Capturing the Vietnamese Tea Ceremony:
One of the most touching and unique aspects of Charles and Kim’s wedding was the Vietnamese tea ceremony. Held in the morning, this traditional ceremony was a beautiful homage to Kim’s heritage. In Vietnamese culture, the groom retrieves the bride from her family’s home, bearing gifts to win the family’s approval. It was heartwarming to capture Charles, accompanied by his family, as they arrived with gifts, symbolizing respect and unity. The ceremony, filled with prayers to ancestors and beautiful candid moments, provided a rich cultural backdrop that added depth to their wedding story.
Authentic Joyful Moments:
As a photographer, my mission is to capture authentic, unguarded moments that make each wedding unique. Strathmere’s picturesque gardens and historic buildings provided ideal settings for both posed and candid shots. The joy and love between Charles and Kim were palpable in every frame, making my job incredibly fulfilling.

Joyful Flower Boys Steal the Show!
One of the standout moments at this summer wedding was the couple’s creative twist on tradition with their flower boys. Dressed in pastel dresses and straw hats, they brought a burst of joy and laughter, turning the ceremony into a lighthearted celebration. Their infectious enthusiasm and carefree petal-scattering had everyone smiling, perfectly reflecting the couple’s fun-loving spirit and adding a unique, memorable touch to the day.
The Picturesque Venue:
Strathmere’s serene landscape and versatile venue was perfect for Charles and Kim’s celebration. The lush gardens and charming architecture offered countless opportunities for beautiful photos. Whether it was Kim’s radiant smile or Charle’s delighted laughter, every moment was filled with authentic emotion and happiness.
Capturing the Details:
Every aspect of this wedding was meticulously planned to reflect Charles and Kim’s personalities and love for each other. The rustic decorations, elegant floral arrangements, and beautiful personal touches made their wedding truly memorable. As a photographer, documenting these details was a joy and a privilege.
Taskmaster Challenge Wedding Edition
At the start of Kim and Charles’ reception, they kicked off the festivities with a Taskmaster challenge that had guests hunting for clues all over the Lodge at Strathmere. This interactive game was not only a fantastic icebreaker but also brought out the competitive spirit in everyone, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening. Photographing this lively event was an awesome, capturing the guests’ determined faces and triumphant smiles as they pieced together the clues. The Taskmaster challenge set the perfect tone for an amazing night.
Shocking Surprise
One of the night’s highlights was when the “photobooth guy”, who had been quietly doing his thing, suddenly got up from our table during dinner and started belting out classic love ballads. The guests and the couple were totally caught off guard, but they absolutely loved it. His amazing voice and heartfelt performance turned him from the guy behind the scenes into the star of the show, adding an unexpected and delightful twist to the wedding. Keep scrolling to see his epic Bubble Gun during the dance party!
Hilarious Wedding Games
Kim & Charles entertained their guests with two hilarious games that had everyone laughing out loud. First up was a donut challenge where the bride, seated with two donuts dangling from strings over her shoulders, watched as the groom, who was blindfolded, had to nibble them off—no hands allowed! The fun continued with an egg-citing twist: Kim had to choose between a raw egg and a tennis ball to roll up the Charle’s pant leg to his waist and then down the other leg. Naturally, she chose the egg, proving she’s not one to crack under pressure.
Being part of Charles and Kim’s wedding day at Strathmere was an incredible experience. The unique blend of rustic charm, elegant settings, and rich cultural traditions made it an unforgettable event. I am grateful for the opportunity to document their love story and the beauty of their celebration.
Venue: Strathmere
Strathmere, near Ottawa, is a fantastic choice for your wedding. With three unique venues – The Lodge, The Farmhouse, and The Garden House – it offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and elegance. When planning your big day here, take advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces for your ceremony and photos. Their on-site accommodations and spa services are great for a relaxing pre-wedding experience. Plus, the dedicated team at Strathmere will help ensure every detail is perfect, so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Vendors
- Photography Cindy Lottes
- Venue Strathmere – The Lodge
- Photobooth/Wedding Singer Star Staillion Media
- Hair & Make-up Kelly McCarthy
- Officiant Ric Glowienka
- DJ Tyco Entertainment
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