Hannah & Alex's Epic Wedding At The Ottawa River Barn

Introduction to a White Water Kayakers Wedding

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Foresters Falls, The Ottawa River Barn hosted a spectacular white water kayakers wedding for Hannah and Alex. This unique wedding was an unforgettable experience, capturing every thrilling moment from the serene outdoor ceremony to the lively reception inside the barn.

Entrance sign for The River Barn Pub & Country Store Wedding Venue surrounded by lush greenery in Foresters Falls.

Courtyard of The River Barn in Foresters Falls, featuring towering silos and red barn walls, with wedding guests mingling during Hannah and Alex’s wedding.

Making Waves: The Proposal Story

Hannah and Alex’s love story is one for the books. They met in the summer of 2019 at a kayaking festival in Upstate NY. How cool is that?! Sparks didn’t fly immediately, but fate brought them together again at Wilderness Tours, where they finally connected. Fast forward to November 2023, Alex proposed on the Ottawa River during a ‘Movember’ race with a ring pop, capturing the heartwarming moment on video. Talk about a unique proposal! You can chekc out the video here.

A vibrantly colored kayak resting against a rustic barn at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, symbolizing Hannah and Alex's love for white water kayaking.

Close-up of a hexagonal wooden frame with the number 4 on a reception table at Hannah and Alex's wedding at The River Barn.

Guests sitting under a white tent on the lawn during the reception at Hannah and Alex's wedding at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

White car with yellow kayaks on the roof parked beside the silos at The River Barn in Foresters Falls during Hannah and Alex's whitewater kayaking wedding.

White car with yellow kayaks on the roof driving down a gravel road towards The River Barn in Foresters Falls for Hannah and Alex's wedding.

Guests walking down a gravel path surrounded by greenery at The River Barn in Foresters Falls for Hannah and Alex's wedding.

Wedding guests walking across a field surrounded by greenery under a blue sky at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Ceremony by the Rapids

The ceremony took place at the stunning Butcher’s Knife Rapid Overlook just a short walk from the Ottawa River Barn. As Hannah and Alex exchanged their vows, kayaks and rafts drifted down the rapids. Their good friend, William Crimmins IV, officiated their beautiful outdoor ceremony adding a personal touch to their special day.

Outdoor wedding ceremony space at Butcher's Knife Rapids on the Ottawa River. The perfect venue for a whitewater kayakers wedding.

View of the river surrounded by trees near The River Barn in Foresters Falls during Hannah and Alex's wedding.

Groom and groomsmen standing and smiling during the outdoor wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride walking down the aisle with her parents during the outdoor wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, surrounded by seated guests.

Guests seated and watching the wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Close-up of guests seated and focused on the wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Hannah and Alex exchange vows by the rapids at their white water kayakers wedding.

Groomsmen standing and smiling during the wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bridesmaids smiling and holding bouquets during the wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom exchanging rings under a wooden arch during their outdoor wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom sharing their first kiss under a wooden arch during their outdoor wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with bridesmaids smiling in the background.

Bride and groom sharing their first kiss under a wooden arch during their outdoor wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with groomsmen in the background.

Bride and groom holding hands and smiling as they are pronounced married under a wooden arch during their outdoor wedding ceremony at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle together, smiling and holding a bouquet, while guests applaud at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom walking with their wedding party through a forested area at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Groom and groomsmen standing together and smiling in a forested area at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and bridesmaids raising a bouquet and celebrating together in a forested area at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Reception area setup for Hannah and Alex’s white water kayakers wedding.

Epic Moments with Family and Friends

Family and friends cheering as kayakers navigate the rapids, making waves of excitement during Hannah and Alex’s epic whitewater kayak wedding.

View of white water kayakers paddling on the Ottawa river surrounded by trees at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride, groom, and wedding party toasting with drinks in front of the red barn at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, wearing sunglasses and smiling.

Bride and bridesmaids standing in front of the red barn at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, holding drinks, smiling.and showing off their light-up shoes.

Bride and bridesmaids wearing sunglasses and Converse sneakers, holding drinks and smiling in front of the red barn at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride, groom, and wedding party laughing and holding drinks in front of the red barn at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

A Reception to Remember

After the ceremony, the party began and it was a LOT of fun! The reception was held on the expansive courtyard outside of the barn. The weather was perfect, allowing everyone to enjoy the outdoors and dance the night away under the stars. The Valley Cats, a local live band, provided the perfect soundtrack to the evening, keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed.

Wedding guests laughing and holding drinks while wearing sunglasses at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Man carrying a woman in his arms while both are laughing and wearing sunglasses at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Round reception table setup with floral arrangements and place settings under a tent at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom toasting and smiling at their reception table with floral arrangements at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Wedding guests seated under a white tent during the reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Unique Decor Choices

Over the years, Hannah and Alex have thrown many ragers at whitewater river festivals, so they wanted their wedding to have that same vibrant and fun atmosphere. They included elegant, glamorous, and traditional elements to surprise their guests while incorporating soft, casual, and rustic touches to keep everyone comfortable and at ease in the natural riverside venue.

Wedding guests showing off their ring pop ring candies and laughing at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Table setting with toy kayaks and candles at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom laughing and celebrating with friends outdoors at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride, groom, and family members giving a toast on stage with paddles in the background at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Plate with toast, cups, and a thermos on a wooden table at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Wedding guests standing and watching the toast under the white tent at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride smiling and looking at her flower girl in a white dress holding a bouquet at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride kissing her brother in a gray suit on the cheek while holding a bouquet at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Groom hugging his mom and smiling. His mom is wearing a purple dress at The River Barn in Foresters Falls

Bride hugging her father in a blue suit while holding a bouquet at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride hugging her mom who is in a light-colored dress while holding a bouquet at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride, groom, and their families standing together and smiling under a wooden arch at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Live band playing at the white water kayakers wedding reception.

Bride and groom kissing under a decorated arch at their wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom dancing together under string lights at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom sharing their first dance under string lights with a live band in the background at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and her brother dancing and laughing together at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom dancing under string lights with guests in the background at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Bride and groom embracing and dancing on the dance floor with guests and live band in the background at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Guests applauding and enjoying the celebration under string lights at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Dancing the Night Away

Guests dancing energetically under string lights at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

A man in a white shirt dancing with a young girl in a white dress at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Guests dancing and enjoying themselves at an outdoor wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with string lights and a red barn in the background.

Wedding guests seated around a rustic wooden table at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with others standing and watching the festivities, under a barn-like structure.

Bride and groom dancing under string lights at an outdoor wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Wedding guests dancing and having fun at an outdoor wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls.

Couple dancing together at an outdoor wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with guests in the background.

Wedding guests dancing and enjoying the reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with a red barn as the backdrop and string lights overhead.

Bride dancing with an elderly guest at an outdoor wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with guests in the background.

Young girl in a white dress dancing with an older woman at an outdoor wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with guests in the background.

Elderly man dancing with a woman in a floral dress at an outdoor wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with guests in the background.

Bride and groom smiling at each other during a sunset dance at an outdoor wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with a red barn in the background.

Bride and groom sharing a kiss during their wedding reception at sunset at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with guests visible in the background.

Bride and groom holding hands and walking towards a white tent during their wedding reception at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with a barn visible in the background.

Working with Casey Bryant Jones

I had the pleasure of working alongside the incredibly talented Casey Bryant Jones, who is not only one of the best whitewater kayaking instructors in the world but also a skilled videographer. A man of many talents, Casey captured stunning moments from the day. I also had the opportunity to shoot his wedding at Wilderness Tours, another fantastic venue down the road. You can check out their wedding here [link to Wilderness Tours wedding].

Bride and groom sharing a kiss in a wide-open field at sunset during their wedding at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with family members and Cindy Lottes, the photographer, and Casey Byrant-Jones, the videographer, capturing the moment in the background.

Bride and groom embracing at sunset in a wide-open field during their wedding at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with the sun creating a warm glow behind them.

Bride and groom standing together in a wide-open field at sunset during their wedding at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, sharing a romantic moment.

Bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other at sunset in a wide-open field during their wedding at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers.

Bride and groom holding hands and walking together through a field at sunset during their wedding at The River Barn in Foresters Falls, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers and both smiling.

Outdoor wedding reception under a large white tent at dusk with tables and chairs arranged for dining, decorated with flowers and string lights, next to a barn at The River Barn in Foresters Falls. A perfect venue for couple's who are into whitewater kayaking.

Bride and bridesmaids in green dresses dancing with colorful light-up shoes under string lights at an outdoor wedding reception.

A large white wedding tent set up outdoors in the evening, with string lights and decorated tables inside, beside two silos and a barn.

Bride and bridesmaids in green dresses enjoying a fun moment with their colorful light-up shoes at an outdoor wedding reception under string lights.

Bride and guests dancing and celebrating at an outdoor wedding reception under string lights next to a red barn in the evening.

A live band called theValley Cats, performing at an outdoor wedding reception in the evening. The lead singer is playing a guitar and singing into a microphone on a rustic stage under string lights.

A guitarist performing on stage at an outdoor wedding reception. He is smiling while playing an electric guitar, with amplifiers and rustic decorations in the background.

A keyboardist playing a Roland VR-7 keyboard during an outdoor wedding reception. He is focused on his performance, with rustic wooden beams and soft lighting creating an intimate atmosphere.

A drummer playing a red drum set during an outdoor wedding reception. He is seated in a rustic wooden structure, with a warm lamp providing ambient light and enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

Two musicians performing at an outdoor wedding reception. The singer, wearing a purple shirt, is playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone. Another musician in a blue shirt is playing an electric guitar in the background.

A band performing at an outdoor wedding reception. The guitarist in the foreground is playing a red electric guitar and singing into a microphone, while a bassist in the background is playing an electric bass guitar. The setting includes rustic wooden beams and lush green ferns.

A man with a rainbow clown wig and colorful tutu helps the bride put on bunny ears at the wedding reception. Guests in fun costumes are visible in the background.

Three guests in colorful costumes at a wedding reception. One is wearing a rainbow clown wig and tutu, another is in a tie-dye onesie, and the third is dressed in a cow costume with a hood.

Band performing at a wedding reception. The lead singer with dreadlocks is playing an electric guitar and singing into a microphone, with other band members playing instruments in the background.

A group of wedding guests toasting drinks together at an indoor bar area, celebrating and smiling.

Guests enjoying a wedding reception outdoors at night, with string lights creating a festive atmosphere. One guest raises his drink in a celebratory toast.

Wedding guests dancing outdoors under string lights, enjoying the evening reception beside a red barn.

A black and white photo of guests gathered around an indoor bar area, engaging in conversation and celebration during a wedding reception.

Guests dancing and mingling under string lights at an outdoor wedding reception beside a red barn, with the bride in her wedding dress enjoying the festivities.

A lively wedding reception with guests dancing outdoors under string lights, some dressed in colorful costumes, including a bride in a white dress enjoying the celebration.

Bride and groom dancing under string lights at their whitewater kayakers wedding.

A live band performs on stage at a nighttime wedding reception under a wooden canopy with string lights, with guests dancing and mingling in the background.

Whitewater kayaker guests dancing the night away.

Bride and groom dancing closely on a wooden deck under string lights at an outdoor wedding reception, with guests and a red barn in the background during twilight.

Bride and groom dancing on a wooden deck under string lights at an outdoor wedding reception, with a white tent and guests in the background during twilight.

Matt and I had an absolute blast photographing Hannah and Alex’s epic wedding. We are incredibly grateful that we got to be a part of it. Their day was filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of fun – the perfect recipe for an unforgettable summer wedding at The Ottawa River Barn.