Chic & Timeless Wedding at The Cape Mansion | Christine & Evan
From the moment I arrived at The Cape Mansion, I knew Christine and Evan’s wedding was going to be something special.
They are the kind of couple who radiate ease and joy; deeply in love, intentional with every choice, and surrounded by people who adore them.
Photographing their day felt like stepping into a storybook where every detail was crafted with heart.
Their wedding was everything I love about Prince Edward County: elegant but relaxed, timeless but full of personality, and filled with the kind of moments that unfold naturally when people feel at home. From getting ready in the iconic suites, to their quiet first look in the Wilde Garden, to their stunning tented reception on the lawn — every part of their day reflected who they are as a couple.
What struck me most about Christine and Evan was how present they were. They took in every moment, enjoyed their people, and moved through the day with so much gratitude and excitement. They trusted the process, trusted each other, and trusted me — and that trust is exactly what creates the kind of images you feel in your heart, not just see with your eyes.
If you’re newly engaged and dreaming of a celebration at The Cape or planning a tented waterfront wedding in PEC, Christine and Evan’s day is the perfect example of how timeless, heartfelt, and cinematic your wedding can be when you lean into presence, intention, and great design.
Now let’s dive into their beautiful day.
Christine getting ready in the Elizabeth Taylor suite and the Janis Joplin Hall at the Cape Mansion in Picton, Ontario. There truly isn’t a better bridal suite than The Cape. Every room feels timeless, elegant, and unmistakably bridal; it turns your whole morning into something out of a fairy tale, and it’s an absolute dream for photographers… hehe. One of my favourite things is how many bedrooms there are to choose from. Everyone has space to get ready without stepping over each other or cluttering a single room, which keeps the morning calm and the photos beautiful. Most brides, like Christine, choose to get ready upstairs where they can look out over the terrace and watch their vendors quietly bringing their vision to life; all while catching little glimpses of Picton locals driving down Main Street. It feels like a storybook unfolding right in front of you.
Evan getting ready in the Robbie Burns Lounge & portraits with his groomsmen when they are freshly ready. One thing I love about this room is how spacious and flexible it is; you can move furniture around, the lighting is naturally cool, and the overall vibe is moody in the best way, which works perfectly for groom prep. When you get married at The Cape, you can have “your room” for showering and keeping your personal things, but still choose a separate space like this to actually get ready in. It keeps the floors clean and free from the usual chaos (hangers, bags, clothes everywhere), and it photographs so much better. It’s also a really meaningful space; your family is often getting ready just down the hall, and your bride is quite literally right upstairs. It makes the whole morning feel connected, calm, and close.
Christine & Evans first look in the Wilde Garden in front of the Cape Mansion. The key to a really great first look is choosing a spot that’s private, shaded, and not a long walk; especially with a bride in heels and a groom in a full suit (they heat up fast). But it should still feel tucked away enough that no one wanders through or interrupts you. This moment is meant to be completely yours; just the two of you.
Christine & Evan’s portraits | One of my favourite things about The Cape is how much variety you get without having to go far. You’re literally steps away from gorgeous indoor and outdoor spots, which makes portraits feel effortless. It also gives you so much peace of mind on days when the weather isn’t cooperating; you always have a beautiful backup.
Doing wedding party photos before the ceremony is one of the best ways to get relaxed, timeless, actually-fun photos. Everyone’s fresh from getting ready (aka not sweaty yet), and you won’t have to disappear after the ceremony. Your wedding party can head straight to cocktail hour with you and their partners, and you get to enjoy that time instead of rushing through portraits.
Having your immediate family present before the ceremony is such a game-changer too; everyone’s fresh, focused, and you’re not trying to wrangle parents who are excitedly catching up with aunts, uncles, and every guest in sight. You also avoid random people drifting into your photos or trying to jump in. If your timeline allows for it, I highly recommend doing family portraits beforehand. It keeps everything calm, organized, and so much more enjoyable for everyone.
Christine & Evans ceremony led by the incredible Weddings by Karin in the Wilde Garden in front of the Cape Mansion. Before the ceremony began, the couple, their families, and the wedding party were able to take a short break to breathe, refresh, and soak in the moment. The excitement was there, building in the best way; but the stress and nerves had completely lifted after doing all their photos beforehand. There’s something really special about having that pocket of calm with your closest people before guests arrive and the main event begins. It sets the tone for the whole day.
Christine & Evans stunning details in their tented reception. What I love about a tented wedding is how customizable it is; every single detail is intentional. Lighting, tablescapes, florals, layout… it all works together to create an experience that feels personal. If you’re planning a tented wedding, think about how you want people to feel when they walk in: romantic, elevated, eclectic? Your décor choices; down to your linens, candles, and seating style, bring that feeling to life.
Cocktail hour on the porch of the Cape Mansion. One of my favourite things about doing formal photos before the ceremony is that you actually get to be a part of cocktail hour and so do your families and wedding party. Instead of rushing around for portraits, you get to relax into this part of the day and be fully present with your people. I love being a fly on the wall during this time, documenting the real moments: the hugs, the conversations, the laughter, the way your guests interact with you. And I always make it a priority to capture a portrait of each guest during cocktail hour; it’s such a meaningful touch and makes for the most thoughtful “thank you” cards later on.
Speeches during the reception are one of my favourite parts of the day to photograph. Yes, the words are beautiful, but it’s the reactions that make this part so special. These moments are so real and unposed, and they tell the true story of your day just as much as your portraits do. Capturing those tiny reactions is honestly one of my favourite parts of the whole evening.
Golden hour with Christine & Evan. This is easily one of the most special parts of your wedding day and most couples don’t even realize it until they’re in it. Yes, it’s a little breather from the rest of the celebration, a moment to soak in each other and settle into being married But it’s also the first time all day that you’re fully relaxed, present, and ready to celebrate. The timeline is done, the nerves are gone, and all that’s left is joy. Golden hour portraits aren’t just pretty photos, they’re the moment you get to step back, look at your person, and truly bask in everything you’ve just experienced together.
A little champagne tower to get the party started. There’s something about a champagne pour that instantly shifts the energy of the night. It’s celebratory, interactive, a little glamorous, and it gets everyone excited for what’s coming next. Guests gather around, the music gets a little louder, and suddenly the whole room feels alive. It’s one of those traditions that photographs beautifully but also feels amazing in the moment… just the perfect kickoff to the rest of the evening.
The dances are always such a beautiful way to close out the story of the day. The first dance feels like a moment suspended in time; the room fades, the music wraps around you, and it finally sinks in: you’re married. Parent dances add another layer of emotion, reminding everyone how much love and history brought you to this moment. These dances aren’t just formalities; they’re the heartbeats of the evening. The soft smiles, the teary eyes, the way families hold each other a little tighter; it’s all part of the story you’ll look back on for years. A perfect, tender ending before the celebration carries on into the night.
dream team of vendorsPhotographer: Holly McMurter Photographs
Venue: The Cape Mansion
Hair & Makeup: Modern Makeup
External Day of Planner: Rachel Colarossi
Planner: Hawley Crescent
Officiant: Weddings by Karin
DJ/Band, MC and Ceremony AV : Shawn Hurd
Florist: Aspen Florist
Cake: Butter Dream Cakes
a thank you to Christine & Evan,
Thank you for choosing me, trusting me, and inviting me into one of the most meaningful days of your lives. Photographing your wedding was an absolute honour. You were my dream couple in every way!!! thoughtful, intentional, joy-filled, and so beautifully present with each other. Going through your gallery still overwhelms me with gratitude. Every detail, every moment, every person you chose to surround yourselves with made your day feel magical. I’m genuinely so thankful I got to be the one to document it all. It was a privilege to witness your love up close, and I’ll forever be grateful you chose me to tell your story.
- holly For Couples
If you’re planning a wedding at The Cape or dreaming up a tented celebration on the water in Prince Edward County and you’re drawn to photography that feels timeless, emotional, intentional, and quietly cinematic, I would genuinely love to be a part of your day.
It is truly my dream to help bring your dream to life.
You can explore my collections here, and when you’re ready, send me a message through my contact form. I’d be honoured to document your story.
For Photographers
And if you’re a photographer who loves my editing style, you can create this look in your own work too.
My presets, the exact ones I use for weddings like Christine & Evan’s, are available in my shop. They’re designed to be clean, warm, consistent, and incredibly easy to work with. Take a peek, try them out, and elevate your edits with tools that actually support your vision.