50 Sussex Ottawa Wedding

01

Jul

filed in

Personal

Let me share with you the wonderful experience I had capturing Cynthia and Niall’s summer wedding at this fabulous and lesser known gem of an Ottawa venue. This modern space was adorned with lilac accents throughout, creating an approachable yet sophisticated ambiance.

Picture this: floor-to-ceiling windows framing a breathtaking view of the Rideau Falls. It was at 50 Sussex Ottawa, formerly known as the National Geographic Society, where Cynthia and Niall discovered their perfect wedding spot during Doors Open Ottawa 2018. Fate played its hand again when their big day coincided with Doors Open Ottawa 2019—talk about serendipity!

We kicked off the festivities at the hotel, where I couldn’t resist capturing all the intricate details, as I always do. Meanwhile, the ladies enjoyed a delightful picnic prepared with love by Cynthia’s mom. Seriously, it was the sweetest thing!

Afterward, I headed over to the Rideau Hall grounds to meet Niall for their first look. I really relish the fact that more couples are opting for a first look on their wedding day. There’s plenty of reasons why a first look is preferred and I talk about them here.

We found the most idyllic spot under a crab apple blossom tree, its blush blooms providing the perfect backdrop for Niall and Cynthia’s first glimpse of each other on their wedding day.

The ceremony took place on the upper level of 50 Sussex, overlooking the awe-inspiring Rideau Falls. Their family had crafted a stunning arbour adorned with lush, local, and in-season blooms—what a collaboration! Blossom tree branches and fragrant lilacs blended seamlessly, creating an elegant and playful atmosphere.

Once the “I do’s” were exchanged, the reception shifted into a lively cocktail-style affair. Guests mingled and laughed throughout the evening, with a fun game set up to keep the excitement going. I must admit, I was tempted to join in, but duty called as I captured all the precious moments unfolding.

Niall originally popped the question during a romantic trip to Nova Scotia, and I felt privileged and honoured to document this extraordinary day for them. It was a joyous celebration that perfectly their personalities and love story to become one as they embark on this new chapter together. 

50 Sussex is one of my favourite venues to photograph at and this was in fact one of the first weddings to be held at 50 Sussex in Ottawa.

0001 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg

Cynthia’s wedding gown is a blend of two Mikaella Bridal designs, they custom made this for her!

0007 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0015 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0010 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpgI truly enjoyed nestling all the details within the lilacs! Cynthia’s mother foraged some that morning to have ready for me to use.0008 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0016 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0013 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0006 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0018 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg

They chose the grounds at Rideau Hall for the first look and I think it was perfect!0019 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0023 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0025 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0029 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0028 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0031 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0037 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0032 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0030 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0044 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0039 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg

The florals came together by three different local florists!0051 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0048 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0042 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0046 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0038 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0045 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0061 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0059 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0050 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0058 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0056 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0052 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0054 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0065 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0074 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0077 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0079 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0075 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0081 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0066 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0067 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0068 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0073 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0086 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpgCheck out that view of the falls!0063 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg
0085 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0087 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0091 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0090 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpgOne of Cynthia’s good friends spent months practicing her guitar skills to accompany the violinist during the ceremony. 0093 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0094 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0095 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0097 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg

Can we have more bubble exits please??

0099 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0102 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0100 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0106 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpgwe snuck away after the ceremony for some shots under this beauty of a crab apple tree just outside 50 Sussex!0105 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0108 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0107 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0112 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpgI loved the sustainable idea of potted herb favors, and they had an engagement guest book out that I made using their engagement session photos.0114 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0115 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0116 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0118 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0126 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg0121 Cynthia and Niall Wedding 50 Sussex Ottawa- Photography by Emma.jpg

Vendors:

Wedding gown:From Alliance Bridal design by Mikaella Bridal

Venue: 50 Sussex

Bridesmaids: Theia Couture and Novelle Bridal

Hair: Glamm Beauty 

Florals: Design by Pollen Nation Blooms from Franktown House + Riverwood Gardens

Planner:
The Ottawa Wedding Planner

Decor: Lou Lou Rentals

DJ Extreme DJ

Catering:Goodies Catering

SHARE THIS POst

  1. Cynthia says:

    Thanks Emma for capturing our day. We’re still swooning over all the photos!

    • Emma says:

      I am so grateful that we got to work together! You and Niall put together the most perfect wedding, and I wish you so much love and blessings as you continue on your journey in life side by side.

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