Megan and Cody’s northern Ontario wedding was full of color, emotion, and unforgettable moments. Hosted at the beautiful Elk Lake Lodge—a serene, waterfront venue nestled in Elk Lake, Ontario—this wedding felt like a true escape into nature, complete with cozy cabins, lush forest, and golden sunlight.
As a photo and video duo, we (Care + Josh!) were thrilled to travel north and capture every joyful, tearful, and hilarious second of this unforgettable day.
Getting Ready at Elk Lake Lodge’s Cabins
Megan and Cody began their wedding day getting ready on-site in Elk Lake Lodge’s charming cabins. Ashley B. and Paige Beault did a stunning job on hair and makeup for Megan and her bridal party. The bright pink bridesmaid dresses added such a bold, joyful pop of color that stood out beautifully against the natural tones of the forest and lake.
While Megan was surrounded by her girls, Cody got ready with his groomsmen and shared a heartfelt first look with his mom—a sweet and often-overlooked moment that we were so glad to capture. Afterwards, the guys hopped on a boat for a little celebratory ride across the lake, creating one of the most unique and fun groom-party moments we’ve seen!
Multiple First Looks That Brought the Tears
This day was filled with emotional first looks—starting with Megan and her bridesmaids, followed by a beautiful moment with her father. Megan wore a gorgeous gown from Love Note Bridal, and when she walked in, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
Then came the most anticipated first look of the day: Megan and Cody’s. Set near the water and tucked into the nearby woods, they shared their private vows under the trees—a deeply emotional exchange that had us all misty-eyed.
Wedding Party Portraits Before the Ceremony
Thanks to their well-planned timeline, we were able to take wedding party portraits before the ceremony. The bold pink dresses and faux florals from Blossom and Petal absolutely popped in every photo—especially with the golden October light and natural surroundings.
A Waterfront Ceremony Under the Sun
The ceremony took place lakeside, under a beautiful wooden altar with water glistening in the background. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, with the sun shining down just as their beloved fur-kid joined the celebration.
It was a short but deeply meaningful ceremony surrounded by their favorite people in one of Ontario’s most scenic wedding venues.
Personalized Touches at the Reception
After the ceremony, family portraits followed—including individual photos of every guest or couple in attendance! This was something Megan and Cody specifically requested to include in their thank-you cards, and they even set up a special backdrop inside the reception space just for these shots.
The reception was filled with thoughtful and personalized touches, like a photo slideshow of their relationship that their families watched over and over again. It was such a sweet way to reflect on their journey together.
First Dance with Live Music & Cake-Cutting Fun
One of the most emotional moments of the night came during the first dance, when their friends performed “Home” by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros live as Megan and Cody danced. It was magical and deeply personal—one of those moments you don’t forget.
Just before the parent dances, the couple cut into their cake by The Orchard Cakes, topped with Polaroids they had taken during their private vows earlier in the day. It was adorable…until Cody’s best man decided to shove cake in his face, leading to a laugh-out-loud moment that will live in wedding legend forever!
Planning Your Own Northern Ontario Wedding?
Megan and Cody’s Elk Lake Lodge wedding was a dream—from heartfelt vows in the woods to waterfront views and all the personal details that made their day truly their own. Whether you’re planning a rustic cabin wedding, a lakeside ceremony, or an intimate gathering up north, we’re here to document every candid moment.
Let’s capture your love story next.
👉 Start the conversation here
Featured Wedding Vendors:
- Venue: Elk Lake Lodge – Elk Lake, Ontario
- Photography & Video: Care + Josh
- Bridal Gown: Love Note Bridal
- Hair & Makeup: Ashley B. + Paige Beault
- Florals: Blossom and Petal
- Cake: The Orchard Cakes
- Live Music: Friends of the couple (first dance performance)
