September Wedding at Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre in Ottawa, Ontario

There is something about a September wedding in Ottawa that feels effortless. The air is still warm, the light turns golden earlier in the evening, and everything carries that quiet shift between summer and fall.

This wedding at Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre was the perfect example of that in-between magic.

The outdoor ceremony took place at the lakeview gazebo at Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre. While the lake sits just beyond the ceremony area, the gazebo itself is tucked into beautifully maintained gardens and surrounded by mature trees and manicured hedges, creating a private, romantic setting.

The space feels intimate without being small. Guests are seated beneath the covered gazebo structure, framed by greenery and soft natural light filtering through the surrounding trees. The gardens add texture and depth, and in September, the tones begin to shift subtly toward fall.

One of the things I love about photographing ceremonies here is the balance of open light and natural framing. The covered gazebo diffuses harsh midday sun, while the surrounding foliage adds dimension to every angle. It gives the ceremony a timeless, organic feel without needing elaborate décor.

After the ceremony, we wandered toward the willow trees for portraits. If you have ever visited Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre, you know how stunning this area is. The willow branches frame everything in the most organic way, and when the sunlight filters through, it creates that cinematic glow that feels almost like film.

September light is my favourite to work with as an Ottawa wedding photographer. It is warm but not harsh, and when it filters through trees like that, it adds depth and softness at the same time.

These portraits felt relaxed and unforced. We let the movement of the branches and the natural light guide us. Some of my favourite images from the day came from this part of the evening, quiet moments tucked away under the willow trees with sunlight flickering through.

The celebration continued inside the Lakeview Hall at Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre. The space was beautifully decorated, elegant but welcoming, with thoughtful details that reflected the couple’s style.

As guests moved inside for dinner, the energy shifted from calm and romantic to joyful and celebratory. Lakeview Hall offers plenty of room for dining, speeches, and dancing, while still feeling connected and intimate.

The first dance was unforgettable. The room dimmed, sparklers lit up around the dance floor, and ice fog rolled in low across the floor. It felt dramatic in the best way. The combination of soft lighting, movement, and atmosphere created a moment that felt larger than life. Photographically, it was stunning. The glow from the sparklers paired with the fog gave everything a cinematic, almost dreamlike quality.

After dinner, the celebration took on a whole new level of fun with a traditional screech ceremony. If you know, you know.

The bridal party fully committed, fish and all. It was one of those moments that had the entire room laughing and cheering. These are the kinds of memories that make a wedding truly personal. Not just the formal events, but the traditions that reflect where you come from and who you are.

Capturing moments like that is why I love wedding photography. The unscripted reactions, the laughter, the expressions you can’t recreate, that is what makes a gallery feel alive.

Once the ceremony wrapped up, the dance floor opened and the party officially began. From that point on, it was nonstop energy.

Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre is one of Ottawa’s most versatile wedding venues. Between the lakeview gazebo, the willow trees, and the elegant Lakeview Hall, it offers a beautiful flow from ceremony to portraits to reception.

For couples planning a September wedding in Ottawa, it is especially stunning. The gardens are still vibrant, the trees provide gorgeous natural framing, and the early evening light creates the kind of atmosphere that feels timeless in photographs.

If you are planning a wedding at Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre or another Ottawa wedding venue and are drawn to natural light, real moments, and a slightly moody, film-inspired feel, I would love to connect.

You can learn more about my wedding photography here or reach out to start a conversation about your date.