There’s something magical about the combination of vineyard views, Jewish wedding traditions, and a couple whose joy is absolutely infectious. Meg and Mark’s wedding in Niagara-on-the-Lake brought all these elements together to create one of the most energetic celebrations I’ve had the pleasure to photograph.

Niagara’s wine country provided a stunning backdrop for their day, with rows of vines stretching toward the horizon and the soft, golden light that makes this region so beloved by photographers. The contrast between the structured elegance of the vineyard setting and the unbridled energy of their celebration created a perfect visual tension throughout the day’s images.

Their ceremony took place outdoors among the vines, with a chuppah adorned with lush florals standing against the backdrop of endless rows of grapes ripening in the sun. What struck me most about this moment was how the natural canopy of the vineyard seemed to extend the chuppah symbolism—this idea of shelter and home stretching from their ceremonial space out into the natural world around them. As Mark stepped on the glass to the cheers of their guests, you could feel the celebration shifting into high gear.

But let’s talk about that hora—because if there’s one thing that defines the spirit of Meg and Mark’s day, it was this dance. I’ve photographed many horas over the years, but theirs stands out as particularly jubilant. The moment the music started, the energy in the room exploded. What began as traditional circles quickly evolved into something beautifully chaotic, with Meg and Mark hoisted high on chairs, their expressions a mixture of exhilaration and the particular kind of happy terror that comes from being suddenly elevated above a wildly dancing crowd.

Capturing this kind of raw energy is what makes wedding photography so exciting. I found myself constantly moving, looking for angles that would convey not just how the hora looked, but how it felt to be in the middle of that joyful whirlwind. The expressions on their friends’ faces as they supported the chairs, the interlocking arms of family members spanning generations, the movement of the dance across the floor—these moments tell the story of a community celebrating with their whole hearts.

What made their vineyard venue particularly special for this celebration was how the elegance of the setting contrasted with the uninhibited nature of the party. There’s something wonderfully juxtaposed about a sophisticated wine country backdrop and the sight of grandparents and college friends alike dancing with complete abandon. This contrast created images that feel both timeless and perfectly authentic to who Meg and Mark are.

As the evening progressed and the dancing continued (barely pausing for dinner!), the vineyard outside transformed in the fading light. We snuck out for a few moments to capture some portraits as the sun set behind the vines, creating that dreamy golden glow that Niagara is famous for. These quiet moments amid the celebration offered a beautiful counterpoint to the energy inside—a chance for Meg and Mark to take a breath together and take in the beauty of the day they had created.

The celebration continued well into the night, with multiple hora encores (because why do it just once when you can fly through the air repeatedly?) and a dance floor that never emptied. By the end of the night, shoes had been abandoned, ties were loosened, and the pure joy of the celebration was written across every face.

Meg and Mark, thank you for inviting me to capture this incredible day. Your wedding was a perfect expression of the energy you bring to everything you do, set against one of Ontario’s most beautiful backdrops. From the vineyard ceremony to the wild hora and everything in between, your celebration was a testament to the idea that the most beautiful weddings are the ones where joy is given free rein.

For couples considering a Niagara-on-the-Lake wedding, Meg and Mark’s day is perfect proof that this wine region offers not just spectacular views and world-class venues, but a setting where both elegance and exuberance can find their perfect expression.