Whimsical Seaside Wedding at Oak Island Resort

The picturesque ocean backdrop at Oak Island Resort inspired Melissa and Ghislain while planning their August wedding. They incorporated soft shades of dusty blue into their wedding day details to mirror the sea and allow the vibrant floral arrangements to shine. Their outdoor ceremony highlighted the location’s natural beauty, followed by dinner and a spirited dance party. I’m so glad I was there to capture every moment!

Melissa and Ghislain met in the spring of 2014 at Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia. Melissa was a Queen’s University student from Ontario, studying in Sainte-Anne’s five-week French immersion program. Meanwhile, Ghislain had just completed his first year at Sainte-Anne’s and started a seasonal job on campus. The two met and fell for each other fast (Melissa even told her mom she had met the man she was going to marry!), but it seemed unlikely that they would ever see each other again after Melissa returned to Ontario.

Fast forward one year, and Melissa returned to the French immersion program at Sainte-Anne’s—where Ghislain was again working on campus! After another five weeks of spending time together, they knew their relationship had real potential despite the 1,200 kilometres between their schools. So, they began travelling back and forth to see each other at every opportunity. Ultimately, Ghislain joined Melissa in Ontario after graduation, where they bought a home together and adopted an adorable Bernedoodle, June!

Finding a Nova Scotia Wedding Venue

After Ghislain proposed, he and Melissa decided to get married in Nova Scotia. Ghislain’s entire family is here, plus Melissa wanted an excuse to show her family around Canada’s beautiful East Coast! However, planning everything from Ontario wasn’t always easy. The couple found almost all their vendors via social media (including me!) and Google searches. They knew they would probably have to book their venue without touring it first and wanted to feel confident in their choice!

The couple had four main criteria they wanted their wedding venue to fulfill. They were looking for an oceanside venue with plenty of outdoor space that allowed dogs and had ample onsite lodging. They couldn’t believe it when Oak Island Resort checked all their boxes! They also loved that the venue boasted luxurious amenities for their guests. Convinced of their choice, they wasted no time booking and were able to snag the last Sunday of the summer in 2023.

Summer Wedding at Oak Island Resort

Melissa and Ghislain’s wedding day was sunny and warm, with just enough seaside breeze. Their outdoor ceremony overlooked the sparkling blue sea and a sky full of fluffy white clouds! The couple exchanged vows between two pillars of colourful flowers as their guests from all over Canada, the UK, and Australia looked on. After sharing their first kiss as husband and wife, the happy newlyweds joined their families to celebrate with a champagne tower. However, things went hilariously awry when the pyramid of glasses toppled over halfway through filling them!

Later, the couple joined their guests inside the Oak Island Resort for dinner and dancing. Their decorator, Wedding Gates, did an incredible job transforming the space! The white fabric-covered chairs and table linens topped with dusty blue gauze runners reflected the seaside setting. Meanwhile, the colourful centrepieces by Freely Floral added a touch of whimsy. I loved how they repurposed the floral pillars from the ceremony on either end of the head table!

The couple shared a delicious, coastal-inspired meal with their guests, followed by one of the most epic dance parties I’ve ever photographed. Melissa and Ghislain each did a surprise dance performance with their wedding parties! I had so much fun capturing all the candid moments as they celebrated with their loved ones.

I can’t thank Melissa and Ghislain enough for trusting me with photographing their Oak Island Resort wedding! Getting to know them was an absolute pleasure, and I can’t wait to see what their future has in store. Are you planning a Nova Scotia wedding? Whether you’re local or considering Canada’s East Coast as a destination, I would love to hear your vision and discover if we’re a good fit. Inquire today!

Vendor Team:

Photography: Alyssa Joy Photography
Second Photographer: Shaeline Faith Photography
Venue: Oak Island Resort
Wedding Decorator: Wedding Gates
Floral Design: Freely Floral
Hair Stylist: Devyn Leaa Bridal Hair
Makeup Artists: Allison Kirby
Cake and Cupcakes: Susie’s Shortbreads
Dress Designer: Essense of Australia, Style #D2840
Dress boutique: Lovebird Bridal
Jewelry: Wander and Lust Jewelry, Reese Earrings
Shoes: Aldo, Taia Strappy Heeled Sandals
Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey
Groom and Groomsmen’s Suits: Moores Clothing
Entertainment: True North Event Services
Rentals: Glow The Event Store