How this dreamy destination day changed the way I think about weddings

You guys…this was my very first international wedding. I didn’t know it at the time, but it completely redefined what I wanted my career—and my art—to look like.

When Whitney of Wild Love & Wanderlust (one of my favorite photographers + people) invited me to second shoot with her for Maddie Lymburner & Chris Hartwig’s intimate wedding in Ontario, I said yes without hesitation. Whitney is a powerhouse and I’ve always admired her ability to connect with incredible people doing really intentional weddings.

If that name rings a bell, it’s because Maddie is the creator behind some of the most well-loved online fitness videos in the world. She has millions of followers for a reason—her energy is warm, real, and grounded in the kind of positivity that doesn’t feel performative. And honestly? She’s just as kind in real life. So is Chris. They’re the kind of couple that makes photographing people in love feel like a freaking honor.

The day before the “I do”

Before the wedding day, we met up with Maddie & Chris at their Airbnb and photographed a cozy little engagement session ahead of their rehearsal dinner. It gave us the chance to connect and really lean into their energy—easygoing, affectionate, playful but intentional.

Maddie and Chris were surrounded by friends and family from all over, and it was clear this wasn’t just a wedding—it was a community celebration. Everyone was there to show up for them.

You can check out their engagement session here: Canada Airbnb Engagement Session

Maddie Lymburner & Chris Hartwig’s Intimate Wedding day: personal, magical, and full of feeling

The next day, Whitney stayed back at the Airbnb to photograph Maddie getting ready with her closest friends. They did each other’s hair and makeup, laughed the whole time, and made the morning feel like one big sleepover-turned-wedding-prep. Meanwhile, I headed to the venue with Chris and the guys to capture some quiet moments before guests arrived.

The venue was actually a private property belonging to Chris’s family, and I can’t even begin to describe how dreamy it was. A big open tent for the reception, fairy lights stretched across the dance floor, and a winding trail through the forest that led you to the ceremony site. It felt like you were walking into a secret garden.

Maddie’s dress was custom-made—she picked the top from one dress and the skirt from another to create something uniquely hers. It fit her like it was designed by magic. And she glowed.

They said their vows on a dock overlooking the pond, surrounded by trees and the people who knew them best. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight. Maddie called the whole day her “Pinterest board come to life,” and honestly? Couldn’t agree more.

The rest of the night was filled with the kind of joy you can’t fake: heartfelt toasts, a wildly good dinner, and dancing under the stars until the forest felt like a fairytale.

What this wedding meant to me

Even though I was second shooting that day, this wedding planted a seed. Something about traveling to a new place, meeting people where they feel grounded, and getting to photograph a story that felt so intimate and intentional—it cracked something open in me.

Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph destination weddings in Mexico and Greece (also with Whitney), and those experiences have only deepened my love for travel-based storytelling. I haven’t booked an international wedding solo yet, but that’s the direction I’m headed. My bags are ready. My passport’s current. And I know how to create imagery that reflects not just what the day looked like, but what it felt like.

So…Want one of Maddie’s wedding photographers to photograph your day?

Whether you’re getting married in Canada, California, or Croatia—let’s talk about it. I’d love to bring your vision to life in a way that feels grounded, emotional, and true to you.

Vendors who made Maddie Lymburner & Chris Hartwig’s Intimate Wedding day possible:

Lead Photog: Whitney Selbo of Wild Love & Wanderlust

Second Tog: MEEEEEE

Video: Greg Doyle (fun fact: he films all of Maddie’s fitness YouTube vids!)

Dress: Heirlooms Bridal Shoppe

Planning: Event Bliss Planning