A Love Story Sealed by the Water’s Edge

Dr. Ashley Margeson and Dr. Ben Connolly’s Intimate Backyard Wedding

On July 31st, the serene shores of Chester, Nova Scotia, bore witness to a love story unfolding in the most heartfelt way. Dr. Ashley Margeson and Dr. Ben Connolly, two souls deeply rooted in their Maritime heritage and passion for wellness, exchanged vows in an intimate backyard wedding at their family cottage. It was a day drenched in authenticity, surrounded by their closest family and friends, and steeped in the kind of beauty that only comes from simplicity and intention.

As a photographer, I’ve captured countless love stories, but this one felt a tad different from the moment I arrived. The day began with an unexpected twist—Dr. Ben Connolly, with his warm smile and steady hands, set me up with a vitamin IV. Yes, you read that right. It was the most unique start to a wedding day I’ve ever experienced, a nod to their shared lives as naturopathic doctors who prioritize vitality in every sense. This wasn’t just a job—it was an invitation to join a celebration that felt like family.

The setting was pure magic. The family cottage, perched by the water, offered a backdrop of timeless charm. A long table stretched across the lawn, adorned with sage cheesecloth runners that fluttered gently in the breeze, lush greenery weaving through the design, and battery-powered candlelight casting a soft, golden glow as the day turned to dusk. It was elegant yet unpretentious, a perfect reflection of Ashley and Ben’s grounded spirits. The catering, provided by Asado Wood Fired Grill, filled the air with the smoky aroma of wood-fired delights, bringing a rustic warmth to the gathering.

Ashley’s touch was everywhere, most notably in the florals. She grew her own flowers—vibrant, lush, and brimming with life—and crafted her bouquet by hand. It was a stunning cascade of color, a wild yet intentional masterpiece that seemed to capture her essence: bold, nurturing, and deeply connected to the earth. As she stood beside Ben, the bouquet was more than an accessory—it was a symbol of the care she pours into everything she loves.

The weather couldn’t have been more poetic. Partly sunny, partly cloudy, the sky painted a dynamic canvas that shifted throughout the day, culminating in a spectacular sunset that set the horizon ablaze. The light danced across the water, illuminating the couple and their guests in a way that felt almost cinematic. I couldn’t stop clicking the shutter—every moment was a gift to capture.

What made this wedding so unforgettable, though, wasn’t just the aesthetics. It was the intimacy. With only their nearest and dearest gathered, the focus remained unwaveringly on what mattered most: Ashley and Ben’s love for each other. We ended the evening on the dock, feet dangling in the cool water, looking back at the scene—guests seated at that beautiful long table, chatting and laughing under the fading light. The joy was palpable, unguarded, and real.

Some of the most beautiful weddings are the ones that strip away the excess and center on the essentials. Ashley and Ben’s day was a testament to that truth. It wasn’t about grandeur or spectacle; it was about connection—between them, their loved ones, and the land they hold dear. As I packed up my camera, I truly felt like a friend who’d been welcomed into a sacred moment. That’s the kind of magic they created, and it’s a privilege I’ll carry with me always.