"Kate did my wedding and I can't say enough wonderful things about her. Her pictures are absolutely stunning! She is creative and looks at things with such an artistic eye. She gets shots that I have never seen captured before - nothing like boring, stuffy photographers. She is also a pleasure to have around on the day. She is calming, flexible, funny, caring. In every way a dream. I already have one* close friend who was so impressed with her that she booked her for her own wedding. I can't recommend Kate highly enough!"

– Denise & Charlie

*Update: now three and counting! ;) Click here to see Denise & Charlie's gourmet BBQ wedding on Toronto Island!

"First off...Photography for our wedding was very important for me. You can never go back and have pictures re-done!! I researched SO many companies and as soon as I met with Kate I knew they would be perfect for us.

For the engagement session she recommended places near my parents house, and we ended up choosing an awesome apple orchard. The pictures turned out to be amazing! She always kept me on task (as a crazy busy bride this was a MUST for me) and I appreciated all of her suggestions and emails.

Both Rudo and Kate were fun to hang out with and I really enjoyed having them around on the day of the wedding. Everyone that has seen our wedding photos are just speechless. They captured candid moments and you can tell by looking at the photos what people were doing or laughing at.

I could not have asked for better pictures both engagement and wedding!!

We would recommend them to ANYONE who feels that photography is super important either for a wedding, engagement shoot, or any other life changing events!

We are so happy :)"

~ Lisanne & Adam

Check out the blog to see their apple orchard engagement photos or their gorgeous wedding at the Manor by Peter and Paul's. Click here to read more reviews about working with Kate O'Connor and Sweetheart Empire.

I am so happy to share with you, my first wedding photographer video testimonial!!!!! (Yes, 5 exclamation marks is how excited I am.) Filmed and edited by storyteller, Andrew Norton, newlyweds Veronika & Joel share their thoughts in this two minute clip:

Check out the reviews page to see more videos like this, and hear thoughts from citizens of the Empire!

Watch more videos from Sweetheart Empire on Vimeo.

"I would highly highly recommend Kate as a photographer to anyone.

I spent quite a long time trying to find the right photographer for our wedding and when I came across Kate's website I knew I had found the perfect match. I loved the arty, cool, different style that she has - not the typical, cheesy wedding photographer.

On the day Kate was just so lovely and made me feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, and she captured the real essence of the day. I now have some of the most beautiful photos I have ever owned and I really will cherish them forever.

Kate thank you so very much for making our day so very special."

~ Charlotte & Charles

Charlotte and Charles' wedding was a private affair on the beautiful grounds of Charles' family home. Click here to see the photos from this laid back and intimate garden party.

Charlotte and Charles, AKA Charlie and Charlie, met in Thailand and fell in love. When they contacted me, Charles was living in the Dominican Republic on business, and Charlotte was in her home country of England. Throughout the coordination I got to know Charlotte as a funny, lighthearted soul who LOVES to laugh. Their beautiful garden party wedding took place at Charles' parents amazing property in Stouffville, Ontario.

This beautiful outdoor affair was made only more joyous when Charlie and Charlie announced that they were expecting a baby! Charlotte was glowing with happiness, and had already coined the term her "dancing pickled bean" for their on-the-way daughter Thalia!

At-home weddings are so personal, and having a tent in the garden is a great solution for the "what if it rains" question. The added bonus is the soft, flattering light inside the tent. 

Charles and Charlotte had an outdoor garden party wedding that was butterfly themed, with homemade bunting flags sent from the UK. During the reception a butterfly landed on Charlotte. I think it was attracted to her amazing energy - just like everyone else present at this special occasion.

It was so much fun spending the day with Charlie and Charlie and their loved ones! Please enjoy this slideshow for wedding photos of the rest of this happy day.

Photographer: Kate O'Connor

Thank you to the creative team!
Caterer: Chef Andrew Munro
DJ: Impact Entertainment
Dress: Jenny Packham
Event Planner: Laura Gatti at Signature Weddings
Flowers: Lindy's Floral Boutique, Stouffville
Headwear: Urban Bride
Jewelry: designed themselves!
Men's Clothing: Studio Suits
Marquis: Gervais Rentals

You can read Charlotte's Wedding photography testimonial here.