I met Adinne and reese (yes, with a small r) while photographing another wedding, and I thought they were fabulous. So you can imagine my delight when I found out they were engaged to be married! For their engagement photo session these two were ideal because they wanted photos that were very personal and unique to their life - my favourite! They took me on a tour of their fantastic neighbourhood, the Annex in Toronto. We walked from their house past the local convenience store, Steven's - an Annex institution. Afternoon sunlight set the perfect mood for this vibrant, urban and totally in love couple. Adinne and reese then introduced me to the local breakfast place, Grapefruit Moon, a wonderful place for weekend brunch or a late afternoon beverage... And seeing as they are regulars, everyone in the restaurant seemed thrilled with their engagement too! Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your lives. I'm so glad that I met you through Denise & Charlie - it's been awesome getting to know such fun-loving, smart and interesting folks. The joy you bring each other is contagious and I can't wait to post the wedding photos! ~ Kate

Most brides tell me that they basically want two things on their wedding day - they want to look beautiful and they want to throw a kick-ass party. And hey - for one of the biggest milestones of your life, I don't think that's too much to ask! I photographed Sarah & Pierre's wedding at The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, and I can tell you right now that Sarah lived the dream of every bride. Both she and Pierre were total knockouts; their friends and family were awesome; the party was unforgettable.

Sarah looked absolutely stunning on her wedding day. Her hair was styled by Judy Marini, and her makeup by Noemi Lavoie; surrounded by the special women and girls in her life, she seemed to almost glow.

Both the ceremony and cocktail reception were held at the museum, against a backdrop of floor to ceiling windows and a candle-lined staircase. It was an unexpectedly romantic setting, and the perfect stage for this highly emotional and joyful ceremony. I loved Sarah's look of triumph as she and Pierre were proclaimed husband and wife, by their Humanist officiant Mary Beaty.

Before the cocktails, we roamed through the museum. We had the whole place to ourselves, and it felt like being in a playground! It was also a fashion- and vintage-lover's haven, with shoes from all over the world, throughout the ages.

After all the preparation, ritual, reflection, food and drink... what came next was a party of epic proportions, and these people like to get down.

Sarah and Pierre met and fell in love very quickly. They experienced life in all of its craziness, and their passion and commitment to one another has only grown. To hear the touching words of their friends and family on this joyous occasion, and to feel the gratitude in the atmosphere for being present on that day... actually it still puts a lump in my throat, and I feel pretty honoured to have witnessed it.

Thank you Sarah and Pierre for including us in your amazing day.

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Rudo Vacula

Thank you to the creative team! Caterer: Encore Food with Elegance DJ: Andrew Graham Hussey Dress Designer: Allure Bridal Dress Shop: Becker's Bridal Invitations: Adam Patterson Favours & Gifts: Donation to Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Hospital Flowers: Margo's Flowers Makeup: Noemi Lavoie Men's Attire: Freeman Formalwear Venue (Ceremony, Reception, Décor): Bata Shoe Museum, Victoria Pereira

Kate and Ben invited me into their home for their engagement photo session, and I couldn't have been happier. All the unique artifacts that they've collected on their travels, the book shelves, board games, and all the musical instruments... Actually, when I arrived I made a joke about wanting to stay and hang out, but I was kind of serious. Kate and Ben are music teachers who met in university and fell in love on the square dancing circuit (can I say that? Square dancers, help a sister out). In their home we listened to records, sampled tea in Grandma Jean's vintage teacups and, since they're both deliciously talented musicians, they even played me a couple songs.

Listening and watching Kate and Ben, smiling, telling stories, I think it's safe to say that these two are in for the big love, and I am excited that they will be making music together for a lifetime to come. Congratulations on your engagement!!

For photos of Kate & Ben's second engagement session, click here! Click here to see images from their incredible wedding day - another musical day that went down in history.

Hear about their real-life experience in a video testimonial, right here!

Denise and Charlie had a wonderful Toronto Island wedding. The ceremony celebrated Secular Humanistic Judaism, and was custom-written by this bright and funny couple (Denise is a kick-ass feminist Rabbi!). Reflecting their personalities the day was joyful, natural and full of laughter. I am honoured that Denise asked me to photograph this incredible occasion, and I am so happy to share it with you too. I caught the ferry over to the Island with Denise's friends, and while the skies threatened to rain in the morning, the day ended up an island paradise. That's the thing about Toronto Island - if you find the right spot it truly feels like you're away from the city... And Denise and Charlie definitely found the right spot.

The ladies spent the morning doing a personalized version of the Jewish Mikvah ritual on Ward Island beach (not depicted here). Afterwards, we strolled over to Smiley's B&B (not without stopping for iced-cappuccinos) to get ready for the day ahead. Like many Island houses, Smiley's is a sweet little haven, with a cottage/beach house feel.

After getting her makeup done by Toronto makeup artist Tiffany Encina, we walked over to a very special place: Alice's House of Big Hair. This is a sublime little secret that I was thrilled to be let in on! Apart from being a talented hair stylist, Alice keeps a house that is full of character and memories - a photographer's dream.

During the hair appointment, Denise suddenly realized she had forgotten something back at Smiley's so she phoned her friend, Kristy, asking if she could walk it over to the salon. When she arrived we saw that Kristy had dropped everything and rushed over in bare feet! The day was warm and as we wandered back to the house I couldn't help but look at these two women and think, "now that is love."

Since they were seeing each other before the ceremony (common in Jewish weddings), Denise and Charlie decided to do a "first look" (or "reveal"). Charlie waited in the long forested driveway of the venue. This waiting time is always when the groom suddenly gets nervous and excited, and as Denise walked up the path on that summer day, I could see that Charlie was right on cue - all smiles. I skulked behind some nearby bushes so that they could enjoy a private moment together.

After some photos with family and friends we moved over to the Algonquin Island Association, where the wedding and reception was about to take place, and got ready for the big moment.

As the sun set, the atmosphere lit up from a laid back island BBQ to champaign toasts and speeches that had everyone laughing and some of us in tears.

Then straight on into the party - starting, of course, with the horah.

Denise and Charlie, it was a privilege to photograph your incredible wedding and I still look through the photos and re-live the happy memories to this day. I am so glad we've had the chance to get to know one another - thank you!

xo

Kate

Click here to read what Denise had to say about her experience working with Sweetheart Empire. 
Here for Jeff & Kerri's Toronto Island engagement photos,
And here for Amanda & Kirk's Toronto Island wedding sneak peek!