I met Elle Daftarian after photographing her for Persian Tribune Magazine. I was thrilled to capture Elle's daughter's first communion party. In celebration of her first communion, the charming Sophia and her girl-posse had a fabulous time. The afternoon included outfit changes, family and friends, a fancy makeup table, and an exquisite dessert table made by Petite & Sweet (AKA Elle Daftarian ;)).
If you think Shelby & Ian's Unionville engagement photos looked like a LOT of fun, that's because they were. We explored - no, we adventured - around Unionville one Sunday morning last fall. Words wont really suffice to describe the day, or this funny, warm couple... But pictures might.
After a long wait (while Ian was designing and building a race car in Italy - just sayin') I can't wait to finally shoot their wedding Next Saturday - Loads more fun to come!!
Click here to see images from Shelby & Ian's heartfelt wedding day!
When Mary contacted me, she asked me if I'd ever photographed an "older couple". I said no, and she replied, "then we'll be your first!" Despite Mary's classification, I soon observed that this couple are more active and involved than most of us (I speak for myself)... and as in love as school kids. In fact, Mary and Phil actually dated in high school. Life separated them, and they both went on to have happy and fulfilling marriages for 20 and 30+ years. Then life brought them back together... As Mary, in a stunning one-of-a-kind Hugo Nicholson dress, came downstairs to meet Phil on their wedding day, I could see the excitement and love between them. Phil with his kind eyes, smiling from ear to ear, extended his hand to her. There was something about that chivalrous motion that seemed so tender. So true. It was New Year's Eve day, and we arrived at York Mills Presbyterian Church to celebrate what Rev. Ferne Reeve called their lives as polished diamonds, as opposed to the raw material that young couples start out with. After the procession (which consisted of the cutest little granddaughters ever), I stood and photographed from the door of the chapel for the entire ceremony. I observed the family and community that had gathered to support this amazing, vibrant couple, and I listened to the thoughtful words and readings. I felt truly honoured to attend such an event. Mary and Phil love music. The ceremony was filled with a choir, a singer, a pianist, an organist. The reception took place at the Badminton and Racquet Club, where we were graced with a jazz duo, and later an incredible group of vocalists who opened up the party unannounced (flash-mob-style!) and serenaded us with pop tunes, old classics, and a final rendition of Auld Lang Syne. The energy in the room was uplifting, heartfelt and nostalgic, as everyone joined hands, singing together, celebrating this new beginning for the New Year. Mary and Phil, thank you for the privilege of documenting your wedding. It was a wonderful day and night!!
Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Lelania Little
Thank you to the creative team!
Cake: Roxy Cakes Caterer: The Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto Ceremony: York Mills Presbyterian Church Dress: Hugo Nicholson (one of a kind!) Flowers: Ginger Flower Studio Venue: The Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto
When Lisanne and Adam told me they had found an apple orchard for their engagement photo session, I was so excited! I am always looking for new locations to do photo shoots, and if a couple can suggest something unique - I'm in. I drove to Devins Orchards near Aurora, and was blown away by the "countryside" feel - hills, forest, wildflowers - so close to the city! The fall colours were incredible under the golden, autumn sun. We were also lucky because this magnificent orchard would soon be closing down for the winter and we had the entire place, in its harvest-season glory, to ourselves.
Wandering through the apple trees was peaceful and romantic, though the quiet conversation was interspersed with Lisanne's joking around. I looked at this awesome couple and could tell they were going to keep smiles on each others' faces for a lifetime to come.
Happiness.
Thank you Lisanne and Adam.
Moving back to Canada, Lynsey and Ben asked to do their photos on the beach to remind them of their home of the past several years - Ben's native land of Australia. Though Cherry Beach in Toronto doesn't have "much" good surfing or reef... for wedding photos it is great! There are lots of sweet spots; it's romantic, laid back, and there's room to run around and have fun... elements that suited Lynsey and Ben perfectly.
We went to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Toronto, where the wedding party was getting ready, and where the reception would be held later that day. The groom and groomsmen were relaxing and enjoying a few beers, instructing one another on the best way to tie a tie and how to "work it" for the camera... I could tell this was a laid back bunch of people.
True to my suspicions, we found the bride and her bridesmaids drinking champaign, eating fruit and listening to music in the bridal suite. Although everyone looked very ladylike, when it came time to tighten Lynsey's wedding dress I finally saw evidence of what I had been told ahead of time - that these girls are rugby players! The ladies practically lifted Lynsey off the ground to hike that dress up, and proceeded to pin her with their legs when they were synching the waist... Not exactly the way they do it at the bridal shops, but hey - it worked and Lynsey looked fantastic. Plus there was lots and lots of laughing in the process.
We arrived for some fun at Cherry Beach. Sure, the Australian contingent made fun of Lake Ontario's [non-existent] waves and stoney shore, but we also took advantage of the area's architecture, the gorgeous city skyline, and the hazy summertime light.
The best thing about the photo shoot was that, when this gang wasn't laughing their heads off and fooling around, Lynsey and Ben couldn't get enough of one another. They were right there in the moment together with their closest people, and their love was plain to see.
The ceremony took place at St. Patrick's Parish Church, where Father Fleming presided with a very touching and sometimes funny sermon. Lynsey and Ben have had a lot of adventures together on the other side of the world. It was plain to see in their body language that they were ready for this. Father Fleming could tell too, which is why he had a Kleenex box on hand when Ben started to get emotional.
Finally we went back to the Hyatt Regency and started to party. True personalities came out during the speeches. Ben sang Dionne Warwick's "I Say a Little Prayer" to Lynsey and drank out of a Rugby Shoe (some sort of Australian tradition? I don't know!)... Needless to say, the night continued as the day had begun: laughter, joking, reminiscing, celebrating, love. Just as it should be.
Thank you Lynsey & Ben and Congratulations on your little guy Liam!! I wish you a lifetime of happiness.
Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Johan Hallberg Campbell
Thank you to the creative team!
Cake: Olivia at I Do Wedding Cakes
Catering & Venue: Celly Kan-Holbrook at the Hyatt Regency Toronto
Ceremony Venue: St. Patrick's Parish Church, Toronto
Dress: Val's Bridal, Courtice
Hair & Makeup: Charlene Cordoba at The Mobile Stylist
Flowers: Anne Marie Voth at Linden Grove Flowers