The Course for Brides / Wedding & Family Photographer

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Jessie & Allan Engaged!!

Somehow I have been unbelievably lucky in the department of awesome clients who are funny, smart, down-to-earth, loving, and all around great... and Jessie and Allan are no exception. This was a super easy going, urban photo session in some of my favourite neighbourhoods of downtown Toronto. I went to college with Allan, and was thrilled when he asked me to meet Jessie and become their wedding photographer. I convinced them to do engagement photos, even though they weren't super into the idea of tons of wedding-related "extras". Yet when I was promising them it would be fun, I had no idea what I was in for. Anyone who knows Allan and Jessie knows they are both hilarious.

We met at their downtown home and walked through Kensington Market to Chinatown. The summer afternoon light washed over the city, and I barely had to do anything to make these two smile - they took care of that.

Engagement Photos Alexandra Park Toronto
Engagement Photos Alexandra Park Toronto
Alexandra Park Toronto Engagement Photo
Alexandra Park Toronto Engagement Photo
Engagement Photos Kensington Market
Engagement Photos Kensington Market
Kensington Market Engagement Photos
Kensington Market Engagement Photos
graffiti engagement photos
graffiti engagement photos
Engagement photos graffiti wall
Engagement photos graffiti wall
Kensington Market Couples Photography
Kensington Market Couples Photography
Toronto Chinatown
Toronto Chinatown
Chinatown Toronto Wedding photographer
Chinatown Toronto Wedding photographer
Engagement Photos Chinatown
Engagement Photos Chinatown
Kensington Market Wedding photographer
Kensington Market Wedding photographer
Chinatown Engagement photography
Chinatown Engagement photography

Jessie and Allan, I am privileged to be photographing your wedding, and so happy that you've each found someone who brings so much joy and laughter to your life.

For a sneak peek of Jessie and Allan's incredible cottage wedding, in Georgina Ontario, view the 2014 slideshow here!

Shannon & Matt Exhibition Place Engagement Photos

I met Shannon through an awesome project called "Barter Babes" where she traded kick-ass financial advice for _fill-in-the-blank_ (I paid with homemade soups for her freezer). In one year Shannon shared her her enormous expertise with 300 Toronto women, and lived off of barter alone. This lady is a character to say the least, and had me laughing instead of crying while we went through receipts and paperwork that had always intimidated me in the past... So when I saw that Shannon was engaged to the love of her life, Matt, I instantly messaged her my congratulations and a not-so-sheepish "don't get married without me!!" Meeting Matt, it was no surprise that he too is hilarious, kind, laid back and a pleasure to hang out with. These two are a perfect match, and I am SO super stoked to be shooting their wedding tomorrow - see you there!!

Engagement photos at the EX
Engagement photos at the EX
Exhibition Place Engagement Photos_02
Exhibition Place Engagement Photos_02
Exhibition Place Engagement Photos_03
Exhibition Place Engagement Photos_03
Exhibition Place Engagement Photos_04
Exhibition Place Engagement Photos_04
Exhibition Place Engagement Photos_05
Exhibition Place Engagement Photos_05
Day 2 of Ben & Maya: Gamble Gardens, Palo Alto CA
 
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Day Two of my travel weekend with Maya & Ben started with a delicious, leisurely "breakfust" at the Palo Alto Creamery. (By the way, if you ever find yourself somewhere that serves almond-croissant-french-toast: order it.) We made our way back home and, after an appropriately extended period of post-brunch chilling, we were ready to do more photos. The afternoon was drenched in that perfectly hazy California sunshine. Ben and Maya got dolled up and took me to the gorgeous Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden for their Palo Alto engagement photos. Since they had taken me sight-seeing in San Francisco the day before, Day Two was all about love and romance; Ben and Maya, Maya and Ben.

They flirted and laughed, told stories, and even danced together through the paths and wildflowers. I have to admit that even as a third party it was super romantic, and I look back on that afternoon with a heart full of hope, light, and loveliness. Oh Maya and Ben what a marvellous gift!

Ender's Game Bookshelf
Wedding Planning at home
Couples photography at home
At home engagement photos fridge magnets
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden Engagement Photos
Elizabeth F. Gamble Gardens Engagement Photos
Elizabeth F. Gamble Gardens
Engagement Photos Elizabeth Gamble Gardens
Engagement Ring Toronto
California Engagement Photos
Gamble Gardens Dancing Photos
Elizabeth F. Gamble Gardens Palo Alto
Palo Alto Gardens and Trees

This weekend trip to the Bay Area truly allowed Ben and Maya to create something beautiful for their engagement photos. What's more, I was honoured and so grateful to help facilitate it. Maya and Ben were 100% open-minded and open-hearted; just being themselves, laughing and loving one another to the fullest. Thank you, you dolls. Thank you!

Click here to read about my original weekend with Ben & Maya and click here to see Day One's San Francisco engagement photos.

For a sneak peek of Maya and Ben's fairytale wedding, at the Westin Prince Hotel, view the 2014 slideshow here!

 
Maya & Ben's San Francisco Engagement Photos!

It's not everyday you meet a couple like Maya and Ben. I traveled to the Bay Area in California to shoot their San Francisco engagement photos (and to meet them for the first time and stay in their home)!Read about my wonderful adventure with Ben and Maya here. Day One adventures: The three of us jumped in the car and drove to downtown San Francisco - one of my favourite cities - to take in the sights, sounds, and sunshine that blessed us that magical day. We climbed the staggeringly steep San Francisco hills, visited the Palace of Fine Arts, and even drove to Baker Beach to see the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset (then we celebrated over dinner at one of the most delicious sushi places).

The best part of the day, though, was getting to know Maya and Ben. These two people are full of laughter - joyous to be together - and a pleasure to hang out with. Besides a lot of joking and mandatory delicious snack breaks, Maya and Ben's photo session consisted of the most wonderful connecting of hearts. They were happy to reminisce about their memories together and imagine the new adventures they are embarking on. Because I had come from Toronto, they were also excited to show me the city, and discover new parts of it themselves. Their excitement for life and each other was so genuine, it was inspirational. I went home rejuvenated.

San Francisco Engagement Photo
San Francisco Engagement Photo
San Francisco Hills
San Francisco Hills
San Francisco Couples Photography
San Francisco Couples Photography
Engagement Photos San Francisco
Engagement Photos San Francisco
Couples Photography Toronto
Couples Photography Toronto
San Francisco Couples Roses
San Francisco Couples Roses
San Francisco Engagement Photographer
San Francisco Engagement Photographer
San Francisco Engagement Photos
San Francisco Engagement Photos
San Francisco Houses
San Francisco Houses
Couples Photography
Couples Photography
Toronto Couples Photography
Toronto Couples Photography
Engagement Photos Toronto
Engagement Photos Toronto
Palace of Fine Arts Engagement Photos
Palace of Fine Arts Engagement Photos
Palace of Fine Arts Photography
Palace of Fine Arts Photography
Palace of Fine Arts Couples
Palace of Fine Arts Couples
Palace of Fine Arts SF
Palace of Fine Arts SF
Palace of Fine Arts Photography
Palace of Fine Arts Photography
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San Francisco Engagement Photos_16
San Francisco Engagement Photos_17
San Francisco Engagement Photos_17
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San Francisco Engagement Photos_19
San Francisco Engagement Photos_18
San Francisco Engagement Photos_18
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San Francisco Engagement Photos_20
San Francisco Engagement Photos_21
San Francisco Engagement Photos_21

Thank you to Maya and Ben for being genuine and letting your light shine. I can't wait to share your engagement photos from Day Two... and I can't wait for your wedding in Toronto this weekend!

For a sneak peek of Maya and Ben's fairytale wedding, at the Westin Prince Hotel, view the 2014 slideshow here.

Sahrah & Aaron's Summertime Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding

Summer is finally here! To celebrate, I'm sharing Sahrah & Aaron's gorgeous, summery Berkeley Fieldhouse wedding photography. This entire day was bathed in beautiful light, from the hazy forest and summertime chip van at Cherry Beach, to the treehouse and patio at the Berkeley Fieldhouse. Sahrah and Aaron's wedding day was a relaxed, happy day just filled with beauty and love.

There were so many thoughtful details on Aaron and Sahrah's wedding day! Their vintage "around the world" decor in combination with the Korean Tea Ceremony created a balance of vintage cocktail-chic and colourful tradition... But I'd say the most outstanding memory for me was the genuine warmth and loveliness of this couple, and their family and friends, together for an important day.

Sahrah and Aaron's wedding has been published in both Wedding Essentials Magazine (pp 44-47), and the Berkeley Events official blog!

Korean Wedding Clothes
Korean Wedding Clothes
Groom getting ready photos
Groom getting ready photos
Toronto Bride Portraits
Toronto Bride Portraits
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding-10
Toronto Wedding Photojournalism
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding-12
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding-13
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding-14
Cherry Beach Wedding Photo
Cherry Beach Toronto Wedding Photographer
Cherry Beach Wedding Photo of Groomsmen
Wedding Food Truck Cherry Beach
Wedding Food Truck Cherry Beach
Food Truck Toronto Wedding
Food Truck Toronto Wedding
Cherry Beach Wedding Photographer
Cherry Beach Wedding Photographer
Wedding Photos Cherry Beach
Wedding Photos Cherry Beach
Summer colours Bridal bouquet
Summer colours Bridal bouquet
Berkeley Fieldhouse Summery Decor
Berkeley Fieldhouse Summery Decor
Wedding Guest Seating Chart World Map
Wedding Guest Seating Chart World Map
Berkeley Fieldhouse Cocktail Patio
Berkeley Fieldhouse Cocktail Patio
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Cocktail Hour
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Cocktail Hour
Berkeley Firldhouse Korean Tea Ceremony
Berkeley Firldhouse Korean Tea Ceremony
Mixed Couple Korean Tea Ceremony
Mixed Couple Korean Tea Ceremony
Korean Wedding Ceremony
Korean Wedding Ceremony
Toronto Wedding Photojournalism
Toronto Wedding Photojournalism
Korean Wedding Ceremony Traditions
Korean Wedding Ceremony Traditions
Korean Wedding Ceremony Clothes
Korean Wedding Ceremony Clothes
Berkeley Treehouse Toronto
Berkeley Treehouse Toronto
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Photojournalism
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Photojournalism
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Reception
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Reception
Bride and Grooms Speech
Bride and Grooms Speech
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Photo
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Photo
Bouquet Toss Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding
Bouquet Toss Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Photo Booth
Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding Photo Booth

Check out Sahrah & Aaron's Beach engagement photos, or take a look at another Berkeley Fieldhouse wedding, with a different twist. 

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Lelania Little

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