Yesterday was an incredible day for these two special people and their loved ones. Joyful hearts, congratulations and thank you.
Click here to see Denise & Charlie's Toronto Island wedding,
And here to see Jeff & Kerri's Toronto Island engagement photos!
Kew Gardens Engagement Photos! I met Gacia and Alex on a gorgeous summer afternoon, and we were blessed with sunlight in the trees, and the most colourful flower garden. As we wandered through the gardens towards Beaches Park (in Toronto's fabulous Beach neighbourhood), the bride- and groom-to-be talked and laughed, reminiscing about all the adventures that led up to this day, and feeling excited about their marriage and life to come.
The engagement shoot is a great practice session for being in front of the camera, and getting to know your wedding photographer. But I like to do things a bit differently... For me, this is a time of reflection, connection, and togetherness. It's a wonderful time to forget about wedding planning, and spend some real, quality time together.
And that's what they did. This happy couple were laughing and looking at one another and having a lovely time. I'm totally excited to see what the wedding day has to offer!
We walked down to the boardwalk on the beach and looked out at Lake Ontario. The sun was setting, creating perfect, romantic, afternoon light.
Later on, we met up to make more pictures at Boxcar Social, a fantastic cafe in Summerhill. Not only is the coffee delicious (being a total coffee-snob, I can attest), the space and decor of the coffee shop is super cool.
I photographed Alex and Gacia enjoying cappuccinos on the backyard patio. We played some of the storytelling and word games I give to couples (especially in a public place, so they don't have to pose or feel self-conscious). ...I'm not sure what they ended up talking about, but it had them in stitches with laughter. A photographer couldn't ask for more!
My first tip-off was the fact that Keon refers to Sarah as "My Queen". This groom lives to make his bride happy.
Sarah and Keon got married at Revivaltime Tabernacle on this happy, rainy day in September. We headed to the Scarborough Bluffs for photos at the foot of Toronto's most beautiful natural wonders, and followed on to a night of celebration and partying at Bluffer's Park Restaurant.
This was a day filled with music and dancing, cheering and laughter, a few touching and teary-eyed speeches, several better-than-average raps and power-ballads, and then more laughing and dancing.
Joyful, soulful, modern romantics - I am so happy for you guys, and had a hoot at your awesome Scarborough Bluffs wedding!
Photographers: Kate O’Connor and Ally Chadwick
Thank you to the creative team!
Ceremony Location: Revivaltime Tabernacle
Décor: Sultana's Wedding Décor
DJ/Music: Billy Bambao
Event Planner: Candice Joseph
Flowers: Coriander Girl
Jewelry Design: Alastair Crombie, Alias Art Jewelry
Men’s Clothing: Harry Rosen
Officiant: Dr. Reverend Audley James
Reception Venue & Catering: Bluffer's Park Restaurant
Transportation: Toronto Limo Rentals
Click here to see Lisa & Rich's Scarborough Bluffs engagement photos,
And here to see (Jewelry designer above) Alastair & Rosemary's Camp Manitou wedding!
Are you interested in authentic photojournalistic coverage of your Awesome Wedding? Tell me about yourself, and find out if we’re a good match! hello@sweetheartempire.com
How honoured I am to be shooting the wedding of one of my favourite photographers, and my lovely friend! I remember the day Lelania came to work, saying she had "met an awesome guy on the bus". On the night bus, no less, on her way home from a night out with her sister. Before saying what I was thinking (something along the lines of, "nobody meets an awesome guy on the night bus, Lelania!"), I stole a glance at her and stopped in my tracks. The woman was bubbling with excitement. I said nothing.
Before long, we had all met Mike. Kind and funny, helpful, and a perfect match for our vibrant friend. The studio was a-buzz with gossip ("I think he's the one," "Oh, I always thought he was the one...").
And he was the one.
In the dusky glow of summer, they walked in the woods near Mike's family cottage, making each other laugh, and holding hands like there was no one else in the world. Before dark, we went to the beach to soak in the summertime vibes of this small Ontario town. Gazing out at Georgian Bay, dipping their toes in the shore, and breathing in the feeling of the future.
How wonderful life is.
Well imagine all that, and add the day you stand in front of your best friends and beloved family, to make a commitment to yourself and a promise to your person. That's what Alastair and Rosemary did. They had an incredible summer camp wedding at Camp Manitou in Parry Sound.
It was an autumn wedding. Sunlight filtered through golden leaves and twinkled like diamonds, off the end-of-season lake. After the marriage ceremony we went to a quiet dock and I photographed the newlyweds, just the two of them. I put on my telescopic lens and hid off far away, so that Alastair could surprise Rosemary: he had taught himself to play the ukulele, and he wandered out of the woods, strumming and singing shyly at first. He sang to her and they both started to cry. Happy tears. The sun was low in the sky.
It was a good weekend. More than good. It was golden.
Photographers: Kate O’Connor and Jenny Blair
Thank you to the creative team! Décor & Flowers: Rosemary's amazing mom, Mary Gibson Dress: Jealous Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Teryl Crombie Invitations: Minted Jewelry Design: Alastair Crombie, Alias Art Jewelry Men's Clothing: Harry Rosen Officiant: Lori Matties Venue & Catering: Camp Manitou
Are you interested in authentic photojournalistic coverage of your Awesome Wedding? Tell me about yourself, and find out if we’re a good match! hello@sweetheartempire.com
