Posts in Lifestyle

Alison & Allia's Brunch Engagement Photos - L'Ouvrier Kitchen Bar

This is the way to do it! Leisurely brunch engagement photos, champagne, and a walk to stretch the legs... We begin at L'Ouvrier Kitchen Bar. Allia & Alison are too awesome to describe. Funny, artistic and completely in love, rooms light up when these two women enter... (See what I did? I tried to describe them anyway.) They suggested we meet at L'Ouvrier Kitchen Bar, a stylish yet laid back joint near Bathurst and Dundas. Brunch arrived with an entire french press pot of coffee. Talking, and laughing, it was easy to see why these two are such a sublime match. Champagne followed a delicious breakfast (I told you this is the way to do it!), and then we headed out into the city.

Alison graduated from University of Toronto, so it only made sense to explore the beautiful Victoria College campus. In fall coats, the ladies kept each other warm, laughing, running, even flying. Playing among the gothic stone and ivy-covered walls, we were filled with energy - adventure - even magic.

L'ouvrier Kitchen Bar Canadian Gothic

All Photography, Couples, LifestyleKate O'ConnorApril 16, 2014brunch, Engagement, Engagement Ring, Fall Colours, L'Ouvrier Kitchen Bar, Same-sex marriage, University of Toronto, Victoria College Comments

Published in Persian Tribune! My {First} Magazine Cover

How excited was I, when I was contacted by Elle Daftarian (event planner / dessert maker / mom extraordinaire) to do a portrait session on location at her new bakery.

I was even more thrilled to find out that the images would be used for the cover story of Persian Tribune Magazine! I went to the gorgeous little shop at Broadview and Queen and was instantly taken in. Elle has an eye for beauty that I won't attempt to describe in words - just take a look for yourself.

I photographed the adorable party for Elle's daughter's first communion. It was great to meet her team again and witness their creativity in action, which apparently involves a lot of joking around and a substantial intake of baked goods... Here are the images from our day:

Click here to see more of Elle Daftarian's beautiful sweets, at Sophia's fabulous First Communion party!

All Photography, Lifestyle, Portraits, JournalKate O'ConnorMarch 28, 2014decor, Elle Daftarian, event planner, Persian, Persian Tribune, Petite & Sweet, portraits, published, sweet tableComment

Portraits of Jamie Unwin

One of the most incredible parts of my work is having the opportunity to meet interesting and inspiring people from all walks of life. Jamie contacted me because she needed high quality, natural looking portraits to represent herself; she was running for election in a national campaign to be the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) National Student Representative. We met at her apartment in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood and spent an hour talking and laughing. The photos below are the result.

Not only did Jamie win the campaign, but she has recently been profiled on York University's planning blog as an outstanding student, researcher, innovator, and community member. Jamie you rock!!

Jamie's shoot demonstrates the versatility of a simple portrait session - she can choose the smile that represents her best and use these images for any type of profile - work, school, or personal. Although Jamie has used different pictures for the campaign, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, they all tie together in their similar style, making her face memorable and familiar to everyone who comes across her work.

All Photography, Lifestyle, PortraitsKate O'ConnorMarch 17, 2014Canadian Institute of Planners, Inspiration, portraits, The Annex, York University Comment

Sarah & Jason

Sarah and Jason took me on a tour of their old neighbourhood for their engagement photos. Davisville and Oriole Park on a sunny autumn afternoon. Best friends before they became a couple, the two went for sushi every week for three years, just for an excuse to spend time together. Then Jason would walk Sarah to the bus stop and wait with her, or Sarah would walk Jason to his nearby apartment where they would, no doubt, linger a little longer near the 1970s water fountain out front… Just a couple more minutes in each other's company.

This was a super meaningful session for Jason and Sarah - to take some time in the midst of wedding preparations, to remind each other about how it all began, and why they were doing this in the first place. Naturally shy in front of the camera, I used all my tricks to get them engaging together, and soon they were laughing, dancing, and being 150% themselves (including several fantastical discussions about kid-napping cute puppies from the park).

When I look at these images I feel like it was truly a photojournalistic experience. The personal nature of their locations and stories allowed real moments to happen that I was witness to (and now you are too). The three of us connected to create something authentic, and to me that is what's so inspiring about true love.

Sarah and Jason I feel privileged to have made these photojournalistic engagement photos with you, and I am simply thrilled for your upcoming wedding!

Kate & Ben Around Town

Kate and Ben had the first half of their engagement shoot last spring, at their sweet apartment, when the weather was still cold... For the second half we took advantage of the fantastic weather to wander out and about. We explored Toronto's colourful Christie Pits neighbourhood of Bickford Park and Korea Town. Apart from my highly technical instructions of "Jump like you're in the 70s!" most of the photo shoot consisted of this gorgeous pair hanging out, shooting the breeze, snuggling and laughing, and me capturing it all.

Can't wait for next week when we photograph their wedding!