Posts in Weddings

Kate & Ben's Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Wedding

What an adventure it has been getting to know Kate and Ben! After their [second] engagement session, I tagged along to the Cloak & Dagger to see Ben's band playing bluegrass to a packed house. They. Are. Awesome. If you haven't heard of The Barrel Boys, do check them out and start fan-girling like me, stat!

Alongside our glasses of cider, the talent was overflowing and I suspected that theirs would be a wedding to remember…. I couldn't have been more right!

Ben and Kate had their wedding at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse - a gorgeous place for light and acoustics. It was a happy, relaxed event and the entire day was filled with music. A high point for me was when the whole congregation sang Eight Days a Week - I am telling you - my heart swelled. Not only are Kate and Ben talented musicians themselves, but their guests blew us away too!

It was simply a magical day full of the laughter and love that surround Kate and Ben. I feel so incredibly privileged to have been there with every single one of their friends and family cheering them on…

Check out Ben and Kate's video testimonial here!

The groom jamming with his bandmates on the wedding day.

Personal details on the wedding day - everything has meaning when it's a life milestone.

I am so happy for Ben and Kate. I can't wait to share images from their reception - an incredible night of impromptu [uber-talented] singing, and a wild / hilarious / surprisingly successful live square-dancing lesson. Until then,,, check out their at-home engagement session here (with more music!) and their Christie Pits/Bickford Park engagement session here and their short-story video testimonial here!

Photographers: Kate O’Connor and Rudo Vacula

Thank you to the creative team!
Caterer: Herrera's Fine Dining and Catering
Dress: David's Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Do My Hair
Invitations: Paper Ideas
Favours & Gifts: Kelly's Candy Apples
Flowers: Beachwood Flower
Men’s Attire: Moores
Officiant: Michael Lafleur
Venue: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse

Tell me about your wedding and find out if we're a good match:

Email: hello@sweetheartempire.com

All Photography, WeddingsKate O'ConnorFebruary 27, 2014Abbey Road, Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, Fall Colours, Featured Wedding, Music, Musicians, Purple, The Beatles, The Grand Hotel, Toronto, Toronto Wedding Photographer, wedding, Yellow Comments

Alissa & Kevin having a giggle in the Gladstone Cowboy Elevator

Alissa and Kevin got married!! Here is the sweetest of sneak peeks taken in the classic Gladstone Cowboy Elevator, built in 1907. There are many gorgeous images to capture in the Gladstone Hotel, but the highlight in this case was definitely Kevin and Alissa's ability to forget about all that and enjoy a few special moments on their wedding day. Congratulations!! More lovely photos to come...

All Photography, WeddingsKate O'ConnorOctober 14, 2013Black and White, Gladstone Cowboy Elevator, Gladstone Hotel, Sneak Peek, Toronto, Vintage, weddingComment

Lisanne & Adam's Romantic Wedding at The Manor by Peter and Paul's

After their fun and easy way during the engagement shoot, I knew Lisanne and Adam would be a wonderful couple on their wedding day. They are both laid back, funny, and very kind... Then we met their family and friends, and knew instantly it would also be a kick-ass party! Highlights included Uncle Joe - an Elvis impersonator - absolutely charming (and touching) speeches, and lots and lots of dancing, at the Manor by Peter and Paul's. It was a perfect July day, that led into a romantic evening of celebration and togetherness for family, friends, and an amazing couple. Congratulations Lisanne & Adam. May your happiness grow for a lifetime. Read Lisanne's wedding photography review here.

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Rudo Vacula

Thank you to the creative team! Caterer: The Manor by Peter and Paul's DJ: S4 Sound Sensation Décor: Vivian's Decor & Designs Dress: Maggie Sottero, from Ritché Bridal Hair & Makeup: Jenn, of Fiorrio Salon, Deluxe Mobile Spa Invitations: Natasha, of Elegant Invites Favours & Gifts: Donations to Sick Kid's Hospital; Macarons by Bobbette & Belle Flowers: Mary, of Windflowers Men's Attire: Zegna, from Harry Rosen Transportation: Whispers Limousine & Sinton Coach Bus Venue: The Manor by Peter and Paul's Videographer: Ernie Bucci, of Image Commission

All Photography, WeddingsKate O'ConnorAugust 7, 2013Family, Italian, Peter and Paul's, The Manor, Toronto, Toronto Wedding Photographer, wedding Comments

Michelle & Pawel's Wedding at the Mississauga Grand

One of my favourite parts of shooting weddings is that, after spending some time getting to know a couple, I get to meet their families. It is obviously the couple’s day, but there is no doubt that for many parents it is also a time of big pride, and an overwhelming sense of happiness. Michelle & Pawel’s family were no exception. We arrived before the ladies had returned from the salon, so (after the go-ahead from the bride, of course) I decided to photograph the wedding dress. Before unwrapping it, Michelle’s dad Alejandro cried out, “Wait, wait! I don’t want to see the dress until she’s in it!” and promptly rushed downstairs so that he wouldn’t spoil his own surprise.

This was one of the many little things, throughout the special day, that just made my heart float for Michelle and Pawel. The emotion in Alejandro’s eyes when he saw his hija - his daughter - when he gave her away at the altar, and danced with her later that night; this represented his life’s work – a success. All was worth it for this moment, this day.

And when you set eyes on this bright, twinkle-eyed bride... can you blame him?

It was a day of natural beauty, fun, and celebration. Michelle and Pawel, thank you so much for sharing your wedding day with us!

Please enjoy this slideshow for more photos of Pawel and Michelle enjoying their wedding day:

Michelle & Pawel's Wedding Photography Slideshow from Sweetheart Empire on Vimeo.

Click here to check out Michelle & Pawel's engagement photos!

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Lelania Little

Thank you to the creative team!
Band/DJ: Parkside Drive
Cake: Irene's Celebrity Cakes
Ceremony: St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish
Décor: Mississauga Grand
Dress: David's Bridal
Hair: Jini Jung Hair Artisans
Flowers: Eternity Flowers
Men's Clothing: Tuxedo Royale
Reception Venue: Mississauga Grand
Transportation: Jays Limousine Services

All Photography, WeddingsKate O'ConnorJuly 17, 2013Father of the Bride, Slideshow, Toronto, Toronto Wedding Photographer, wedding, Weddings Comment

Wedding Photography Experience - Veronika & Joel - The Ancaster Mill

I am so happy to share with you, my first wedding photographer video testimonial!!!!! (Yes, 5 exclamation marks is how excited I am.) Filmed and edited by storyteller, Andrew Norton, newlyweds Veronika & Joel share their thoughts in this two minute clip: