The Course for Brides / Wedding & Family Photographer

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Posts in Weddings
Rosemary & Alastair - Summer Camp Wedding at Camp Manitou
 

Memories of summer camp - the golden years - that nostalgic time of innocence, adventure, falling in love. Hope. Sunshine. Skinny dipping. You know, camp.

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.

 
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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

 
Kaylha & Dan - Berkeley Fieldhouse Wedding
 

Kindness. Being kind to each other and ourselves. I believe it's one of the most important human qualities.

And that's how I would describe Kaylha and Dan. They care for one another in a most remarkable way, and it's lovely. Then you meet their families and it's obvious where it comes from. True ladies and gentlemen, all.

I arrived in Kaylha's room at the Ritz Carlton and didn't know who to fall in love with first - or second, since I already had a googlie eyes for the bride. Mom, sister, and adorable baby niece, these ladies keep it real. Don't let their breathtaking beauty hide the fact that this was one of the most relaxed "bride-getting-ready" sessions I've walked into. Mostly laughs with a few happy tears when the boys arrived (many many boys - dad, brothers, brother in-law, nephews, adopted uncle and more!)...

The day was wonderful. Dan already exudes warmth and happiness on a regular day, so when he saw Kaylha coming up the aisle he was practically glowing with love.

The night was filled with epic speeches, delicious food, and joyful celebration. Kaylha's mom, it turns out, is a Toast Master! She brought the house down with a speech that was extremely moving and genuinely entertaining all at once. It was the best of times.

 
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A perfect Berkeley Fieldhouse wedding. Thank you Dan and Kaylha for your kindness and friendship! I'm so happy for you and your families, and everything that's to come.

Photographers: Kate O’Connor and Lelania Little
Venue & Catering: Berkeley Fieldhouse

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

 
Lorraine & Andrew - Whistle Bear Winter Wedding

Family. It's the people who raised you, the people who raised them, the in-between folks who had opinions about the raising, and everyone else you fell in brotherly- and sisterly-love with along the way... Lorraine and Andrew had eighteen people in their wedding party. Never have I seen such a large group of friends that are so close, they really are family. The love was BIG.

The day was bright and crisp. But Canada-crisp so, like, -17°C. A spectacular day for this Whistle Bear winter wedding.

In the guy's hotel room: a dozen men in various states of undress - tattoos, beards, golf clubs, babies, pocket squares... A bowtie-tying ordeal crowned the occasion, with much You-Tubing of tutorials, and attempts by various groomsmen, sister, and dad to make it work. In the end a very skilled cousin stepped in and saved the day.

In the ladies' hotel room things were simpler for once: where to aim the champagne bottle when popping the cork? Okay, toward the ceiling, but everyone - especially Lorraine - take cover! Look away! Shield your eyes and faces! Protect your dress! Ready the vessels - er, flute glasses! And now we drink.

Andrew and Lorraine got married at Whistle Bear Golf Club in Cambridge, on a stunning February afternoon. Surrounded by their loved ones, they tied the knot and celebrated into the night. The day couldn't have been better.

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Photographers: Kate O’Connor and Lelania Little Venue & Catering: Whistle Bear Golf Club

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

Shannon & Matt's Wedding - Geraldo's at LaSalle Park

Shannon and Matt hold a special place in my heart. Shannon is a kick-ass lady-entrepreneur, giving the best financial advice in town (seriously, contact her). Not only is she excellent at her job, but part of what makes Shannon different, is that her personality shines like the sun. When you think you'll be in tears over the number of cappuccinos you charged last month, you'll actually end up having fun (crazy, I know!). I know I went on about this when I posted Shannon and Matt's engagement photos, but I just can't say enough about it, so #sorrynotsorry (same for using a hashtag in my blog post).

Shannon and Matt had a gorgeous summer wedding at Geraldo's at LaSalle Park in Burlington. They did not want to see one another until the aisle and, let me tell you, it was worth the wait. It is truly inspiring when two people who've known each another since high school can still strike this much excitement, admiration, and genuine enthusiasm for one another. Matt literally clasped his heart when he saw her. Shannon's whole being was overflowing with happiness... Love.

Anyway, clearly I was and still am affected by the emotion. I'll try to wrap it up, but want to mention one more thing...

Not only was this entire crowd one of the most fun, party-loving groups I've been with (the speeches had me crying and laughing), but Shannon and her dad choreographed an amazing dance to a mashup of songs including the themes to Star Trek, James Bond, and Monty Python. It was. The. Best.

Please Enjoy.

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Matt and Shannon, thank you for being awesome, and spreading awesomeness across the world. My heart swells at the memory of your wedding day.

Click here to see Shannon & Matt's Exhibition Place engagement photos.

Photographers: Kate O’Connor and Michelle Yee

Thank you to the creative team! Cake: Molly Cake DJ: Maximum Music DJ Services Décor & Flowers: Christine Owen, Settings Design Stylist Event Planner: Namira McBride, McBride Weddings Hair: Rose Huggett Makeup: Kristin Lumsden Venue & Catering: Geraldo's at LaSalle Park

Carrie & Kevin's Downtown Toronto Wedding!

I feel so lucky to have photographed Carrie and Kevin's downtown Toronto wedding. From the moment she called me, Carrie had me just bubbling over with excitement for her wedding. You've heard the expression "a smile that could light up a room". Yeah, they were talking about this woman's smile, right here - and a personality that could light up a whole building (a skyscraper in the financial district - a big one). And no better match than Kevin, laid back, genuine, grounded, wonderful.

One of my favourite parts of this not-so-traditional wedding was when Carrie and Kevin walked down the aisle together. I love when people do their own thing.

And if you know these two, you know that's exactly what they're doing. From wild antics in Paris when they first fell in love, to Kevin surprising Carrie with her canary diamond engagement ring, I have no doubt the fun will continue... And I'm so thankful to be around to share it.

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Carrie & Kevin, I'm so happy for you incredible people, and I wish you so many congratulations on this day and always. XOXOX

Check out Kevin's surprise engagement to Carrie or their family session with sweet little Nate!
Or take a look at Sahrah & Aaron's wedding, also at St. Andrew's Church, downtown. 

Photographers: Kate O’Connor and Rudo Vacula

Thank you to the creative team!
Caterer: Cinq Foods
Ceremony: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
DJ: DJ Sam Flemming, Evolved Entertainment
Dress: Windsor Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Jennifer Schulz

To find out if we’re a good match, click Connect and send me a note.