Laura & Jeff had a beautiful, intimate wedding on Toronto Island. Only their parents were present. I don't often remark about the decor and details at weddings, but this bride and groom put so much thought into creating this sweet, special day. They had handmade and vintage goodies spread out in the B & B when I arrived. Laura wore a fuschia dress and flower crown, and Jeff couldn't take his eyes off her. 

Another thing I loved about this day, was that Jeff & Laura got ready together at their quiet island rental, before the arrival of their parents. When everyone arrived, they popped pink champagne and we all walked to the beach, where they were married under shimmering trees in the afternoon sun.

The parents walked on ahead to the ferry, and we wandered the island taking photos, as the newlyweds sighed and gazed and marvelled at the fact that they were now married!

Congratulations Laura & Jeff on a beautiful, memorable wedding day! I couldn't be happier for you guys!

In Laura's Words:
"...On the day of the wedding, Kate came over to the Island and checked out our Bed & Breakfast, quietly taking some of my favourite photos of the day while I was getting makeup done and my husband was getting suited up. She chatted with my mother and charmed my Father in Law..." Read the whole review right here. 

Thank you to the creative team!

Photographer: Kate O'Connor
Officiant: Martin Frith, Ceremonies With Choice
Ceremony: Toronto Island
Bride's dress: BHLDN
Hair & Makeup: Blush Pretty
Flowers: The Rose Mint
Groom's suit: Indochino
Transportation: Toronto ferries

If you enjoyed Laura & Jeff's wedding, check out...

Amanda & Kirk's Island Wedding Sneak Peek!
Rosemary & Alastair - Summer Camp Wedding at Camp Manitou

I was so excited to photograph Gacia & Alex's early spring wedding at Eagles Nest Golf Club. I knew it would be a great day because we had done not one, but two separate engagement sessions: one at Kew Gardens and the Beach in Toronto, and one at Boxcar Social coffee shop. They were just completely in the moment together. Extra sessions give us all a fantastic way of getting to know one another, and so by the time the wedding day arrived, everyone was good to go.

It was a sunshiny day, and we couldn't have asked for more perfect everything. The highlight of the morning might have been when the maid of honour stuck her face in the bride's décolletage... A surprise to me (and the bride), but everyone involved seemed happy! You've gotta love best friends who know how to break up the wedding-morning butterflies. 

The groomsmen on the other hand were well absorbed looking up "how to tie a tie", as per many a wedding morning. I was impressed, however, with the specific reference; any man who wants to look like Don Draper has got my stamp of approval. 

Gacia and Alex decided to see one another before the ceremony, so they could get their photos finished and enjoy the rest of the day on their own timeline. Both of them got nervous and excited before seeing each other, and when Gacia told Alex to turn around, well... I don't know if I've ever seen two people beam so brightly at one another.

We strolled around the Eagles Nest pond past some beautiful golden fields, and they stole a few quiet moments together before the ceremony. 

Alex and Gacia could NOT have asked for better weather, for an early spring ceremony. The sun was warm and the sky was bright blue. Everyone wanted a great photo of the beautiful bride and her fabulous father (whose name was chanted several times throughout the night, btw) descending the staircase towards the altar. 

First, though, have you ever SEEN a cuter flower girl and a cooler little ring bearer? The look of concentration on her face gets me every time!

As the newlyweds took time to greet their guests, people milled around, laughing and mingling and looking fabulous. Remind me to buy a really great red dress!

Cocktail hour at Eagles Nest Golf Club Wedding

The reception hall at Eagles Nest just glowed. As the sun set over the golf course outside, light streamed in the windows and illuminated the tables. As guests wandered in, children – drawn to their natural habitat of the dance floor – started frolicking and getting down. I often wonder what kids think when adults finally let loose at weddings... probably something like, "Ah – finally the grownups are starting to normalize!"

And let loose they did. After speeches and laughing and crying and a heavenly meal, the shots began to flow and the lights went down low... We could tell as we slipped out into the dark that the party would be going late into the night. 

In Gacia's words:
..."I don't personally love being in front of a camera, but Kate made me forget she was taking pictures, so you end up with really genuine photos..." Click here to read the whole review. 

Click here to check out Gacia & Alex's engagement photos at Kew Gardens.

Thank you to the creative team!

Photographers: Kate O'Connor & Lelania Little
Venue: Eagles Nest Golf Club
Music and Entertainment: Magen Boys
Hair: Enrico Salon
Wedding Favours: Pioneer Brand Honey
Flowers: Berries and Blooms
Transportation: TLS Limo Worldwide

If you enjoyed Gacia & Alex's wedding, check out...

Courtney & Joe's Rockway Vineyards Wedding, Niagara

Vanessa & Mark's Oakville Golf Club Wedding

Ariel & Thanh had an intimate destination wedding at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I flew down for the last weekend of their trip, to document this happy day.

Getting married on the beach at sunset, followed by dinner with the sound of the ocean waves crashing just a few feet away... It was the perfect way to celebrate.

As everyone stumbled out of the tent, to dance by a bonfire on the beach, we all gasped at the full moon shining down on the Caribbean Sea. 

To check out similar weddings, click here...
Laura & Jeff's Toronto Island Elopement
Amanda & Kirk's Island Wedding Sneak Peek

Photographer: Kate O'Connor
Venue: Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Joe and Courtney had a beautiful outdoor wedding at Rockway Vineyards Golf Course in St. Catharine's. It was the perfect day for a vineyard wedding. After getting ready at the Haven of Hope llama farm across the street (yes, you heard that right!) the ladies drove themselves to the altar on golf carts, where family and friends were waiting.

Surrounded by summer flowers and under the afternoon sky, Joe saw his bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle with both her parents. Although I witnessed the joyfulness between these two, during their engagement session, I'll never forget the look on Courtney's face as she walked – she was beaming with happiness!

The ceremony was followed by a gorgeous outdoor cocktail hour, while the newlyweds enjoyed strolling through the vines in the setting sun. Golden hour. 

One of my favourite moments was when we decided to move locations for newlywed photos. As a shortcut, Joe lifted Courtney up and carried her over some shrubbery, like it was perfectly normal to transport other humans that way. 

That's what I truly love about this couple. They take things lightly, and are always having a laugh. During the wedding reception, Courtney described her search for Joe before they met. Her friends told her she was being too picky, but she held out. She said she just wanted a giant who was hilarious, and then she met Joe and was just like, yes. (He is 6'8"!) 

Recently I photographed Courtney and Joe for their two year wedding anniversary, and I had the great pleasure of meeting their brand new little baby. Joe & Courtney, it's been such a fantastic time getting to know you and your families. I'm so happy for you, and can't wait to see you all again!

In Courtney's words:
"Kate's style is what drew us to her in her ability to capture moments in time....She was really good at creating emotion and then shooting that emotion." Click here to read the whole review.

Check out Courtney & Joe's downtown Toronto engagement photos here.

Thank you to the creative team!

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Rudo Vacula
Accommodations: Haven of Hope Farm, AirBnB
DJ: Ted Chamberlain
Décor: Fat Raccoon Port Rowan
Venue & Catering: Rockway Vineyards Golf Course

For similar weddings, check out...
Lisanne & Adam's Romantic Wedding at The Manor by Peter & Paul's
Grace & Ervin's Wedding at the Bayview Golf & Country Club

To look or not to look... Take a peek at these two and then decide. 

Congratulations Molly & Yifei on a day FULL of sweet moments. These are happy times. 

Molly & Yifei got married on Saturday, at McLean House, Estates of Sunnybrook. They were blessed with GORGEOUS weather, and an intimate, joyful celebration of close friends, happy tears, lots of laughing, sunshine, and bliss. Truly, one couldn't ask for a better day. 

Congratulations my beautiful friends!

Check out these similar weddings...
Ashley & Dave's Aberfoyle Mill Wedding
Andrea & Josh's Hart House Wedding at U of T
Shelby & Ian's more-than Double Happiness Wedding

Thank you to everyone on the creative team who contributed to the magic:

Photographer: Kate O'Connor
Planner: Jodi of Simply Perfect Weddings
Venue & Catering: Estates of Sunnybrook
Decor & Flowers: Pearl and Bloom
Dresses: Zac Posen & Tailored in China
Men's Clothing: Moore's & Tailored in Shanghai
Hair: NC Salon
Makeup: Fiona Man
Invitations: Sweet Weddings
Favours & Gifts: Soma Chocolatier
Jewelry Design: HK Jeweler
Music: DJ Don Choi
Videography: Jimmy Zhu