Oh, if I could only just quote the speeches told about Ian and Shelby at their wedding. I'll use the words kind and quirky to sum them up, but that definitely doesn't do them justice. I met Shelby and Ian more than two years ago, just before Ian went to Italy for a year of studying abroad. We bonded at a local coffee shop over a quote by Captain Jean-Luc Picard on my then-price list. We talked one anothers' ears off about all sorts of things, but specifically food... and more specifically dessert. I remember later using the term "social butterflies" to describe them in an email.

Finally after a long long wait the amazing wedding day arrived this spring, and it was as joyous, fun, creative and touching as ever could be imagined.

After I got my happy shot on the left, the boys requested a more "traditional" Chinese pose, seen here on the right...

Classic bridesmaid-moment of last minute stitching. The girls were gorgeous in their silver dresses and Shelby an elegant, classic beauty.

Since Ian was picking Shelby up in a vintage BMW, we did a "first look" right there in the house. This is one of my favourite moments, and brides, I swear this is ALWAYS when the groom's emotions show themselves. Very special day.

Shelby and Ian did a traditional Chinese tea ceremony where they were presented with many happy wishes and beautiful jewelry from their relatives in Malaysia. These families never ceased to touch my heart with the love and support they all expressed so openly.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect for a trip to the Rosetta McClain Gardens for photos and laughs. The wedding party had brought colourful umbrellas in case of rain (always recommended), but we used them for fun shots instead of for shelter.

Bridesmaids flowers in Orange and Green

The ceremony took place at the Toronto Chinese Methodist Church. It was awesome. Worship included two vocalists, a pianist, an electric guitar, and a percussionist with both a drum kit and bongos. They projected lyrics in English and Cantonese, and basically everyone rocked out. It was so great!

Toronto Chinese Methodist Church Music

Bride and Grooms Parents

Ian and Shelby had breathtaking sunset-light on the grounds of the Columbus Event Centre. After a few more photos, now as husband and wife, we headed inside to eat, drink, and celebrate. As Reverend Chris mentioned while saying Grace, "We thank you for the partying that is about to happen." And so it did.

Shelby, Ian, what can I say? It's been so awesome getting to know such welcoming, warm, wonderful people. Thank you for having Rudo and me there, to document your wedding. We had a fantastic time and we wish you all the best in the years to come!

Check out Shelby & Ian's sweet "Up"-themed engagement photos!

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Rudo Vacula

Thank you to the creative team!
Ceremony: Toronto Chinese Methodist Church, Rev. Chris Yu
DJ/Music: Music Unlimited, David Beal
Décor: The Wedding Decorators Inc., Sherisse Bhimani
Makeup: Lina Truong
Reception: Columbus Event Center, Agostino Chorine

"I would highly highly recommend Kate as a photographer to anyone.

I spent quite a long time trying to find the right photographer for our wedding and when I came across Kate's website I knew I had found the perfect match. I loved the arty, cool, different style that she has - not the typical, cheesy wedding photographer.

On the day Kate was just so lovely and made me feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, and she captured the real essence of the day. I now have some of the most beautiful photos I have ever owned and I really will cherish them forever.

Kate thank you so very much for making our day so very special."

~ Charlotte & Charles

Charlotte and Charles' wedding was a private affair on the beautiful grounds of Charles' family home. Click here to see the photos from this laid back and intimate garden party.

We did Anna and Geoff's Toronto engagement photos down near Cherry Beach. There are so many great little spots there - the boardwalk, the forest, the beach house - it's one of my favourite places to shoot.

Anna and Geoff told me they were terrible in front of the camera... Of course we got started and they were awesome.

Forest engagement photos

In fact, Geoff - "the shy one" - seemed to forget I was even there. Anna helped with that - she's a total joker and had him laughing and smiling all afternoon.

Wild Daisies

Anna and Geoff, I had so much fun shooting your engagement photos, I can't wait to share your beautiful wedding photos soon too!

Are you a Dabbler? For a long long long long time I felt like there was something wrong with me. I had interests. I’d pursue them and find, more often than not, that things came pretty easy. Then as I moved up the scale in knowledge/experience, the difficulty would increase, the improvement would slow down, and my interest would Suddenly be sparked by something else.

I remember in college, half way through Applied Photography, I complained to a friend, “I just can’t seem to focus…” Undoubtedly this elicited a dorky photography joke about auto-focus and we all laughed. But my frustration was all too familiar.

After graduating with great marks and working in the commercial photography industry for a few years (as a half-hearted assistant more interested in the catering cart than studio lighting), I found myself at York University studying International Development and Spanish… for a while.

“Why am I like this?” “What is wrong with me?” “When will I find my path? What am I meant to be doing?”

I’d start something new and do great. Then over-confident, I’d slack off, stop doing great, and get “bored”. I've dabbled in just about everything. But until recently I could never PUSH it; I could never cross the threshold into expertise.

I am now 32 years old, and I can say for the first time in about 20 years I have found a path. I’m not saying it wont change – change is inevitable, and the only thing you can truly count on is unpredictability – but what I feel now is definitely different.

I have decided to write a series about this process - my continuing journey of becoming an independent entrepreneur.

Following your passion is not easy. I hope my experiences speak to you as you work towards your own dreams. Comment below, or just contact me straight up for support, a laugh, or a shoulder to cry on… (seeing as this is one of the scariest trips there is, crying does occur.) Because when you're putting your vulnerable side out in front of the world, it helps to know that you're not alone.

Charlotte and Charles, AKA Charlie and Charlie, met in Thailand and fell in love. When they contacted me, Charles was living in the Dominican Republic on business, and Charlotte was in her home country of England. Throughout the coordination I got to know Charlotte as a funny, lighthearted soul who LOVES to laugh. Their beautiful garden party wedding took place at Charles' parents amazing property in Stouffville, Ontario.

This beautiful outdoor affair was made only more joyous when Charlie and Charlie announced that they were expecting a baby! Charlotte was glowing with happiness, and had already coined the term her "dancing pickled bean" for their on-the-way daughter Thalia!

At-home weddings are so personal, and having a tent in the garden is a great solution for the "what if it rains" question. The added bonus is the soft, flattering light inside the tent. 

Charles and Charlotte had an outdoor garden party wedding that was butterfly themed, with homemade bunting flags sent from the UK. During the reception a butterfly landed on Charlotte. I think it was attracted to her amazing energy - just like everyone else present at this special occasion.

It was so much fun spending the day with Charlie and Charlie and their loved ones! Please enjoy this slideshow for wedding photos of the rest of this happy day.

Photographer: Kate O'Connor

Thank you to the creative team!
Caterer: Chef Andrew Munro
DJ: Impact Entertainment
Dress: Jenny Packham
Event Planner: Laura Gatti at Signature Weddings
Flowers: Lindy's Floral Boutique, Stouffville
Headwear: Urban Bride
Jewelry: designed themselves!
Men's Clothing: Studio Suits
Marquis: Gervais Rentals

You can read Charlotte's Wedding photography testimonial here.