Since they live out of town, my first in-person meeting with Madison and Martin was at their Kew Gardens engagement session in Toronto's beautiful Beach neighbourhood. I pulled out all of my best tips and tricks to get these two talking and laughing together, since it was our first meeting, and I know people are usually nervous for a photo shoot, at the best of times.... And it was awesome. 

Here's a little peek:

It was late summer. We walked through the flower gardens of Kew Gardens park, and down to the beach boardwalk for some shots in the setting sun. These lovebirds were so sweet and funny. Madison's friendly, positive attitude shone through and brought out tons of great laughs from Martin.

I'm so happy for Martin & Madison, and I can't wait to spend their wedding day having even more fun!

Are you loving Flowery Garden Engagement Photos? Here are a few more engagement photo locations you might like:
Gacia & Alex at Kew Gardens
Elizabeth F. Gamble Gardens in California

Do you love being down by the sea? Apparently I do too! Here are a handful of beach engagement photos to check out:
Lisa & Rich at Scarborough Bluffs
Lelania & Mike in Tiny Beaches, Ontario
Vanessa & Mark's autumn Beach photos, Toronto
Sahrah & Aaron at Ashbridges Bay

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
 

It's difficult describe my personal joy of watching this family evolve. I met Kevin & Carrie when they were getting engaged (in fact, I captured Kevin surprising Carrie with her engagement ring) and subsequently photographed their joyful, downtown wedding. 

When I found out Carrie was expecting, I was honoured to document their baby shower, maternity photos, and their sweet little son Nate at 4 months old.

So it goes without saying, this session has been a long time in the making. We strolled around their neighbourhood (which happens to be Toronto's Distillery Historic Disctrict), and I watched Carrie & Kevin explore the world anew, through the eyes of their 21 month old. Everything has changed.

And yet some things will always be the same. Sitting on the kitchen floor snacking and laughing at Wee Wendy (their "first-born") trying to get in on the goods, I looked down and noticed Kevin & Carrie holding hands. Life with a toddler isn't always easy, but when you've got love like this family does, it's worth every minute. 

Carrie & Kevin, thank you for these years of honesty, vulnerability, and love – you share your life with the people who love you, and I am so lucky to be one of them.
- Kate
xo

Check out Kevin & Carrie's engagement session and wedding photos!

The wonder years go by in a flash. If you're interested in having some of your family's moments captured in time, consider having me document your day – or a year in your life. Click Connect to find out more.

I met Vanessa & Mark shooting the wedding of their friends. When they contacted me I instantly remembered Vanessa's happy face from Kate & Ben's wedding video testimonial, and was super excited to get started. Mark & Vanessa are part of a great group of loving friends and it was really special to document their celebration. 

They planned a gorgeous wedding in Oakville, with their ceremony at the picturesque St. Andrew Church and an early summer reception at the Oakville Golf Club.

It was a windy day with mixes of sun and cloud. After their first look and a few photos with the wedding party, we headed to downtown Oakville... Just in time: The moment everyone entered the church the skies opened up and poured! And just as conveniently, as the ceremony finished up, so did the rain. 

The ceremony was beautiful, and both bride and groom welled up with emotion coming down the aisle, exchanging vows, enjoying the church hymns, and finally sharing their first kiss as husband and wife. 

Family and friends gathered in front of the church laughing and hugging with exclamations of congratulations for the happy couple. We walked down to Oakville's waterfront to where Vanessa & Mark had some time to themselves to soak it all in... They were married! The light and the sky after the storm had transformed the landscape into a lush green paradise, and the lake grew calm. The bride and groom walked hand in hand, looking at one another and bursting into laughter. 

If you've seen Vanessa & Mark's autumn inspired engagement photos, you already know they love Lake Ontario, only this day it was serene shades of blue - the calm after the storm. 

Arriving back for their Oakville Golf Club wedding, Vanessa & Mark were greeted by celebratory guests, and live bluegrass music. As the days grew longer the evening stretched out into night, with speeches, laughter, music, and stories. 

It was a happy, beautiful day. Congratulations, Mark & Vanessa. xo

Click here to see Vanessa & Mark's Beaches Neighbourhood engagement photos!

Check out these similar weddings...
Grace & Ervin's Wedding at the Bayview Golf & Country Club
Gacia & Alex's Wedding at Eagles Next Golf Club

Photographers: Kate O’Connor and Rudo Vacula

Thank you to the creative team!
Cake: Nancy Bridges
Catering: Oakville Golf Club
Ceremony Location: St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, Oakville
DJ/Music: Barrel Boys
Flowers: Flower Centre
Hair & Make Up: Talio Salon
Men's Attire: Michael Kors
Officiant: Monsignor Edward D. Sheridan
Reception Venue: Oakville Golf Club