For Mika & Paul's engagement photos, we returned to McMaster University, where they spent their undergrad together. Not only was this a walk down memory lane, but it was just a romantic, beautiful, quiet day for them to connect and celebrate their love, just the two of them... (and me)

Congratulations on your engagement, Paul & Mika! I'm so excited for your wedding day! xo

After capturing their gorgeous engagement photos in Unionville, I knew this wedding would be nothing but picturesque... And I was not wrong! Andrea & Josh had an intimate wedding luncheon in the Hart House Music Room at University of Toronto.

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they celebrated a small outdoor ceremony that ended mere moments before the hot summer rains. Talk about beautiful luck!

Andrea and her sister got ready together in the early, early morning, before we headed off to U of T, where Josh was with his best man and parents. 

After their sweet "first look" we wandered the beautiful university grounds, and took photos of the couple amidst the classic Hart House architecture and greenery. 

During their ceremony, in the Hart House courtyard, Josh and Andrea planted a tree together, and stated their vows in front of the closest members of their community. 

As the recessional ended, the heavy skies opened up and poured. No matter, though! Everyone was cozy inside, enjoying a merry brunch and celebrating these gorgeous newlyweds!

Congratulations, my lovely friends, and happy anniversary! Wishing you lifetimes of love! xo

Check out Andrea & Josh's Unionville engagement photos - my most popular engagement photos yet. 

For more photos taken on the U of T campus, check out these engagement sessions at Victoria College: 
Courtney & Joe, Alison & Allia, and Grace & Ervin.

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Lelania Little

Thank you to the creative team: 
Cake: Cakeity Cakes
Flowers: Secrets Floral
Officiant: Alex Rajak, Wedding Heaven
Pianist: Liz Craig
Venue: Hart House, University of Toronto

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