The Course for Brides / Wedding & Family Photographer

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ALL THE THINGS

Real life is this beautiful.

 

How to Stop Time, in 3 Easy Steps.
 

Back to school, Thanksgiving, Halloween… How is it the middle of November!?

Maybe you got married this year.  Maybe you said goodbye to your “baby” as they got on the school bus for the first time. Either way, it happened fast. If only there were an invisible photographer at the bus stop to capture that look on your face – crying, laughing, glaring with over-protectiveness:  love, your way.

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Ask this Magic Question

We all know it's impossible to "stop time” but there are ways to enjoy right now and make sure your memories stay with you. One way is the practice of Reflection.

Stop right now and answer this question in your mind: 
What was my favourite part of today, so far? 

A coffee? A kiss? A bathroom break? (Just saying!)
For me, it was writing in my journal first thing in the morning. I felt grounded, connected and safe.

How Reflection Stops Time

Reflection helps us focus our minds on little pieces of life that would otherwise go unnoticed.

  1. The noticing leads to a memory;

  2. The memory brings up a feeling;

  3. The impact of the feeling helps our brain flag that moment as a "keeper" in the sorting & filing of the mind.

Reflection is that invisible photographer you wish for. I ask every single one of my couples this question on their wedding day: 
What was your favourite part of today, so far? Whatever they say in the answer, they will remember for the rest of their lives.

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Grace & Ervin's Wedding at the Bayview Golf & Country Club
 

After so many lovely encounters with Grace and Ervin, I couldn't wait for the wedding day. We had a beautiful engagement session at Victoria College, U of T. We met for tacos and ice cream one summer night and discussed wedding, life, love, and food. And finally the big day came. Later I photographed this gorgeous couple's maternity photos. 

Continuing this long term relationship, I am so happy to wish Ervin & Grace a happy wedding anniversary, and wanted to share a snapshot with you, from the most beautiful days of their life. Congratulations, my lovely friends. 

Bride and groom laughing together, Bayview Golf & Country Club Wedding

After a relaxed and fun bridal session at U of T (Victoria College), Grace & Ervin held their wedding at the Bayview Golf & Country Club. It was a dreamy June afternoon and Grace came prepared to stroll the grounds in the cutest Marc Jacobs flip-flops. Practical and fashionable!

Flower girl & ring bearer walking down the aisle, Bayview Golf & Country Club Wedding
Bride walking down the aisle with her parents, Bayview Golf & Country Club Wedding

This is the very moment. When Grace's parents walked her down the short aisle, and two families became one. 

Bride and groom holding hands and looking at their wedding rings, Bayview Golf and Country Club Wedding

Honestly, I can't decide which outfit I liked best... Black and white, white and white, or traditional Chinese wedding garments. I think I'll go with the red and gold for the win.

Bride and groom wearing traditional Chinese wedding clothes, Bayview Golf and Country Club Wedding
Lovely bride wearing traditional Chinese wedding dress, Bayview Golf and Country Club Wedding

Check out Grace & Ervin's University of Toronto engagement photos, or check out a few more golf club weddings, right here: 
Gacia & Alex at Eagle's Nest Golf Club
Vanessa & Mark at the Oakville Golf Club

Photography by Kate O'Connor and Lelania Little

Thank you to the creative team: 
Cake: Ruleo Patisserie
DJ: 3 Owls Entertainment
Flowers: Blooms Floral & Design
Hair & Makeup: Jennifer, Schulz Beauty
Jewelry: Swarovski
Venue: Bayview Golf & Country Club

 
Mika & Paul's McMaster University Engagement Session
 

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)

 
McMaster University Engagement Session
McMaster University Engagement Session
 

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

 
Andrea & Josh's Hart House Wedding at U of T
 

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!

 
Wedding reception table settings, Hart House University of Toronto Wedding
Guests watching a video of bride and groom during reception, Hart House University of Toronto Wedding
Bride and groom watching video with their guests during reception, Hart House University of Toronto Wedding
 

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 & JoeAlison & 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's Toronto Island Elopement
 

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