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.

We did Lisa & Rich's Scarborough Bluffs engagement photos on a gorgeous day,  a perfect day, in nature and at the beach. Wandering through the trees it didn't take much to get these two talking and laughing. I loved the way Lisa gazed at Rich with her big beautiful eyes, and it's no wonder – Rich had her laughing and smiling the whole time. 

Sunshine, jokes, and making out... what more could anyone really ask for?

Lisa & Richard's Scarborough Bluffs engagement photos.

Click here to see Sarah & Keon's Scarborough Bluffs wedding photos!

Kew Gardens Engagement Photos! I met Gacia and Alex on a gorgeous summer afternoon, and we were blessed with sunlight in the trees, and the most colourful flower garden. As we wandered through the gardens towards Beaches Park (in Toronto's fabulous Beach neighbourhood), the bride- and groom-to-be talked and laughed, reminiscing about all the adventures that led up to this day, and feeling excited about their marriage and life to come.

The engagement shoot is a great practice session for being in front of the camera, and getting to know your wedding photographer. But I like to do things a bit differently... For me, this is a time of reflection, connection, and togetherness. It's a wonderful time to forget about wedding planning, and spend some real, quality time together.

And that's what they did. This happy couple were laughing and looking at one another and having a lovely time. I'm totally excited to see what the wedding day has to offer!

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We walked down to the boardwalk on the beach and looked out at Lake Ontario. The sun was setting, creating perfect, romantic, afternoon light.

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Later on, we met up to make more pictures at Boxcar Social, a fantastic cafe in Summerhill. Not only is the coffee delicious (being a total coffee-snob, I can attest), the space and decor of the coffee shop is super cool.

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I photographed Alex and Gacia enjoying cappuccinos on the backyard patio. We played some of the storytelling and word games I give to couples (especially in a public place, so they don't have to pose or feel self-conscious). ...I'm not sure what they ended up talking about, but it had them in stitches with laughter. A photographer couldn't ask for more!

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How honoured I am to be shooting the wedding of one of my favourite photographers, and my lovely friend! I remember the day Lelania came to work, saying she had "met an awesome guy on the bus". On the night bus, no less, on her way home from a night out with her sister. Before saying what I was thinking (something along the lines of, "nobody meets an awesome guy on the night bus, Lelania!"), I stole a glance at her and stopped in my tracks. The woman was bubbling with excitement. I said nothing.

Before long, we had all met Mike. Kind and funny, helpful, and a perfect match for our vibrant friend. The studio was a-buzz with gossip ("I think he's the one," "Oh, I always thought he was the one...").

And he was the one.

Lelania and Mike and I road-tripped to the Township of Tiny, to do their cottage country engagement photos.

In the dusky glow of summer, they walked in the woods near Mike's family cottage, making each other laugh, and holding hands like there was no one else in the world. Before dark, we went to the beach to soak in the summertime vibes of this small Ontario town. Gazing out at Georgian Bay, dipping their toes in the shore, and breathing in the feeling of the future.

How wonderful life is.

For Courtney and Joe's downtown Toronto engagement photos, we decided to meet at the gorgeous La Société in Yorkville. It was early, and the restaurant was quiet enough for them to enjoy an after-work drink together, and for me to skulk around gazing at the breathtaking stained glass ceiling, and spying on them through plants... Yes, that is part of my wonderful world of "couples photography". We walked down to U of T for more photos, and ended up having a most hilarious, yet romantic time. Laughing and whispering stories to one another amongst the age-old stone walls of Victoria College, I felt happy just being in the company of Joe and Courtney.

Courtney and Joe, thank you, firstly, for introducing me to the phrase "hot breath"... My photo shoots will never be the same. Can't wait to photograph your Niagara wedding this weekend!!