Wedding Stories - Toronto Documentary Wedding Photographer

June 23, 2014May 8, 2018

Destination Wedding Photography Mexico // Stephanie & Matt

Stephanie & Matt got married on a beautiful day in sunny Cabo San Lucas, Mexico while spring was still struggling with Toronto. Surrounded by their nearest and dearest, it was a most relaxed and lovely wedding day. I’ve said this before, but small weddings are always more dear to my heart. Not that I think there’s anything wrong with big weddings, but when you are planning something so big, sometimes it’s easy for the wedding to get “out of scope” to speak in project management terms. You start to worry about every single little detail, and lose sight of the reason why you are having this wedding to begin with: a celebration of love and a coming together of family and friends. It’s too easy for big weddings to become a “production”, a “show”, rather than a wedding.

This was not so on Stephanie & Matt’s wedding day. They hung out with their wedding party in the morning while getting ready, got to talk to each of their guests, and had time to just slow down and remember it all.

Thank you Stephanie & Matt for not only having me document one of the most special days in your life, but for making me feel welcomed as one of your dear guests.

Here is Stephanie & Matt’s wedding day.

February 14, 2014May 8, 2018

Sonia & Dave: Mayan Riviera Mexico Wedding // Destination Wedding Photography

janice yi photography mayan riviera mexico wedding destination wedding photographer toronto

Sonia & Dave had a colourful and beautiful Mayan Riviera Mexico wedding at the Azul Sensatori at the end of May. They met in Whistler, BC in 2009 through Dave’s brother and Sonia’s good friend. Dave fell instantly for the gorgeous and bubbly Sonia on that wintry evening. Two and half years later, they returned to Whistler and that’s when Dave proposed. So four and a years after they first met, they brought their friends & family from all around the world to a beach in the Mayan Riviera to celebrate the beginning of their marriage.

A HUGE thanks to my friend Sara of Sara Wilde Photography for bringing me along!! Thanks for letting me be your sidekick :) Check out Sara’s blog for more photos!

Here’s the story of Sonia & Dave’s wedding day.

‘Doli’ or the bride-send-off-ceremony was a particularly emotional ritual. It got Sara and I teared up as well.

February 11, 2014

Anna & Will Elope // Elopement Photography Toronto

elopement-photography-toronto-streetcar-wedding-photos

Anna and Will eloped on an early October morning. They met in high school math class and have known since then that they’ve found the one :P True story. I think when you meet your other half so early on in life, there’s always a chance of growing apart in the years to come. That can happen at any stage in life, but it seems to be much more likely to happen when we are young. But these two have not only cultivated a relationship based on respect and friendship as well as love, they worked hard to stay connected and grow together.

They were planning a big move to California and after more than 10 years together, they finally tied the knot. With four generations of families together as witnesses, it was a really intimate ceremony. Afterwards I followed them onto a streetcar and took some very iconic streetcar photos :)

February 7, 2014July 4, 2023

Caribbean Destination Wedding // Sarah & Nate

Elegant Destination Wedding on the island of Nevis | As featured on Jet Fete

At the end of October I had the opportunity to photograph a destination wedding in the sunny Caribbean (my first!). Sarah and Nate tied the knot on the tiny island of Nevis in the Caribbean. When they decided to get married, they knew they wanted a destination wedding, but didn’t want the typical destination wedding places. So when they visited the island in January of last year, they knew that this unique and remote island was the place. Their ceremony was held at an old church in Charlestown, and the reception was held at a seaside restaurant venue of The Four Seasons Nevis.

Surrounded by their nearest & dearest and the beautiful scenery, it was a magical day. Thank you Sarah & Nate – it was amazing to be part of your day and document it all!

Before a first look with Nate, Sarah had a first look with her dad. It was really sweet.

January 21, 2014November 24, 2016

Janine & Chris // Toronto Wedding Photography

Featured on La Bride | Restaurant Wedding in Toronto

Janine & Chris met in teacher’s college through mutual friends. And Chris just knew that she was the one for him. They seem to be opposites in a lot of ways, but I think they complement each other perfectly. They have been teaching overseas the past few years, from South Korea to Bangladesh, and traveling to many places while they taught. Now they are on their new adventure in Qatar. You know what they say, couples who travel together stay together. :)

So on a warm summer’s day at the end of July, Janine & Chris got married at the Earth Bloor West restaurant (sadly this location is now closed). It was nice and warm and the sky threatened to pour down on us all day, but it held off until after their wedding. Janine and her bridesmaids got ready at her parents’ house, then we went to the Evergreen Brickworks for her and Chris’ first look and some portraits before heading to Earth for their ceremony and reception.

Not only was it a day of happiness and love for the couple, it was also a reunion with friends & family alike. Thank you Janine & Chris, for inviting me into a small but significant chapter of your adventures together!

November 7, 2013August 6, 2015

Anna Maria & Duy // Ancaster Old Mill Wedding | Documentary Wedding Photography Hamilton

documentary wedding photography toronto janice yi photography

Anna Maria, or affectionally known as Amma by friends & family, and Duy got married on a rainy day in September. It rained, oh how it rained. But all the rain in the world could not dampen their joy and excitement for their wedding day. Though as you will see, the sun did come out to play for a bit, and at the best time of the day too.

Amma and Duy met in grade 10 Chemistry. They became friends, and then best friends. Then Duy asked Amma out on a date, she resisted at first. After a year and half of perseverance on Duy’s end, Amma finally conceded. A smile and a laugh from Amma while sitting together at McDonald’s waiting for their friend were all Duy needed to know that he loved her. After 12 years together, they are like an old married couple, which is so sweet to see. I believe while love is a prerequisite for a marriage, it requires so much more for it to be a happy and long lasting one. Qualities such as friendship, companionship, the ability to make each other laugh etc. And I think they have it all.

It was a day of tremendous joy and happy tears, and a coming together of family & friends! Amma & Duy, I loved immersing myself in the energy of your special day. Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of it!

Here’s the story of Amma & Duy’s Ancaster Old Mill wedding.