Wedding Stories - Toronto Documentary Wedding Photographer

February 23, 2017

Lake House Wedding in Pickering // Elly & Johnny

I photographed Elly and Johnny’s Lake House wedding last summer in Pickering, right by Lake Ontario. I hadn’t been to The Lake House before and was surprised to find such an intimate venue outside of the city.

Elly and Johnny wanted their wedding to be an intimate celebration with their closest friends and family, and their wedding day was exactly that. You often hear people say that you can describe cities with a single word, or that each city has its own vibe. I think people and couples are that way as well. And if I had to use one word to describe Elly and Johnny, it would be ‘gentle’. It was something I felt when I read their Q&A and also when I met both of them for their Document Love session. They both appreciate the little things in life, and understand sometimes life is in the details and the little moments.

Thank you for inviting me so warmly into your life and your wedding day, Elly & Johnny! Here are my favourites from the day. xo

February 9, 2017May 6, 2018

A New Year’s Eve Wedding at Alton Mill // Lakna & Regis

I haven’t photographed a New Years Eve wedding until this past year, and I have to say, what a great idea! You are getting married at the same time as ringing in a new year, with your nearest and dearest.

Lakna and Regis met practicing Brazilian jiujutsu – actually Regis was Lakna’s teacher! From the first time I met them, I can tell they share an amazing connection. We chatted over tea about their wedding day and Lakna expressed to me how much they like candid images that tell a story and when they saw the wedding I photographed at Alton Mill a few years ago, they instantly connected to my work.

They wanted to share a day of fun, laughter and love with their favourite people, and the wedding was just that. My favourite moments were during the speeches. Regis’ dad had just recovered from a stroke last year, and he played a song on guitar that he used to play for Regis and his brother when they were young. The atmosphere in the room was electric. There was not a dry eye in the room. You can really feel the love and support from their friends and family.

Here’s the story of Lakna & Regis’ wedding day! To love, and to friends & family. xoxo

February 5, 2017February 5, 2017

Distillery District Fermenting Cellar Wedding

Toronto Winter Wedding | Fermenting Cellar

I photographed Heather & Kevin’s engagement in beautiful Koh Lanta and a bit more than a month later, also had the opportunity to photograph their Fermenting Cellar wedding in the historic Distillery District.

Since Heather and Kevin work in Thailand as teachers, Christmas holidays is one of the only times they have off to come back to visit. So they picked the day before New Year’s Eve to get married. We were lucky with the weather it was cold but not -10 degrees cold and there was still snow on the ground from a couple of weeks ago. The wedding party braved the cold for portraits around the Distillery District and Heather and Kevin were definitely troopers as we went down to Cherry beach for a few photos too.

The things that I take away with me from each wedding time and time again is always the love and connections the couples have with their friends and family. But then again, that’s why we have weddings right? To celebrate and honour that love.

Thank you Heather & Kevin for having me document your wedding story. Here are some of my favourites.

December 15, 2016

Archeo Wedding in Distillery District // Peter & Jennifer

I met Peter and Jennifer two years ago when I photographed their friends Maggie & Jack’s wedding. So when they contacted me last year about photographing their wedding, I was absolutely up for it! You might also remember their beautiful sunrise Document Love session at Trinity Bellwoods park and Queen west that I blogged about in the summer.

What can I say about their wedding day? There were definitely many moments that left a deep impression with me. The day started with the usual getting ready, and then Peter and Jenn each read a letter from the other. At which point, I was already tearing up! Then they played door games and the boys were treated to all kinds of crazy tasks which made everyone (myself included) crack up. I laughed so much I was in tears again. Their vow exchange was so touching and heartfelt too, definitely some tears going around then. And then during dinner when the speeches were spoken, Jennifer’s dad’s speech had everyone in stitches again!

It was definitely a day filled with happy tears, laughter and lots of love. I’m an emotional person who tends to wear her heart on her sleeve. This characteristic hasn’t always served me well in real life, but I’m glad that my sensitivity to emotions serves a purpose in my work as a wedding photographer.

Thank you Peter and Jennifer for inviting me to share in one of the most special days of your lives, and for trusting me to document your story! xo

December 12, 2016December 15, 2016

Restaurant Wedding Toronto // Camille & Jeff at F’Amelia

Intimate & Heartfelt Toronto Restaurant Wedding

As far as choosing a venue for intimate weddings in Toronto, there are definitely lots of options. I’ve never photographed one at F’Amelia before until Camille and Jeff’s intimate and heartfelt wedding there in September. It’s a lovely restaurant that serves delicious Italian food in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood of Toronto. For their wedding portraits, we just walked around the neighbourhood and I absolutely love the feel of the area, so charming!

Camille and Jeff met while going to university at McMaster. To bring everything full circle, when Jeff proposed, he brought Camille back to the place where it all started. Life presented them with an opportunity to bond intensely fairly early on in their relationship when they lived for a few months in Tanzania together and then backpacked through east Africa. To spend so much time together 24/7 in a new and very different environment must have been challenging but also very enriching. I think this experience definitely paved the way for them to go on adventures together. I think no matter how long you’ve been together, it’s always important to experience new things together.

My favourite thing from their wedding was their personal vows during the ceremony when Jeff said that Camille is still the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen. And the way they looked each other while the other said his/her vows was really sweet.

Thank you so much Camille & Jeff for having me photograph your wedding day and document your story! I hope these photos will forever serve as reminders of how much you love each other & love being together, and the love you are surrounded in by your friends & family. xo

Thanks Terry for second shooting this one with me!

December 8, 2016December 8, 2016

The Toronto Hunt Club Wedding // Carolyne & Angelo

An elegant Toronto Hunt Club Wedding | Country Club with a View

The first time I met Carolyne over coffee, I felt an instant connection to her. She was so easygoing and genuine. And as a hopeless romantic, I couldn’t help but gush over her and Angelo’s engagement.

Here’s how the story goes: they were travelling in Paris. One night they went out for a walk and stopped on a bridge (oops I can’t remember which one now, but let’s just say it was the wonderful Pont Alexandre III). Then the clock stroked midnight and the Eiffel tower lit up, and Angelo got down on one knee and asked Carolyne to marry him! I mean c’mon, how amazing is this?! It reminds me of Midnight in Paris, which also happens to be one of Carolyne’s favourite movies. What can I say? I love all stories that take place in La Ville Lumieré.

They wanted their wedding day to be a day that was filled with people they love and to be present to enjoy every moment. I truly think they did just that, and I feel that I was able to capture those in photographs. I think one of my favourite moments was during their thank-you speeches, Carolyne looked over to Angelo and said “I can’t wait to grow old with you”. With tears starting to well up in my eyes, I pressed my camera shutter. Every time I see that photo, I remember that moment. And therein lies the true magic of photographs right? As a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone. I can only hope that the photos I took will remind them of all the ones they remember from the day, and also the ones that they might not remember because they happened so fast.

Thank you guys for having me document your wonderful day, it was a pleasure to be a part of it and to record your story. xo