University Club of Toronto Wedding // Monique & Dave
Toronto Canoe Restaurant Wedding // Tiff & Jon
Intimate & Beautiful Restaurant Wedding
Tiff and Jon’s Toronto Canoe restaurant wedding was definitely a favourite of mine from this past year. I know I’m not supposed to pick favourites, but this one, this one definitely has a special place in my heart.
Maybe because I’m a romantic at heart, I love stories of “chance” meetings. You know, the kind of meeting where if one small detail had changed, it might not have ever happened. Tiff and Jon’s meeting was one of those. Tiff and Jon met online through MSN, and at the time Tiff was chatting with Jon through her cousin’s account so Jon didn’t even realize who he was talking to at first. Their online chance meeting evolved into a friendship and it would be another 6 years before they would meet in person (as Jon is from Ohio). For a while time wasn’t on their side and they were each in relationships with other people. Then in 2015 the time was finally right and Jon confided in Tiff that he had wondered what would happen if they dated. And the rest was history.
I have always known that I’m a very emotional person, and I’m an INFP on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. I’m that person who ugly cries at movies. Case in point was watching The Time Traveler’s Wife (the book is one of my favourite) in theatres with a few friends and afterwards, one of them said in disbelief “I can’t believe that was you!”. She was referring to the fact that I was making these awful noises you would make if you were crying very hard but trying not to make too much noise. Needless to say the lesson I learned was never watch sad movies in theatres again, and if I do, only watch them with Mike because he would not make fun of me (haha).
Growing up I always thought I was weird for having all these feelings, I didn’t understand the purpose of this trait. And then years later I became a photographer, and it slowly became clear to me that this sensitivity to emotions is my unique tool in what I do. I’m constantly tuned into them at weddings, and they help me capture all those moments that are so fleeting but represent so much of the story of a wedding day.
Tiff and Jon’s wedding was such a day and here’s the story of their wedding day.
Thank you Tiff & Jon for your easygoing nature and for inviting me to share in your celebration and trusting me to capture it all for you to relive the story.
Harbord Room Wedding // Kelsea & Dave
Small Wedding Venues Toronto | The Harbord Room Wedding
I don’t think there is a single “right way” to do a wedding, but a wedding is definitely not a one size fits all type of occasion. What I think is important is to celebrate it in the way that makes the most sense to you. Kelsea and Dave eloped in Hawaii and had a sunset ceremony on the beach, then they celebrated at home with a Harbord Room wedding reception with their closest family and friends.
We met at Osgoode Hall and took some simple portraits and family photos, then we headed over to the Harbord Room (which sadly, is no longer in operation) for a reception with dinner alfresco style in the warm August evening. It was a totally stress-free day. My favourite part of the day though was definitely the few speeches during dinner. Speeches is the part of the wedding day where you see the couple through the loving eyes of their friends and family, where stories are told and you come to learn the things that are loveable about them. And then suddenly, it’s clearer than ever, why you are there as a photographer.
Here are some of my favourites from my time with Kelsea & Dave. Thank you for having me document your celebration with your nearest and dearest!
Angéline’s Inn Wedding in Prince Edward County // Natalie & Matt
I had the opportunity to photograph Natalie and Matt’s super intimate Angelines Inn wedding in Prince Edward County last summer. If you haven’t been to Prince Edward County, or better known as “the County” yet, you should go! And if you do go, don’t miss having a meal at The Hubb eatery at Angéline’s – the food there is simply delicious.
Natalie and Matt decided to keep their wedding day small – to family only. And sometimes, that’s really all you need. It doesn’t have to be such a long and complicated process. What did Leonardo Da Vinci said? Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Thank you Natalie and Matt for inviting me share in your intimate celebration and trusting me to document the day. Here are some of my favourites from their day!
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
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
