Kelsea & Dave

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Janice Yi

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!

Lake House Wedding in Pickering // Elly & Johnny

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Janice Yi

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

Graydon Hall Manor Wedding // Katie & Lee

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Janice Yi

I had the chance to second shoot for the lovely and talented Lee Weston for Katie and Lee’s (the groom’s name is also Lee!) elegant and heartwarming Graydon Hall Manor wedding last year. If you are looking for an outdoor venue but also want a place that is elegant and has old world charm, Graydon Hall Manor is the right place.

The day started with Lee getting ready and hanging out with the boys, and then him and Katie had a First Look which was so touching. I can never get enough of these First Look moments. When you see the photos, you’ll see why. My other favourite thing to photograph at weddings is probably speeches. There are just so many wonderful moments and expressions. I can’t help it. It’s always these emotional moments on a wedding day that moves me to click the shutter. That and when there is beautiful light!

Thank you for having me Lee! Here’s the story of Katie and Lee’s wedding day through my lens.

McLean House Wedding // The Estates of Sunnybrook

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Janice Yi

Last month I had the opportunity to help photograph this beautiful McLean House wedding at the Estates of Sunnybrook. Elly and her good friend Simin are the lovely ladies behind ES Design, who was the planning team for this wedding. I also photographed Elly’s beautiful wedding at The Lake House in the summer so when she contacted me again to help shoot this wedding and get some working shots of them, I had to say yes. The elegant details that they put together complemented the venue perfectly!

I’ve photographed a few weddings at the Vaughn estate at Sunnybrook before but this was my first time photographing at McLean House. If you like the look of Vaughn estate or are looking for something similar to Graydon Hall but for a smaller wedding, McLean House is perfect for a more intimate event. The house is gorgeous and full of beautiful touches. The backyard where the ceremony can be held is lovely with the house in the background.

Thanks Elly & Simin for having me again! It was so fun working with you and I hope we’ll do it again soon!

Liuna Station Wedding // Stefanie & Mark

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Janice Yi

Stefanie and Mark had a beautiful Liuna Station wedding a couple of months ago. It was my first time photographing at Liuna Station in Hamilton, and it’s such a beautiful venue. Liuna Station was previously train station, and even though it’s a wedding venue now, they preserved the structure well. It feels like a mini version of Union Station in Toronto or Grand Central in New York. I’m an enthusiast for train travel and I love old train stations.

I photographed Stefanie’s sister Simona’s wedding a few years ago. It was my first year photographing weddings full time and Simona & Daryl was a wonderful couple who really appreciated my style and trusted me to document their day. So when Stefanie contacted me about photographing hers and Mark’s wedding, I knew it would be a great fit.

On their wedding day, I really felt like I was a part of the big family somehow. Especially Stefanie and Simona’s mom Franca who is so sweet and wonderful. Here is the story of Stefanie and Mark’s wedding!

George Restaurant Wedding // Dana & Jordy

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Janice Yi

Intimate Restaurant Wedding | George Restaurant, Toronto

Dana and Jordy had a very intimate and heartfelt George restaurant wedding at the end of May. It was an intimate affair of just twelve guests. George restaurant on Queen street east was the perfect space for the celebration.

As a lover of stories, I always love hearing about how my couples meet as well. And the story of how Dana and Jordy met is definitely one of my favourites. They are both Canadians, one lived in Toronto and one in B.C. They only met when they both happened to have stayed at the same hostel when they travelled to Rio in Brazil. Thus began their love story. As a hopeless romantic, I think sometimes we go to certain places because there is someone we are meant to meet.

Before I let the photos do the talking, here’s a snippet of a beautiful poem Jordy read as part of his vows:

And although I have not always understood

My blames & my breakdowns,

I know that in your arms

The world makes sense

And if I kiss the audacity & the

mystery of your lips

There will be no doubts or misunderstandings

I will still love you more.

~ Mario Benedetti