award winning canadian photographer Archives

Magical Hockley Valley Resort Wedding

February 21, 2019

Hilary and Mike are awesome! I know we say that about all of our couples (and we totally mean it) but these guys really are awesome! (Oh and so funny too)! They are both in fashion (and it shows) and both have a quirky sense of humour that compliments our own – so what’s not to love? So when they asked us to be part of their Hockley Valley Resort Wedding last spring, we were thrilled! Not only because Hockley Valley Resort is one of our fave out-of-Toronto venues, but also because we just knew that this was going to be a wild party! Nestled in the hills near Orangville, Hockley is a photographer’s dream – it’s scenic, beautiful, rustic yet elegant, and the food is to die for (try the arancini balls, you won’t regret it!) it’s the perfect setting to say your “I do’s”!

As we mentioned, Hil and Mike are both in the fashion industry so it wasn’t a big surprise that their wedding was beautifully styled. Both used the natural elements and backdrop that their venue is so attractive for and created an incredible vibe in an already beautiful space. With soft and muted tones, such as blush, white, and deep greens – the reception decor brought the outside in and felt like an extension of the gorgeous grounds of the venue. Soft candlelight provided a romantic and intimate dinner atmosphere, as happy chatter and wild laughter of guests rang throughout the evening. Dinner concluded with a romantic kiss under the sparklers while guests mingled outside and inside with cocktails and warm beverages, patiently anticipating the night’s dancing festivities! And let us tell you, the dancing was on point! We are pretty sure that no one was left off the dance floor, where young and older generations alike kicked off their shoes and got their groove on! But don’t take our word for it – scroll through the photos and take a look for yourself!

Best of 2018 Weddings

January 10, 2019

If we had to choose one word to describe this past year it would undoubtedly be the word “grateful”. It has been an incredible year full of surprises, new adventures, many success and even some failures. All of which we celebrated and learned from. Our 2018 weddings made us feel so grateful and so humbled by what we do. So many couples & families welcomed us into their lives and trusted us to capture them at their most joyful but also at their most vulnerable. It was a year of many firsts; new venues, new couples, & new travels. But it’s also been a year of familiarity & reconnecting; working closely with Hugh again after his brief hiatus last year (our little nugget is now old enough to wreak havoc in Grandma’s house alone), and with Gillian our amazing partner-in-crime (girl we don’t know what we would do without you!), seeing and photographing our former couples’ expanding families (this one always chokes us up!) and capturing memories in familiar spaces we have grown to love! How can we not feel grateful – our hearts are full!

This year has also been one of creative and personal growth for our little company. We have stepped out of our comfort zones and taken on very different projects, experimented with editing, and perfected the old “hiding in the bushes” technique we so pride ourselves on (but seriously we would make great paparazzi!) But all of this would never have been possible if it wasn’t for the beautiful community we are grateful to be a part of. Our families and friends who support us, take our children when we need the help, and are generally awesome. Our neighbours, who are more like family to us, and of course to our incredible couples who are the pillars on which our little company thrives. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for making this year, and our past years, unbelievable – we heart you all!

As difficult as it was to do, we attempted to choose some of our favourite photos from this past year – we hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Happy New Year everyone – Cheers and hugs, from us to you!

Whimsical Toronto Wedding in Distillery District

January 6, 2019

It’s been a while since we blogged a wedding! But with a busy season behind us, I finally had a chance to sit down and take a look at some of the beautiful weddings from the last few months. So today we are sharing a whimsical Toronto wedding in the Distillery District. Caileigh and Simon’s Kate Spade-inspired wedding was full of adorable little details, even a custom-made Toronto jean jacket made by our bride. Even the rain that loomed on the horizon of the city couldn’t damper anyone’s joy for being part of such an amazing day (you’ll see!)

We first met Caileigh and Simon through a dark Skype screen. While we happily chatted about all the things we had in common (there were a few), we also came to the realization that these two lovebirds actually lived in our neighbourhood…on our street…on our BLOCK! We were ecstatic – not only because we were neighbours, but also because they suggested doing their engagement session right here in our ol’ stomping ground – Roncesvalles! We had a blast, but don’t take our word for it – check it out for yourself here! This totally set the tone for their quintessential Toronto wedding (getting ready at the Thompson Hotel, photos in Graffiti Alley, and dinner & drinks at the Distillery District – I mean, common, how much more “Toronto” can you get?)

For Caileigh, the day began with a leisurely morning with her girls – giggles, clinking of champagne glasses, and “ooohs” and “ahhs” over our bride’s gorgeous gown. Tears were shed as C’s parents read their heartfelt cards from their daughter but were soon followed by more giggles and “ooohs” & “ahhs” as our bride made her grand reveal. On the other side of town, the boys – from all over the world – reunited at a sweet Air BnB with the most breath-taking view of the city. Although Simon was a little bit nervous (sooooo cute!) his long-time friends made sure that our groom was well-hydrated and cared for. It was the perfect start to a perfect day!

If we had to use one word to describe Caileigh and Simon’s first look on the Thompson Hotel rooftop, it would be, without a doubt, “whimsical”! There was not a dry eye in the house (or rooftop in this case) when Simon finally locked eyes with his bride, the love between this gorgeous couple and joy they felt when they first saw one another in that moment was absolutely palatable! (I may have wiped away a tear or two…or ten…) The rest of the day was no different. Caileigh and Simon were great sports while dodging the rain in Graffiti Alley and then again at the Distillery District. They softly spoke their vows in front of close friends and family, all of whom travelled from all over the globe just to be witness to this amazing event. The southern cuisine of fried chicken, potato salad, and other yummy goodies still makes my tummy grumble and the dessert table enticed guests to “treat ‘yo self” (and we did!) And finally after some serious dancing, the night ended with the beautiful couple dancing under the stars and rain. “Whimsical” was definitely the word of the day for this wedding and we have no doubt that it will also be the theme for Caileigh and Simon’s marriage!

Intimate Fredericton Engagement Session

May 25, 2018

Danielle & Jeff ~ An Intimate Fredericton Engagement Session in the Water

As photographers, we have a never-ending bucket list of creative ideas. We admit that some are a little nutty and need some persuading of couples. But once in a while we kind of throw an idea out there and a couple gets just as excited as we do! This is exactly what happened with Danielle and Jeff’s Fredericton engagement session. When we visited New Brunswick last summer we suggested to take D & J’s engagement photos somewhere in the wilderness, because well you know, we love to get a little wild (okay not the greatest pun, but it fits!) As a pisces, I am particularly partial to the H2O and have always wanted to shoot a couple in some body of water (ocean, lake, pond, shower, puddle whatever!) So when Danielle and Jeff agreed to my kooki idea of having them run fully-clothed into a lake, I was ecstatic!

On a warm & dusky afternoon, the three of us made our way to a lake just outside of Fredericton. It was the prefect evening to stroll and explore the cool forest. It was also wonderful to tag along and capture this young couple’s very obvious love for one another. And when it came time to cool down in the water, they gladly jumped in clothes and all! Despite the marshy and murky bottom of the lake (and I know because I was right there with them!) the two lovebirds still managed to get cozy and close. It was a bucket-list dream come true!

Let me get you in on a not-so-secret-secret: We LOVE engagement sessions! We especially love engagement sessions that are outside of the box! It’s so much fun for us to get to know our couples and to test our chemistry together. It’s also the perfect time to be a little daring. To really think about what makes you so unique as a couple! So whether it’s something outdoorsy and adventurous, like Danielle and Jeff’s session. Or something more cozy and intimate like Ida and Nolan’s session, which we shot in their home a while ago. The world is really your oyster when it comes to planning your engagement photos. Oh and don’t be shy, ask us for advice! Trust me we have PLENTY of nutty ideas to throw your way!

Sarah & Austin ~ A Beautiful & Rustic Wedding in Balls Falls

March 29, 2018

Honestly I don’t even know where to start with this wedding – it makes my heart so happy to look at these photos all over again and re-live the memories we created with Sarah and Austin (who, incidentally, just welcomed an adorable little nugget into their lives! Congrats guys!) We originally bonded over craft beer, (Austin is a brewmaster at Leftfield Brewery – yeah I cannot think of a cooler gig than that), books (Sarah is a librarian – yeah these kids are awesome!) and of course Star Trek (I’m seeing a theme develop here LOL!) Honestly, words cannot express how cool we think these two humans are – I mean, we captured their engagement session at the brewery! Their wedding was equally as amazing, a small and intimate ceremony in a tiny chapel in Balls Falls Park – Austin cried when Sarah first walked in and it took all of our resolve not to start crying along with him, I’m not going to lie though, a few of our own tears were shed! Their reception, or more aptly, their party, which was in a small barn opposite the chapel, went into the wee hours of the morning and was filled with craft beer, dancing, more craft beer, shenanigans with old friends and family, and even more craft beer – it was magical to say the least! I can gab on about this one for hours, but instead I am going to let the photos do the talking! Enjoy, and I dare you not to smile…

Anna & Andrew ~ A Whimsical Wedding in Toronto

March 16, 2018

So we consider ourselves pretty humble people, but one thing both Hugh and I always like to brag about are the relationships we like to foster with the amazing couples and families we have the privilege to capture – I’m not going to lie, we are kinda like bad pennies, and for the most part it’s pretty hard to get rid of us! But despite the fact that we LOVE all our couples and we maintain friendships with them long after their big day is done, once in a while we meet someone that we just instantly click with, like they have us at “hello!” This was absolutely the case with Anna & Andrew! From the moment they stepped into our lives both Hugh and I just fell in love with their energy, quirkiness (keep in mind we, ourselves, are pretty darn quirky), their obvious affection for each other, and their natural ability to just relax, chill, and have a good time – we were kindred spirits right from the start! I think they kinda picked up on that, because what was meant to be an hour “business” meeting turned into a two hour gab session about everything from weddings to Star Trek, Thailand, Lululemon, and on. So when, a couple of days later, they asked us to capture their big day, we were beyond thrilled – and a beautiful friendship was born… (well either that or they just still can’t rid of us!) Just like Anna and Andrew, themselves, their wedding was equally beautiful, chill, and hilarious (Andrew is a pretty funny guy – get Hugh and him together and there is no stopping their silliness!) They got married in a beautiful old church in Oakville, the chapel was filled with laughs, and tears as they committed to a lifetime with each other, after the ceremony we whisked the couple away to an old estate where we hung out, laughed some more (probably more than is actually appropriate for a work day) and snapped the happy couple as they snuggled, danced, and laughed (a lot of laughter at this one folks!) with us. I am told that the night ended on the same high note, and the party went into the wee hours of the morning. I honestly would not expect anything less from these two – but I will let them tell you their story in their own words. Scroll down, and enjoy – oh and I dare you not to smile…

Anna & Andrew’s Love Story:

Andrew and I met in high school however, despite having the same group of friends, we never really talked or hung out. In 2008 I got a summer job between second and third year university where Andrew worked full time and through a mutual friend, we started talking and hanging out more and more and the rest is history!

Our love story, wasn’t without it’s hardship though, in 2013 I moved out west to Vancouver for a dream job and for a few years Andrew and I did the whole long-distance thing. After three years of west-coast living and long distance, we decided it was enough, we missed each other and hated being so far apart! Plus, I felt that it was time for me to move back home. Andrew flew out to help me pack up my Vancouver life so we could drive my car back across the country. Our first night on the trip back home, we stopped at the Fairmont Lake Louise as a bit of a “celebration” that we were reunited & despite all the odds made a long-distance relationship work. We went out for a late-night walk around the lake, no one was around, the sky was clear and the moon was shining so bright that it reflected beautifully onto the lake… that’s when Andrew got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Obviously I said “yes!” and got to admire my new bling for the rest of the ride back to Toronto

What inspired your wedding?

I always wanted a fall wedding, the time of year is so beautiful & the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. We decided on a neutral & rustic themed wedding because of how many beautiful colours already exist during this time of year. We are also a very casual couple and wanted something for our wedding that we could look back on in 10, 15 years and still love and think was timeless.

What was the most unique aspect about your wedding?

We loved having a Portuguese & Polish wedding! We were able to incorporate all friends & family and everyone seemed to have a great time, which is all that we wanted! It was also very special to have so many friends & family come from out of town. We had family come in from Poland & Germany and friends fly in from Vancouver & San Francisco. To be able to have so many people fly in from so far to be there to celebrate with us was so special and something we will cherish forever!

Our wedding was such a party and everyone was having such a great time that when they closed down the bar, we asked them to re-open it and the venue did! Even the DJ continued playing and it was as if we could have partied all night long!

What was your most favourite part of your day?

Honestly, all of it! The day flew by so quickly that I often ask Andrew if we can re-do it! From the morning with my family & bridesmaids and putting on my dress with all of the laughs that followed to walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time and then partying the night away, it was all so perfect and better than I even imagined it would be!

What is your top advice for future couples?

Everyone says it, but don’t sweat the small stuff. If something isn’t going to plan on the day of, laugh it off and enjoy the moment! It goes by so, so quickly that getting worked up over a small detail is not worth it!
I would also say to take a few moments every now and then to take a mental photo of everything! So much work and planning goes into this one day that you need to ensure you soak it all in and enjoy it.
Bring more shoes than you think you will need! You’re on your feet literally all day! The weather can change, your feet could hurt and the last thing you want to do is ruin your wedding shoes in the grass if it is muddy! I threw a pair of Hunter rainboots into the limo and it ended up making for some pretty awesome photographs!
Enjoy your first dance and make it a reflection of who you two are as a couple. It doesn’t have to be something super formal or fancy – just have fun with it!
Make the day about you two as a couple – yes you want to ensure that everyone who attends your wedding will have a great time, but remember, they are there for you! In all the planning and prepping, bring some of your personalities to light. Andrew loves superheroes, so we incorporated that into the groomsmen’s attire and everyone’s entrances into the hall.

Vendor Info:

Church: St. Andrew’s Church

Hall: Lakeshore Convention Centre

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Suit/Tux: Strauss Men’s Wear

Bridesmaids Dresses: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe

Groomsmen Suits: Michael Kors

Hair: Schulz Make-Up & Beauty Studio

Make-up: Schulz Make-Up & Beauty Studio

Jewelry: (Bracelet) Tiffany & Co. (Earrings & Hairpiece) Bittersweet Jewelry

Décor: Art of Celebrations

Invitations: Designs by A

Limo Service: Erin Mills Limousine Service

Flowers: Art of Celebrations & Flower Parade

DJ: Good Vibrations

Cake: Piece of Cake by Shivani

Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Groom & Groomsmen’s Shoes: Steve Madden

Socks: Harry Rosen

Markie & Bella ~ An Epic Creative Bridal Session on Horseback

February 16, 2018

I think it’s safe to say that when someone asks you to do something completely off the beaten path and epic the resounding answer should be a joyful “Heck Yeah!” This is exactly what happened when I was asked to do a creative bridal portrait for a former bride / equestrian, Markie! Markie and Bella have been friends for a long time now, basically since Bella was a wee little thing, but they’re not what you would expect BFFs to be. For one, Bella is about 10 times the size of Markie, has four legs, and would most like be asked to leave any restaurant, bar, or club, which limits one’s dining and hanging out options! Bella is a horse you see, a magnificent and magical beautiful white horse! When we first met Bella on the day of Markie and Andrew’s wedding, we were instantly in love – not only is Bella super photogenic (every photographers’ dream!) but she was also the most unique part of any wedding we have captured to this day. Markie rode in on Bella to the hilltop ceremony (stay tuned for the blog coming soon) and stuck around to witness the vows. Apparently a party animal (pun fully intended) she did not want to leave once the festivities began and hung out at the wedding into the later evening – if this isn’t a sure sign of a good friend I don’t know what it! Fast forward a few months, I opened an email from Markie asking me whether I would like to capture her in her wedding dress riding her beautiful Bella. To say I was beyond excited is a gross understatement, I was over the moon – I mean, how often does a bride ask you to photograph her riding a horse!? It was a dream come true (I love horses myself just never really took the time to learn how to properly ride one – one day!) So, on a sunny fall afternoon, I made my way to Creemore to meet Markie and her Bella to take some photos of the two of them doing their thing. I am beyond excited to share some of my favourite photos of this amazing creative adventure – and have to extend a very special thanks to these two beautiful ladies for letting me capture it all!

Best of 2017 ~ Engagements

February 14, 2018

Words truly cannot express how grateful we are for the couples we work with! You guys truly make what we do absolutely magical. Being around so much emotion always reminds us that love, just like life, is a journey never a destination – it is fluid, adaptive, forgiving, & selfless and we have the absolute privilege to be able to capture it as best we can and to immortalized its beauty. 2017 has been a bit of a tough year for me – running a business and having a baby at the same time is not an easy endeavour but going into 2018 I’m making a point of staying positive and grateful for the wonderful job I have (I get to photograph love! Thats pretty neat!) So to remind myself of how much I truly love what I do despite some of the difficulties, I have been going through our photos from last year and I couldn’t help but smile at all the wonderful memories we created! So part two of our “Best of…” series includes some of our favourite engagement moments and serves as a reminder of the amazing couples we get to hang out with and their love which we get to document. So turn up the music lovers, and enjoy!

The Best of 2017 ~ Weddings

January 19, 2018

This has been a year full of many new adventures and experiences, both personal and professional – not all have been super positive but they all definitely made us learn something valuable about ourselves as people, creatives, and as business owners. We are so grateful to be doing what we do – to have the freedom to be creative on a daily basis (sure it’s not always easy, but it sure is rewarding and fun!) and to bear witness to some of the most vulnerable and emotional events in people’s lives – We feel humbled that couples trust us to capture their most sacred memories and to immortalize their most precious moments, that truly is an honour! So thank you, to all of our friends and family, to our amazing couples that make what we do possible – we couldn’t have done any of this without your support and your trust! Hugs all around!

PS: Choosing a a limited amount of photos for our “Best Of…” slideshow was probably the most difficult thing we had to do so far in the new year! Please turn up the sound and enjoy!

An East Coast Maternity Session

April 21, 2017

When I got pregnant with little Ms. Vie I had no plans whatsoever to do a formal maternity session, definitely not one we would capture ourselves. But being out on the ocean in the East Coast of Canada, seeing the beautiful clouds rolling in we just couldn’t resist. So I quickly threw on my new Anthropologie dress (really the only one that fit me and looked good on camera), dragged my fingers through my hair, stripped my poor child down to his undies (that session will be blogged later!), and dragged Hugh out onto the rocks with my ever-expanding belly. We had a total of 20 minutes before our lovely moody sky turned down-right mean and was followed by a torrential downpour but it was totally worth it! I can’t get over how amazing the east coast of Canada is, the ocean, the rolling hills, the people, the food (the sea food), the everything – can’t wait to visit this summer again and hopefully take advantage of another beautifully moody day with my camera.