Boakview Photography

Magical Hockley Valley Resort Wedding

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!Hockley Valley wedding landscapeBridal details invitationVogue book and ringsHockley Valley bridal dress Bride getting ready at Hockley Valley Bride getting ready at Hockley Valley black and white Bride getting make-up ready at Hockley Valley Bride getting hair done at Hockley Valley Bride getting flower crown at Hockley Valley Bride getting dress at Hockley ValleyBride getting ready at Hockley Valley with bridesmaids Bride getting ready at Hockley Valley collageBride putting shoes on at Hockley Valley Bride putting shoes on at Hockley Valley with birdesmaids Bride reading love letters at Hockley Valley Bride reading love letters at Hockley Valley and opening presentsbrides ring at hockley valleyGroom getting ready at Hockley Valley Groom reading love letter at Hockley ValleyGroom getting ready at Hockley Valley his suitGroom putting on suit at Hockley Valley Groom getting ready at Hockley Valley with groomsmen Bride coming for the first look at Hockley Valley Bride coming for the reveal at Hockley ValleyBride and Groom and the first look at Hockley ValleyBride and Groom first look at Hockley Valley groom seeing his bride for the first time at Hockley Valley Bride and Groom shoes at Hockley Valley Bride and Groom at Hockley ValleyGroom helping his bride at Hockley ValleyIntimate coupe portrait at Hockley ValleyBride and Groom at a barn at Hockley Valley Wedding Bride and Groom in the vineyard at Hockley Valley Bride and Groom holding hands at Hockley ValleyBridal Party at Hockley Valley bridal party at Hockley valley in the forest Groomsmen at Hockely ValleyBridesmaids at Hockley ValleyButterfly at Hockley valley Bride holding dress at Hockley Valley groom kissing bride's shoulder at Hockley Valley Intimate Bride and Groom portrait at Hockley ValleyBride and Groom at Hockley Valley on hillBride and Groom portrait at Hockley ValleyBride and Groom kissing at Hockley ValleyBride and Groom walking away at Hockley ValleyTrees at Hockley Valley Bride and father walking to ceremonyceremony at Hockley valley Bride and Groom exchanging rings at Hockley valleyCouple's first kiss at Hockley valleycouple's first kiss at Hockley Valley ceremonyReception Decor at Hockley Valley Reception Decor and flowers at Hockley ValleyReception Decor at Hockley Valley restaurant Polaroid Booth at Hockley Valley Couple's entrance to reception hockley Valleydinner at hockley valleycheers at hockley valleybride selfie at hockley valleyreception at hockley valleygroomsmen hanging out at the bar at hockley valley couples first dance at hockley valley first dance at hockley valleydancing at hockley valley couple kissing on the dance floor at Hockley Valleyparty at hockley valleyreception party at hockley valley bride dancing at hockley valley guests dancing at reception at Hockley Valley reception dancing at hockely valley couple kissing under sparklers at Hockley valley

Whimsical Toronto Wedding in Distillery District

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!

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Markie & Bella ~ An Epic Creative Bridal Session on Horseback

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!

An East Coast Maternity Session

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.

Jen & Dave ~ A Funky Urban Wedding at the Spoke Club in Toronto

Jen and Dave are not only a crazy artistic, unique, and quirky couple but they are also parents (to an adorable little 2.5 year old – Ronin) movie aficionados, adorably awkward dancers (please don’t tell them we said that!) and just overall amazing human beings. 

We met Jen before we met Dave and fell instantly in love with her energy and great sense of humour – we connected on everything from our love of all things nerdy (we’re talking Star Trek and comic books!) to our mutual experiences being parents to “spirited” little boys – it really was love at first chat (at least from our end!) When we finally met Dave, it only solidified our happiness at being able to capture such a wicked couple’s special day. Hugh and Dave bonded over pretty much everything including the “hardships” of fatherhood and their mutual love of horror flicks – it was a bromance from the get-go!

Jen met Dave on Valentine’s Day 2009 at an indie video store in Vancouver. Her friends had cancelled on their exciting VDay plans of eating copious amounts of peanut m&ms and watching old episodes of the Simpsons, so she decided to head to the local video store to rent some b-horror movies. When she got there, about 25 people were partying inside, celebrating the one year anniversary of the shop. Stoked to be drinking with a bunch of film geeks, Jen stayed, and started chatting to a handsome stranger. Dave and Jen hit it off instantly, bonding over their mutual love of b-horror films, music documentaries, riff rock, 70s funk, Alan Moore graphic novels, and sushi. Although they didn’t end up getting together until a few months down the line when they were both living in Toronto,  when they did things just felt right… Like they had been together for years! 

Their wedding at The Spoke Club reflected not only their mutual love for one another and their family and friends, but also their love of vintage media and horror films – it was a night filled with laughs, love, and oodles of dancing!

Venue: The Spoke Club, Wedding Planner: Events by Grace, Officiant: All Seasons Weddings, Invitations: Pam Sloan Designs, Flowers: Berries & Blooms,  Suit: TopMan, Makeup: Jessica Lyons Makeup, Hair: Bridal Hair Collective, Doughnut Tower: Glory Hole Doughnuts, Bride’s Shoes: Poetic Licence, Rings: Made You Look Designs, Bride’s Hair Accessories: Rightful Owner 

Steph & Lauren ~ A Beautiful Cottage Wedding in Muskoka

Steph and Lauren’s wedding is very special to us as the girls are so genuine and warm and instantly made us feel like part of the family and we remain friends to this day. 

Steph and Lauren met playing varsity hockey but as rivals! The ladies were first introduced in their last year of university at a national all-star camp, but didn’t actually connect until they had both graduated. One night they saw each other out on the street and promised to connect later that night … one big bar bill later, Lauren was telling Steph how she would be an amazing girlfriend.

After six years of dating, Steph proved her right and popped the big question on a beach in Hawaii – the rest is history…

There was never a doubt in both girls’ minds that they would have their wedding at Lauren’s family cottage. One of the first things that they each admired so much about one another is their mutual love for family and since the cottage  is a place where they gather time and time again with family and friends it was really a “no-brainer”.  Their ceremony was absolutely magical and took place right by the lake on which their cottage resides. Everyone held their breath as massive thunderstorm clouds raced past – but luckily the rain waited until after the girls said their “I dos” and once everyone was safely en route to the reception at the Kee to Bala – an amazing space that has housed many musical legends throughout the years. It was a party for the books – guests danced into the night and laughter and merriment could be heard into the wee hours of the morning.

Lauren’s Dress: Sash & Bustle, Steph’s Dress: Nordstrom, Reception: Kee to Bala, Catering: Morandin, Flowers: Bala Garden Centre, DJ: DJ Grant, Hair & Make-up: Sharp Images Salon & Spa, Groomsmen Suits: Surmesur, School buses for transporting guests: First Charter Bus

Selvia & Jeffry ~ A Vintage Engagement in Toronto

One chilly November afternoon, I met with Jeffry and Selvia downtown Toronto. Despite the cold weather, these two were all smiles ready to have me follow them around downtown and capture their obvious adoration for each other. Jeffry and Selvia’s story is an epic international tale. The two met in school on their first day in university in summer 2006 in Asia. They were instantly smitten with one another and went out of their way to spend as much time together as possible – they secretly signed up for all of the same group projects and any free time they had was spent talking, laughing, and dreaming about their future together. But even despite their mutual commitment and love for each other they had some bumps along the way. Selvia decided to continue her studies abroad in Japan for five years without Jeffry and they endured a long distance relationship for that entire time. After such a long time apart they just couldn’t imagine being away from one another for any longer and both came to Toronto, Canada to study together. After just two years in Toronto, Jeffry popped the question and without any hesitation Selvia  said “YES”! This May the two will be tying the knot in Indonesia and although we can’t be part of their big celebration we are so lucky have captured their love in the city where they re-connected and solidified their future together!

This engagement session was featured on The Wedding Co.

We were thrilled to have shot this session with Dipak Parmar, see more of Dipak’s work here!

Engaged ~ Orla & Ian

Orla and Ian’s story is an international affair! Orla, an Irish expat, met Ian while working in Toronto – the two fell in love almost instantly and have been inseparable ever since, so much so that Orla now calls Canada her home. Although Toronto is the city where they met, they decided to be married in Wicklow, Ireland this coming spring – how romantic is that? In order to stay true to their whimsical wedding plans (they will be married in an Abbey in the Irish country-side – swoom!) we wanted to re-create that same kind of magic right here in the middle of the city. What better place to do that than in High Park. Nestled in the midst of the busy West end of Toronto, we took Orla and Ian through the quiet and peaceful park and snapped as the two cuddled, kissed, and laughed. Orla, a lover of wild flowers, brought with her a hand-made bouquet that matched the mid-autumn colours of the surroundings and we couldn’t help but be reminded of the Irish country-side. We are also super excited to mention that Orla and Ian’s whimsical engagement session was also featured on JoyWed, see their story here!

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