One of my favourite things to photograph is Smiling Eyes sessions. Smiling Eyes sessions are free gifts of photography to families and individuals journeying through cancer. I have met such fantastic people over the last several years volunteering through Smiling Eyes. Last weekend was another instance of some amazing people and examples of strength. Lucille married her long time love, Shawn surrounded by their children and loved ones. Lucille was a stunning bride – you would never know by looking at her she is battling cancer. Again. It really is beautiful to watch the love and support of family and friends. Lucille is one loved lady!

This cutie caught my eye!

Ceremony time!

After the ceremony was over Lucille said “I want to hug everyone!” So sweet.

Lucille said she wanted this particular restaurant for the wedding because of this large amethyst – so beautiful!

fun group shot –

Darcy and Cassie had a gorgeous Fall wedding – it called for rain but it held off long enough to get some amazing skies and beautiful images. I love Fall weddings so much! Cassie had planned out every detail so thoroughly – wait until you see all these great touches!

Katie was assisting me that day and started with the guys – when she pulled up she could hear “banging”. Turns out the guys were relaxing shooting out back at Darcy’s parents farm. Fortunately they clean up well!

Darcy and Cassie’s son Carson had so much fun getting muddy! Loved it! Watch his reaction to getting dolled up though.

Meanwhile I was back with the girls – loving all the red!

Darcy and Cassie’s daughter Callie was so sweet!

And here she is with her cousin – only two weeks apart!

Time for Cassie to get ready! So beautiful!

So glad the weather held out – the ceremony spot was gorgeous!

Carson was so sweet!

Loved the reception decor – and the favour was a masquerade mask as it was just days before Halloween. So fun!

If you follow my blog you may recognize these two… Cassie is Laura (Meera’s mom) cousin. So it was so fun for me to see Meera and the gang having fun!

Love Cassie’s grandpa inspecting her ring.

Such a fun party!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

I woke up Saturday to sideways rain, crazy winds and a black sky. This did not look good for Adam and Livia‘s outdoor wedding at Livia’s family’s home. All morning I obsessed over the weather… until it was time to grab some umbrellas and go. As I drove the skies started to clear, black skys turned blue and the sun waved hello.

Things were going to be alright.

Actually – better than alright. The earlier stormy weather made for some dramatic skies and nice breezes. It was a perfect day.

I was fortunate to have Eva with me again as a second shooter. Eva is so great to work with – not only is she a great photographer, but she’s always one step ahead of what I might ask her. And she’s fun too! Love this photo of Adam laughing as he gets ready – he’s fairly shy, so it was great to see him so relaxed before the ceremony! (loved his Tom Ford suit!)

And while she was with the guys, I got to go see Livia and the girls… and how beautiful everything looked at Livia’s family home!

Those Valentino shoes are so gorgeous! As is the invitation (and all the stationary!) from Paper & Poste in Toronto.

The bridesmaids dresses were so gorgeous!

This flowergirl dress was so sweet! And so was the little one trying to get at the yummy sweets!

Livia’s Lazaro dress… stunning. Absolutely gorgeous!

And it’s time for the ceremony! The decor in both the ceremony tent and the reception tent were just exquisite! Her decorator was phenomenal!

I just love how happy Livia’s mom looks – and gorgeous in that sweet Valentino dress!

Livia looks so mischevious here as she signs the registry!

Married!

Such a beautiful couple – and home – to photograph!

Love this vineyard in the backyard….

We were snapping photos of the rings on the grapes, and I was hoping one of the bees would land on the ring… with one image left on my memory card it landed and I snapped. yay!

Adam and Livia really wanted time to enjoy the celebration – and so we did just a short portrait time so they could go enjoy their party! I loved this part of the cocktail time when Livia’s Nonno sang in Italian to them. So sweet!

Eva couldn’t find me at one point during the cocktails, then when she did find me I was photographing the flowergirl and ring bearer. She said she knew if she found the kids, she’d find me. What can I say – I adore kids!

Loved the favour they had for their guests – a beautiful cheese board their wedding party handed out to everyone.

The reception decor was so beautiful… here’s a taste! Livia did such an amazing job planning this wedding – loved her Tuscan Vineyard theme!

At the head table each cream-coloured chair was a different style – so homey feeling!

Love this cake from Wellington cakes so much! And you could just smell it when you were anywhere near it – mmmmmm….

Adam and Livia came in and did their first dance right away – and then all their guests joined in. Throughout the dinner courses of the reception, the band would get people up and dancing. Such a fun atmosphere!

The New Image band was so good – switching between amazing cover songs and Italian ballads. So fun!

Apparently – not everyone liked the music.

When I left the party was still going strong! Such a fun day!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

When Andrew and Jacqui met with me a few months ago, they said what drew them to me was my black and white images – and said they would even like an entire album in black and whites! SO this post is a little different as I’m going to post everything in black and white. I love black and whites as it removes all distractions – and just leaves the emotions of the image to draw you in.

Andrew and Jacqui’s wedding was so relaxed… they got together at home together, no formal speeches, just 40 people in attendance… it was beautiful! They also did such an amazing job of including Jacqui’s 5 year old son Baeden. He thoroughly enjoyed the celebrations too!

WIthout further ado… here’s a look….

The painting behind Jacqui was done by her talented father-in-law!

And I loved how even Baeden got a ring!

Since they had already seen each other, we were able to do some photos together before the ceremony.

And I love Jacqui’s big laugh – which you’ll see lots of in the photos!

Then it was time to give Baeden a break before the festivities began!

A little spit wash and we’re good to go!

The ceremony and reception were at the Vineland Estates – such a gorgeous winery and place for a wedding in Niagara!

Andrew giving Baeden his ring – so sweet.

We then played around the grounds while the guests were on a wine tasting tour.

During their reception the incredibly talented Adam Cooke sang – he was so good!! People just got up and danced as they felt inclined.

The image on the left I photographed in the morning in Baeden’s room….

Such a beautiful day of celebrations!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Ken and Brandi had a beautiful day for their wedding last weekend at the Estates of Sunnybrook. They were both so relaxed, and ready to celebrate!! It was a fun day with lots of laughs and fun with this crazy gang!

The moment a parent sees their daughter as a bride is so powerful. Here’s Brandi and her mom’s reactions. They’re so tight – it’s beautiful.

Always love the moment as the groom waits for his bride – the anticipation builds!

The groom’s parents are always laughing!

The mother and sister of the bride – three beautiful ladies!

Love this photo with Grandma!

The beautiful couple. Such a great venue!

The crazy wedding party!

Boys will be boys!

Some cute ideas at the reception…

Guests signed the muskoka chairs – what a great keepsake!

As guests were told which table they were at they were handed a small bag of flavoured popcorn. The flavour matched the big bowl of popcorn on their table – instead of a table number. And so yummy!

Had to play with some popcorn for the ring shots then!

Let the party begin!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Today was a beautiful day for Jamison and Megan’s downtown Toronto wedding. Megan looked so beautiful – my assistant said she looked “Snow White”… great description! And Jamison was so handsome. A gorgeous celebration!

Started the day with Megan and the girls. What a great group – love when you see bridesmaids who are supportive, encouraging and great friends to the bride.

The ceremony was at the beautiful St. Patrick’s church in Toronto. Love the old architecture!

We went to beautiful Victoria College for photos… hot was an understatement but we were able to still have fun and make some beautiful images!

The reception was at the beautiful Oliver and Bonacini’s Arcadian Court. Their wedding planner, Melinda, did a phenomenal job with the decor and details!

Hope you have an amazing honeymoon wherever it is that Jamison has planned to surprise you, Megan!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

I adore love stories that span the globe. I find it so interesting that two people from opposite ends of the world can meet – and find their soul mate. Beautiful. Rob is from here in Ontario. Claire is from Australia. But seeing them together – you know it was absolutely meant to be. Rob’s big laugh paired with Claire’s quiet demeanor is a perfect match! Not to mention their shared love of the outdoors, board games and zest for life!

It was fun to have a former bride of mine – who has since become a photographer – second shooting for me. Lexie did a great job capturing Rob getting ready here before the ceremony.

Rob got his super cool wedding band in Huntsville when we met there for their engagement session. Love it!

When Claire mentioned she got her wedding dress on etsy – I knew it would be unique and beautiful. I wasn’t disappointed!

Claire’s dress was made by Rowan Joy – and was stunning and perfect for Claire!

Claire’s two sisters form Australia and her good friend from Germany all flew in for her Big Day! They got their bridesmaid dresses and shoes from one of Claire’s favourite stores in Australia when she was home for a visit.

Claire – you. are. gorgeous!!!

Claire was so calm but as it got close to the ceremony – she just wanted to go and not wait anymore! I can remember that same excitement – not wanting to wait for my “Cue” to enter – but just wanting to get married!

I think I mentioned earlier Rob’s big laugh and Claire’s quiet demeanor… these next two images display just that.

Married!!!!

It’s always fun seeing Canada through new eyes – and loved the Australian’s excitement over the chipmunks and such!

The Huether Hotel’s jazz room was a great spot for the reception. Loved the ambience!

Guests wrote a message to the couple on the backs of puzzle pieces…

And made Scrabble words to get them to kiss. They could earn more Scrabble tiles by getting trivia questions about Rob and Claire correct.

The cake shows Rob and Claire holding their respective countries on the globe. And on the cake are flowers from their countries – the Ontraio trillium… and some flowers from Australia that I can’t remember what they are!

And the cutest forks ever.

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

You might remember Mike and Bonnie’s gorgeous Spring engagement session I posted awhile back (LINK). I was so looking forward to their wedding – they had some great things planned, and they are a great couple to photograph – and be around! Always laughing and enjoying life. Love it!

May weddings are always “iffy” with weather – could be snow, rain, or sunshine. So glad for a gorgeous, warm day for their outdoor wedding in Niagara. I met up with Bonnie and her girls at the Pillar and Post in Niagara on the Lake to start the day.

Bonnie’s mom sewing up the dress… but Bonnie is still smiling and laughing!

Meanwhile, my lovely assistant for the day, Eva, was over with the guys!

And it’s show time!

After the ceremony, Bonnie’s dad, brother and sister sang a song to surprise everyone. Awesome! The guitarist is Jonny X, a musician that Mike and Bonnie love from the Brazen Head in Liberty Village they had come out and play. He was great!

It was back to Club Italia for the fun reception!

Love the kids imitating the adults…

The wedding party was a riot!

Meanwhile, outside there was a cigar bar by Mike’s brother-in-law’ Markus’ company Mombacho Cigars – everyone had fun with this!

And meanwhile, the ladies were partying inside with the amazing band Freedom Train. What is so great about this band is they can do such a variety of styles… they were awesome!

Mike and Bonnie so glad you had such a good time in Europe – enjoy these memories!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Doug and Amanda are quite simply one of the sweetest couples ever. They are both quite shy – making their loving looks at each other or affectionate hugs all the more fun to capture. I loved at the end of the ceremony or after Doug’s speech, they gave each other a big hug… which somehow seemed so much more intimate and appropriate for this quiet couple. Amanda is a tiny little thing, and I love how Doug can just pick her up without an ounce of effort. And he was always more than happy to – this guy is smitten! Their wedding was at the beautiful Indian Wells Golf Course in Burlington where Doug is one of the chefs. They picked the venue also because of the beautiful escarpment views – and it really is a gorgeous spot!

Without further ado… here’s a glimpse into this gorgeous, happy Spring wedding!

While I Was with Amanda, my lovely second shooter Katie captured some great images of the guys.

And at the same time I was with the lovely Amanda…..

love Amanda’s little sister peeking in the background. Amanda’s cousin Desi from Patrick’s did an awesome job on her hair!

Beautiful bride!

Such a great spot for a ceremony!

Seeing a child get married is such an emotional day for parents. Love how mom and Grandma were holding hands during the ceremony.

Love this next series…

Doug’s Grandma and Grandpa have been married 65 years. Seriously. I love these two.

Did I mention I love them? I was telling anyone and everyone how much I loved them when his Grandpa heard me… and then insisted we had a photo together. Love.

And then into the reception!!

I love capturing people’s reactions at receptions!

And I’ll sign off with an image we created at sunset – love when a couple is willing to sneak out for a minute!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

We are thrilled to have a recent photo shoot featured on Style Me Pretty Canada today!

I have been married for 15 years and often get asked if I have any regrets or things I’d change about my wedding. There are two that come to mind. First, I’d hire a good photographer! And second, I would find ways to say thanks to my parents. Let me explain — since becoming a parent myself, I now see all the million and one ways my parents invested in me. A wedding is such a celebration of love — what better time to say thanks to those who have raised us and brought us to this point in our lives?

In conversations with fellow vendors Christa (Anista Designs) and Jocelyn (Sugarbelle Cakes), we came up with the idea of a bride throwing a tea party for her mother to say “thanks.” We pictured the tea party at the family home — a farm with an orchard in this case — but with the bride paying fine attention to details as a way to show mom she cares! It is a time for them to sit and reflect, reminisce, laugh, cry and dream together. We envisioned the tea party also as a time for an exchange of special gifts: a thank you card expressing a daughter’s gratitude, or perhaps a family heirloom from mom that has been passed down for generations. Our models are a mother and daughter, and they enjoyed sitting and looking at old family photos while mom shared stories of the daughter’s ancestors. A blank frame was presented for the daughter’s wedding photo to be added to the family history. The tea pot at the tea party has been passed down for generations and has the initials of six generations engraved in it!

Our theme was lace. Lace is so beautiful but also reminds us of an era gone by. The tablecloth at the tea party was hand made by the bride’s grandmother, for example. The wedding dress was one from a mother to her daughter (and awfully similar to one Kate Middleton made fashionable again!). Wearing a mother’s dress — even for only part of the day! — is such a beautiful tradition. Our lace theme was carried through the session in everything, from the cake and cookies made by Sugarbelle Cakes to the lace stationery (including those envelopes we’ve all been drooling over on Pinterest!) from Anista Designs. Some easy DIY lace projects were included that any bride could incorporate: a lace bouquet, a lace-covered frame with magnets for the seating plan, lace-covered balloons, a lace backdrop for your photo booth, a simple lace headband in the bride’s hair, etc. On Mother’s Day, we wanted to honour our moms and say THANKS!

We are so in love with this vintage wedding dress!

Wherever you are, I hope you have time to thank mom – or the women in your lives who have invested in you!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista