2018 was a magical year.

I witnessed the beginning of life, and the end.

I documented happy tears, sad tears, a 3 year-old’s accidentally-bit-my-own-finger tears.

I witnessed motherhood in the deep, quiet content of bonding during baby feeding, the it’s-not-quite-working very newborn breastfeeding, and the tumultuous toddlers doing yoga while eating feeding.

I observed dads kissing-better said bitten finger, and various other upsets. And granddads. And grandmothers!

I photographed best friends getting married, not getting married, making out, not making out, supporting one another, scream-laughing, chugging, doing the limbo, crying together, and just being present.

I could go on.

But instead, here are some photographs I made.

I can’t wait to post each of these sessions in full, but in the meantime please contact me if you want to see more.

It’s been a while since I posted a Year in Review, but here are some old ones, if you want to see:
2014 - the year of San Francisco
2013 - the year I started Sweetheart Empire!

And Happy New Year!

- Kate
xo

When Elizabeth and Tom suggested Leslie Spit for engagement photos, I was thrilled. Have you been there? If not, go immediately! FYI this is also known as Tommy Thompson Park, and there’s a light house, and you may or may not be able to make a camp fire (*ahem, not endorsing illegal activities, just saying). Any time of year, this reclaimed land on Toronto’s east-side waterfront is home serene, natural beauty – including a bird sanctuary, wild flowers, and biking, walking, and jogging for miles. We went at sunset (obviously!) and couldn’t have asked for a more magical setting.

…But actually we could have asked for more, and we did! You see, Tom and Elizabeth are a very special pair.

These are two of the most interesting and talented humans you’ll meet.

I first met Elizabeth when she had recently finished blogging 52 weeks of DIY projects. Yes, I said fifty-two. And this is also how I met the inimitable Shannon Lee Simmons (who later became my accountant). Some people’s awesomeness is hard to do justice in words, so just scroll down to the juggling photos, to get an understanding of why these two hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you, Tom & Elizabeth for putting your trust in me to do your engagement and wedding photos. It has been an unending pleasure!

Check out Tom & Elizabeth’s epic bicycle-powered, western-themed farm wedding in Prince Edward County!

For Mika & Paul's engagement photos, we returned to McMaster University, where they spent their undergrad together. Not only was this a walk down memory lane, but it was just a romantic, beautiful, quiet day for them to connect and celebrate their love, just the two of them... (and me)

Congratulations on your engagement, Paul & Mika! I'm so excited for your wedding day! xo

Since they live out of town, my first in-person meeting with Madison and Martin was at their Kew Gardens engagement session in Toronto's beautiful Beach neighbourhood. I pulled out all of my best tips and tricks to get these two talking and laughing together, since it was our first meeting, and I know people are usually nervous for a photo shoot, at the best of times.... And it was awesome. 

Here's a little peek:

It was late summer. We walked through the flower gardens of Kew Gardens park, and down to the beach boardwalk for some shots in the setting sun. These lovebirds were so sweet and funny. Madison's friendly, positive attitude shone through and brought out tons of great laughs from Martin.

I'm so happy for Martin & Madison, and I can't wait to spend their wedding day having even more fun!

Are you loving Flowery Garden Engagement Photos? Here are a few more engagement photo locations you might like:
Gacia & Alex at Kew Gardens
Elizabeth F. Gamble Gardens in California

Do you love being down by the sea? Apparently I do too! Here are a handful of beach engagement photos to check out:
Lisa & Rich at Scarborough Bluffs
Lelania & Mike in Tiny Beaches, Ontario
Vanessa & Mark's autumn Beach photos, Toronto
Sahrah & Aaron at Ashbridges Bay

It is SO much fun when the sibling of a past couple contacts me to shoot their wedding, which is why I was thrilled to hear from Sean & Elise! I first met Sean photographing his sister's gorgeous Berkeley Church wedding, and couldn't be happier to spend more time with this awesome family. Then, to top it off, I was completely charmed by the hilarious Elise, who rightly suggested wine at most of our meetings (or was it I who suggested the wine? – ah well). 

Anyhoo, the three of us walked around Elise & Sean's neighbourhood, checking out the alleyways and industrial lofts of Leslieville, where many photo and film shoots take place. The sun was setting, and I grabbed shots of them laughing and amusing one another as we wandered. 

Click here to see Elise & Sean's District 28 Wedding Sneak Peek!