I love doing Toronto Island engagement photos... It's so magical over there ~ it doesn't even feel like you're in the city! I met up with Kerri & Jeff and we took the ferry over for a gorgeous afternoon last fall. We wandered about on both Ward Island and Algonquin Island, exploring the cottages, frolicking in the greenness-hippie-heaven, and enjoying the season's last rays of sunshine.

(We also had our fair share of discussion on politics, books, and yoga... I had to remind myself this day was about them and not me, to stop myself from asking Kerri and Jeff's opinions on everything, and taking notes for my own interest!)

At dusk it got windy so we stopped in at the Island Cafe for tea. I wandered off looking at the art pieces decorating the quirky, outdoor cafe, while Jeff and Kerri snuggled and giggled and kept one another warm.

Fantastic day with fantastic people. Indeed!

Toronto Island Wedding photographer

Ward Island Engagement photos

Algonquin Island engagement photos

Toronto Island couples photography

Toronto city skyline engagement photos

Toronto Island Cafe

Island cafe engagement photos

Engagement ring and Kale

Toronto Island Engagement photos

Toronto Island Ferry

Toronto Island ferry engagement photos

Toronto Island Ferry

Toronto skyline from Island ferry

Jeff and Kerri, I am so glad that we connected, and am so happy to share the photos from your incredible book-themed wedding at the Toronto Reference Library!

We did Anna and Geoff's Toronto engagement photos down near Cherry Beach. There are so many great little spots there - the boardwalk, the forest, the beach house - it's one of my favourite places to shoot.

Anna and Geoff told me they were terrible in front of the camera... Of course we got started and they were awesome.

Forest engagement photos

In fact, Geoff - "the shy one" - seemed to forget I was even there. Anna helped with that - she's a total joker and had him laughing and smiling all afternoon.

Wild Daisies

Anna and Geoff, I had so much fun shooting your engagement photos, I can't wait to share your beautiful wedding photos soon too!

Denise and Charlie had a wonderful Toronto Island wedding. The ceremony celebrated Secular Humanistic Judaism, and was custom-written by this bright and funny couple (Denise is a kick-ass feminist Rabbi!). Reflecting their personalities the day was joyful, natural and full of laughter. I am honoured that Denise asked me to photograph this incredible occasion, and I am so happy to share it with you too. I caught the ferry over to the Island with Denise's friends, and while the skies threatened to rain in the morning, the day ended up an island paradise. That's the thing about Toronto Island - if you find the right spot it truly feels like you're away from the city... And Denise and Charlie definitely found the right spot.

The ladies spent the morning doing a personalized version of the Jewish Mikvah ritual on Ward Island beach (not depicted here). Afterwards, we strolled over to Smiley's B&B (not without stopping for iced-cappuccinos) to get ready for the day ahead. Like many Island houses, Smiley's is a sweet little haven, with a cottage/beach house feel.

After getting her makeup done by Toronto makeup artist Tiffany Encina, we walked over to a very special place: Alice's House of Big Hair. This is a sublime little secret that I was thrilled to be let in on! Apart from being a talented hair stylist, Alice keeps a house that is full of character and memories - a photographer's dream.

During the hair appointment, Denise suddenly realized she had forgotten something back at Smiley's so she phoned her friend, Kristy, asking if she could walk it over to the salon. When she arrived we saw that Kristy had dropped everything and rushed over in bare feet! The day was warm and as we wandered back to the house I couldn't help but look at these two women and think, "now that is love."

Since they were seeing each other before the ceremony (common in Jewish weddings), Denise and Charlie decided to do a "first look" (or "reveal"). Charlie waited in the long forested driveway of the venue. This waiting time is always when the groom suddenly gets nervous and excited, and as Denise walked up the path on that summer day, I could see that Charlie was right on cue - all smiles. I skulked behind some nearby bushes so that they could enjoy a private moment together.

After some photos with family and friends we moved over to the Algonquin Island Association, where the wedding and reception was about to take place, and got ready for the big moment.

As the sun set, the atmosphere lit up from a laid back island BBQ to champaign toasts and speeches that had everyone laughing and some of us in tears.

Then straight on into the party - starting, of course, with the horah.

Denise and Charlie, it was a privilege to photograph your incredible wedding and I still look through the photos and re-live the happy memories to this day. I am so glad we've had the chance to get to know one another - thank you!

xo

Kate

Click here to read what Denise had to say about her experience working with Sweetheart Empire. 
Here for Jeff & Kerri's Toronto Island engagement photos,
And here for Amanda & Kirk's Toronto Island wedding sneak peek!