I met Leslie through her amazing Pilates studio, Mindful Movement Centre. If you want to get your booty in shape, and feel strong calm and fabulous - I highly recommend.

Leslie & Rick had an intimate lunch with close family before their friends joined to witness them tie the knot. Leslie walked down the aisle with her dad and brother and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house! The afternoon stretched on into a beautiful summer evening of celebration and joy. The whole party was hosted by their good friend Simone, who not only is another kickass Pilates instructor, but also happens to be an exquisite chef!

To view some more intimate, and at-home weddings, check out Maureen & Lesley’s backyard ceremony, Bebhinn & Ian’s French bistro wedding, and Laura & Jeff’s Toronto Island elopement!

If you want intimate, natural photojournalism documenting your special day, schedule a chat with me by clicking here.

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

Joe and Courtney had a beautiful outdoor wedding at Rockway Vineyards Golf Course in St. Catharine's. It was the perfect day for a vineyard wedding. After getting ready at the Haven of Hope llama farm across the street (yes, you heard that right!) the ladies drove themselves to the altar on golf carts, where family and friends were waiting.

Surrounded by summer flowers and under the afternoon sky, Joe saw his bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle with both her parents. Although I witnessed the joyfulness between these two, during their engagement session, I'll never forget the look on Courtney's face as she walked – she was beaming with happiness!

The ceremony was followed by a gorgeous outdoor cocktail hour, while the newlyweds enjoyed strolling through the vines in the setting sun. Golden hour. 

One of my favourite moments was when we decided to move locations for newlywed photos. As a shortcut, Joe lifted Courtney up and carried her over some shrubbery, like it was perfectly normal to transport other humans that way. 

That's what I truly love about this couple. They take things lightly, and are always having a laugh. During the wedding reception, Courtney described her search for Joe before they met. Her friends told her she was being too picky, but she held out. She said she just wanted a giant who was hilarious, and then she met Joe and was just like, yes. (He is 6'8"!) 

Recently I photographed Courtney and Joe for their two year wedding anniversary, and I had the great pleasure of meeting their brand new little baby. Joe & Courtney, it's been such a fantastic time getting to know you and your families. I'm so happy for you, and can't wait to see you all again!

In Courtney's words:
"Kate's style is what drew us to her in her ability to capture moments in time....She was really good at creating emotion and then shooting that emotion." Click here to read the whole review.

Check out Courtney & Joe's downtown Toronto engagement photos here.

Thank you to the creative team!

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Rudo Vacula
Accommodations: Haven of Hope Farm, AirBnB
DJ: Ted Chamberlain
Décor: Fat Raccoon Port Rowan
Venue & Catering: Rockway Vineyards Golf Course

For similar weddings, check out...
Lisanne & Adam's Romantic Wedding at The Manor by Peter & Paul's
Grace & Ervin's Wedding at the Bayview Golf & Country Club

Lelania & Mike got married at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, and had a drop-dead Gorgeous reception at Berkeley Church! Here are their happy words:

"Kate was amazing for both our engagement session and our wedding day, we enjoyed the experience from start to finish. She was always very warm, professional and accommodating, most importantly we could really tell how much love she has for her job and her clients. Something we really appreciated was how non invasive Kate and her team were while capturing intimate and candids moments. We were made to feel extremely comfortable, and the photo sessions felt super relaxed. We would highly recommend Kate as a photographer. Great experience, great photos and great team all around!"

– Lelania & Mike

Click here to read more reviews!
Here for Alison & Allia's Berkeley Church Wedding!
And here for Lelania & Mike's Lake Huron cottage country engagement photos!

Cake: Tre Mari Bakery
Caterer: Berkeley Events
Ceremony: Kortright Centre for Conservation
DJ: Maximum Music
Dress: Ferre Sposa
Hair: Melissa Tran
Invitations: Hope Little
Flowers: Benny & ViV
Jewelry Design: Kate Spade & Ben Amun
Makeup: Eryn Shannon
Reception Venue: Berkeley Church
Shoes: Alexander Wang
Transportation: Star Night Limousines
Videography: Toronto Wedding Studios