The Course for Brides / Wedding & Family Photographer

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Posts tagged Toronto
Michelle & Pawel's Sunrise Engagement - Flatiron Building Toronto
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Michelle and Pawel are a delightful, sweet couple! We met in downtown Toronto, one cold but sunny Sunday morning in April to do their engagement photos. They were so playful and funny - they must be morning people!

We walked about the Flatiron Building in Toronto and totally lucked out! The early morning light reflected off the skyscrapers nearby, casting a beautiful glow over the vintage brick and ironwork, illuminating the whole park.

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Um, can we say totally in love?! Life doesn't get much better than this. I'm truly looking forward to the big day with these happy lovers.

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Mary & Phil's Musical New Year's Eve Wedding
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When Mary contacted me, she asked me if I'd ever photographed an "older couple". I said no, and she replied, "then we'll be your first!" Despite Mary's classification, I soon observed that this couple are more active and involved than most of us (I speak for myself)... and as in love as school kids. In fact, Mary and Phil actually dated in high school. Life separated them, and they both went on to have happy and fulfilling marriages for 20 and 30+ years. Then life brought them back together... As Mary, in a stunning one-of-a-kind Hugo Nicholson dress, came downstairs to meet Phil on their wedding day, I could see the excitement and love between them. Phil with his kind eyes, smiling from ear to ear, extended his hand to her.  There was something about that chivalrous motion that seemed so tender. So true. It was New Year's Eve day, and we arrived at York Mills Presbyterian Church to celebrate what Rev. Ferne Reeve called their lives as polished diamonds, as opposed to the raw material that young couples start out with. After the procession (which consisted of the cutest little granddaughters ever), I stood and photographed from the door of the chapel for the entire ceremony. I observed the family and community that had gathered to support this amazing, vibrant couple, and I listened to the thoughtful words and readings. I felt truly honoured to attend such an event. Mary and Phil love music. The ceremony was filled with a choir, a singer, a pianist, an organist. The reception took place at the Badminton and Racquet Club, where we were graced with a jazz duo, and later an incredible group of vocalists who opened up the party unannounced (flash-mob-style!) and serenaded us with pop tunes, old classics, and a final rendition of Auld Lang Syne. The energy in the room was uplifting, heartfelt and nostalgic, as everyone joined hands, singing together, celebrating this new beginning for the New Year. Mary and Phil, thank you for the privilege of documenting your wedding. It was a wonderful day and night!!

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Lelania Little

Thank you to the creative team!

Cake: Roxy Cakes Caterer: The Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto Ceremony: York Mills Presbyterian Church Dress: Hugo Nicholson (one of a kind!) Flowers: Ginger Flower Studio Venue: The Badminton & Racquet Club of Toronto

Wedding Photographer Review - Andrea & Daniel - The Rosewater Room
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"I cannot say enough about how wonderful it was to work with Kate and Rudo. After meeting, my husband and I knew that they would be our photographers. Our entire experience with them was fabulous. To our first meeting, engagement shoot, wedding day, thank you cards, printing of pictures- they always put us first, were always accomodating and tended to our every need.

And their work speaks for itself. When we originally met with Kate, she was our lead photographer, and saw some examples of pictures on her iPad, we were amazed. Rudo and Kate's photography is outstanding. From candids to poses to details, they captured our wedding day and engagement photos perfectly. They really captured every moment and really listened to our needs.

Throughout working with them, their commitment to professionalism and excellence was always evident. They made my husband and I feel like we were their only clients. We always felt so comfortable, like old friends. And their humour and ability to be easy going on the wedding day really stood out and was so helpful. I loved the candids and detail shots they took at our wedding and I loved the pictures they took of my husband and I at St James Park. It was a true pleasure to work with Kate and Rudo, and I highly recommend them."

~ Andrea & Daniel

Adinne and reese Engaged, Loving Life in the Neighbourhood

I met Adinne and reese (yes, with a small r) while photographing another wedding, and I thought they were fabulous. So you can imagine my delight when I found out they were engaged to be married! For their engagement photo session these two were ideal because they wanted photos that were very personal and unique to their life - my favourite! They took me on a tour of their fantastic neighbourhood, the Annex in Toronto. We walked from their house past the local convenience store, Steven's - an Annex institution. Afternoon sunlight set the perfect mood for this vibrant, urban and totally in love couple. Adinne and reese then introduced me to the local breakfast place, Grapefruit Moon, a wonderful place for weekend brunch or a late afternoon beverage... And seeing as they are regulars, everyone in the restaurant seemed thrilled with their engagement too! Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your lives. I'm so glad that I met you through Denise & Charlie - it's been awesome getting to know such fun-loving, smart and interesting folks. The joy you bring each other is contagious and I can't wait to post the wedding photos! ~ Kate

Kate & Ben's Engagement
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Kate and Ben invited me into their home for their engagement photo session, and I couldn't have been happier. All the unique artifacts that they've collected on their travels, the book shelves, board games, and all the musical instruments... Actually, when I arrived I made a joke about wanting to stay and hang out, but I was kind of serious. Kate and Ben are music teachers who met in university and fell in love on the square dancing circuit (can I say that? Square dancers, help a sister out). In their home we listened to records, sampled tea in Grandma Jean's vintage teacups and, since they're both deliciously talented musicians, they even played me a couple songs.

Listening and watching Kate and Ben, smiling, telling stories, I think it's safe to say that these two are in for the big love, and I am excited that they will be making music together for a lifetime to come. Congratulations on your engagement!!

For photos of Kate & Ben's second engagement session, click here! Click here to see images from their incredible wedding day - another musical day that went down in history.

Hear about their real-life experience in a video testimonial, right here!

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