Posts tagged Couples Photography

Kerri & Jeff's Toronto Island Engagement Photos

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!

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!

All Photography, Couples, LifestyleKate O'ConnorApril 14, 2015Algonquin Island, Beloved Collective, Couples Photography, Engagement Photos, Toronto Island, Toronto Skyline, Toronto Wedding Photographer, Ward IslandComment

Amanda & Larry's At-Home Engagement Photos

There are times in life when I catch myself marvelling at the absolute privilege of my job. This was one of those days. Amanda and Larry opted for at-home engagement photos, doing one of their favourite activities: cooking. After we wandered through the gorgeous grounds, where we would later shoot their wedding photographs too, they invited me into their kitchen, where I got a chance to see the real dynamic of two people in love and in perfect comfort with one another.

I have a firm belief that home is the person you love, and the place you build your lives together sort of stitches it all together. Being with Amanda and Larry, and creating these images, confirmed in my heart that this is true.

Thank you Larry and Amanda for sharing a piece of your life with me... And thank you, also, for sending me home with a huge mason jar of delicious, homemade tomato sauce! It was greatly enjoyed!!

All Photography, Couples, LifestyleKate O'ConnorMarch 13, 2015At-home engagement photos, cooking, cooking for couples, Couples Photography, Documentary Style, Engagement, Engagement Photos, fun date activities, Wedding Photojournalism

Amanda & Matt's Liberty Village Engagement Photos

Amanda and Matt are just a gorgeous pair. We met at Balzac's coffee shop, in Toronto's historical Liberty Village to do their engagement photos. It was a windy day, but they laughed together and kept one another warm... Actually it was a crazy windy day that had all three of us wondering if we shouldn't reschedule, but we decided to just do it! Whenever Amanda or Matt needed encouragement, the other was there to keep them (and me) going... And these two are no strangers to cheering one another on. Matt proposed to Amanda just after she crossed the finish line at the San Francisco women's half marathon! She was his champion.

Amazing.

Amanda & Matt, it's been fantastic working with two people who are truly inspirational. I am so excited to share your wedding photos soon!

All Photography, Couples, LifestyleKate O'ConnorFebruary 17, 2015Balzac's, Coffee Shop, Couples Photography, Engagement, Engagement Photos, Liberty Village, Marriage Proposal, Street mural, Toronto Comment

2014 Year in Review

I often hear myself telling people, "I have the best job in the world" ...So, yesterday I compiled a slideshow of images I shot in 2014, and it's confirmed: I do have the best job in the world! The exercise of making a 2014 year-in-review struck me with a simple truth: we are surrounded by love. I know, I know - so cheesy. Well, I don't care! It is true, and it's beautiful. Once you see all the things I witnessed in one year - the faces, the laughter, the tears, the eyes with that spark of light - of hope - from the very first days after birth to the late years of a great-grandfather... You'll feel it too.

Life is a collection of fleeting moments. All we can ask is to notice them as they happen. To feel our feelings and not be numb. To shriek with laughter, to cry from sheer joy, and to confront the crush of sadness - the loss inevitably tied to love, that knowledge that someday life will take the ones we let ourselves love. This year I learned something else though. (And now you'll Really think I've gone off my rocker.) We are together.

We are in this crazy world, humans all sharing our lives. And so we are connected, not alone. So go ahead - feel the things that hurt so good in your heart, and let them be. I am with you. And let me see you - let the world see you - it's okay to be afraid. Because something amazing could happen: I could love you.

I already do.

I feel so so incredibly privileged to experience these deeply personal moments with the people around me. Thank you to each and every glowing soul who shared a part of your life story with me in 2014. I wish you adventures, love, and even more laughter for 2015!!

All Photography, All Written WorksKate O'ConnorJanuary 1, 20152014 Year in Review, Couples Photography, Engagement Photos, family photography, maternity photos, newborn photography, portraits, Self-reflection, Slideshow, Wedding Photojournalism Comments

Jessie & Allan Engaged!!

Somehow I have been unbelievably lucky in the department of awesome clients who are funny, smart, down-to-earth, loving, and all around great... and Jessie and Allan are no exception. This was a super easy going, urban photo session in some of my favourite neighbourhoods of downtown Toronto. I went to college with Allan, and was thrilled when he asked me to meet Jessie and become their wedding photographer. I convinced them to do engagement photos, even though they weren't super into the idea of tons of wedding-related "extras". Yet when I was promising them it would be fun, I had no idea what I was in for. Anyone who knows Allan and Jessie knows they are both hilarious.

We met at their downtown home and walked through Kensington Market to Chinatown. The summer afternoon light washed over the city, and I barely had to do anything to make these two smile - they took care of that.

Engagement Photos Alexandra Park Toronto

Jessie and Allan, I am privileged to be photographing your wedding, and so happy that you've each found someone who brings so much joy and laughter to your life.

For a sneak peek of Jessie and Allan's incredible cottage wedding, in Georgina Ontario, view the 2014 slideshow here!