I was so excited to photograph Gacia & Alex's early spring wedding at Eagles Nest Golf Club. I knew it would be a great day because we had done not one, but two separate engagement sessions: one at Kew Gardens and the Beach in Toronto, and one at Boxcar Social coffee shop. They were just completely in the moment together. Extra sessions give us all a fantastic way of getting to know one another, and so by the time the wedding day arrived, everyone was good to go.
It was a sunshiny day, and we couldn't have asked for more perfect everything. The highlight of the morning might have been when the maid of honour stuck her face in the bride's décolletage... A surprise to me (and the bride), but everyone involved seemed happy! You've gotta love best friends who know how to break up the wedding-morning butterflies.
The groomsmen on the other hand were well absorbed looking up "how to tie a tie", as per many a wedding morning. I was impressed, however, with the specific reference; any man who wants to look like Don Draper has got my stamp of approval.
Gacia and Alex decided to see one another before the ceremony, so they could get their photos finished and enjoy the rest of the day on their own timeline. Both of them got nervous and excited before seeing each other, and when Gacia told Alex to turn around, well... I don't know if I've ever seen two people beam so brightly at one another.
We strolled around the Eagles Nest pond past some beautiful golden fields, and they stole a few quiet moments together before the ceremony.
Alex and Gacia could NOT have asked for better weather, for an early spring ceremony. The sun was warm and the sky was bright blue. Everyone wanted a great photo of the beautiful bride and her fabulous father (whose name was chanted several times throughout the night, btw) descending the staircase towards the altar.
First, though, have you ever SEEN a cuter flower girl and a cooler little ring bearer? The look of concentration on her face gets me every time!
As the newlyweds took time to greet their guests, people milled around, laughing and mingling and looking fabulous. Remind me to buy a really great red dress!
The reception hall at Eagles Nest just glowed. As the sun set over the golf course outside, light streamed in the windows and illuminated the tables. As guests wandered in, children – drawn to their natural habitat of the dance floor – started frolicking and getting down. I often wonder what kids think when adults finally let loose at weddings... probably something like, "Ah – finally the grownups are starting to normalize!"
And let loose they did. After speeches and laughing and crying and a heavenly meal, the shots began to flow and the lights went down low... We could tell as we slipped out into the dark that the party would be going late into the night.
In Gacia's words:
..."I don't personally love being in front of a camera, but Kate made me forget she was taking pictures, so you end up with really genuine photos..." Click here to read the whole review.
Click here to check out Gacia & Alex's engagement photos at Kew Gardens.
Thank you to the creative team!
Photographers: Kate O'Connor & Lelania Little
Venue: Eagles Nest Golf Club
Music and Entertainment: Magen Boys
Hair: Enrico Salon
Wedding Favours: Pioneer Brand Honey
Flowers: Berries and Blooms
Transportation: TLS Limo Worldwide
If you enjoyed Gacia & Alex's wedding, check out...
Courtney & Joe's Rockway Vineyards Wedding, Niagara
Vanessa & Mark's Oakville Golf Club Wedding