The Course for Brides / Wedding & Family Photographer

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Posts tagged Slideshow
2014 Year in Review
Palace of Fine Arts SF

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!!

Michelle & Pawel's Wedding at the Mississauga Grand

One of my favourite parts of shooting weddings is that, after spending some time getting to know a couple, I get to meet their families. It is obviously the couple’s day, but there is no doubt that for many parents it is also a time of big pride, and an overwhelming sense of happiness. Michelle & Pawel’s family were no exception. We arrived before the ladies had returned from the salon, so (after the go-ahead from the bride, of course) I decided to photograph the wedding dress. Before unwrapping it, Michelle’s dad Alejandro cried out, “Wait, wait! I don’t want to see the dress until she’s in it!” and promptly rushed downstairs so that he wouldn’t spoil his own surprise.

This was one of the many little things, throughout the special day, that just made my heart float for Michelle and Pawel. The emotion in Alejandro’s eyes when he saw his hija - his daughter - when he gave her away at the altar, and danced with her later that night; this represented his life’s work – a success. All was worth it for this moment, this day.

And when you set eyes on this bright, twinkle-eyed bride... can you blame him?

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It was a day of natural beauty, fun, and celebration. Michelle and Pawel, thank you so much for sharing your wedding day with us!

Please enjoy this slideshow for more photos of Pawel and Michelle enjoying their wedding day:

Michelle & Pawel's Wedding Photography Slideshow from Sweetheart Empire on Vimeo.

Click here to check out Michelle & Pawel's engagement photos!

Photographers: Kate O'Connor and Lelania Little

Thank you to the creative team!
Band/DJ: Parkside Drive
Cake: Irene's Celebrity Cakes
Ceremony: St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish
Décor: Mississauga Grand
Dress: David's Bridal
Hair: Jini Jung Hair Artisans
Flowers: Eternity Flowers
Men's Clothing: Tuxedo Royale
Reception Venue: Mississauga Grand
Transportation: Jays Limousine Services

Charlie & Charlie's Garden Party Wedding
 

Charlotte and Charles, AKA Charlie and Charlie, met in Thailand and fell in love. When they contacted me, Charles was living in the Dominican Republic on business, and Charlotte was in her home country of England. Throughout the coordination I got to know Charlotte as a funny, lighthearted soul who LOVES to laugh. Their beautiful garden party wedding took place at Charles' parents amazing property in Stouffville, Ontario.

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This beautiful outdoor affair was made only more joyous when Charlie and Charlie announced that they were expecting a baby! Charlotte was glowing with happiness, and had already coined the term her "dancing pickled bean" for their on-the-way daughter Thalia!

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At-home weddings are so personal, and having a tent in the garden is a great solution for the "what if it rains" question. The added bonus is the soft, flattering light inside the tent. 

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Charles and Charlotte had an outdoor garden party wedding that was butterfly themed, with homemade bunting flags sent from the UK. During the reception a butterfly landed on Charlotte. I think it was attracted to her amazing energy - just like everyone else present at this special occasion.

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It was so much fun spending the day with Charlie and Charlie and their loved ones! Please enjoy this slideshow for wedding photos of the rest of this happy day.

Photographer: Kate O'Connor

Thank you to the creative team!
Caterer: Chef Andrew Munro
DJ: Impact Entertainment
Dress: Jenny Packham
Event Planner: Laura Gatti at Signature Weddings
Flowers: Lindy's Floral Boutique, Stouffville
Headwear: Urban Bride
Jewelry: designed themselves!
Men's Clothing: Studio Suits
Marquis: Gervais Rentals

You can read Charlotte's Wedding photography testimonial here.