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So – our first ever wedding show has come and gone, and we couldn’t have chosen a better show to “get our feet wet”, so to speak.  We have never had the desire to exhibit in any wedding show to this point – our impression of them is that they are usually overwhelming for everyone involved (engaged couples and vendors alike), a ton of work, a big expense and a whole lot of tacky (and quite honestly, not worth the hassle).  Our interest in exhibiting did an about-face when WedLuxe Magazine decided they were going to partner with the Ritz Carlton Toronto for their debut in the world of wedding shows.  We knew we had to be a part of this inaugural event – we were certain that if anyone was going to do a wedding show right it was WedLuxe.  Putting 100% faith in them, we sent in our registration forms and got to work – and a lot of work it was – creating albums, portfolios, prints, cards, designing and building a booth, etc. etc..(hence the lack of blog posts in recent months – sorry for that, but we promise it will pick up soon!).  In short, the work was worth it.  The show was a huge success, thousands of engaged coupled poured through the doors, and we were honoured to be the official show photographers (hurray!).  To see the show in detail, you can go here to the WedLuxe Blog where Angela (Editor-in-Chief at Wedluxe) posted an *epic* 8-part blog summarizing the details of this fabulous show and tons of images from yours truly.  We have also posted a few images below of some of the highlights.  As we wandered the show photographing it, two things struck us:  1 – we were in the company of amazingly creative, innovative and talented people here in Canada – and 2 – the Wedluxe team outdid themselves in the planning and organizing of a boutique show that was unbelievably glamorous, full of gorgeous details, and appealed to the senses of couples that are looking for the best of the best in Canada. If you weren’t able to get to experience the show in person this year, they have already set the date for their next show – January 5th and 6th, 2013.  We hope to see you there!
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Above are images of the “Kate Spade” lounge – where guests could take a break to enjoy a cup of tea and a snack while taking the opportunity to flip through complimentary Wedluxe magazines, given out at the show.Ritz Carlton wait staff served signature pink drinks and treats to guests.

The grooms were not ignored!  Wedluxe created a chic “Mad Men” inspired lounge for men only, where big screen tvs were set up and food and drinks were served.

Brides seemed to really enjoy the Beauty Boutique lounge – where they were able to get hair and make up trials and manicures while sipping cool drinks and enjoying light snacks.  Oh – and there were tons of free products given out.  Brides exited the beauty lounge looking like a million bucks, with swag bags full of great product!

Above left – the Cake Opera exhibit.. How could this character not catch your eye?  Above right – Editorial features printed in the magazine came to life through vignettes that were placed throughout the show.  This one was “Paler Shades of White”.

We just love the colour combination and set up of Cynthia Martyn’s table scape.  Beautiful!

Above left:  the work of the amazing Fuscia Designs – talented and sweet people too!  Above right: The Fashion Gallery – featuring dresses from Ines Di Santo, Vera Wang Toronto, Studio Sposa, Pearl Bridal House, Valencienne, Sarah Houston Bridal Couture,
Sash and Bustle and Kate Spade.

We shared top pick with Alex Albojer of Life Images, and were happy to do so – we’ve always admired his work, and he is an awesome guy as well.

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The day started out with rain in the forecast, and it was unbelievably hot and humid, but luck shone down on us all day.  Paula and Chris started off getting ready at their good friends’ home in Dundas, which also functions as home base for their business The Healing House.  It was the perfect backdrop for bride’s prep, with a light, airy feel and personal vintage touches everywhere.  It did rain – but as it was raining at the ceremony location, we stayed dry taking photos at Hermitage Ruins.  The thunder rolled in just as we finished at Hermitage, but by the time we pulled up to The Waterfront Centre for their ceremony, the rain had stopped and the sunshine was beaming .  We were like kids in a candy store photographing Paula and Chris.  They were truly up for anything – Paula, in 14 layers of tule creeping out onto the ledge of a cliff, and lying down on the forest floor before she even walked down the aisle.  They were a dream to work with, and fully put their trust in us, which we truly appreciate (though may not have been the best idea – I was a bit nervous when Paula was on that cliff, I have to say).

Thank you, Paula and Chris, for punctuating our joy in what we do, and thank you for choosing us.

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We first met Dennis and Jonathan at Dennis’ brother’s wedding last summer.  We knew after meeting them and watching them in action on the dance floor that night that their own day was going to be full of incredible style and energy.  We were so right!  When we first walked into their penthouse suite at the Thompson Hotel, we were warmly welcomed by Jonathan and Dennis who were in a state of calm and contentment (something we rarely witness with our couples pre-ceremony).  We then totally swooned over the natural light flooding the contemporary decor, which was a photographer’s dream.  As we photographed their details, Jonathan and Dennis shared stories of their meeting and their engagement – their love and adoration for one another so plainly visible.  The easiest way to describe these two is that they share a chemistry and zest for life that is so infectious that you can’t help but want to be around them. To meet them is to fall in love with them.  And we fell.  Head over heels.

After heading out for some photographs with their wedding party around the hotel and in the streets of Toronto, we ventured back to the Thompson Hotel for their rooftop ceremony with the amazing cityscape as their backdrop.  Their ceremony was short and sweet and beautiful. Their reception then followed in the Wellington Ballroom of the hotel where craziness broke out in the photo booth.  (To see images from their photo booth, click here.)  After some heartfelt, tearful speeches, they danced and partied all night to the live music of “Soular” which was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

Congratulations to J&D, the Bulldog and the Panda.  We SO enjoyed sharing in your special day.

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Florist/Decorator: Teatro Verde.

Cake Designer: Sweet Definition.

Invitations/Stationary: Mr. Boddington’s Studio.

Live Band: Soular.

Clothing Designer: Bottega Veneta.

Rings/Other jewelry: Cartier.

Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo.

Bow Ties / Handkerchiefs: Tom Ford.

Ties: Hobb Apparel + Design.

Violinist: Praise Lam.

Jazz Quartet: Mike Tilka and group.

I spoke a little bit about Diana and Adam’s chemistry in their engagement shoot blog, and their ying/yang dynamic continued to shine through the wedding day with Diana in her 4 inch heels and Adam in his boots and jeans.  It was evident that Diana, despite her penchant for 4 inch stilettos and everything bling loves the simplicity of farm life, and Adam… well, I can’t say that Adam has a thing for heels…but he definitely loves Diana.  They banter and laugh together, and I think one of the funniest comments I’ve ever heard from a groom came during Adam’s speech when he said “Doesn’t my bride look beautiful all in white?… Now I finally have a dishwasher that matches my fridge and stove”.  Thankfully Diana laughed, otherwise, the night may have ended badly…  but this interaction was a tribute to the energy between them: fun and light, neither of them taking the other too seriously.

The dance got underway and the party was a blast, other than a few minor glitches.  During the first dance, guests lit sparklers, and someone dropped a handful of lit sparklers into a hay bale.  Ooops! Disaster was averted by the bridesmaids, who stopped out the fire with their cowboy boots.  The maid of honour’s toe need emergency attention after she lost a toenail from having someone stomp on it (apparently, she should have kept her cowboy boots on) and finally, the wedding planner had to leave a little earlier than expected because the same sparklers burned her hand. Thankfully her work was already done, and everything else about the day went incredibly smoothly.  Things happen, Diana and Adam rolled with it all, and guests continued to dance until the early hours of the morning.  It was impossible not to get drawn into the festive party atmosphere.  What a party it was!

Diana + Adam, we SO loved being part of your wedding day, and were sad to see it come to an end.  We hope our enjoyment of your day comes through in the photos.

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Venue: Noten Acres Family Farm
Makeup: Blush & Brush – Laura Ewart
Hair: Cindy Luke Hair
Cake/Desserts: A Slice Above (2 mini cakes and cupcakes)
Coordinator: Silverberry Occasions
DJ: Trevor the Entertainer
Dress Designer: Superior Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein
Stationery: Purple Martini Photography
Florist – Final Touches
Decorator (tent drapery and backdrop) – Rachel A. Clingen

We are really excited to share these photos from Joyce & Chang’s wedding.  We were able to spend some time shooting at the One King West Hotel in their lower bank vault, which was formerly the head office of the Dominion Bank.  It’s dark and eerie down there, but these two made it look fabulous! Keep watch for more photos from Joyce and Chang’s wedding in a later post…

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We also, in recent weeks have had 2 of our print editorial shoots featured their blog as well (French Twist and St. Tropez)!  We are huge fans of WedLuxe Magazine, and so it is truly an honour to have some of our work highlighted by them.

Please pick up the latest Style Issue of Wedluxe Magazine to see our editorial shoots in print, as well as work from our amazingly talented colleagues.  This issue of the magazine blew us away – the level of  creative talent in our country is incredible, and we are grateful that WedLuxe has chosen to highlight it the way they have.

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Shot on location at The Spoke Club

Produced by: Lisa Allain

Design and decor by: Paras Mehta

Stationery by: Deb Lau-Yu

Cake and mini cakes by: Konstadin

Flowers provided by: Nicole North

Model’s dress: Cabaret Vintage

Fascinator: KC Hats

Hair: Madelaine Griffin – Clover Bride

Makeup: Sarah Smith

Models: Elisa Hope + Felix Gelt

Shot on location at Platinum Events Group Studio

Produced by: Cindy Johnson

Flowers, design and decor by: Tamara Mutter Slagter + Kevin Slagter

Stationery by: Deb Lau-Yu

Cake created by: Lori Hutchinson

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These two aren’t just a couple of pretty faces, they are gorgeous inside and out, and it is apparent that their families had much to do with that.  I love the closeness of European families.  I loved watching the noise, the exuberance, and most of all the emotion that exuded from the families as they celebrated the union of Patricia and Anthony.  Nobody was beyond tears, and their love and joy was written all over their faces.  When I arrived to photograph Anthony the morning of the wedding, he admitted that he had a hard time sleeping the night before.  It wasn’t because he was nervous to get married, he was ready for that – but because he was leaving the home he grew up with and the room he shared with his brother for 27 years.  I was amazed by their bond, and the bond of both families.

We spent a very hot day photographing Patricia and Anthony.  It was literally the hottest weekend in the summer, and we baked in the heat as we did the photo session in downtown Toronto, but there were no complaints from the wedding party.  They were all champs in my books, especially the ladies, who were braving insanely high heels, as well as the heat.  Patricia and Anthony, thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your wedding day.  There is a lot of your day I will remember, the least of which is being chased around the dance floor by a fog-horn-wielding father of the groom!

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