Fabulous, fun and gorgeous! BradyMae and Kyle and their wedding had all that in spades. We started downtown at the Ritz Carlton for the preparations before everyone travelled uptown in a limo or limo-bus to the family church for a touching wedding ceremony. Then it was back to the city core, where we literally stopped downtown Toronto traffic for some fun wedding portraits.
Before I go on to describe the day we have to rewind about 24 hours as I describe perhaps the most unusual booking process I’ve ever experienced. It started with a text message last night from an unknown number asking me if I was available the next day for a wedding. Over the next series of messages we figured out that they came by way of the Feeneys (a very reliable reference) and that there would be a civil ceremony at the Ontario Courthouse and that only an hour of photography would be needed. The contract was emailed, location and time finalized, see you tomorrow.
When I get there today I am greeted by my contact Leah in a black dress and introduced to her sister Kim, dressed elegantly in a white suit. It took me few seconds to realize that Kim wasn’t upstaging Leah, but that she was the one getting married today! (Hence the hazards of communicating via text messaging).
Tall, and effortlessly stylish, Kim married her handsome groom Paul in an intimate ceremony in the private chambers of Justice Kelley, a friend of the best lady. There were only a handful of people present, the vows were simple and ceremony short but it was equally moving as any other ceremony I’ve witnessed. Little three-year-old Madeline learned that there was such thing as happy tears (don’t worry nobody’s hurt!) and was a terrific ring bearer.
Here are just a couple from the day. More for the wedding guests later.
Kim and Paul on their wedding day at the courthouse.
Congratulations to Rebecca and Jeff!
Rebecca and Jeff celebrated their love for each other at an elegant winter wedding at the Palais Royale. The day started with preparations at her parent’s home in Burlington before we headed back into Toronto along the lakeshore for the wedding and reception.
On a personal note it was great to photograph this wedding. Rebecca and I were classmates from grades 5 through 8 and thanks of course to Facebook, reunited with our classmates about three years ago. Before that point, the last time we saw each other was in 1990! Bianca, another classmate was Rebecca’s best lady and between the three of us we must’ve looked at each other, shook our heads and said ‘wow’ many times over. It’s a real trip (there is no other way to describe it) to see each other again as responsible grown-ups, each with successful careers and in loving relationships.
And yet, so much remains the same. Rebecca is the same outgoing, vivacious leader with a larger than life personality. In Jeff she has found a sincere and kind soul. When I met at their home to discuss wedding plans I was struck over and over again by the respect and caring that Rebecca and Jeff share for each other. It was a sentiment echoed in all the wedding speeches — not only are they a great couple, but they are first and foremost great friends.
Here are just a few images from their wedding day. With the upcoming holidays I will be slowing down the Imajing train to enjoy the company of family and friends. I hope that you are able to do the same! Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Wedding guests please check back here in January for a link to the wedding gallery.
Rebecca with her parents Ann and Jim.
Rebecca and Jeff wrote individual thank you notes to each of their guests and wrapped these sentiments around the hand-made chocolates.
Beautiful centre pieces made by the bride and best lady’s moms complete the festive look of the Palais Royale dining room.
Rebecca and Jeff brave the December cold for a few moments alone before the ceremony.
Congratulations Monique and Andrew!
It was an all around classy affair at the beautiful Royal York Hotel. There were so many gorgeous photo ops at this wedding that I shot a record number of images. Lots of editing ahead but of course, I can’t help but share just a few with you. Enjoy and stay tuned here for the rest of the photos!
Update – Wedding guests, you are invited to view the photos by clicking here.
