Where do I begin … another day. Another beautiful wedding. I really do feel so blessed that I get to meet wonderful people with my job. Wonderful people dressed to the nines with a range of happy, bittersweet and heartfelt emotions. A day to celebrate. A little hustle and bustle. Honestly, it’s like the perfect scenario for me. It’s probably why I love photographing weddings. But enough about me. This is about my next darling couple who got married in 2012, all the way from Australia, meet Nicole & Gareth.
Doesn’t Nicole look amazing? I’ve actually known Nic for a really really long time. Since we were babies. She’s my cousin and is living way too far away but she has an amazing life out in Australia, so we forgive her! :) Anyway, we started our day at Sunnybrook Park in North York, Toronto and did a few bridal portraits while we waited for her handsome hubby to be to arrive for their First Look. Yes, another first look! I love when brides and grooms do this! Don’t tell anyone, but I teared up. Yep. I did. In fact, I cry at every wedding. I’m a total sap haha!! But look at how beautiful they look and the emotion on their faces! I couldn’t help it! Their raw emotion and genuine affection for each other was undeniable.
See what I mean. Did your heart just burst? Mine sure did *sigh*
After their first look, we completed the rest of the family photos (can’t stress how awesome it is to get these photos done ahead of time) followed by formal bridal portraits. They were happy and excited but their nervousness disappeared because they did that first look so I was catching them at the height of happy. It really did make for such lovely intimate portraiture.
Yeah um fierce much?! Seriously… I was in little heels and I had a hard time walking on this bridge. Now, check out Nic’s shoes. Like I said, fierce!
Simply perfect. There’s really no other way to express how I feel about these two!
Remember when I mentioned Nicole’s wedding heels? Yeah, well … they deserved a closer look in addition to all the lovely details in Gareth’s family home. This bedroom made for the perfect backdrop to do these “getting ready” photos. I was in love with it all. The vintage green tones really set the stage for really gorgeous and honest imagery.
This part of the day made me giggle. The girls. Waving out the window at their guests looking in. I think every girl needs a moment like this before their wedding. And I’m so happy Nicole had this time with her sister and maid of honour Kristen. It was at that very window that we got inspired to do a few more photos of Nicole. That window, her reflection, that light, her pose, my goodness!!
Nicole, really. You are stunning! And Garreth, you are such a handsome fellow! I really loved the time we spent with you and Jerrett, your best man, before your ceremony begin. We had a few good laughs, didn’t we! ;)
It was a warm day. Actually, it was perfect. It wasn’t too hot. And the pool was so inviting. Almost too inviting for one little girl (who I’m sure got her fill the next day as we all came back for more celebrations)! But as beautiful as the pool was, there was no denying Nicole’s presence once she stepped out of the house with her father. Here comes the bride in all of her beauty.
Nothing sucks me in more than watching a father give his daughter away. Truly heartwarming and beautiful. And just look at Gareth’s face (double sigh).
Every woman wants a man who looks at her the way Gareth looks at Nicole. Trust me. That was one of the things I first noticed about these two. In fact, they reminded me a lot of the relationship I have with my hubby. That kind of love really can’t be faked.
I really loved how candid the day was. It’s who they are as people, which is the best way to plan an event in honour of yourself. Plus, it really gave us the opportunity to tell a story. Keep reading, you’ll understand what I mean soon enough!
After the ceremony, we decided to take off for 30 minutes. We didn’t need to do more photos but I insisted that they take a few minutes to be alone from the crowd. I’m so glad they did!! And I know they are too. We took a bottle of bubbly (shhh!!) and we photographed candidly as Gareth told us stories of the very bench he was sitting on with his new wife. Memories from childhood. Lots of great times and more to come I’m sure. It was perfect. The perfect spot to break away. Sometimes, looking for the right location is important for bridal portraits. But in their case, this setting couldn’t be more perfect because it meant more than just the setting.
We head back to Gareth’s family home (where the ceremony and reception were held) to join in with the crowd. They were so incredibly fortunate to have Oliver & Bonacini cater the event. And I can honestly say, it was some of the BEST food I’ve ever had. Period. Not just at a wedding. I mean, period. Jerrett Young really pulled out the stops for Nicole and Gareth. I could go on and on — but this post will soon turn into my love affair with beautiful food, so I’ll keep the topic at hand! I did, however, have a field day shooting all the food that was served on their special day. Here’s a “taste” ;)
Like I said, I have a love affair with food but in my defence, food was a really big part of their day, which is why they were so happy to have Oliver & Bonacini cater their event. It had to be documented. And consumed. On a personal note, it was my first time trying oysters. And it was … well, it was amazing! We also had yellow watermelon, which I’ve never had before. Seriously, it’s the best thing to ever hit my tongue. Really delicious! Guests dined on their choice of steak and salmon, made to order, in addition to amazing summer spread of salads and sides. Amazing job from Oliver & Bonacini! I’ll never forget it!
More beautiful details. Because it’s not a story without it ;)
After dinner, we took a few minutes to have some fun! The cake cutting … I mean, if you’re gonna cut the cake, you might as well lick the knife right!! ;) I would have … their cake was made by Dufflet Cakes. It was delicious!! Definitely the way to go for a wedding cake!
And then, the dancing began. And we certainly know how to throw it down haha! Dennis Milanov played the most amazing music, perfectly suited to this hip and fun crowd. On a personal note, it was at this time that I had a moment. A moment that I thought would be to myself but it ended up being between me and Nicole’s dad Felix. My uncle passed away about a year and a half ago. And not a day goes by when I don’t think about him. Seeing Felix’s face made me miss him. Seeing him dance with his brothers made me miss him even more. He would have been at this wedding. With us. And I’m sure my uncle (Lionel) was smiling down on us in some small way.
And as they danced the night away, Nicole and Gareth embraced as husband and wife, bound together in love and laughter. The perfect way to end the night. Even though, for many, it was just beginning.
Nicole & Gareth, I am so happy we reconnected in such a special way. I am so happy you trusted me with your love and your vision. I really hope you liked looking back at your amazing day. That brings us to our surprise! We know a picture tells a story, but sometimes a video does something even more. Especially when it’s shot by my truly talented second shooter extraordinaire Alyssa. She captured the beauty of your day without you even knowing. Even I had no idea to what extent she was doing but it literally had me in tears when I watched it for the first time a month ago. I was sitting in a coffee shop going over work with Alyssa and then she pulled this out. Full on tears (and not just because I know Nicole). We knew we were sitting on something special. Something we wanted to share.
Offering video for weddings and family portraiture is something Alyssa and I have been talking about for a really long time and are excited to begin offering in 2013. We have a special assignment that we’re working on next month (which will be amazing as we’ll have much more gear to do it right). Until then, sit back and enjoy a piece of our love to you. Nicole & Gareth, you get to relive your day all over again. From our hearts to yours. Robyn xo
PS: It’s better if you click their name on the video to watch it straight from Vimeo. It’s bigger and better!Â
VENDORS
Caterer: Oliver & Bonacini
Cake Artist: Dufflet Cakes
DJ: Dennis Milanov
Dress: Manning Cartell