I want to be best friends forever with Kristine and Jorge.

Forever ever?

Yes. Forever ever.

Every couple that we work with comes to us with a different story. Some are straight-up romance novels. Others are tales of great distances, heartache, and overcoming obstacles. Others tell stories of falling in love with their best friend. Denise and Karim are the latter. Two hilarious and exceptionally good looking people who fell in like and in love with one another.

Denise isn’t your typical bride, and we love her for it. She didn’t want a frou frou day, but still wanted something different and beautiful. Basically she’s a dream boat.

Denise the Dream Boat Marries Karim the Hot Silver Fox. That should actually be the title of this post.

The moral of the story is to bring your best and most authentically weird self to your wedding (and your marriage obviously). Life is the most beautiful when it’s real.

THE TEAM

__________________________________

Flowers :: Blush and Bloom

Planning :: Shealyn Angus of Bliss Events

Cake :: Nadia & Co

DJ :: Danny Floh Back

Paper Goods :: Ferris Wheel Press

Officiant :: Jeremy Citron

Rentals :: Plate Occasions

Hair and Make-up :: Ivy Lam

Dress :: Reem Acra

I had this moment of realization last night that Kate & Steven’s eventual children and grandchildren will look at these engagement photos, and will remark at the importance of the art that surrounds them. They will also remark at how amazing and beautiful it is that these two celebrated their relationship by visiting one of their favourite places.

Making images in iconic spaces like the Art Gallery of Ontario gives such an incredible context to engagement and wedding photos. These two are surrounded by The Greats. I wonder who’s work will hang from the walls for the next generation…

(Side note :: the AGO is incredible when it is completely empty…more sessions here, please!)

{x}

Tara

The funny thing about being a photographer in Toronto is that we’re essentially relegated to shooting indoors for about half of the year. What I wouldn’t give somedays to be in sunny California with the cotton candy sunsets, and the permanent glow of the sun across the smoggy sky.

But I’m not. I’m in Toronto where the idea of a January wedding strikes fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned wedding photographer.

Enter Ashley and Matt. These two sat down in my studio to chat with me about the ‘winter portrait problem’. Where do we go to make stunning and memorable photos at the end of January when there might reasonably be a snow-pocalypse happening?

So I suggested a photo studio. Confetti bombs. Champagne by the truckload. We also decided that it was only reasonable to have a Pizza Pizza delivery for these two NYC-dwelling Canadian expats. Because Pizza Pizza might not be good pizza, but the cheese is laced with nostalgia.

Ashley may be the only bride in the history of brides who would agree to something so unusual. I am so grateful to these to for allowing me to just do my weirdo thing. It was basically the most fun I have ever had (personally or professionally…two hours of shooting confetti at people is hilarious and quite exhilarating!)

Behold. The best January wedding any Canadian has ever seen!

A & M :: Soulmates (with Mindy) forever. I cannot wait to actually drink some champagne and not go to SoulCycle with you in NYC sometime soon!

{x}

Tara

THE PLAYERS

_________________________________

Venue :: Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Planner :: Lynzie Kent of Love By Lynzie

Blooms :: Blush and Bloom

Videographer :: Brightside Films

Decor :: Jesi Haack Design

Stationary :: Beet and Path

Hair and Make Up :: Julia and Julia 

Photo Studio :: Studio Kaizen 

People often ask me what is my favourite part about shooting weddings.

They often think that I’m going to have hilarious stories of misbehaving brides or some sort of behind-the-scenes drama.

But truthfully there is never any drama, and my favourite part about shooting weddings is completely embodied in Kelly & Josh’s day.

They were so in it.

Josh didn’t hesitate for a moment to tell Kelly (in front of us) when he knew that he loved her, and how it changed him

And Kelly didn’t stop touching Josh’s face all day long.

Almost a year later, and I’m still overwhelmed by these two.

Kelly & Josh :: I wish we could all know a love like yours.

{x}

Tara

__________________________________________

The Players ::

Florals :: Sweet Woodruff

Band :: St Royals 

Planner :: Naomi Serkin