dana + scott | urban Drake Commissary Wedding in Toronto

On one of the hottest days of the year, Dana + Scott said “I do” in the Toronto Music Gardens. They planned their whole day around Drake themed things because years ago, their first date was a Drake concert. From getting ready at the Drake Hotel, exploring the city for photos, having their cocktail hour at Henderson Brewery then throwing an amazing party at the Drake Commissary, this really was a dream wedding. Did I mention Dana wore Rue De Seine Dress?? or that they had a pinata for a wedding cake (made by the amazing Big Ass Pinata)?

Dana + Scott, spending the day with you and your friends was one of my favorite days and we all just clicked so well. Can’t wait to hang with you all again, and thank you so much for having me to document your freaking PERFECT day!!

  • Megan

Vendor love:

Florist: @thornfloral

Caterer: @drakecommissary

Hair + Make up : @lilyhobeauty

Dress Maker: @ruedeseinebridal

Venues: The Drake Hotel - @thedrake - The Drake Commissary - @drakecommissary

Band: The Test Icicles - www.thetesticicles.com - Olivia Borkosky (ukulele) - @livebork

Grooms suit: Surmesur - @surmesur

Invitations: Paper and poste - @paperandposte

Wedding cake pinata: Big ass Pinatas - @bigasspinata

The Candy Bar Toronto - @thecandybartoronto

Alex Rajak (officiant) - www.weddingheaven.ca

amanda + zack | urban Toronto wedding at the Burroughes Building

Amanda and Zack reside in Buffalo, NY and when it came to planning their wedding from South of the border, they absolutely nailed every single detail. From the most amazing food by The Food Dudes to Amanda’s dream Truvelle dress to the most gorgeous flowers by Fiori in Oakville. Not to mention the warm, unique and low light of the Burroughes building tying everything together. Other key things about their day that made it a dream, not one but two rooftop photo locations. Like come on!

I am the luckiest photographer for these two finding me online and I hope you enjoy looking at their love story.

Vendors:

Blog Curated by: Tallie Garey

Florist: @fiorioakville - www.fiorioakville.com

Caterer: @fooddudes -thefooddudes.com

Hair + Make up : @Fancyfaceinc - www.fancyface.ca

Dress Maker: @truvellebridal -truvelle.com

Dress from: @sashandbustle - www.sashandbustle.com


lina + alex | toronto island wedding at algonquin island association

Lina + Alex got married on October 12, 2018 on Toronto Island at the Algonquin Island Association. Leading up to their wedding day, Lina and Alex were so incredibly laid back, relaxed and so lovely to work with. Corrigan and I met them for a beer one weeknight in our neighbourhood (they live a few blocks over from us in Bloor West Village) to discuss wedding details and we hit it off right away. We knew it would be an amazing day!

After years of being Toronto Wedding Photographers, we still hadn’t shot a wedding on Toronto Island. We are so fortunate that Lina + Alex found us, it was the perfect day, even with some rain.

We started with a first look getting off the ferry at Ward’s Island, wandered the island together for couple photos, celebrated their love with a traditional Russian ceremony, organized a sparkler exit and organized a group photo at sunset with the CN Tower as a back drop.

Thank you so much Lina + Alex, we had so much fun with you both, your family and your friends.

cristina + derek | contemporary Toronto wedding at la maquette - berkeley events

Last year I photographed a beautiful wedding at Bark Lake Leadership Centre for an amazing couple, Andrea + Shane. A + S surrounded themselves with such kind and fun people and I was sat at a table with all of Andrea’s work friends, a group of nurses from Sick Kids Hospital. Well, within that group there were some amazing ladies and one of them being Cristina and about a year later she contacted me about her upcoming wedding.

Cristina + Derek had asked to meet downtown and talk wedding photography and as soon we sat down, I knew we would be a great match. They are kind, positive, laid back people who I am so happy and honoured to of met. Weeks later, they moved to my neighbourhood and we went on a sunrise adventure for their engagement photos, it was beautiful.

Cristina + Derek planned a pretty low-key day filled with so much laughter and time with their loved ones. La Maquette was the perfect venue for them and their group and it created such an intimate atmosphere even when the guest list was well over 100 ppl. We had the perfect day weather wise and were able to explore the area for photos and stopped at both Copetin + St James Cathedral . A highlight of the day and something that I think more people need to do, is all the time they planned relaxing and having a drink with their parents and bridal party. We all went to Copetin and were able to enjoy some time together before heading to the ceremony.

C + D, thank you so much for everything and I am so so happy to of met you both. Can’t wait to hang out again!

-Megan

vanessa + robert | intimate city hall wedding in Toronto

steph + peter | playful Toronto wedding at The Great Hall

Stephanie and I met back when I was documenting events for the JDRF foundation. After a few events and Stephanie and I working side by side on a few occasions, she emailed me about her wedding. Within a week of her contacting me about her wedding, her sister Pearl did as well. I love working with families numerous times and getting to know them along the way, it always makes me feel like part of the family!

The Great Hall has become many photographers favorite venue to shoot at in Toronto and now I know why. All the clean white walls, the natural light in every room and the old theatre style reception space. Stephanie and Peter planned an amazing wedding filled with so much genuine laughter, love and puppy cuteness.

Thanks so much Stephanie and Peter xo

pearl + howard | film noir toronto wedding at the Eglington Grand

I started doing work with a foundation called JDRF a few years ago. Each year I document a few events to help raise awareness and funds for Juvenile Diabetes research, a disease that holds a place in my heart and families. 

Through documenting these events I have met some incredible people, one being a lovely human named Stephanie (who's wedding I am photographing next week!). Stephanie introduced me to her equally awesome sister, Pearl, and I am so fortunate she did. Not only did I get to document Pearl and Howard's wedding at the Eglinton Grand, but I get to photograph Stephanie's at The Great Hall too! Love these gals, their hubbies, and their families. 

I asked Pearl + Howard to talk a little bit about their wedding day, how it came about and more. Have a read! 

What are 1-2 favorite memories/moments of your wedding day?

Pearl: I have been so blessed to have found such great friends whom I got to share my special day with as my bridesmaids. We are all "grown up" now and live pretty far away from each other, but the wedding was an opportunity to bring my besties all together in one place, for one big party! Getting all dolled up with them and taking our RBF pics along with the remake of "Bridesmaids" photo was absolutely hilarious moments. I will also never forget the pure joy that was felt after Howard and I were named husband and wife.. and then when we turned to the crowd and walked back down the aisle to see everyone there for us was such an overwhelmingly happy moment.

Howard: Seeing Pearl for the first time, seeing all of our friends from different times in our lives joining together and having such a great time and creating new friendships

When you were planning the wedding, what things were most important?

Pearl: When planning the wedding, we really wanted to keep things simple. Looking at bridal magazines and pictures on the internet can be overwhelming with the amount of "things" one could have at a wedding. Being our thrifty selves, we found ourselves with the opportunity, tools, and desire to do some DIY projects for the wedding and I think that it gave us a feeling of fulfillment that we had our own special touches to our day (and were able to save a few bucks!). Also, our dogs are very important to us and we hated that they could not make it. We tried to figure out a way to incorporate them into our big day and decided to name our signature drinks after our sweet pooches. Hopefully they didn't give too many people headaches!

  ** Sidenote: when we were looking for photographers, really early in our search, I made it very clear to Howard that as much as we were trying to "penny pinch", I wanted him to know that the photography was really important for me and I wanted someone that was worth the price. Photography captures more than just an image, but rather a feeling that has the ability to take a person back to a special moment, and relish in it. That's powerful stuff, and I wanted to thank you for being able to capture these memories that we will be able to look back on for years to come and share for the generations that come next. You were an amazingly positive energy, and that shows in your work.... Again, THANK YOU! **

Howard: Getting the big things in place before sweating the details, having an organized and creative fiancé!

Why did you choose Eglinton Grand?

Pearl: We wanted to find a place that held its own charisma where we didn't feel pressured to fill any voids that some venues may have. We somewhere where we could do our reception and ceremony at the same place, so people could relax and enjoy themselves without facing the city traffic. The venue felt special even without any decor. It's history of being a movie theater immediately drew my attention because I know how much Howard loves a good film. I'm pretty sure we hit a home run with having our big day at The Eglinton Grand! We have nothing but amazing reviews for the Eglinton Grand, from it's own natural beauty, to the food, and then to its wonderfully helpful staff!

Howard: We felt that it was a grand enough venue for our special day but not over the top or too lavish, I like movies and old movie theatres so respect that they have retained elements of the buildings past in its current use.

 If you could go back in time, would you do anything differently?? if yes, what and why?

Pearl: Having an unplugged ceremony. It really wasn't a main thought until after when we realized some moments may have been missed or ruined due to people having their phones up and over their faces.  (I will be sure to clarify this to my family before Steph's wedding!!)... I would also go back and eat more than the one bite of cake I had! 

Howard: Stood closer to Pearl at the Alter (!!!) 2. Remind family and friends ahead of time that they would all be getting lovely photos from our brilliant photographer after the wedding so that they could focus just on enjoying the day vs. taking pictures!

Curated By: Tallie Garey

Caterer: IG: @eglintongrand

Hair + Make up : Make Up IG: @judylim.makeup

Dress Maker: IG: @casablancabridal

Other Vendors you are using:: cake/desserts IG: @cakecreationsbym

deanna + josh | picturesque wedding at black creek pioneer village

Where to begin with Deanna + Josh's beautiful, perfect, fun and emotional wedding at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto. From start to finish I was laughing, crying, laughing again and we are so darn happy to of met Deanna and Josh. 

This was our first time shooting at Black Creek Pioneer Village and I really hope we get back there, it is a dream to photograph at and also, the guests just love it too! 

"As soon as we saw Black Creek, we knew it was the right place. We loved the simplicity of it. We have some guests with limited mobility, and the ease of our ceremony/cocktail hour/reception being on the same lawn and area was super helpful. We loved the backdrop too. The juxtaposition of this old, rustic village with our guests all dressed up and fancy just made it more unique. It was exactly the type of comfortable we wanted, where there were lots of places for people to talk, chat with guests they haven't met before, dance if they chose to, or walk around the village to check things out." - Deanna

Deanna and Josh made sure to have so many personal touches throughout the day that made their day so special and all about them and not only what they want for their day, but for their guests too. 

"Before we had a venue or any concrete plans, we knew small details. Like, our baby pictures at each table and the memory table honouring loved ones who had passed away. The three things we kept in mind were concepts - we wanted comfort, warmth, and an intimacy. We wanted the guest list to be limited to people who knew us well and loved us. We wanted the venue to be comfortable with a lot of places to hang out so people could move around as they wanted. And we wanted the night to be celebrating us and our families, with small details (like the baby pictures/memory table) to warm the heart." - Deanna

"This is easy...the OPEN BAR.  Our families love to drink and have fun and they did just that! Some maybe a bit too much but they were having a blast." - Josh 

When we first met with Deanna and Josh, their main want for photography and what attracted them to our style was the candidness, moments and emotion we document. We asked them both what their favorite images were after seeing their whole gallery:

"The image of Deanna and myself with my Grandfather was something really special. He has Alzheimers but that day he knew exactly what was going on and even asked if he can walk down the isle with us! (cue tears) . He also said "thank you so much for letting me be here with you guys" which I just don't have the words to describe how special that really was." - Josh

"I will pick two because our pictures were so gorgeous I cannot possibly choose one. The first is the image of Josh and I hugging/dancing at sunset. We sort of went away and I remember feeling awkward, but Josh and I do awkward best and the picture is totally us. It's so beautiful and honest and I love the balance of our outfits against the natural trees and leaves. The other picture (or many of them) are the dancing photos right at the end - it was a real moment of pride to see our family join in the dancing and hold each others hands or watch each other for support. Macedonian dancing is quite intimate, so you're super close with people who you may not know, either holding hands or hugging shoulder to shoulder. There's no room for shyness or questioning who is who, and our guests totally ran with it. You can see the joy in everybody's faces. It's exactly the vibe we wanted. "

D + J, THANK YOU! We could not of had a more fun day and we are so thankful to of met you both. Such a perfect wedding that will be a favorite for years to come

Blog curation by: Tallie Garey

Second shot by: Tami Klein

Florist: @rootsandwildflowers

Hair : @jodi77 (hair)

Make up : @maquillagebypriya (bridal party), @catmaikeup (bride)

Dress Maker: @mikaellabridal

DJ - @djintrinity

Furniture Rental: Marvelle Events

matt + monika | fun archeo toronto wedding

Monika and Matt found my photography through Instagram and contacted me about five months before their wedding and I am so darn happy I was still available. We scheduled a phone chat to make sure we were on the same page and we were laughing our butts off within seconds and I knew it was going to be a great day. 

Monika and Matt got ready at the Thompson Hotel and then had a outdoor ceremony and intimate reception at Archeo Trattoria. This was my first time photographing at the Archeo (I shot a wedding a week later here too!) and I was blown away by the beautiful decor and moody lighting and the outdoor space is perfect!

It was a day full of laughs, tears and romance. Monika and Matt were so fun to hang out with and so easy to photograph as their love is so natural and it translates through all the photos. 

Since their wedding, I submitted a photo from their wedding to a show at the Gladstone Hotel, The Love Actually Exhibition, and it was accepted. I am so happy to be sharing this milestone with such a rad couple.

The Love (Actually) Exhibition is a group photo-show showcasing the power of love & happiness in real moments during weddings. It’s returning for it’s second time and will be an annual show at the Gladstone Hotel. 

Curated by Toronto photographer Scarlet O’Neill, the diverse images of a variety of Toronto Wedding Photographers will be accompanied by a description of what made this moment meaningful along with a list of the wedding vendors who contributed to making the couples day special. This show shows a deeper view into the wedding world and the vast emotions that make weddings memorable days in people’s lives.

Opening Night Reception: February 8th at 7pm-10pm
At the Gladstone Hotel, third floor.
Cash Bar.

Show run: January 30th until Feb 25th. 
Open daily 12-5

Couple: Matt + Monika

Venue: Archeo

Dress: Davids Bridal

Monika Rings: Peoples

Matt’s Rings: His Grandfathers with more modern gold added by Meg Lizabet (@meglizabet, @bespokejewellery)

Hair: @savannamunro_  from @bobandpaigesalon

Makeup: Bride @monikadarling

ron & tiff | a stunning brooklands farm Muskoka wedding

Ron and I have known each other for quite some time now and when I met Tiffany, and they got engaged, I was secretly hoping they were going to ask me. I am so happy they did.  This is one of those wedding's where I want to show every single image because holy moly was it ever a perfect day. 

About 6 years ago I photographed another friends wedding at Brooklands Farm and still to this day, even though I was still figuring out photography, one of their images is still one of my favorites I have ever taken. Brooklands Farm has everything you could possibly want for a setting for your wedding: a waterfall, large ponds with docks, so many beautiful trees, a beautiful barn and the best tree tunnel driveway. I wish I could capture weddings on their driveway all day long haha.

R + T's day was filled with so much candid laughter, emotion and laughs. From the tearful first look with Tiff's mom, to the groomsmen surprising Tiff with Halloween costumes, to the best best man speech I have ever heard, the day was perfect. 

R + T, THANK YOU! I am so happy I not only got to be there but to capture your love was an honour. Enjoy reliving the day through my favorites xo

kate + chris | a relaxed wedding at The Spice Factory in Hamilton

Over the last few months, some amazing photographer friends put together all black and white blog posts (Jessy and Jennifer to name a few..) and I was super inspired and thought "I need to try that!". Well when I started editing Chris and Kate's wedding at The Spice Factory, every single black and white I did was so emotional and beautiful and thats when I knew this was the one to share this way.

Kate, Chris and I met through a fellow photographer who sent them my way when she was unavailable for their wedding date and I am SO happy she wasn't available haha I feel like these two have become friends and before the wedding, we explored our neighbourhood for their engagement session and were even drinking beer at 10am on a rooftop, it was amazing. You can see the session here.

Kate and Chris' wedding brought me to a venue I had never been to before (which I always LOVE) and when I walked in and saw all the exposed brick, old wooden beams, the staff were SO friendly, I knew I loved this place. As the day went on I kept saying "Um, I want to get married here" :)

"The minute we walked into the Spice Factory we both just knew it was the place we were going to get married.   It was unique, relaxed and felt like our kind of place.  We didn't want an overly formal wedding and the space is anything but formal.  We loved all the old features like the brick walls, original hardwood floors and the tin roof.  We loved the fact that the reception space opened up onto a large outdoor patio.  We could instantly picture our family and friends mingling, dancing and having a blast there. Everyone at the venue was extremely receptive and accommodating in letting us utilize the space to make it our own.  It was also really important for us to chose a location that would be convenient for the majority of our guests to get to so that was a huge bonus!"

Kate and Chris' planned one of the most "untraditional" weddings I have shot too date. They still included traditional elements, but with their own spin. Like the ceremony, they wrote letters to each other to be read by the officiant in front of all their friends and family. 

"From day one neither Chris nor I envisioned having many traditional elements for our wedding- we really just wanted to have a big party to celebrate our marriage. Over the course of planning stages, we decided to include a few traditional things that were important to us however we put our own spin on them to keep the overall vibe less formal.  Our ceremony was completely personalized, we decided to have a late start and serve cocktails and apps in lieu of a long sit down dinner, we did have speeches but they were intermixed throughout the night.  Instead of the traditional father-daughter/ mother-son dance, we had the band learn a few sentimental songs to play during their sets so we could still enjoy a special moment with our parents."

Another favorite moment of quite possibly any wedding I have photographed or attended, Kate and Chris had us photograph a family tradition where they write beautiful messages to her mom on balloons, who had passed away a few years ago, and release them into the sky. To witness something like this, and document it, is something I will never forget. 

Chris and Kate are beautiful souls who I feel were a perfect match of photographer and couple. The day was emotional, unique, relaxed and will forever be a memorable one. K + C, thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me in your day, it was nothing short of perfect.

- Megan xo

fel + mel | an intimate wedding in the Roncesvalles area of Toronto

Back in January (of this year) Fel and Mel reached out to me about capturing their wedding. When they described their wedding, a relaxed day filled with both families under one roof (Fel's from Australia, Mel's from here in Ontario) in my favorite neighbourhood (Roncesvalles) and surrounded by pizza and love, it sounded perfect. Before F + M booked me, I didn't even get the chance to meet them but took a chance that the match of couple and photographer would be great, my gut said it would be, and my gut was right. 

Fast forward a few months and I meet these lovely ladies for coffees (on Roncesvalles, of course!) and we instantly were laughing, getting along splendidly and turned out we had a lot in common and our paths had possibly crossed in the past. We ended up having a much longer coffee date then planned and I am still so thankful that F + M chose me to capture their day. 

I always love seeing unique ways of marrying your best friend and these ladies found so many ways to do so and throw "tradition" to the curb. When I finished capturing their wedding I ran home and said to anyone who would listen "it was exactly what I would want to do for my wedding". 

Ladies, you nailed the perfect relaxed wedding and it was a true honour to be a part of your day and love story. I hope we can work together again xo 

Rings - Devils Workshop (engagement rings) & Anice Jewelry (wedding bands)

Cake - I Do Wedding Cakes

Fel's Jumper - Halston Heritage at the Bay

Mel's Custom Dress - Breeyn Mccarney

Flowers - Willem & Jools

emily + josh | sunset engagement session at Old Mill in Toronto

Last April Emily reached out to us to photograph their wedding in August 2018. Emily heard about us through a sister of someone I grew up with and the match of photographer and couple couldn't be more perfect.

We went back and forth about locations for the shoot and when I suggested this park they were completely on board. I used to walk my dogs and ride my bike around this park all the time and I knew how quiet and peaceful it was. 

Well, joke was on us. We arrive to cars lining up to park, crowds of people everywhere and a stank of dead fish. Turns out it was a very popular day for salmon jumping up river. Although very cool to witness, the crowds are never good for photoshoots so we did our best to hide them with greenery and Em + Josh's bodies. E + J were great sports! 

These two are getting married next August at Hockley Valley resort and I am honoured to be the one to capture it. 

Thanks E + J!!

xo