It was a breath of fresh air to meet Miriam and Oleg for their engagement. Times being what they are, things have slowed down or stopped and events were postponed or outright cancelled, so going out for a shoot was something I was really looking forward to. The weather also was not exactly cooperating, alternating heatwaves with thunderstorms, making the anticipation even more intense.
Miriam and Oleg are the kind of easy going couple we love to photograph, natural and at ease in front of the camera, a delight to work with, the few hours spent with them in Richmond Green passed almost in a flash.
You might remember this lovely couple from their 5 year anniversary shoot we had at Richmond Green Park in Richmond Hill. Well, with a new addition to their family coming soon Amanda wanted to have a few maternity photos taken and for the sake of symmetry, we went exploring the same spots we went to last time. I’m not sure how anyone else feels about this, but welcoming new life on this world makes me really happy and it makes me remember my own experience as an expectant parent which was, well, also pretty happy.
It was a pretty hot and humid day and we had to dodge quite a few wedding parties shooting in all the good spots in the park but, despite all the agitation we managed to have quite a bit of fun and shoot a few photos. Here’s a few of them. Enjoy!
I’ve known Geoff for a while now. We had interminable technology arguments like iOS vs Android, the future of cars and automotive in general… all profound, quietly romantic subjects. When he told me he and Macy got engaged we also discussed shooting their engagement and wedding at length for a full half minute, before switching back to debating how self-driving cars from Google will undoubtedly destroy the joy of driving (my take) or revolutionize urban traffic and forever get rid of gridlock (his). We’re men, OK? Iron Man 3 is the best romantic comedy, let’s leave it at that…
So how come loving, funny, light hearted and easy going are the first thoughts popping in my mind when I think about Macy and Geoff’s recent engagement shoot? I don’t know, it is undoubtedly this strange power our partners have over us, a power that’s smoothing up our rough edges, reminding us how fragile we really are if we’re alone. It is perhaps fitting that Macy and Geoff wedding is back to back withKaitlyn and Ryan’s . If we’re to judge by what we’ve seen in these two engagements, that weekend in August will be one to remember!
For the time being, here’s a small sample of this session.
Amanda contacted us a few weeks ago about having an anniversary shoot done and from the get go we knew this will be a bit different. She mentioned she and Neil wanted something special to celebrate their anniversary. They also wanted to have Jack, their 9 year old dog as an integral part of the session and wandered if we would accept that. Well of course we do, we love animals but, you see, this dog is special. Four years ago he was diagnosed with a 3rd degree atrio-ventricular block and he needed a pacemaker. He became, as they called him, their “bionic” dog. This in turn, makes Amanda and Neil a special couple in our book. Jack was their companion from the very start of their relationship and he still is today because of their love and care.
Now Jake is a dog and obviously has absolutely no idea he’s got a pacemaker. He lives in the present moment, a moment he enjoys very much judging by the energy and enthusiasm he’s not being afraid showing everyone. I believe there is perhaps a lesson in all this, an example to be followed.
We did have quite a bit of fun on this photo shoot. We hope you’ll enjoy it…
Two all Romanian weddings in a year, it must be a special year. You might remember Codrina and Liviu from their Distillery/ Downtown Toronto engagement last summer. Today is their turn to say “I Do” but funnily, in Romanian tradition when you show up in church all dressed up for a wedding ceremony, it is assumed your mind is set and you must be there for a reason so no one will neither ask nor question your grounds for standing in front of the altar. There are no vows and the priest sets the rings the other way around, the bride’s on groom’s finger and the groom’s on the bride’s. The couple exchange them toward the end of the service, this being the only confirmation they are getting married by their own accord.
Our day started at the Godparent’s house where everyone was getting ready. The atmosphere was cheerful and happy despite the cloudy, rainy weather outside and the seemingly ruined plans for a Richmond Green outdoor bridal photo shoot after the ceremony. Our fears were unfounded as the sky cleared in the afternoon allowing us to proceed undisturbed. Besides, speaking of Romanian tradition, a bit of rain on your wedding day is a lucky sign believed to bring good fortune to the couple.
Sandra and I were especially impressed with the service held in the Holy 40 Martyrs Church. It was emotional, heartfelt, beautiful. The priests, Marius Antonel Dumitru and Stefan Dan Morariu have beautiful, deep voices capable of intricate harmonies doubled by a humble, down to earth, truly dedicated approach to their duties. A special nod has to go to George, Codrina and Liviu’s Godfather and one of our old clients who was instrumental in bringing everyone together and making this event one to be remembered (not to mention the main negotiator in bringing the stolen bride back 🙂 )
Without further ado, here is the story of this day.
Kitty and Richard contacted us not too long ago. Their wedding plans were ruined by the big Japan earthquake last March so everything had to be re-done, re-scheduled and re-booked in a hurry. Mission accomplished with accolades, as this was a day perfectly planned and executed. Ceremony and reception at the Bayview Golf and Country Club, location pictures at Richmond Green Park.
