Arsheya + Dan's Perfect Casa Loma Wedding Day :)

After an amazing evening at their Mehndi party on Thursday, Arsheya & Dan were nothing but thrilled for their wedding day - and it showed :) The day was perfect from start to finish, and I think my favourite part was how much they both seemed to feel almost overwhelmed by how blessed and fortunate they are to have each other, as well as such a supportive group of friends and family around them. If I had to describe the vibe of the day in one word, it would be "Victorious". Both bride and groom glowed all day, and their excitement was contagious :)
Here are some of my favourite images from this gorgeous and happiest of happy days..

So many stunning details throughout the day, starting with Arsheya's outfit and jewellery, not to mention the beautiful bride herself :)

  

Unbelievably, there was absolutely no stress or tension in the air as the ladies were getting ready - just a lot of laughs - what a great start to the day :)

While I photographed the girls getting ready, Norman went to capture Dan and his groomsmen as they prepared for the big day.. As both Norman and Dan are British (and Dan's father's family was literally from down the road from Norman's family in Belfast), this quote in the
cuff links box - "Everyone loves a man with an accent" - was very apt ;)

A champagne toast in the bridal suite at Casa Loma, before Arsheya headed
downstairs for the First Look :)

This is just a taste of the stunning bouquets and floral arrangements that gave so much
colour to the day - more to come!

The anticipation of the moments before the bride and groom see each other for the "first" time is one of my favourite parts of the wedding day, but these reactions were absolutely priceless! 

 

Between the stunned look on Dan's face, to how quickly Arsheya went from teary and emotional to jumping up and down and giving high-fives, it was pretty great :)

This bridal party was SO fun! And they looked amazing!!

 

Family photos on the terrace before heading in for the ceremony in the lovely Conservatory

Even the ceremony was full of laughter and smiles :)

And then.. the reception in the Library - so much WOW.. 

 

As I was photographing the details, I felt almost guilty that I was the only one enjoying this fairy tale decor, so I went and brought Arsheya and Dan to see everything before all their guests were invited in. They were both so overwhelmed with how beautifully everything had come together :)

With "Rocky"-themed entries, the bridal party got the reception started off on the right foot!

The speeches were great, with many references to the super-romantic origin story of this lucky couple, who met in St. Lucia while each vacationing with their families, and got to know each other when a hurricane prevented any of them from leaving the island :)

Couldn't resist a few dramatic "castle" images to end the day ;)

Arsheya & Dan: the two of you have a radiant glow that is felt by everyone around you - you are two of the kindest and most generous people I've ever met, and I'm sure I'm not alone in being grateful that you've found each other to share your lives with :) It was a pleasure capturing your wedding weekend, and we wish you all the best in all the days to come!

xo

Jessica + Norman

Event Planning: Kristina Chau, Not Your Average Party

Venue: Casa Loma

Design, Decor and Florals: Sara Baig Designs

Arsheya & Dan's Vibrant and Joyful Mehndi Party :)

Arsheya & Dan are two of the happiest, most joyful people I've ever met. Although both slightly anxious for everything to go smoothly on their wedding weekend, they both absolutely oozed with excitement to be marrying each other :) But before the wedding last weekend was the Mehndi party on Thursday evening at the Boulevard Club - it was action-packed, vibrant, and so full of life and the celebration of love and family.. capturing it has to be one of my all-time favourite experiences! Here are some of the highlights of the evening..

First of all - check out this decor! For anyone who loves rich colours and textures (me!) this
was a dream come true :)

 The happy couple, before they make their official entrance..

 And what an entrance it is! The groom got carried in by his groomsmen, and the bride had a
whole candlelit procession..

And then the dancing began :D

 Dan and his crew did an amazing dance for Arsheya and their guests..

 And then it was Arsheya's turn to entertain with her ladies :)

We snuck the bridal party out onto the patio of the Boulevard Club for some dusk photos :)

 Throughout the evening, there were a couple of Mehndi artists available to create beautiful henna designs for the guests - the bride had hers done earlier and it was spectacular :)

 Two families, and the happy couple that has brought them together.. two days later they would meet again at Casa Loma for Arsheya & Dan's wedding!
Stay tuned - those stunning images to follow shortly..!

Arsheya & Dan: this evening was so much fun! We felt lucky and honoured to be a part of it and to capture it for you :)

 

xo

Jessica + Norman

Event Planner: Kristina Chau, Not Your Average Party

Leslie & Rommel's Too Cool For School Wedding Reception at Daniels Spectrum :)

{In case you missed Leslie & Rommel's intimate ceremony at City Hall, click here to view those images}
Once they tied the knot, this fantastically fun couple threw a party to remember at Daniels Spectrum - an amazing new venue in downtown Toronto. The decor vision was pulled off by Kristina Chau of Not Your Average Party, who planned an event that suited Leslie & Rommel perfectly. These two wanted to have a super relaxed, really fun night with great food, and that's exactly what happened :) Here are some of my favourite images from the night, starting with some shots of the gorgeous floating lanterns and parasols that hovered above the guests..

First dance - full of laughter and a couple of tears :)

 Both Leslie & Rommel's mothers made lovely speeches during dinner..

some fun candids of the evening as it progressed..

Leslie's dad sang a lovely rendition of "What a Wonderful World" :)

And then we hit the dance floor!

 don't forget the photo booth!

Leslie & Rommel:  I can't imagine the two of you having a more perfect night! Everyone had so much fun (including us!) and I'm sure you'll be hearing stories for years :) Thank you so much for having us there with you to capture it all, and for being so flippin cool!

xo

Jessica + Norman

Louisa & Ellie's Destination Engagement Session in the South of England :)

Louisa & Ellie are having a busy year.. In case you missed it, we did a pretty fantastic engagement session with them in Toronto a few months back, and then a couple of weeks ago we were all in England together for their wedding :) While we were there, we spent an evening in Warberswick photographing this gorgeous couple in the town where Louisa's grandparents had lived, and where she'd spent lots of time when she was growing up. This church is where her parents were married, so it was both a beautiful and meaningful location to start the photos..

This marsh was the view Louisa had out her bedroom window when visiting her grandparents, and it was only a short distance from there to the picturesque beach (where Louisa & Ellie took turns serenading each other) and the row of huts that lines it :)

I love the peacefulness of this next image, especially when contrasted with the goofiness
that followed!

I fell in love with these beach huts as a backdrop, and the setting sun just made them
that much better :)

While it's unusual to have someone else along for an engagement session, Ellie's awesome brother Robert came all the way from Canada to be there with his sister, and was a welcome addition to our gang as we toured this lovely seaside village, creating and capturing new memories to go along with the old ones :)

Louisa & Ellie: You two are such a joy to photograph - your sweetness and silliness with each other is so endearing, and we had such a great time in England with you!

Everyone else: if you think this location is stunning, just wait until you see the 14th century Priory where Louisa & Ellie got married! Coming soon..

xo
Jessica + Norman

special thanks to amazing Toronto wedding and event planner Kristina Chau from Not Your Average Party for introducing us to this lovely couple :)