Eleanor & Liam's Toronto Island Engagement Picnic :)

Eleanor & Liam first met doing stage production in university, but it wasn't love at first sight. Actually, it wasn't until 13 years later that fate stepped in - Liam was the only person who showed up for a BBQ party at Eleanor's - and the rest, as they say, is history. When I asked them what they loved about each other, Liam said he loved how Eleanor makes him smile all the time, and Eleanor said she loved Liam's ability to be silly and spontaneous.. When we all took the ferry over to Ward's Island this week for their engagement session, the evening was full of smiles, silliness, and more than a bit of romance :)

These two are professional level picnic planners, and we thought this was the perfect picnic tree :) Hats off to Liam for putting together such a good-looking spread!

Next we headed down to the beach, where Eleanor drew a heart in the sand with her toe, and Liam gave lessons on skipping stones..

We wandered through the unreal cuteness of the lanes of cottage-style homes on Ward's Island, and paused to enjoy the magic of this birch grove (I love this image of the two of them!)

Before heading back to the main land, we waited on the beach until the sun went down and the city started to glow.. and then lit sparklers :)

Eleanor & Liam: We can't believe that somehow all this fit into one evening! We had so much fun with you two on your romantic Island adventure, and can't wait for your wedding in the fall!!

xo

Jessica + Norman

Emma & Colin's Out of This Universe Wedding :)

Emma & Colin (whom you may know from their awesome Star Wars themed engagement session) are one of the cutest and funnest couples I've ever met :) We hit it off within about two minutes of meeting, and I've been eagerly anticipating their wedding ever since! When the big day finally came, it was absolutely perfect - here are some of my favourite images from their wedding at The Heintzman House...

I really love Emma's taste in shoes! A bit of a vintage feel, and such a pretty colour :) 

the stunning bride, all ready to get married.. 

 There was lots of fun being had in the groom's "getting ready" room as well - Colin has a gift for fantastically goofy behaviour in front of the camera, but we also managed to get some images of him that were a bit more relaxed. What stands out in my memory of the day is how both Emma & Colin were bubbling over with excitement and happiness :)

 the "First Look" - always one of my favourite parts of the day, and I really loved this beautiful little solarium alcove :)

 it's always important to test the twirliness of your dress ;)

 I love the groomsmen in their pre-ceremony huddle!

 If you can picture the Imperial March playing as everyone walked down the aisle, you'll get a better idea of the fun feeling that set the tone for the day :)

Unfortunately, Colin's mother was unable to travel to the wedding due to her health, but Emma & Colin arranged for the ceremony to be live streamed, and made sure she had a front row view :)

One of my favourite parts of the ceremony was when the officiant asked all the family and friends to raise their right hands and swear to support Emma & Colin in their futures together :) 

 Now - it was definitely an accident - but I found it hilarious (and thankfully so did Colin!) that one of the first things Emma did after becoming Colin's wife was to head-butt him ;)

Colin, whispering something hilarious in Emma's ear :)

 Not only was there an awesome live band for the reception, but Emma & Colin had awesome dance moves to go with it!

Emma & Colin: You two were so adorably enthusiastic to marry each other that it touched the hearts of everyone there that day! We wish you a million more happy days together, and many fantastic adventures - whether at home or in a galaxy far far away ;)

xo 

Jessica + Norman

Venue: The Heintzman House

Countdown To My Sister's Wedding...

Now that it's less than a month away (!) it's really starting to sink in that my little sister Amanda is really getting married! We are all really excited of course and looking forward to the big day, but I have to admit that it's been a bit hard for me to wrap my head around the idea of going to a wedding and "relaxing" - I kept trying to picture how I was going to be able to do all these things like setting up equipment while wearing a dress and heels (even just walking in heels is a challenge for me!) and actually had to be reminded that I'm not going to be the one setting anything up for once. As the older sister, it's also been my habit in the past to maybe be a bit on the bossy side (you other older sisters know what it's like..) so this had been a good experience for both of us I think, for me to learn how to back off and not make decisions, and to just be more of a "research and support"-type lady, and for her to listen to her own opinion and trust that she knows how to do it all perfectly. Phew! Who knew a wedding could be so much work when you aren't even "working" at it??

Some of the details I'm really excited about:

1. The fantastic venue - The Augusta House in Kensington market - not only does the place look super-swanky, but Kim the owner has been really great to work with
2. Getting hair and make-up done by my favourite make-up artist in the world, the lovely and super-talented Dorota Buczel at her great new studio in the Junction
3. The awesome band that will be playing, The Mad Housewives  - they never fail to entertain!

I'll be sure to share some pictures of these and all the other great parts of Amanda and Tim's big day...