Blog | Page 6 of 23 | Olive Photography

Toronto Ravine Engagement | Kaliroy & Jimmy

July 28, 2017

Toronto Ravine Engagement: Kaliroy & Jimmy

Kaliroy and I went to school together and I’m so honoured to photograph this happy time for her and her beau of 10 years, Jimmy.

They wanted to start their engagement session where it all started for them: Robina Ave.
They actually grew up on the same street – how convenient would that be for getting together when dating!

We then kept it simple and went to a nearby Toronto ravine, which is actually one of my favourites: Cedarvale Ravine.
(I actually grew up in the area as well and have spent a lot of time there over the years.) Bonus: We saw a bunny!

The skies threatened to rain all evening – and there were raindrops here and there – but we managed to sneak in about an hour of photos in THE MOST even light thanks to the full cloud cover.

Jimmy actually said he’s not one for PDA or getting his photo taken, but seeing these you probably wouldn’t be able to tell. They definitely look super smitten, even with my camera snapping away.

Guys, I had such a great evening with you and I can’t wait for your wedding at Steamwhistle in October!

Cottage Engagement Session | Marshall & Irini

July 19, 2017

When Toronto summer hits, you hear lots about people going up to the cottage, and as someone who doesn’t currently have one, the prospect of going to the cottage for an engagement session sounded too nice to pass up.

And may I say, Marshall & Irini’s cottage is FREAKING AMAZING.
It has anything you could ever want in a cottage. *sigh* Just thinking about it is making me want to go back.

We also spent some time in the surrounding area and made a day of it. We started in town grabbing a shake at a super charming soda & ice cream shop, then we went to admire the nearby scenic waterfall, and capped things off cozy at the cottage, on the dock and in the woods. All the while with super cute pups Milo and Elsa in tow.

We had such a great time. It was also so difficult to narrow down their photos to show you – I love them all!
Here’s a look at Irini & Marshall’s Muskoka Cottage Engagement session. (And be sure to check out their love story at the bottom of the post!)

And their love story from the couple themselves:

Marshall and I went to Western together and finished the same business program. We knew each other in university but we only really connected about 3 years ago when we both moved to Toronto post graduation. We were both newly single and both swiped right on OK Cupid. We are an OKC success story! I thought it was all hilarious.

We went on our first date and I thought Marshall remembered me from university (like I remembered him from class) and about 30 min into our date I realized he had NO idea who I was. 3 bottles of wine into our date we sorted it all out. 3 months into dating I went up to Muskoka to his family cottage, met his family, and on our drive back in his 1990s bright yellow mustang I decided I’d marry this guy…as he was singing John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ from the top of his lungs. 3 years later Marshall proposed and we started planning our wedding.

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And now “his” side of the story. When thinking back, I do remember Irini from class together, but I will admit, I had no clue who she was on our first date. But when a cute girl “hearts” your profile, it can only mean good things! After realizing we had mutual friends, I couldn’t help but bring it up on our first date… only to begin the journey down the rabbit whole of what was the origins of our modern love story!

Irini says she fell for me when we were driving back from the cottage later that summer, but the truth is, she first fell for me at the end of our first date together. We were walking back to her apartment at Church and Wellesley (the heart of the village), and there were a lot of drunk & unsavoury individuals wandering the streets. I turned to her and grabbed her hand and said “I’m never letting you walk home alone again”! From there our adventure took off together as we began to discover what made each other tick.

For me, it was the moment I fell in love with her baby cows (little dogs, Milo and Elsa). You see, I’m not a Dog person. In fact, I’m not an animal person in anyway. When Irini first told me she had dogs currently staying with her mother, I was skeptical to say the least, putting that emphasis on “her” dogs. I thought maybe they were just her childhood pups who i’d only have to see when visiting the in-laws. When Milo and Elsa finally moved back in with her a few months later, I realized how wrong I had been and that one of my worst nightmares was coming true… falling for someone with dogs! But that was also one of the best moments of my life too. For one, it’s the day I met my amazing puppies! But more to the point, it’s the day I decided that this was the girl to conquer my fears with; that this was the person who I wanted to go on life’s adventures with, and this was the soul that I wanted to share a family with.

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Anastasia Giaouris
Inline image 1
olivephotography.ca
416.520.1093
@OlivePhotoTO
facebook.com/olivephotographyTO

Carpet Factory Engagement Photos | Tiina & Greg

June 29, 2017

I’d actually emailed with Tiina a few times before she was even engaged – She manages the photo permits at the Carpet Factory in Liberty Village, one of my favourite places to shoot!

When she and Greg booked with me for their wedding and engagement photos, we of course *had* to use the Carpet Factory premises somehow. Lucky us, she gets access to some top secret amaaaaaazing spots.
I absolutely loved exploring all the secret nooks of the area. Their engagement photos have a relaxed, intimate and candid feel to them that I absolutely adore.

Thanks so much for letting loose in front of my lens and for such a fantastic evening, you guys!

And now, here’s their love story! Written by the lovebirds themselves:

Greg and I met 4 years ago over some beers on a patio. During our first date, we spent most of the time talking about our adventures traveling Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. The conversations flowed so naturally and time just flew by. Shortly after our first date, I was off on another adventure. We talked everyday while I was away… the rest is history. Since then, we’ve traveled to 8 counties together and have another 2 trips planned before the wedding in October.

In our spare time, we’re either planning our next getaway or staying active.

The “proposal”

Greg proposed at Blue Mountain, along a quiet trail at the top of the mountain. With snowboards were in tow, Greg got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was perfect and not a person in sight. After soaking in the moment, we went down the slopes to enjoy some bubbly.

I’m excited to be marrying my best friend, my travel partner and the person who makes ME a better person.

(He probably wouldn’t want me to mention this – but I taught him how to snowboard!!)

Archeo Wedding: Bridget & Nick

June 29, 2017

Quite possibly the most adorable couple you will ever see.
They exchanged vows in their first home together – the party room of their condo building (what a neat idea!).
TTC travellers, they hopped on the Cherry St. streetcar. Fitting, since their last name is Cherry!
Then in the Distillery District, and they had an intimate Archeo wedding reception – complete with loads of laughter and emotion.
This couple and their family wear their hearts on their sleeves in the best kind of way.
Here are some highlights from their wedding, along with reflections from the happy couple themselves at the end.
I dare you to try not to smile.

SO adorable, right?
Here’s a bit more about them & their special day, from the Bridget & Nick themselves!

Your Love Story: How did you meet? Do you have a sweet proposal story?
Nicholas and I met on a blind date in our last year of university. Sci Formal is a very exclusive, exciting event at Queen’s University. It is the kind of event that people don’t want to miss and anyone who knew me had listen to me talk about it since my first year of university.

In order to attend, each graduating engineer is required to complete forty hours of volunteer service toward the design and creative work of transforming the space. All other attendees are by invite only.

Luckily for me, Nicholas had an extra ticket and I had been vocally expressing my “I don’t care who takes me attitude,” to anyone who would listen and a mutual friend connected us on the day of the event. Between my six roommates and I, we managed to pull me together in record time. And my dashing date? He showed up in a kilt and offered me his sgian-dubh (aka. sock knife) to help me at our pre-event dinner and insisted that I didn’t need to carry a purse around all night because he had a sporran (aka. kilt purse). To be honest, it all started off a little weird.

We had a great time at the event together: we danced; we drank; we kissed. When it came time to head home, Nicholas insisted that since he was wearing a skirt, that is was only appropriate that I walk him home. He said he was feeling sick and didn’t invite me in (I took the hint, insisted that he take the money for the ticket and wished him well for the future). We both woke up with strep throat (yay!) and a hangover. I immediately felt bad for how our night ended and texted Nicholas.

Texts turned into run-ins, run-ins turned into planned dates, and planned dates brought us through two years of long-distance and eventually we moved in together and are where we are today. It wasn’t love at first sight, but we grow more in love each day.

Our Proposal:
In February of this year, after traveling up in a crazy snowstorm (cue a pit stop at Sawdust City Brewing Co.) we romantically skated around the skate trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park surrounded by freshly fallen snow. Nicholas pulled a ring out of his pocket and in his usual “stick it to tradition” way, he asked me if I would be his best friend forever. We’re pretty cute like that. So it’s been a pretty exciting year for us!

What is your wedding colour palette? Gold – White – Navy

What 3 words best describe your wedding? Intimate – Loving – Fun

Venue: What made this venue the one for you? We wanted to celebrate close to home in a place where we could invite our friends and family on the perfect date with us. It was very important that we showcase some of the everyday fun and beauty we have access to in our neighbourhood.

Photographer: How did you know you had found the right photographer? I knew we had the right photographer before we had really seriously started talking about getting married.

Any words of advice for couples planning their wedding? Anyone can recreate a beautiful picture-perfect wedding, but make sure you plan a wedding that reflects you as a couple…or your guests may one day remember attending the wedding, but not remember that it was yours!
Vendor List
Venue: Archeo
Dress Designer: Truvelle
Dress Shop: Sash & Bustle
Makeup and Hair: Fancy Face Inc
Flowers: The Rose Mint
Getting Ready Robes: Modern Kimono
Paper Flower Backdrop: Confetti & Bows
Stationery: Paper & Poste
Suits: Indochino
Groom’s Shoes: Ted Baker
Groom’s Tie: NACreates (Etsy)
Bride’s Jewellery & Wedding Band: Maison Birks
Groom’s Wedding Band: Belonged to Grandfather
Cake: Prairie Girl Bakery
Photography: Me! Olive Photography

P.S. If you can’t get enough of their cuteness and want to see more, revisit their Dutch Dreams ice cream/picnic engagement session!

Printing Your Photos

June 29, 2017

Bubbly Bachelorette Party Inspiration

May 17, 2017

Bubbly Bachelorette

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, but the special events leading up to the big day can be just as memorable! Who says Bachelorette Parties have to be a night-time affair? We’ve created a beautiful, pampering “Bubbly Bachelorette Party” that showcases a bride and her bridesmaids relaxing in a cozy setting, indulging in sweets and champagne, all while getting done-up together before going out. It’s a luxe affair!

Details to create your perfect, luxe bachelorette: The bride and bridesmaids are lounging in custom silk robes from By Catalfo, enjoying bridesmaid gift boxes by Present Day Gifts, getting at-home professional manicures from The Nail and Champagne Bar and eating sweets from Le Dolci and La Boheme Café & Patisserie – and Olive Photography was there to capture all the intimate, memorable moments for the girls to enjoy for years to come.

Credits:

Photography – Olive Photography

http://www.olivephotography.ca/

Instagram – @OlivePhotoTO

Styling – Present Day Gifts

Gift Boxes – Present Day Gifts

www.presentdaygifts.ca

Instagram – @presentdaygifts

Bridal Robes – By Catalfo

https://www.bycatalfo.com

Instagram – @bycatalfo

Jewelry – Cherry Pick

https://shopcherrypick.com/

Instagram – @cherrypick

Sponsored Beverage – Henry of Pelham Catherine Cuvée

http://henryofpelham.com/wine/cuvee-catharine/

@henryofpelham

Hair & Makeup – Toronto Beauty Group

http://www.torontobeautygroup.com/

Instagram – @torontobeautygroup

Florist – Hunt and Gather

http://huntandgatherfloral.com/

Instagram – @huntandgatherfloral/

Cake & Sweets – Le Dolci

https://www.ledolci.com/

Instagram – @ledolci

Pastries – La Boheme Cafe & Patisserie

http://labohemecafe.ca/

Instagram – @labohemetoronto

Nail Art & Mani’s – The Nail and Champagne Bar

http://www.tncb.ca/

Instagram – @thenailandchampagnebar

Stationary & Invites – Castlefield Design

https://castlefield.co/

Instagram – @castlefielddesign

Table Settings & Glasswear – The Perfect Table

http://theperfecttable.ca/

Instagram – @_theperfecttable

Models – Real bride and bridesmaids

Dark Floral Wedding Inspiration

May 14, 2017

DARK FLORAL WEDDING INSPIRATION

Moody wedding ideas with an elegant, romantic edge.
Originally inspired by the moody floral backdrops in interior design, Denise from Make my Day Count explored the juxtaposition of light and airy florals and loose greenery against an architectural beauty of a building, the Hartman Gallery. Photographed by Anastasia of Olive Photography, the textures of velvet, linen and lace bring back nostalgic thoughts that the space longs for. Lace gowns by Catherine Langlois compliment the look with a current and fresh look in Make-Up by Nicole Richards. A harvest table laden with antiques courtesy of Sandra from the Hartman Gallery and lush velvet runner by Susan Murray are complimented perfectly by the asymmetrical centrepiece by Julie at Petals & Stems. Pretty, perfect stationary, with just enough detail yet simple and classic by Paper Decorum and designed by Darling Juniper. Pulling inspiration from the rustic design of the table space, a birch teepee was built to frame out the tall and elegant cake designed by Christina from The Cocoa Cakery. Delicate sugar flowers and berries round out the floral design and overall moodiness of this picture perfect day.

VENDORS

Photography
Olive Photography
www.olivephotography.ca
@olivephotoTO

Creative Director, Concept Design and Planning

Make My Day Count Weddings and Events Planning

www.makemydaycount.com

@makemydaycount

Cake Artist
The Cocoa Cakery

www.thecocoacakery.com

thecocoacakery

Floral Design
Petals & Stems

www.petalsandstems.ca

@petalsnstems

Makeup
Nicole Richards co

www.nicolerichards.co
@nicolerichardsmua

Hair

The Hair Hive

www.thehairhive.ca

@driashairhive

Bridal Gown Designer

Catherine Langlois bridal

www.catherinelanglois.com

@langloisbrides

Veil/Headpieces
Blair Nadeau Millinery

http://www.blairnadeau.com/

@blairnadeaumillinery

Fine Stationery and Bridal Gifts:
Paper Decorum

www.paperdecorum.com
@paperdecorum

Graphic Design:

Darling Juniper

http://www.darlingjuniper.com/

@darling.juniper

Table Cloth:
Susan Murray International

www.susanmurray.com

@susanmurrayinternational

Venue & Vintage Rentals:
The Hartman Gallery

www.thehartman.ca

@thehartmangalleryvenue

Model

Nicole
www.orangemodels.ca

Shoes:
The Room | Husdson’s Bay
www.thebay.com
@hudsonsbay

Rattlesnake Point Engagement | Morgan & Nicolas

April 19, 2017

Morgan is my childhood elementary school friend, and Nicolas is her fiance who also happens to be an Olympian. (Seriously! He was in Rio last Summer on the Canadian rowing team!) Nicolas wasn’t originally sold on the idea of an engagement session – He joked earlier that week with a co-worker, ‘my fiance tells me I’m excited about these photos’ – Well, Morgan informed me the next day that he was the first one to bring up seeing a sneak peek!

We decided to take their Fall engagement photos at Rattlesnake point, a scenic location that Morgan used to visit with her family as a child.
The weather was uncharacteristically warm for Fall, which made for such an amazing, comfortable hike.
We strolled through the paths and enjoyed the surreal views offered by this mountainous setting. Such stunning lookouts!

Such an enjoyable evening with these two. Can’t wait for their wedding!
Here are some of my faves from their session.
Also, check out the bottom of the post for their engagement story!

Engagement Story

“Nick and I met over nine years ago rowing at University. I was a brand new coxie for the men’s team and he was a varsity rower. I wish I could say that I impressed him with my coxing skills, but I was legitimately terrible. I only stayed with the team for one season, but little did I know that rowing would be a huge factor in my life for the next decade! In 2013 Nick finished his masters and started rowing full time with the national team. Unfortunately that meant that although the training centre was based in London ON. where we lived together, he had to spend his winters in Vancouver where is was possible to row all winter long. That meant three weeks in Vancouver one week at home from January through April. Every time he came home I booked a day off work so we could spend some extra time together. So when he suggested we spend the day in Stratford eating delicious food and enjoying some small town life I didn’t think twice. On our way we passed through the town of St Mary’s and Nick suggested we stop and go for a walk along the amazing rail path they’ve transformed into a trail. We got half way across the main bridge and were enjoying the beautiful view when a siren that sounded like something out of WWII air raid went off and scared the pants off both of us! When we got to the other side of the bridge it was raining and I was getting impatient to get back to the car and did not understand why he was dawdling! I finally turned around to go back and he said “before you go I have a question for you” and proposed. The story is weird and silly and so perfectly us!”

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So wonderfully sweet, no?
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If you enjoyed this hiking engagement session, Queenie & Jason’s may also make you smile.
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Follow me on Instagram to see behind the scenes from my shoots, and get in touch if you’d like to book your very own <3

Alton Mill Wedding | Julia & Josh

April 14, 2017

Soo, going through this wedding to pick out photos for the blog made me tear up.
Yup, I’ll admit it. I’m such a sap for love-filled gazes – and this one had SO many.
I especially loved the tearful and heartfelt moments with the parents and grandparents. *sigh*
And their first dance under the twinkly lights!

Julia and Josh met at Ryerson while doing their undergrad – funny story, I though Josh looked familiar when we initially met, and then we discovered we actually had a class together too! Small world, eh?

On their wedding day they got ready at the Millcroft Inn, then got married at Alton Mill. Both locations are so lovely, surrounded by picturesque nature.

Their day was so beautiful. Read all about it and their love at the end of the photos below – and until you get there, enjoy checking out these memories from their wedding!

So heartwarming, no?

And here are some words from the couple themselves!

Your Love Story: How did you meet? Do you have a sweet proposal story?
We are Josh and Julia and we met in university while studying in the same program. Since then, we’ve made each other laugh every day!

What is your wedding theme / style / colour palette? Why did you choose this?
The theme just naturally evolved from our love for summer nights outside on a beautifully lit patio with string lights, our closest friends and family with good food and wine. From there, we used many local vendors and small shops off etsy to make it more personal. That’s actually how I found my dress! It’s from a talented designer from Vancouver that started on etsy a couple of years ago, making dresses with the help of her mother. She now sells her dresses all over the world. There were many personal touches, including some amazing macaroons used as favours and made hand painted with flowers by the groom’s mother.

What 3 words best describe your wedding?
Intimate, relaxed and rustic.

Favourite wedding moment(s)?
The entire day was so special and fun, filled with many unexpected tears of joy. Our ceremony took place outside on the grass, under an arbour Josh built with birch we picked up on one of our hikes. We also loved our first dance on the patio with our guests surrounding us and the string lights on.

Venue: What made this venue the one for you?
It’s a little gem we found in Caledon many years ago, and quickly became our favourite place to visit on a Sunday morning for coffee. When the time came to plan our wedding, there was no doubt we’d have it at Alton Mill. The beautiful outdoors, old stone walls, patio with romantic lights and all the history it has to offer made it for the perfect venue.

Photographer: How did you know you had found the right photographer?
We were looking for someone that captures the natural light and candid photos we like and knew we found our photographer when we met Anastasia. She was the calm and fun presence we needed to make us feel at ease on the big day.

Any words of advice for couples planning their wedding?
Start the work early, pick the details that make you happy and have fun while you go through the process.

WEDDING VENDORS

Getting Ready Location: Millcroft Inn
Reception & Ceremony Venue: Alton Mill

Dress Designer: Truvelle Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Jen Evoy Makeup Studio
Bridesmaid robes – Plum Pretty Sugar
Groom’s Suit: Esco

Delicate Headband: A Bit of Love Wedding (Etsy)
Stationery: Charlie Whiskey (Etsy)
Men’s Tie Bar: Perpetuum Mobile Shop (Etsy)
Flowers: A friend
Cake & Macaron favours: Groom’s Mother
Catering & Planning: TK’s Catering
Officiant: Garry Francis–
Other weddings with similar locations you may enjoy: Meghan & Matt’s Ancaster Mill Wedding and Melody & Darren’s Cambridge Mill Wedding
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Maybe you want to follow Olive Photography behind the scenes? Fun stories are posted regularly on Instagram – Follow along!

Toronto Candid Family Photographer | The Millars

March 30, 2017

Monika and Dave have been supporters of my photography from the very beginning.
Back when Olive Photography was a side hobby, something I did for fun that made a bit of pocket change (I was pursuing teaching as a career at the time), they hired me to photograph Dave for his acting headshots.

Years later, they supported me once again by being models as I pursued photography more seriously and wanted to learn more about working with different lighting conditions. They patiently canoodled on demand as I fiddled around with my camera settings.

Now, I’m a full time photographer, and they invited me into their home to document the arrival of their beautiful baby Livia.

They wanted to also include photos with their parents, Livia’s grandparents, which I thought was such a sweet and meaningful idea. I loved the thought of having photos with the proud grandparents, surrounding this new life with so much love.

I arrived to them all hanging out in the living room, and we had a relaxed evening chatting, photographing, and relishing these sweet and fleeting moments.

When Livia was feeling unsettled, unconsolable in her crying (as babies can often be), Dave brought her to be bounced on the big bouncy ball, which for whatever reason helps settle her down again. I definitely had to capture that – they’ll look back at the photos with that bouncy ball and tell her stories about how that was her favourite thing when she was crying.

And one thing that made her smile – a new development – was saying, ‘oouuuOOUooou!’ – So I clicked away as they did that too.

Love capturing real stuff like that.

Here are some of my favourite snapshots from my time with them that evening.
Thank you for asking me to photograph this for you, Monika and Dave. It was such an honour and I hope you guys, your parents and Livia cherish these through the years!

Feel free to explore more lifestyle family photography, get in touch, or follow me on Instagram – where I also post lots of behind the scenes stories!

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