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Stephanie & Brian – Engaged!

October 13, 2013

Note: *Totally* romantic, movie-worthy proposal story after the photos!

Stephanie and Brian wanted to do their engagement photos at a place that was significant to them (which I love to do!), so they chose the neighbourhood where they first met, in downtown Toronto where they had gone to college together before their undergrads.
We strolled around, weaving through the streets on what was an unbelievably beautiful, warm Fall day. I admired Stephanie’s ability to strut totally comfortably in her gorgeous plum heels as though they were sneakers.
It was totally cute hearing the two of them talk about the different buildings they had classes in, discussing memories, and pointing out the ways the neighbourhood had changed since they moved on from their former stomping ground.
Stephanie noticed the new Starbucks and joked about how she would have definitely been there all the time if it had been there back in the day. (You might be able to tell from some of the photos that she’s kind of a Starbucks fan.)
I learned that Brian doesn’t drink coffee (*gasp!* – kidding), but he does enjoy tea. I’m enjoying a nice hot cup of tea as I write this post – so this one’s to you, Brian!

We had a lot of fun frolicking about the city, and I love that these photos celebrate both their past and their future.

And now, Stephanie’s account of how Brian so romantically proposed to her (with photos provided by them). Guys, I can’t. It’s so good.

“Brian told me that he was going to Boston for work and that I should go down on the Friday to meet him and stay for the weekend. The Friday that I was supposed to leave was the day in February that we had a really big snow storm so all flights out were canceled on that Friday and on the Saturday too. So I was never able to fly out to meet Brian in Boston. Also, at the same time, Boston had an even bigger storm and Brian was snowed in the hotel the whole time he was there. Brian ended up proposing the following Friday in our kitchen. I came home from work that Friday and there was a mailed letter on the kitchen table addressed to me. I opened the letter and it said the following….

Behind the letter was the following picture…

This was Brian proposing in the hotel in Boston where he was planning to propose all along! I found out though this that he never went there for work and he had only gone to Boston to propose! Poor guy was stuck in the hotel and snowed in for 5 days! I have yet to visit Boston!”
—-
How cute is that??
*Sigh* Ah, love.Can’t wait to photograph your wedding on April 12th, guys!

Meagan & Adriano – Married!

October 5, 2013

Ah, Meagan and Adriano. Two absolutely lovestruck people who make such a beautiful complimentary pair.

As Adriano mentioned in his reception speech, Meagan’s happy, bubbly personality captivated him from the start and lifts his spirits – which tend to be on the more serious side like his poker-faced father (who I got to know and think is actually such a sweetheart). But, you wouldn’t guess it if you were to be in the presence of the two of them together – When he holds and gazes at Meagan, Adriano’s always got the softest, most tender look on his face and the most gentle and carefree smile.
I’m actually getting a little teary-eyed just thinking about it.

I met this awesomely sweet couple last Winter at a coffee shop in the Annex and they were such an easy pair to talk to. Meagan’s a bit like me – optimistic, enthusiastic, and a definite planner. Adriano’s like my hubby – a bit stern at the start as he figures you out (I quickly saw smiles from him) but so supportive and implicitly trusting of his partner’s vision. It was clear he just wants Meagan to be happy.

We did an engagement session in March, and on Friday, September 27th I got to document their super lovely wedding day!

On the big day I met the bride and her bridesmaids at a funky salon at Ossington and Harbord called The Saloon. The quirky design features lent themselves to a laid back, fun atmosphere, which was perfect for this bride and her maids… who sipped mimosas from green plastic cups, no less!

We then headed over to The Old Mill for the gals to get ready at the really beautiful suite that Meagan and Adriano reserved…

… then did a ‘first look’ before the ceremony…

… as well as some wedding party and family photos.

Then came the ceremony in the chapel at the Inn. Meagan required quite a few tissues – it was very sweet.

You could tell that Meagan and Adriano were on Cloud 9 that day, and that everyone was just so happy to be there.

And now, a few words from our bride!

How did you feel on your wedding day? I felt highly emotional from the moment I woke up until the moment I went to bed. It was the most amazing, surreal day of my life!

What was your favourite wedding day moment? I truly find it hard to pick a favourite moment of the day, because it was all so special, but I would have to say the moment we were officially declared husband and wife was my fave!

Any advice for engaged couples planning their wedding? Try not to stress over it too much. It’s just one day, and the most important thing is that at the end of it, you are married to your best friend! It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, but just try to enjoy the process!!

Details:

Dress: My was purchased at Windsor Bridal in Toronto, and it’s an Allure Gown.

Centrepieces: Flower arrangements were made by myself and my stepmom, Heather, as were the boutonnieres and bouquets! They were definitely one of my fave touches for the day, they turned out better than I expected!

Cake: Made by a dear friend of mine as part of our wedding gift.

Bridesmaids Outfits: I let the bridesmaids choose a nude/metallic shoe of their choice, and the dresses were Social Bridesmaids by Dessy in the colour African Violet.

Meagan and Adriano, I’m so happy for you both.

It was my absolute pleasure to be there to document this happy time in your life, and I look forward to being there for many more as I’m so glad we’ve become friends!

I really think you guys have something special and beautiful. Congratulations on becoming husband & wife!!

Alyssa & Bruno – Engaged!

September 19, 2013

I first met Alyssa 6 months ago in chilly March to photograph her son Mason’s first birthday Cake Smash. I couldn’t believe how unbelievably cute this little boy was! With golden locks, big and soul-searching blue eyes and a completely endearing wide smile, Mason was somethin’ special.
Now, Alyssa’s got another special thing in her life – a fiance who truly seems to be utterly enamoured with her. When we were walking and casually discussing their relationship during our session he candidly mentioned the thought that crossed his mind when he met her: “Where have you been all my life?” It was the sweetest thing.

Alyssa and Bruno wanted me to take their engagement photos at a place they – and I – really love: Toronto’s Centre Island. There’s something so romantic about the whole experience of venturing to the island, exploring, breathing in that undoubtedly cleaner, fuller air amongst all the lush greenery and sounds of nature. Aaahhh… Let me just sit with that and smile for a moment…

… Gotta love that place.

Anyhow, we had a really great time on a Fall day that felt so much like Summer. The bright, happy sun was a reflection of the spirits of the two lovebirds in front of my lens.
They’re pretty smitten together. And the look Bruno gives Alyssa just melts my heart.

Here are a few words from Alyssa about how Bruno proposed:
‘We were laying down in bed relaxing, and he asked If we could use the computer because he had made me a slide show of pictures of me, him and my kids. I said sure, we can look at the slide show, so we sat in bed watching the slide show. There were very cute pictures of me and him and a couple of pictures of my children. At the very end he wrote on the slide show ‘would you marry me?’ He had placed the open ring box on the computer but I hadn’t seen it until then since the room was dark… and of course I said yes :)’

Thanks for letting me be a part of your special time, guys. It was a pleasure.

Oshawa Outdoor Wedding – Christa & Jorden

August 19, 2013

Hi Folks!
I’d love to take some time to share a really lovely wedding with you – with a couple that’s just so gosh-darned adorable and obviously in love.

Christa and Jorden are super smitten together and it’s downright heartwarming to see how giddy they make each other.

They had beautiful oudoor wedding in Newcastle, Ontario.

It’s always a risk to do an outdoor ceremony (you never know what kind of weather Mother Nature will decide to put out), and the forecast did unfortunately call for thunderstorms that day.
Christa and Jorden spent a good deal of the morning checking and double-checking their weather apps as they got ready, and we all had our fingers crossed as we prepared for the ceremony.

*Fortunately*, the rain held out just long enough to allow the ceremony to happen with open, sunny skies, and little droplets started to fall just as the two lovebirds did their signing table jazz.

It started to rain pretty hard immediately after that so we found a sheltered porch to do family portraits (while my assistant Jonah so selflessly held the umbrella over me and the gear off the porch as she got pretty drenched) – but everyone was in good spirits and it was all good fun.

It was my absolute pleasure to photograph this easy-going, totally adorable, super nice couple. Christa and Jorden, your wedding was beautiful, and your love is even more so. Thank you for having me be a part of your big day! Best wishes for you both in your new wedded life!

—
And now, I’d love to share some reflections from the bride and groom themselves!

Tell us a bit about your dating history, and how Jorden Proposed:

We had been together for 7 years before Jorden proposed. He proposed during the May long weekend in Bala – he made me breakfast in bed and proposed when he woke me up.

How did you feel on your wedding day, and what was your favourite moment?
Jorden was very nervous and excited. I was just really excited and giddy. Our favorite moment was watching everyone having an amazing time on the dance floor. So happy.

Any advice for engaged couples planning their wedding?
Keep calm, have fun planning, don’t sweat the small stuff… it’ll be your perfect day no matter what.
Also some of the most important advice, and I got it from you, actually, is to stop and take it all in! That was something that really stuck out to me, I did this several times throughout the night, I’m glad I did. Thanks to you! Xo

Some details:

Wedding & Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Angelo

Suits: Vera Wang

Centrepieces, cake toppers, bouquets, boutonnieres, table chart: All hand made by Jorden’s mom Barb

Featured by FLARE!

July 29, 2013

Hi, Folks!
Just a quick post to share that one of my photos was featured by FLARE in their recent gallery about Canada’s most chic wedding venues – check it out!
http://www.flare.com/weddings/top-10-most-chic-wedding-venues-in-canada/
The photo is from Christa & Jorden’s beautiful wedding, which will be up on the blog very soon!

Happy Monday! Have a beautiful week.

Much love, Anastasia

Glenerin Inn Wedding

June 30, 2013

Glenerin Inn Wedding

Anne and Helio are such a fun pair who kept eachother – and me – laughing all throughout their special day.

After seven years together, these two had a lovely afternoon wedding on June 8, 2013 at a beautiful Mississauga estate called the Glenerin Inn, surrounded by lighthearted and enthusiastic support. It was clear that Anne is usually the life of the party, so naturally everyone had a great time.

On the morning of their wedding I met Anne in her suite at the Glenerin where she had spent the night. She, her two daughters (from a previous marriage) and her maid of honour – a dear friend of 30 years – donned co-ordinating silk robes as they got ready. The atmosphere was exuberant. Such lively excitement filled the air as the ladies in that room joked, shared stories, and talked about the occasion.

There were many special personal touches to this wedding. Anne wore her grandmother’s wedding ring alongside her engagement ring as a tribute to her and a beautiful reminder of enduring love.

A friend who had actually started as her daughters’ hairstylist came to do Anne’s hair.

Anne’s sister had given her a silver coin to signify good luck so she carried it in her shoe.

Anne’s best friend Heidi made the bouquets, centrepieces, and other beautiful details.

Heidi’s daughter, manager of Toronto’s Queen Street Terroni restaurant, made the wedding cake, topped with a gorgeous arrangement of fresh flowers.

They drank from a ‘love cup’, called a quaich, brought by a friend from Scotland, which is said to connect whoever drinks from it together… and other special touches added to the memorable experience of their unique day.

Through all the belly laughs, wide smiles and fun times, there was also a tenderness about Anne and Helio’s love. It was an honour to photograph their special day and I wish them a lifetime of the enduring, happy love they so evidently share.

Featured on Style Me Pretty!

May 24, 2013

I am so honoured to announce that last week, Olive Photography was featured in the popular wedding blog, ‘Style Me Pretty’!!

I remember visiting Style Me Pretty *so* often when I was planning my own wedding, and I could only hope that our big day would turn out even half as beautiful as the posts on that blog.

It goes without saying, then, that I am beyond excited about being featured there!

A huge shout-out and thank you to Joel and Chantelle whose love radiates so beautifully through these images, and whose smiles are beyond contagious.

* Check it out! * Joel & Chantelle Engagement Session on Style Me Pretty

Meagan & Adriano – Engaged!

May 24, 2013

Meagan and Adriano had a sense they were meant for each other before they had even technically met – they found each other online and knew the chemistry was right. They began dating and on their 2-year anniversary Adriano proposed at dinner – with a unique twist.

His family owns a flatbread company that has its name in grocery stores across the country and naturally, since it’s so delicious, they planned to have some of it with their meal. Adriano saw an opportunity to surprise Meagan and he hid the ring in the flatbread box – she was genuinely surprised and elated!

I had the honour of photographing these two lovebirds this month, and I can’t wait to photograph their wedding on September 27th, 2013!

Without further adieu, the happy couple!
(Click on the photos to enlarge.)

Julian’s 1st Communion

May 11, 2013

What a gorgeous Sunday for a family event!
Julian’s parents asked me to photograph the reception portion of their son Julian’s 1st Communion – what a nice day.
The sun shone brightly and it felt like Summer. The patio doors were wide open and guests enjoyed themselves both indoors and out. The kids were having a blast, and the adults were in a playful mood.
Definitely a great way to spend a Sunday!

Chantelle & Joel – Engaged!

March 10, 2013

Joel and Chantelle were introduced through a mutual friend and started communicating online, neither of them anticipating the kind of feelings that would develop between them.

They lived provinces apart – Chantelle in Edmonton, Alberta and Joel in Brampton, Ontario – and they had no idea that soon, unseen forces would bring them together.

They spoke online every single day for hours on end – excitement and admiration blooming all the while. They couldn’t wait to hear from each other. After several weeks of talking, they finally met when Chantelle came back to her hometown of Toronto to go to school, and, surprised by how strong their connection was, they immediately became a couple.

After two years, Joel asked Chantelle to be his wife. This couple is a sight to behold – they emanate warmth, adoration and deep affection. It’s evident that they care so deeply about each other. Their big day is quickly approaching – On March 23rd (in 2 weeks!) they will be husband and wife!