I have not blogged in a while and I know you are all here for the photos than to read my banter, here are some, a crap load of photos from the day.

In regards to Susan and Kevin knowing how to have fun. I really needed to tell you all about their speech. It was the easily the most creative and entertaining bride and groom speeches I have ever experienced. Their speech started out with thanking everyone from family to friends as well as some beautiful words to each other. They then proceeded to tell everyone the story of how they got together. So, if you ever had the pleasure of growing up watching Will Smith in his early years as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, you can play the show’s theme song in your head while reading the following. Those who have no clue what I am talking about, refer to this link.

Susan:

So this is a story all about howI got up here in a wedding gown.
So gimme just a minute, don’t lose your curls, I’ll tell you how I became Mrs. Squirrels.

In east Toronto born and raised I got into club downtown at Peter and Adelaide.
At Milwaukee’s where I spent most of my Fridays
We were chilling by the dance floor, acting like fools
When we saw a couple of dudes who were up to no good
We started moving closer to see if they were from the hood
I had one little drink and I started to think
Could this be the key to my missing link?

Kevin:

I whistled for this girl and when she came near
I got a little nervous so I bought another beer
If anything I could say that this girl was rare
She was Chinese and had pretty long hair
So here we are, rapping for you
The story of Kevin Malkamaki and Susan Trieu
I look at my future, I am finally here
Pour me a shot and lets get this party into gear!

In closing I wanted to bring up the importance of having a good team. I was truly blessed to have both Lucy and Spencer with me for Kevin and Susan’s wedding. I would not have been able the day would not have been as smooth and as nicely documented without them. In addition to them, I have to recognize all the other wedding providers as we all as worked together very well to make the day go by so smoothly. Provider list to follow. Susan, Kevin, thank you so much for having us share your special day with you. Congrats again and hope to re-connect soon.

Make up: Jacquie Jeffrey – Make-up Forever
Hairstylist: Sherry-Ann Welch and Mari
DJ/MC: Valentino Siriani and Alex (MC)
Decor/Florist: Julie Chan – Petals
Cinema: Eugene Lo- Cinematic Weddings
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Megan Rosart (very helpful) – The Country Club

I apologize for the lack of posts lately and for that I will provide you with less of mmy ramblings and more eye candy. I am happy to share this wedding with you guys where I got to help out Joee last month. Enjoy and I will be posting more soon!

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of assisting Margaret for Bobby and Phuong’s wedding. It was a hot day but we managed simply because they were so fun to work with. I had been to the Shangri La on many occasions before but this would be my first for a full wedding, ceremony and all. You would not have guessed it but this venue is quite surprising. The staff were great and the ceremony location was nicely decorated. As with many couples, I was curious as to how Bobby and Phuong actually met. All I know was that Phuong worked at a men’s clothing store. It was not until I saw a familiar face that I knew exactly where she worked and I couple piece together their story. The familiar face was a gentleman by the name of Tom from Tom’s Place! What was significant about this to me is that is where I bought my first suit. I have seen him here and there and other events I shoot but it was nice to see him at a wedding. In any case, here are some of my favorites.

I had a lot of fun documenting Angela and Ryan’s big day. When I arrived at Angela’s place the house was buzzing with activity, but not in a panic mode kind of way. There was just a lot to get done but in an organized fashion. Angela had a gorgeous dress with plenty of little details.  Here are more photos of the day.

Clair has got to be one of the cuttest flower girls ever!!! When I arrived at the church, all I saw was this cute flower girl waving her basket back and forth as she waited patiently for Angela. When Angela arrived, she jetted over into Angela’s arms and said, “you look very pretty”. The cuteness just kills me.

Now here is something you don’t see at every wedding. Before the ceremony started, there was a slide show running showcasing photos of the two of them and their travels. Most of which are self portraits. Well, right before they walked down the aisle as husband and wife, Ryan reaches into his pocket and takes out his point and shoot to take the first self portrait of himself and Angela together. The first photo of themselves as husband and wife.

I had a lot of fun helping Kevin Lam document Joyce and Bobby’s wedding earlier last month. When I arrived at Bobby’s getting ready location, I was greeted by his warm family and friends. Although excited for the day Bobby’s friends and family enjoyed laughs and stories of how they all got together with me. I love when couples open up to me and let me see and experience more their dynamic as it is always interesting and keeps things fresh. Here are some favorites of the day.

Guys are always so funny. Don’t get me wrong, I love documenting the bride getting ready on their wedding day, but on the occasions where I help another photographer out and I have the pleasure of photographing the guys, I am often entertained by the guys just joking around. It is a totally different pace and it’s safe to say that the guys have it easy. Last month I helped Joee out documenting Erin and Jame’s big day. I was assigned to cover James’ prep in the morning. Once I arrived at the location, I was greeted by the guys who were just chilling out with some beers and waiting for a pizza to arrive. With the TV playing a soccer match in the background the guys were joking around freely, recounting stories of their friendship. It was so nice to be there and listen to the plethora experiences these friends have had over the years; some good, some bad, mostly hilarious! I got to learn about their dynamic and it’s nice to be able to experience that level of trust/comfort.  Here are some of my favorites of the day.

James received a wedding gift from Erin which was nice. It was apparently sitting in their basement for quite some time and he managed to remain disciplined enough not o take a peak until the wedding day. As he tore away the wrapping paper he got the sign of approval from the guys. “she’s a keeper” one of them said. All this, before he even looked at what it was that Erin got him. He jokingly said that he felt bad for what he got Erin was no where near as thoughtful as the Yzerman jersey he had just received. I found the remark kind of cute.

Congrats guys!!

On a side note, it was so nice to bump into Sonya and Luc at the wedding! I love bumping into past couples, even if in this case, they were not my couple, you still get to develop a friendship which is awesome!

Happy monday!!

Not sure if I mentioned this but Margaret is a teacher with some amazing students. As a surprise, her students showed up to performed as the choir for her ceremony. At this point I was inside the church getting ready for her entrance while Lucy stayed with Margaret, so this next part is Lucy retelling the story to me to the best of her memory. When Margaret got out of the limo, she heard children singing to which she said something to the effect of “Who’s singing?! Are those my kids?! Oh my goodness.” She was completely surprised and overwhelmed with joy. That is when Lucy took the following photo of Margaret realizing it was her kids singing.

Margaret smiling at her choir kids.

For this next image, I wanted to write something about the importance of having a second photographer, who is able to see from a different perspective and make images that compliment ones of the primary photographer. I was lucky to have Lucy with me for Margaret and Tamer’s wedding and this is just one of the many instances where the images from two different people compliment each other. I created the image on the left wanting a more intimate image of the couple. Lucy on the other hand wanted to make use of the beautiful architecture behind the couple. These two images were taken nano seconds apart and yet give such a different feel.

Congrats Margaret and Tamer, have fun on your honeymoon!

Gotta be one of my favorite shots. Traditionally speaking, my favorite photo should be a shot of the couple in glorious light that speaks volumes, but I love the look on Elton’s face when his best man grabs him and is ready to pucker up in order to win the challenge. Just by looking at his face you can already conjure up what’s going on in his mind. Congrats again Carmen and Elton!!!

It was about 3 months since I last saw Rachell and Jim for their engagement shoot. I was excited for their wedding day which promised to be just as fun and exciting sans the cold. I began my day at Rachell’s hotel where she and her girls were getting ready. I snuck in some time to take some photos of her dress and shoes which looked fabulous. Check it out.

We then found ourselved at the quaint little church at  The Doctor’s House in Kelinberg for the cermony. The church was filled to capacity with Rachell and Jim’s family and friends.

Woohoo Mr and Ms Bui!!! After the quick ceremony, we took off for some portraits and I gotta tell you that we could not have asked for better weather and light. These are just some of my favorites.

Because I know Rachell and Jim were heading straight to their honeymoon the next day, I wanted to give them a sneak peak of their day which they enjoyed very much. I need to send a special thank you to Ron and Lucy who helped me out through the day. Could not have done it without you guys. Thanks. Rachell, Jim, thank you sooo much for sharing your special day with us! Congrats!