When I first spoke with Monica on the phone we talked for almost two hours. She was looking for a specific kind of photography but also someone that her and her fiance, Stuart, would get along with. One of the first things she told me was that their wedding was going to be very personal. They were having their buddy officiate, her wedding planner was a friend, and almost all of their vendors they had had a relationship with previously. I loved that she really knew what she wanted and she knew how important it was to connect on a personal level with her photographer.
At the end of that initial phone call, it felt like we had been friends forever and that is the dream right there for me. Having clients turned friends allows me to really capture the relationship! Monica was so great with communicating with me what she wanted while also trusting me to do what I do best! Which is take pictures while joking, dancing, and laughing with them!
From the moment she sent me a picture of her wedding dress I was hooked. She kept me in the loop with all of the planning and I was able to really build a bond with her and her wedding. I loved knowing all the details before showing up on the day! I always joke that in another life I would have been a wedding planner. I am basically obsessed with all things weddings and details and I still get so excited every time I walk into a ceremony space or reception area and see all the hard work and attention that went into planning.
I walked into Archeo and was just floored by how stunning it was. Monica and Christine from Flower Treasures pulled off a romantic, intimate, and fun wedding! I knew immediately it was going to be one of the best weddings of the year! And from a wedding photography standpoint, an absolute dream to photograph.
I’m getting ahead of myself! First I went to the AirBnB that Monica rented for getting ready in. This is always a tricky part of the day because not all houses have great light. Renting an AirBnB with beautiful natural light and without the clutter of a regular home gave us the perfect backdrop for bridal detail shots, getting dressed, bridal portraits, first look with brides maids (and fun pictures with bridesmaids in PJs!), and first look with dad. I would highly recommend paying looking into to reserving a house with natural light if you want pictures in the morning while you’re getting ready.
On the other hand, Stuart and his groomsmen got ready in his friend’s condo, and lucky for us, they had an awesome roof to take pictures on! If you’re using a smaller space for getting ready, see if there are alternate locations in your area that we can also do photos in!
Once we arrived at Archeo it was pretty much smooth sailing. Monica and Stuart opted for a first look (which I highly recommend… stay tuned for a post on why) and from there we did all of their family photos, birdal party photos, and bride and groom portraits! Monica was a princess in her gown, and we cannot forget the beautiful moment where they met Riley, their fur baby, for a quick wedding day family photo. Riley was so excited to see her mom and dad, it was such a sweet moment.
I’ll never forget Monica and Stuart’s ceremony. Archeo has a beautiful patio with amazing stringed bulbed lights, and of course, the signature red brick background of the Distillery District. Their vows were personal and touching, funny and sweet. They had their friend marry them which was the perfect tough to this personalized ceremonies. I love it when couples write their own vows, and I almost always cry… okay, I always tear up. I love love!
The wedding continued in it’s perfect, with one of the most delicious wedding meals, doughnut table, and as you know, I love some good (and bad!) dancing! And you know it’s a great wedding when your photographer doesn’t want to leave!
This beautiful wedding wouldn’t have been possible without the following incredible vendors
Coordination and Florals: Christine of Flower Treasures flowertreasures.com
Cake: Tasty Treats by Robyn @tastytreatsbyrobyn
DJ: Adam John goodkarmaevent.com
Hair: Jacqueline @jacquelinephoenix.hmua
Makeup: Anna lashesandlipstick.ca
Dress: Blush by Hailey Paige at Pearl Bridal pearlbridalhouse.com
Venue: Archeo, Distillery District archeo.ca
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal davidsbridal.ca
#MonicafoundStulove
