Anna & Andrew ~ A Whimsical Wedding in Toronto

So we consider ourselves pretty humble people, but one thing both Hugh and I always like to brag about are the relationships we like to foster with the amazing couples and families we have the privilege to capture – I’m not going to lie, we are kinda like bad pennies, and for the most part it’s pretty hard to get rid of us! But despite the fact that we LOVE all our couples and we maintain friendships with them long after their big day is done, once in a while we meet someone that we just instantly click with, like they have us at “hello!” This was absolutely the case with Anna & Andrew! From the moment they stepped into our lives both Hugh and I just fell in love with their energy, quirkiness (keep in mind we, ourselves, are pretty darn quirky), their obvious affection for each other, and their natural ability to just relax, chill, and have a good time – we were kindred spirits right from the start! I think they kinda picked up on that, because what was meant to be an hour “business” meeting turned into a two hour gab session about everything from weddings to Star Trek, Thailand, Lululemon, and on. So when, a couple of days later, they asked us to capture their big day, we were beyond thrilled – and a beautiful friendship was born… (well either that or they just still can’t rid of us!) Just like Anna and Andrew, themselves, their wedding was equally beautiful, chill, and hilarious (Andrew is a pretty funny guy – get Hugh and him together and there is no stopping their silliness!) They got married in a beautiful old church in Oakville, the chapel was filled with laughs, and tears as they committed to a lifetime with each other, after the ceremony we whisked the couple away to an old estate where we hung out, laughed some more (probably more than is actually appropriate for a work day) and snapped the happy couple as they snuggled, danced, and laughed (a lot of laughter at this one folks!) with us. I am told that the night ended on the same high note, and the party went into the wee hours of the morning. I honestly would not expect anything less from these two – but I will let them tell you their story in their own words. Scroll down, and enjoy – oh and I dare you not to smile…

Anna & Andrew’s Love Story:

Andrew and I met in high school however, despite having the same group of friends, we never really talked or hung out. In 2008 I got a summer job between second and third year university where Andrew worked full time and through a mutual friend, we started talking and hanging out more and more and the rest is history!

Our love story, wasn’t without it’s hardship though, in 2013 I moved out west to Vancouver for a dream job and for a few years Andrew and I did the whole long-distance thing. After three years of west-coast living and long distance, we decided it was enough, we missed each other and hated being so far apart! Plus, I felt that it was time for me to move back home. Andrew flew out to help me pack up my Vancouver life so we could drive my car back across the country. Our first night on the trip back home, we stopped at the Fairmont Lake Louise as a bit of a “celebration” that we were reunited & despite all the odds made a long-distance relationship work. We went out for a late-night walk around the lake, no one was around, the sky was clear and the moon was shining so bright that it reflected beautifully onto the lake… that’s when Andrew got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! Obviously I said “yes!” and got to admire my new bling for the rest of the ride back to Toronto

What inspired your wedding?

I always wanted a fall wedding, the time of year is so beautiful & the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. We decided on a neutral & rustic themed wedding because of how many beautiful colours already exist during this time of year. We are also a very casual couple and wanted something for our wedding that we could look back on in 10, 15 years and still love and think was timeless.

What was the most unique aspect about your wedding?

We loved having a Portuguese & Polish wedding! We were able to incorporate all friends & family and everyone seemed to have a great time, which is all that we wanted! It was also very special to have so many friends & family come from out of town. We had family come in from Poland & Germany and friends fly in from Vancouver & San Francisco. To be able to have so many people fly in from so far to be there to celebrate with us was so special and something we will cherish forever!

Our wedding was such a party and everyone was having such a great time that when they closed down the bar, we asked them to re-open it and the venue did! Even the DJ continued playing and it was as if we could have partied all night long!

What was your most favourite part of your day?

Honestly, all of it! The day flew by so quickly that I often ask Andrew if we can re-do it! From the morning with my family & bridesmaids and putting on my dress with all of the laughs that followed to walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time and then partying the night away, it was all so perfect and better than I even imagined it would be!

What is your top advice for future couples?

Everyone says it, but don’t sweat the small stuff. If something isn’t going to plan on the day of, laugh it off and enjoy the moment! It goes by so, so quickly that getting worked up over a small detail is not worth it!
I would also say to take a few moments every now and then to take a mental photo of everything! So much work and planning goes into this one day that you need to ensure you soak it all in and enjoy it.
Bring more shoes than you think you will need! You’re on your feet literally all day! The weather can change, your feet could hurt and the last thing you want to do is ruin your wedding shoes in the grass if it is muddy! I threw a pair of Hunter rainboots into the limo and it ended up making for some pretty awesome photographs!
Enjoy your first dance and make it a reflection of who you two are as a couple. It doesn’t have to be something super formal or fancy – just have fun with it!
Make the day about you two as a couple – yes you want to ensure that everyone who attends your wedding will have a great time, but remember, they are there for you! In all the planning and prepping, bring some of your personalities to light. Andrew loves superheroes, so we incorporated that into the groomsmen’s attire and everyone’s entrances into the hall.

Vendor Info:

Church: St. Andrew’s Church

Hall: Lakeshore Convention Centre

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Suit/Tux: Strauss Men’s Wear

Bridesmaids Dresses: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe

Groomsmen Suits: Michael Kors

Hair: Schulz Make-Up & Beauty Studio

Make-up: Schulz Make-Up & Beauty Studio

Jewelry: (Bracelet) Tiffany & Co. (Earrings & Hairpiece) Bittersweet Jewelry

Décor: Art of Celebrations

Invitations: Designs by A