We first met Caileigh and Simon through a dark Skype screen. While we happily chatted about all the things we had in common (there were a few), we also came to the realization that these two lovebirds actually lived in our neighbourhood…on our street…on our BLOCK! We were ecstatic – not only because we were neighbours, but also because they suggested doing their engagement session right here in our ol’ stomping ground – Roncesvalles! We had a blast, but don’t take our word for it – check it out for yourself here! This totally set the tone for their quintessential Toronto wedding (getting ready at the Thompson Hotel, photos in Graffiti Alley, and dinner & drinks at the Distillery District – I mean, common, how much more “Toronto” can you get?)
For Caileigh, the day began with a leisurely morning with her girls – giggles, clinking of champagne glasses, and “ooohs” and “ahhs” over our bride’s gorgeous gown. Tears were shed as C’s parents read their heartfelt cards from their daughter but were soon followed by more giggles and “ooohs” & “ahhs” as our bride made her grand reveal. On the other side of town, the boys – from all over the world – reunited at a sweet Air BnB with the most breath-taking view of the city. Although Simon was a little bit nervous (sooooo cute!) his long-time friends made sure that our groom was well-hydrated and cared for. It was the perfect start to a perfect day!
If we had to use one word to describe Caileigh and Simon’s first look on the Thompson Hotel rooftop, it would be, without a doubt, “whimsical”! There was not a dry eye in the house (or rooftop in this case) when Simon finally locked eyes with his bride, the love between this gorgeous couple and joy they felt when they first saw one another in that moment was absolutely palatable! (I may have wiped away a tear or two…or ten…) The rest of the day was no different. Caileigh and Simon were great sports while dodging the rain in Graffiti Alley and then again at the Distillery District. They softly spoke their vows in front of close friends and family, all of whom travelled from all over the globe just to be witness to this amazing event. The southern cuisine of fried chicken, potato salad, and other yummy goodies still makes my tummy grumble and the dessert table enticed guests to “treat ‘yo self” (and we did!) And finally after some serious dancing, the night ended with the beautiful couple dancing under the stars and rain. “Whimsical” was definitely the word of the day for this wedding and we have no doubt that it will also be the theme for Caileigh and Simon’s marriage!
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…
