A Second Wedding and 200 Years of Friendship

Trish and Brian's wedding wasn't just a marriage of two people, but the union of two loving families and a celebration for the 200 years of intimate friendships among the wedding party of eight. "I'm not a typical young bride," Trish called and said, "nor is it our first time. It's important that everyone has a good time and the pictures capture it." It's the second marriage for the both of them and the love they had for each other's friends and families as well as one another's children from previous marriages were just magical. I didn't expect this to be one of the weddings that made me tear up and laugh along the most. Each and every speech in the wedding evening was genuinely touching and Brian's crew of groomsmen was beyond hilarious. I witnessed the over 100 years of friendship between the guys and said to myself this's what friendship's about. At the dance floor, Trish's maid of honour came up to me and told me in tears that one of their long time friend was diagnosed with cancer and told me to please take a few pictures of him enjoying himself. I took a look at this man. He's laughing and dancing the entire night celebrating this special day with Trish and Brian and their best friends. I didn't mean to mention this incident to make it a sad story. But rather, Trish and Brian's wedding was and will be a reminder for myself how to give and to love and to embrace what life brings us.

When we honestly ask ourselves
which person in our lives mean the most to us,
we often find that it is those who,
instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures,
have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds
with a warm and tender hand.
The friend who can be silent with us
in a moment of despair or confusion,
who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement,
who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing
and face with us the reality of our powerlessness,
that is a friend who cares.” 

― Henri J.M. Nouwen

Trish and Brian left me some kind words on Google review - 

"Ally captured the soul and spirit in our wedding, 200 cumulative years of friendship among the bridal party, a lifetime of girlfriends, the joy of stepdaughters and new families, the sparkle in our eyes because we love, we eat and we throw amazing parties. She was there, in the apparent right place all the time and found moments on film we will cherish forever. She has a very unique talent, was a joy to work with, and is a true artist."

For this and for everything, thank you Trish and Brian. You're amazing. Your friends are amazing. You made life look amazing.

xx,

Ally

Surprise Wedding at The Chase Fish and Oyster

This surprise wedding was the sequel to Sara and Kevin's city elopement in the previous post. The two now New Zealanders came  to Toronto for an elopement in the city where they used to call home. The elopement was followed by a surprise wedding with the immediate families at The Chase Fish and Oyster, an amazing seafood restaurant right at the centre of the city. Sara and Kevin met the families at Omni King Edward Hotel as planned only to surprise them with wedding attires. After some warm greetings, we departed the hotel and took on the Toronto streets for family photos. It was fun walking with 14 of them and stopping by whenever and wherever a photo opportunity presented itself. It was a short walk from Omni King Edward Hotel to The Chase Fish and Oyster. I only stayed until the families entered their private room at the restaurant and were greeted by the Mexican trio. The rest of the night was an intimate gathering surrounded by love.

xx,

Ally

Click to see Sara and Kevin's elopement in Toronto prior to their surprise wedding.

Elopement in Toronto City Hall Wedding Photography

This's an elopement wedding story in Toronto. Although it's not a popular elopement destination internationally, Toronto had its unique beauty and especially for couples who are originally from or met in Ontario, eloping in Toronto could be a great idea. Sara and Kevin were born and raised in different towns in Ontario, met in Toronto and moved to New Zealand for work and a different lifestyle. The two fell in love with the island nation where they now called home. But with their families back home and a Canadian root, they've decided to elope in Toronto when it's time to tie the knot. The elopement was followed by a surprise intimate wedding reception with immediate families. Sara found me on Instagram and hired me to be their elopement photographer and also capture part of their intimate wedding celebration. I couldn't be more thankful for technologies when it came to connecting my photography with the right couples. We only had a few hours together but we were able to accomplish so much. We explored downtown Toronto and had candid photos and wedding portrait done at and around Toronto City Hall. We chatted about life in Toronto and New Zealand.

Soon after we departed and the gallery's delivered, Sara left me a beautiful message:

"Thank you so much for spending time with us in Toronto and for sharing the pictures so quickly - we are so in love with them! The locations you chose are amazing and it's all credit to your quick thinking on your feet as we wandered around. We are so impressed with your work, and really appreciated your friendly and positive attitude, your relaxed approach on the day, and your kindness working with our family. So pleased to have found you and love the photos you have shared with us, we will treasure them!"

Thank you Sara for your kind words and appreciation. It's priceless for a photographer that their pictures made an small impact in people's life and were treasured.

xx,

Ally

Click to see Sara and Kevin's surprise wedding at The Chase Fish and Oyster restaurant after their elopement.