BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS 2019
BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS 2019
(It isn't every photo we loved, because that would be too many:)
2019 was an interesting year for wedding photography. As so many of my friends and wonderful clients know, I also working throughout the year in the commercial world, creating photos of products, people, and art. The challenge is always that wedding tend to get planned a year in advance, and commercial tends to plan a month in advance!
To make room for both, I had to become more selective about the weddings I take. I was worried at first, but looking back I couldn’t have had a better year, both artistically and personally. I loved every single couple I worked with - all sweet, personable, and excited, and all asking me for the same thing - photos that show the emotions of the day, and a photographer who understood that they wanted to spend time with the people they love, and not away for 3 hours of photos.
And despite capturing thousands of photos of friends, family, college friends, hugs, and tears…we also made time for epic portraits, big laughs, and so much fun. To all of you - Pauline & Edwin, Katherine & Rob, Samantha & Jon, Becky & Dan, Allison & Ciáran, Emily and Mike, Lisa & Sam, Jelena & Nikola, Lauren & Sanj…. THANK YOU.
I had the chance to jump on some smaller, spur of the moment weddings at Toronto City Hall, and find some lovely new spaces-turned-wedding-venues like Christopher Cutts Gallery and an up and coming barn venue in Guelph. We also finally shot at the jewel that is Casa Loma, a new year’s eve wedding at Airship 37, and the post-renovated historic Great Hall. I spent the long labour day weekend traveling to Provence, France, to photograph the most stunning vineyard wedding, and it still feels like a dream.
To all our unique couples, whether laid-back or detail-loving - Thank you. Thank you for trusting me to get all the good stuff, and also giving me the space to be creative:) My hope is always the same - that you can go through your photos, start to finish, and remember what the entire day felt like.
It goes by so quickly, and it’s a damn honour to slow it down for you.
I am still taking select wedding dates for 2020 and 2021; if you or some of your favourite people are getting hitched,
I've love to chat with them!
You can always reach me at [email protected] or enjoy some wedding porn (aka looking at all the photos)
And, just because you made it to the end...here is a photo of me in full work mode. I am VERY committed to not blocking anyone's view.
KAT + ROB
Kat and Rob are the best kind of people. I kind of had a feeling, since they came recommended through a dear friend who is also the best kind of people (and who is the shining pregnant bridesmaid in the photos!) These two have a solid love, built on all the right stuff. Despite the fact that they're several years into their relationship, they were as giddy as teenagers to get married! There were tears on both sides of the aisle, as they exchanged vows under an ancient tree on a gorgeous day.
Guests played lawn games and were treated to lemonade and sangria on a relaxed, open lawn outside the barn. Later, soft lights lit the dance floor for one of the most romantic first dances I've ever seen.
Kat and Rob, thank you for entrusting me with your gorgeous day:)
xo
LD
LISA + SAM
Weddings today can be anything you want - a huge lavish affair, an outdoor bash, a travel adventure...or a neighbourhood celebration. More and more often, I'm meeting couples who are creating intimate weddings, their way. Lisa and Sam's wedding was truly a neighbourhood celebration.
I met them at their home, and we walked through their neighbourhood to Christopher Cutts Gallery, just a few blocks away. We stopped to chat with neighbours, wander the allies, and it was truly the most relaxed pre-wedding I've ever had. Sam has a penchant for hand shakes, including with his almost-wife:) A little while later friends and loved ones gathered, vows were exchanged, and everyone headed off for brunch at the Ritz-Carton.
But my favourite moment happened in between....when everyone but Sam and Lisa had left, and they stayed behind to finish up a few things. The only people left were the two of them, myself, and the cellist. And it was in this moment when they shared a short first dance, alone, in an art gallery.
Congratulations Lisa and Sam - to many more years of loving your neighbourhood, and each other!
ALLISON + CIARAN
Allison and Ciaran chose their venue - Pictou Lodge - in great part because of its rugged location, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic. It looks equally fitting for Nova Scotia (Allison's home) as it is for Ireland (Ciaran's home).
The epic views and romantic wind proved a little too much come ceremony time, and the outdoor vows were moved indoors, to save everyone from the gale force winds. But Ali and Ciaran insisted on ducking outside during sunset to take in the stunning colours. The rest of the evening was spent inside, hugging friends from afar and watching everyone become family:)
Congratulations Ali and Ciaran! Sláinte!
LAUREN + SANJAYA AT EVERGREEN BRICKWORKS
I've learned something after a decade of photographing couples....when a couple says they're awkward in photos, it's likely because they're so busy enjoying each other they don't look at the camera. Which is perfect. An amazing photo isn't about looking perfect, it's about looking happy - and these two could not possibly be more happy than when they're together.
Their New Year's Eve Wedding is sure to be a banger. Lauren and Sanjaya, we can't wait to celebrate with you!
xo
LD
