Antara & Rajin's Perfect 10-10-10 Wedding

October 10, 2010 is a very popular date for getting married this year.  For Antara and Rajin, this date wasn't picked because it means an easy to remember anniversary date in the future, 10-10-10 is actually a very auspicious date in  Hindu culture.  Also quoting Rajin, Antara will always be his "Perfect 10".

Originally we were worried about the unpredictable October weather, especially since Rajin would be making his grand entrance outside the temple on a decorated horse accompanied by drummers, family, and friends.  But it was a beautiful day and luck was definitely on their side!

I love how the ceremony was filled symbolic elements, such as tying a piece of their clothing together to signify "tying the knot" and Antara switching her position to sit on the right side of Rajin to be "closer to his heart" after exchanging vows.

The reception at Swagat Banquet Hall was filled with vibrant purple, turquoise, and orange elements.  The uplighting created  an ambient atmosphere and the guests' beautiful saris added even more colour and sparkle.    

We had a great time photographing this wedding, the amount of detail and difference in customs was an eye opener.  Congratulations Antara & Rajin, I am glad we will be seeing you again at Anitha & Joe's Wedding =)

Details:

Ceremony: Devi Mandir

Decorated Horse: Dream Catcher Stables
Hair & Makeup by LeSonne Bridals

Venue & Catering: J & J Swagat Banquet Halls

Hannah & Albert's Beginning to a Life full of Smiles | Wedding

Hannah and Albert are high school sweethearts who have been dating for almost a decade, 9.5 years to be exact.  They met through mutual friends and on their first outing together you can say he really fell 'head over heels' for her, actually he fell off his chair but close enough =) Maybe it was that cute little embarrassing moment that drew her to him, or perhaps it's his humour, family values, and patience...it could also be her contagious smile that he loves so much, or her kind personality and ability to play beautiful piano music, but something about these two just show they were meant to be.

Their day was filled with emotional moments, including self-written vows to each other and touching speeches from their parents and siblings.  Albert, who is usually quiet by nature, really surprised everyone with his Andy Lau inspired speech to Hannah.  For those who may not know, Andy Lau is a famous Chinese pop star who Hannah was (and I believe still is) obsessed with.  He prepared a slideshow incorporating audio and video footage of Andy Lau, which made it appear like he was asking Andy for approval to marry Hannah.  This got everyone in the room laughing and I've personally never seen a more creative speech!

The bridal party entrance was very unique too, the bridesmaids were cued in as beauty pageant members and the groomsmen introductions resembled the starting lineup of an NBA game, which ended in a huddle with the bride and groom.

Hannah and I have known each other well before their engagement session in May (photos can be found here), and it was fun capturing your wedding as a guest.  Wishing you two a lifetime full of smiles =) We'll be in touch once you're back from the Caribbean!

Details:

Ceremony: Toronto Chinese Methodist Church

Hair & Makeup (Bride) by Satine Studios

Venue: Riviera Parque

Catering: Grand Catering by Jacky Young

Barbara & Joe's Love Sets Sail | Wedding

Joe and Barbara both love sailing and they wanted a nautical themed wedding to showcase this mutual interest.  The Royal Canadian Yacht Club was perfect for the intimate setting they dreamed of, the bridal party dressed in blue and cute wooden sailboats served as their centerpieces.

After a beautiful ceremony at St. Pius X Parish, we took a private boat to the Toronto islands with the bridal party.  The unobstructed view of the Toronto skyline was amazing, and the dock and grounds of RCYC was gorgeous as well.

It was an extremely windy day with a hint of rain but thank goodness for that because my favorite photos from the day are of Barbara's veil blowing with the sea breeze.

Congratulations Joe & Barbara, I know you're setting off on your honeymoon today so have a great time!

Details:

Ceremony: St Pius X Parish

DJ: Maximum DJ

Bridal Hairstyling by Vidal Sassoon

Venue & Catering by Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC)

Esther & Kenny's Sweet Beginning | Wedding

Esther and Kenny's first date was at 'Just Desserts', a sweet beginning to their 5 year relationship.  Earlier on this year, we photographed their engagement session at Mainstreet Unionville (photos can be found here) where Kenny proposed.

The first key event of the day was when Kenny and his 6 groomsmen arrived at Esther's house for 'doorgames', a Chinese tradition that requires the groom to prove his love for the bride by surviving challenges prepared by her bridesmaids and professing his love.  One of the cutest and funniest moments was when Kenny yelled from the staircase below, "I will always love you...ALWAYS" followed by his next phrase in cantonese "My heart is yours...ALWAYS".

After he successfully picked up his bride-to-be, we headed over to Richmond Greens for park photos before the ceremony.  Both ceremony and reception was hosted at Shangri-La Banquet Hall, a venue known for its elaborant decor.  Live band by All Day Breakfast and MC by Carol kept the crowd well entertained all night long.

Cheers to a great couple, amazing friends, and a fun-filled night!

Details:

Live Band by All Day Breakfast
Master of Ceremonies by Carol Chan

Flowers by Flowers with Love

Venue & Catering by Shangri-La Banquet Hall

Antara & Rajin | Engagement Session

Rajin was working up to 12 hours a day and his colleague Melissa thought that he was too much of a workaholic and deserved someone special in his life.  She immediately thought of Antara. Melissa had Antara on the phone with her one day and Rajin was right there, Rajin says “have her call me” but Antara says “no, he’ll have to call me!” He called of course, fast forward and now this lovely couple’s wedding is only a month away!

After this engagement shoot, I definitely see the benefits of living downtown.  You get a breathtaking view, everything is within walking distance, and there are always events happening.  We started off at Harbour Front, followed by a few quick snapshots at Union Station, then BCE Place as it started to get dark and the final destination was Younge and Dundas Square for some night shots with the billboards and cars.

There’s a new trend to engagement sessions this year, more and more couples are bringing props and some even dress up to portray a theme.  Antara brought along a cute balloon that read ‘Love” which matched her black and white dress.

We definitely welcome any theme, props, outfits changes, or costumes you can think of, it’s a great way to highlight your personalities and be unique. =)