September 7, 2012
TGIF.....I have always loved photographing a wedding held on a Friday. It's a wonderful way to end the work week by seeing old friends, dancing, and celebrating two people as fantastic as Kristee and Brad.
Our first stop was to the venue, home of the ceremony, reception and where we would meet Kristee and her bridesmaids.
Darlene and I arrived at the historic Marlborough Hotel (turning 98 years old in November) at 10:00am. I love the Renaissance style, the elegance, and stained glass that decorates the hotel's interior giving me a beautiful backdrop for interior photos.
When I first saw Kristee she was sitting so perfect with rollers in her hair wearing a black tank top that spelled "Bride" across the top, her smile lit up the room....dimples and all!
Soon Kristee was dressed and we were off to Marlborough Hall, one of my favourite rooms in the hotel. I love the massive windows and the blue interior which showcased Kristee's unbelievable eyes.
A short time later the bridesmaids arrived looking amazing in their red dresses. Thank you ladies for all the fun that you brought to our day and for all that "sassy-ness! You were great to work with and I can see why Kristee loves you all so much.
Kristee has a great love for her family...past and present. She wore a beautiful locket that was close to her heart featuring images of her grandparents to honour their memory.
Just after 12:00pm I met Brad, the groomsmen, and his family for a few photos before the ceremony.
The highlight was seeing Brad with his adorable daughter, Ellica. Wow, watch our Canada's Top Model!!! Thank you Ellica, you were such a great listener and a huge helper. I have worked with many children and I can honestly say that Ellica's beauty is inside and out and I can see that she is going to be a wonderful big sister to Hailey.
Kristee and Brad were married in the very lavish Churchill Room surrounded by family and friends which included a sand ceremony.
Once the ceremony was done we met the couple in Joanne's Restaurant to capture a few family photos with their children, Ellica and Hailey along with their nephew, Dominic.
As family and friends mingled during cocktail hour we took Kristee, Brad, and the Bridal Party for a little adventure into the famous Exchange District. The exchange is always so much fun to walk through as it has a variety of personalities and characteristics to offer. I'd like to thank the wedding party for your charisma, spirit and your ability to smile knowing that you were only a few blocks from a nice cold beer. Seriously though, you were an awesome bunch to work with......Thank You!
To my couple, Kristee and Brad...thank you for being such troopers! I know we had a tight schedule
to follow but you both pulled it off...sore feet and all. You are both such kind-hearted people. I loved watching the care and thoughtfulness that you shared with each other throughout the day.
Brad you looked fantastic in your suit and your upbeat humour kept everyone smiling and having fun.
You made an awesome groom!
Kristee...WOW...is all I can say, I could have photographed you all day. You truly looked beautiful and I am so happy that you found your true love. Congratulations!
The reception was held in the Sky View Ballroom at the Marlborough Hotel. Off to the side was one of the most adorable wedding cakes that I have ever seen. It was a masterpiece. A family friend, Mario Cortez made the cake after inspiration from the most magical place on earth...Disneyworld. Just one year earlier Brad proposed to Kristee in the heart of Disneyworld...yes...Cinderella's castle. So the cake was a replica of the majestic castle, the cake top was Mickey and Minnie mouse, and the cake server was a glass slipper. I loved it!
As the evening ended we had just enough time to run up to the roof for a few more photos as the sun was about to set. A huge thank you to Abdullah Ayed, the Assistant General Manager, we could have not done this without you and we really appreciate your kindness.
Congratulations Kristee and Brad!
Thank you to all of the friends and family who made this day so wonderful and fun to be a part of.
My Favourite Photo!
