Jennifer and Alex

Saturday July 27, 2013

One thing that I love about photographing weddings is when I have a chance to capture a tradition that in our modern days is sometimes lost and forgotten.  I was born in Canada but my heritage is both Irish and Polish.  I have never been to either country but I admire the people who bring their language, culture, and traditions to Canada.  Today, I celebrated a wedding with the beautiful people of Ukraine.

Alex, the adorable groom, travelled  here in 2007 from his hometown of Simferopol, Ukraine.  He and Jennifer met in University and formed an amazing relationship.  She grew up dancing within the Canadian/Ukrainian community, little did she know that she would one day marry a boy who would ignite her Ukrainian roots.

I arrived at Jen's parents home at 9:30am.  I was greeted by the groom himself who looked so excited but had to rush off as Jen was expected to come by very shortly after her hair appointment.  He did not want so risk seeing his beloved bride before the wedding...he just gets more adorable!
Jen did arrive soon after he left and came inside looking gorgeous and she didn't even have her make up done yet.  Jen is one of those natural beauties who's face lights up a room every time she smiles.  Within the hour, her make up was done and she even had time to eat a quick snack with her girlfriends and parents before she stepped into her dress.

Jennifer's parents live in a lovely house that has a perfect front porch for photos.  Thank you so much for your hospitality and for allowing my assistant, Darlene, and I to come into your home.

Jennifer and Alex were married at the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church by Father Darren in a elegant and traditional ceremony.  The church was lit up by gorgeous natural sunlight streaming through the windows and the sounds of the choir filled the room with such joy and romance.

As the bridal couple left the church their friends and family showered them with confetti....yes CONFETTI.  I haven't photographed confetti in years and it was so much fun.  I felt like a kid again as the colourful paper danced in the air.  Another little bit of tradition that I haven't seen in a long time.

We headed to the Legislative grounds where we met up with the bridal party.  We had a wonderful day for photos.  The grounds looked stunning with their summer flowers and the fountain misted our backs to keep us cool in the sunshine.

From here we travelled to the St. Boniface Cathedral for family and more bridal party photos.  I love going to the Cathedral because it's such a majestic place filled with great architecture and golden light.  It was a stunning backdrop for Jennifer and Alex.

I want to thank the wedding party for adding such fun to each and every photograph from their airborne kisses to their classic jump.   Jennifer and Alex have a great group of friends, thank you for making the day so much more memorable with your laughter, flare for life, and goofiness.

The reception was held at the Holy Eucharist Hall.  Guests were greeted by the the bridal couple, along with their parents and the wedding party.  This was such a fun place to be because as the guests waited in line, the band, "Sloohai" played traditional Ukrainian music and then once they said hello to everyone they were given a shot of apple liquor to drink.  It was fabulous!  The dinner and dancing were amazing.  I watched and admired this awesome crowd as they laughed and celebrated with joy for Jennifer and Alex.

Another thing that I loved so much about this wedding was rather than having a wedding cake, they had pie.  A table full of pie...all freshly baked the day before!  Yummy!

I want to wish Jennifer and Alex a wonderful life together.  I truly loved spending such an important day with you and capturing your moments together.  You are both such talented individuals who share a love of family, friends, and tradition.  It was an honour to be a part of this extraordinary day.

My Favourite Photo!