My favourite weddings to photograph are ones where there are personal elements of the couple sprinkled throughout the day. Paula and James’ wedding was entirely their own, starting with James’ corgi socks as a nod to their beloved corgi, Benny (@cowboy.benny), their vibrant wedding colours of cabernet, burgundy, rust, blush pink, and marigold that perfectly encapsulate Paula and James’ fun and bold personalities, all the way to their impressive donut wall at the reception. The small (and large) details that I know Paula and James spent hours upon hours planning and finalizing came together beautifully – and make this wedding one of the most fun and beautiful weddings I had the honour of photographing that summer. I didn’t even mention how freaking emotion their ceremony was.. but we’ll get to that very shortly.
Photography @anniochanphotography
Wedding Planner/Coordination @smitten_events
Venue & Catering @hart_house_weddings
Florals @uniqueboutiquefloral
Decor @bespokedecor @cricut @ikeacanada
Hair and Make-up @theloveteam_official
Wedding Gown @thebridalgallery Wtoo by Watters
Groom’s/Groomsmen Tux @indochino @zara
Bridesmaids Dresses @azazieofficial
Nails @lalotusnailspa
Rings @evordenjewellery
Donuts @cartemdonuts
Cake @cakesnsweets_
Officiant @ceremoniesbyjoel
Music @ian.spageddy
DJ @hotwaxentertainment
Photobooth @info.photoculture
Paula and James had their first look on the balcony of their building. The weather that day was perfect, with a slight overcast and promises of slight drizzle (perfect for wedding photos). They had their wedding party behind the glass doors watching as they had their first look. My goodness this was one of the sweetest first looks I’ve ever photographed. Of course, the bride and the groom are excited to see each other, but look at how excited their closest friends are, too!
I. Am. Obsessed. With mismatched wedding party colours/dresses. I still can’t get over Paula and James’ colour palette and I really am taking a page out of their wedding planning process for my own. Brb as I text Paula.
This wedding was one of the most organized weddings ever – huge props to @smitten_events for slotting in ample photography time. I had never been happier with how much time we had to do wedding party photos, bride & groom romantic portraits, family/group photos and we even had time to do sunset portraits! I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, the timeline of the wedding day is so freaking important. Have a solid timeline, and all the other details will fall into place. Here is my suggestion for how much time to allocate to each photo section of your day: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6gi-jErjKo/
Okok we have to talk about their wedding ceremony. First of all, one of their close friends Ian was playing the guitar as everyone made their way down the aisle. What a sweet personal touch!! AND BENNY WALKING DOWN THE AISLE???? I CANNOT HANDLE. I loved the balance between incorporating Filipino tradition (lighting of the candle, draping of the unity cord and veil, exchange of wedding coins) and their wedding vows. My goodness, their wedding vows!!! There was not a single dry eye in the crowd – myself included. At one point James had to turn away from Paula so that she can get through her vows – they were both laughing and crying so much!!
I am writing this blog post nearly 9 months after their wedding yet looking at their photos brings me right back to that late summer wedding that I loved photographing so much.
