Studio J

I’m not sure why I doubt – but at every wedding, when I meet the bride in the morning, I am filled with reassurance and so pleased.   It’s not because everything is on time and Mirette looks fabulous and her dress is outstanding.

It’s her attitude.  … and Kwan’s attitude, when we touched base the night before and again this morning.   The plan to have, “All You Need Is Love” sung right after their joining was not lip service or a theme.  That really is their attitude.   I love your values, your attitude and your priorities, Kwan and Mirette.

The ceremony was at the Timothy Eaton church in Toronto:

Genuine happiness – they are now together:

There was a theme at the wedding and it was colours, with people mixing it up in a rainbow of tones, reflecting the 2 different worlds – Chinese and Egyptian – coming together.

Recognize this place from Kwan and Mirette’s engagement photos?    ….. this was great, getting together with friends in the wedding at a favourite hangout, between the ceremony and reception!

Jess and Derek and Faika were there.  Jess and Derek’s wedding in October was where we met Mirette and Kwan. – so 2 of our wedding couples together – and right after Heather and I  arrived , who came back to greet us – but a 3rd couple from last summer – Deb and Grace!    …… that was cool!

The dancing was a riot – so much fun and celebration!

The slideshow video of some wedding images:

He’s from North York.   She’s from KW.   They met in Japan, where they both live.

Tracey’s dad was dying with cancer.  He knew he wouldn’t last many days.   So he made a suggestion.

Two weeks before their announced wedding date, Tracey and Mike were wed in a small, living room ceremony in a Southampton cottage  -  in front of her dad.

In the last days of his life, Lorne Shantz saw the daughter he was so close with,  married.

Two weeks later, on Dec 5th, I joined friends and family celebrating Mike and Tracey’s 2nd wedding in as many weeks.

With a mad, impossible schedule, not enough days – and through difficult times, Tracey and Mike remain friendly, relaxed, easy-going and funny.  Their great attitude was like a guarantee that this wedding would be a happy celebration.   No plans, details or scheduling hiccups could change that.

A Japanese Wish Tree:

SMOOOOOTH! :

… and the wedding slideshow video:

Jess broke out ballet shoes to wear with her dress!

Derek and Jess both radiated a calm, stress free attitude and it was contagious.  All were affected.  (me too).

On their own, each of these two have a relaxed self assurance that I admire.  Together, they have that same sense of assurance,  like an implied  “of course we are made for each other”.     ……  I’ll just be Captain Obvious here and report that it’s true.  Jess and Derek are kindred spirits.

The groomsmen.  Crikey Mark!   Look at that air!!    Paul, Corey and Art on air guitar:

Amazing, original bouquets!   …… and beautiful, adventurous friends, who were up for going out under-dressed on a chilly October day:

Captain Morgan! :

We were rained on for about 1 minute.   ….. then we scared it off with umbrellas.   There’s a metaphor at work here:

I love this:

You both were amazing!   Dancing on a country highway – and the wind was kicking up, so it wasn’t just chilly, now it was cold! :

This is my favourite variation yet on the tapping of spoons on tableware to get the bride and groom to kiss.   Kisses were performed(!) by request when guests placed a donation in the UW Well-Fit charity basket! :

Derek, with Them Cultured Vultures rocked out a number at the reception!  How cool! :

I met Jess and Derek last year, when I did their engagement photos .   Jess is doing fitness, nutrition and all around wellness coaching (could be photos of this coming soon!).  She has a decidedly positive influence on people around her (waist lines are even shrinking).  As the 2nd vegan(most days!) at the dinner, I was treated to the same healthy – gourmet – vegan cuisine that St George’s great chef prepared for Jess.  It was outstanding!  Thanks Jess!

Derek is an IT specialist who can relate to clients, communicate clearly with them in english (not assembly code!) and he gets it about great client care and customer service.  That really is a big deal (and rare!) when your technical expert understands people too!   I can report from direct experience that Derek would be a great business coach if he ever goes in that direction (thanks Derek!).

Hands down, my favourite thing about being a photographer is my connection and involvement in the lives of cool people I admire.  Thank you Jess and Derek so much for having us as part of your wedding day!

…. and some wedding slideshow goodness: