Playful Pops of Colour for Couple's Chic Wedding at The Doctor's House

It’s hard to even know where to begin with Eliza and Grant and how much we enjoyed their wedding day at Kleinburg’s, The Doctor’s House. 100% relaxed, chic, true to their style and centred around having an incredible day with their families and friends, it was the dream day to photograph! Eliza and Grant first reached out to us in 2022 about their wedding day. They knew they wanted to host a day that showed their guests who had travelled from China, Hong Kong, British Columbia and all over Ontario, how much they were truly loved. Due to the fact that many had travelled from long distances, they decided to host all the events of their wedding day at The Doctor’s House.

We arrived just as Eliza was finishing up with hair and makeup and Grant was busily putting the finishing touches on some of the decor for their reception. Everyone was super chill-having enjoyed a relaxing start to the wedding morning. Grant and Eliza decided that they would like to start the day together with a first look (the cutest first look ever we might add) and go right into a tea ceremony hosted by Grant’s family. We loved that Eliza wore a traditional Korean dress, a Hanbok, to celebrate her family’s culture. After their tea ceremony, it was time to get ready for their wedding ceremony in The Doctor’s House iconic Chapel. Something that really stood out to us what their very heartfelt and personal vows to one another. They spoke to their commitment, love, what led them to their wedding day and their promises for the future. We were so honoured to be present for such meaningful vows!

Their being pronounced as husband and wife was sealed with a high five, kiss and celebratory champagne pour! After having photographs with their families and friends it was time relax and enjoy the evening! Although they both loved a very clean, light aesthetic, they also both loved the idea of incorporating colour into their day. The beautiful flower arrangements and playful touches of colour in their decor really spoke to their happy personalities.

Eliza changed into a cocktail dress that she made (!!!) for their first dance. It was the perfect dress to get the party started ;) After an incredible dinner, hilarious speeches and a beautiful sunset it was time to dance the night away!

We left Eliza and Grant’s wedding feeling so grateful for such a kind couple who made their day so personal. These are the memories we love :)

Venue: The Doctor’s House | Photography: Ugo Photograph | Videography: Chen Visual | Hair and Makeup: Su Paints | Suit: Empire Customs | Florals: Bambii Florals | Cake: Daan Go Cake Lab | Entertainment: Exclusive Group of Entertainment

Couple's Celebratory Toronto Golf Club Wedding

It’s no secret that the pandemic has caused A LOT of questions marks and uncertainty; especially for couples planning such big events as their wedding days.  This was the case with our sweet couple, Neil and Elyse, who never dreamed their wedding plans would be affected by a global pandemic! 

 After getting engaged in the spring of 2019, they went to work to plan their special day at the beautiful and historic, Toronto Golf Club.  The stunning Clubhouse, the natural surroundings, the Club’s renowned chef and both the indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception locations made it the perfect choice for Elyse and Neil’s garden party-inspired wedding day.  Their original plans included a beautiful ceremony under the big maple tree and dinner for over 100 guests in the Clubhouse’s dining room.  As Canada began to face serious lockdown measures in March, it became clearer and clearer that it most likely wouldn’t be possible to celebrate their May wedding.  The number of cases was rising very quickly in the Toronto area and the authorities had to set very strict measures for gatherings.  

They moved their wedding to September with the hope that by the end of summer the situation would improve.  As the province began entering the final stage of opening towards the end of August, Elyse and Neil decided that they were going to go ahead even if it meant having a different- looking wedding day than what they had originally planned. They went to work with the club’s manager to plan their ceremony and cocktail party for 70 guests (the regulations in the region at that time stated 100 people or less were permitted at an outdoor event).  In order to ensure the safety of all attendees, the Club prescreened all guests according to Health Canada’s guidelines.

Elyse’s beautiful wedding palette of soft hues of blush and white set the tone for their gorgeous day. Included in her bridal details were several precious family heirlooms which had been passed down through the women in her family for generations; including delicate earrings, an intricate family ring and a lace handkerchief. Neil surprised Elyse with a beautiful wedding day gift, personalizing it with her initials.

As Elyse arrived to the Club, Neil patiently awaited his bride for their first look. The 11th hole was a stunning location, with clear sight lines of the gorgeous Clubhouse!

One of the most special moments of the day was right after Neil and Elyse’s first look.  They chose to privately read their vows to each other.  Their expressions of commitment, love and respect for one another had us close to tears by the end of their vows!

Although they had to sacrifice having all of their invitees present, they made sure that all their friends could login via Zoom to be a part of their special day.  Elyse’s mom and brother walked with Elyse and and Neil’s sweet dog, Meeka, down the aisle who had her own special flower crown around her collar!  Elyse then had an emotional walk with her dad down the aisle.  Technical difficulties with the music made for such a memorable walk as all the guests all chimed in and began humming, ‘Here Comes the Bride’ as Elyse made her way to her groom. 

 The ceremony, officiated by a close family friend, included a few personal comments and then the meaningful words of, ‘I Do’!! 

From the ceremony, the couple welcomed their guests to a garden-inspired sit-down cocktail party on the lawn.  Tables were set apart according to the government’s required distance standards and guests were served their drinks and appetizers at their tables to avoid unnecessary movement between social bubbles.

The guests then heard from both parents and Elyse’s sister (MOH) and Neil’s brother (Best Man) and let us tell you, there were more than a few tears during the speeches!  Such gracious words and thoughts to express the support and love surrounding this couple despite a challenging 2020. 

As the sun was gently setting on the horizon, we stole Elyse and Neil away to take advantage of a quiet moment with the soft evening light. And in true celebratory fashion, they finished off with a twirl!

After saying goodbye to their guests, the newlyweds continued the celebrations with an intimate dinner in the Clubhouse with their immediate families.  During dinner, Elyse shared a very emotional first dance with her dad on the Club’s terrace as her sweet mama looked on.

As the very happy evening came to an end, their families surrounded the couple with love and a final celebratory sparkler cheer which lit up the dark sky.

Support has been so important this year for so many reasons.  Documenting Elyse and Neil’s support system, including their family and friends, and the love and encouragement they share was such an honour.  As with so many couples this year, plans had to adapt and change for them; however, we cannot think of how their day could have been any more joyous.  It left our hearts full!!

Venue: Toronto Golf Club || Florals: Toronto Golf Club || Wedding Dress: Truvelle at Sash and Bustle || Hair: Leslie Sarantos || Makeup: Alison Henthorn || Hair Vine: ZTTOC Wedding Hair Accessories || Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic and Hudson Bay Company

Intimate Destination Wedding in Spain's Unforgettable Basque Country

It is no secret that everything ‘Spain’ is a favourite topic of Junilo and mine! Our years in Spain shaped us as people and continues to be an important part of our experience as a couple and as individuals. Nevertheless, our first trip back after moving home to Canada was an exciting one! We felt as if our hearts could burst from the thought of going ‘home’, spending time with our Spanish ‘familia’, eating as much Spanish food as we could and drinking perhaps one too many of the original cortado, lol!

Casamentera Events is an incredible wedding planning duo, made up of Maria and Matixa. Their love for life, dedication to their work, Spanish flare and on point styling makes them one of Spain’s most desired Wedding Planner teams. Their weddings are EPIC ‘experiences’; unforgettable memories for both couples and guests alike. It was such an honour to work with them and an amazing team for this intimate wedding on the Northern Coast of Spain.

In recent years, San Sebastian has become THE Northern capital of gastronomy, fashion, surfing, beaches and landscape. It is little wonder then that many international couples from all over the world make it their wedding destination. A little outside the city lies the hidden Hotel Iturregi, a small boutique hotel which combines the charm of a rural house with the comfort and sophistication of a luxury hotel. It sits high on a hill, surrounded by vineyards and breathtaking views of the Cantabrian coastline, making it a quintessential wedding venue and accommodation for couples and their guests.

The bride and groom have spent the last nine years together; true teenage sweethearts. It isn’t hard to see why Ibai was completely smitten at the first sight; Ane’s piercing green eyes, beautiful smile and incredibly sweet personality makes her just about perfect :)

We cannot wait till the next time we are back at Hotel Iturregi. We couldn’t think of a better Spanish wedding venue for couples celebrating the most important day of their lives with their closest family and friends. xoxo

Wedding Venue: Hotel Iturregi | Wedding Planning and Coordination: Casamentera Events | Videography: Raul Idigoras | Hair and Makeup: Erika Galea Estilista | Florals: Flowers and Co. | Paper goods: Jade Calico | Cakes and Dessert Table: Martina de Zuricalday | Catering: Ekotaloak | Tablescape: Mesa Presidencial | Officiant: Salacadula | Wedding Dress: The Samantha by Truvelle Bridal | Jewellery: Atlantis | Groom’s Attire: Zara | Couple: Ibai Salvatore and Ane Egibar

A London England Destination Engagement Session

Junilo and I were contacted by Geraldine and André in September 2017 in regards to their 2019 Toronto wedding.  The more we got to know each other over email, the more we realized how much the four of us had in common!!  They were fellow Torontonians who, just like us, had the unforgettable opportunity to live in Europe.  As in the case of Junilo, André followed 'his girl' abroad after Geraldine was accepted to study her Masters of Architecture in London, UK.  In addition to their wedding photography, they were really interested in having engagement photos done as well; however, due to the distance they thought that the only way to arrange things was to book a wedding photographer for their Toronto wedding and have a local photographer document their UK story in some of their favourite spots in London.  Coincidentally, Junilo and I were in the midst of booking a work trip to Spain for just around the end of the school year which was exactly when Geraldine thought they would like to book their engagement session! After working out the details of timing and logistics we agreed we would incorporate a quick stop in London on our way home from Spain. 

Once everything was confirmed, we literally spent months planning their engagement session!  We talked about how to incorporate their love of architecture into their photos, Geraldine prepared a walking map of their favourite spots in the city,  we worked out timing (to beat the crowds!) and even assisted in styling clothing and colours.  We really valued Geraldine's interest in making this an unforgettable experience for the two of them.  Her planning and effort really paid off because their session turned out beautifully. 

We’re counting the days till their 2019 Toronto summer wedding!