I love when I get to travel for weddings.

Back in D.C. I traveled fairly often for destination weddings. Plenty of people in the big city like to getaway for their vows. Now that I live in Silverthorne, Colorado, I’m living in the destination people want to go to and I don’t often get requests to pack my bags and explore. So when Nick (a longtime friend and business partner of my husband) and Josie asked if I would be interested in photographing their wedding, I jumped for joy. Not only are these two some of the most generous and big hearted people you’ll ever meet, they were also planning a super fun downtown Toronto wedding that was going to break all kinds of molds. I was totally “in”!

The day started out with Josie getting ready with her girls in her downtown condo. Her stunning, art deco inspired beaded dress was from Kleinfeld’s and was the perfect look to compliment the art deco styling of their venue, La Maquette. I hopped (conveniently) across the street to Josie’s brother’s place who, as the best man, was hosting Nick’s getting ready session as well. Soon, everyone was ready to go, however, Mother Nature decided to throw a rain wrench in our plans.

Originally we were to take photos in a nearby park but that turned out to be completely blocked off with construction. Nooo! Then we were going to do the photos in a beautiful lawn of a church nearby but that turned into a no-go when we discovered a local protest and counter-protest going on. We eventually decided on some first look photos at the venue as well as a nearby mini-park around the corner.

As always, things have a way of working out and I absolutely loved the spots! The first look spot in La Maquette’s courtyard was stunning light accented with the architecture and then the mini-park had the most perfect “stage” for the large group of family & special friends that joined us under a canopy of perfectly changing fall leaves. They couldn’t have been a prettier backdrop!

Because the rain decided to continue off and on, Nick and Josie decided to move the ceremony indoors. It was a cozy space and everyone squeezed in to witness these two love birds profess some of the most heartfelt vows I’ve ever heard. There was hardly a dry eye in the room, including the officiant who happened to be Josie’s mother!

After the ceremony I knew Nick and Josie were anxious to get to partying and celebrating with their guests but I was SO happy they still wanted to go back to the best man’s condo building to take a few stunning photos with the Toronto skyline at dusk. It was gorgeous and a perfect way for them to have a little time to themselves before dancing the night away with their guests. There were lots of fun surprises like a pretty sweet photo booth, mini desserts, and an absolutely rockin’ violinist who amazed the whole crowd.

In the end, I couldn’t have been more honored to be chosen to photograph for Nick and Josie. Not only are they generous to their vendors, their friends and family were a delight to be around. Toronto was a stunning city filled with some amazing people (and food!) and it was super fun to switch things up a bit and photograph a city wedding.

Take a peek at their photos below and leave them some love in the comments!

Vendor Role Call:

Venue - La Maquette
Coordinator/Florist - Ange Kavanas with Berkeley Events
Officiant - Reverend Sherry
Hair - Amber from Tony Shamas
Makeup - Ashley of Ashley Readings Bridal/Bridal Makeup Toronto
Dress - Maggie Sottero
Tux - Moores Clothing
DJ - DJ Baby Cakes
Dessert - Fugu
Catering - La Maquette
Violinist - Dr. Draw