She lives in Texas, he lives in Toronto. They met on a retreat a couple of years ago, then they reconnected online recently and decided on forever. They just knew.
Here’s a peek at what we were up to last night!
Andree & Katherine, it was so much fun. Can’t wait to share more!
‘The Day After’ – Styled Shoot
You spend so much time planning your wedding, but what happens the Day After your wedding?When the festivities are over, you get to wake up next to your life partner, and savour the new reality.Sleeping in, enjoying some leftover cake with breakfast, and lots of cozy cuddling.This styled shoot was quite a spur-of-the-moment decision this Winter and I worked with some phenomenal Toronto vendors to get it together within a month. Though it was cold out, we styled this shoot with the nearly-approaching Spring in mind.Because, just as Spring is a beautiful new start after Winter, the day after your wedding is the start of a new journey together.
We found inspiration in the lovely blue blooms – muscari and forget-me-nots – that are amongst the first flowers to appear as the weather starts changing. We carried these blues throughout this sweet shoot – from the fabrics, stationery and other details to their florals and her incredible Art Deco star sapphire antique engagement ring. We also brought in complimentary touches of orange with kumquats in the bouquet and on the cake, as well as the jam they spread on their morning scones.
(Fun little tidbit: Those were excerpts from my and my husband’s real vows!)
(Fun little tidbit: Those were excerpts from my and my husband’s real vows!)
Being foodies, they also had tiny little forks in the boutonniere and bouquet.Which were super adorable – though not quite as adorable as the amazing chemistry and love between these two. (Yes, they’re a husband and wife in real life!)
The vibe of this shoot is cozy, peaceful, intimate and playful.We followed these two as they eased into their first day as newlyweds and then ventured out for their honeymoon.
They first took it easy with breakfast in bed, sweet and silly moments reading to each other, romantic candles and cozy moments, and a tablescape with details from their wedding festivities – including cake that they of course had to dig into!
He made his face kissably smooth with a classic shaving set, she wore an alluring negligee, and after enjoying a relaxed morning together the newlyweds grabbed their vintage suitcases and head out their loft’s freight elevator towards their honeymoon and new life together.
—
He made his face kissably smooth with a classic shaving set, she wore an alluring negligee, and after enjoying a relaxed morning together the newlyweds grabbed their vintage suitcases and head out their loft’s freight elevator towards their honeymoon and new life together. —
The Wonderful Team:
Photography: Olive Photography
Flowers: Quill + Oak
Calligraphy: Quill + Oak
Tablecape Rentals & Vintage Finds: The Perfect Table
Other Vintage Finds: Second Voyage
Negligee & Robe: Loversland
Groom PJs: The Bay
Hair & Makeup: Toronto Beauty Group
Antique Jewellery: Cynthia Findlay
Cake: Le Dolci Bakery
Scones: Baker & Scone
Tarts: Pain Perdu
Thinking you’d like to have me photograph a special time in your life? You can contact me HERE!
Experimenting with Moody Photography
Moody Photography – Experimenting & Shooting for Fun.
Photographers can have PD days too. Professional Development is something I think is super important – it’s good to always keep learning, always get creative and try new things. Toronto wedding photography in the Winter can be drab and chilly, but you can actually get some pretty interesting indoor shots if you have a room with good light!
On Sunday I had some fun at a photography workshop experimenting with different ways to shoot. The cool thing about Winter (other than it being ‘cool’ – heh heh) is having some free time to try out new things with some personal shooting.
What’s funny about these photos is that the rooms were actually quite bright! But a few adjustments in the camera brought these photos to a super mooody and kind of cool look.
It’s a departure from how I usually shoot, but I kind of like it and may incorporate some more shots like this into wedding season this year.
What do you think of this look? Super different and interesting, no?
Sneak Peek! Day After Session – Styled Shoot
Day After Session – Sneak Peek!
Helloooo, everyone!
I’m super excited to (almost) share this session with you.
It was my first time planning a styled shoot and I am so thrilled with how it all came together. The concept was the ‘day after’ the wedding – the first day as newlyweds, incorporating some details from the festivities the day before.
Cozy, relaxed, playful.
I won’t say much more just yet, but I will share a few little sneak peeks – stay tuned for more!
Photography: Olive Photography | Flowers & Calligraphy: Quill + Oak | Tablescape, Styling & Vintage Rentals: The Perfect Table | Hair & Makeup: Toronto Beauty Group | More Vintage Finds: Second Voyage | Bride’s Attire: Loversland | Groom’s Attire: Hudson’s Bay | Cake: Le Dolci | Scones: Baker & Scone | Tarts: Pain Perdu
Bridal Bouquet Inspiration
Bouquet: Quill & Oak
Bridal Bouquet Inspiration from some Incredible Toronto Wedding Florists
One of the super fun things about getting gussied up on your wedding day is all of the amazing prettiness that we surround ourselves with.
When else do you get to spend a whole day carrying around one of the most beautiful bouquets imaginable?
As a wedding photographer I’ve seen some *incredible* bouquets – every one of them unique and breathtaking in their own right. Each bouquet infuses the personalities of the bride and the florist, and it’s always so exciting to see what they have devised for each special day.
Since I’ve been through the wedding planning process, I know that there is SO much choice out there. I thought I’d share some of the amazing bouquets I’ve had the pleasure of photographing not just because they were so gorgeous, but also because these brides were super happy with their florists and I thought they deserve some props!
Enjoy!
Bouquet: Coriander Girl
Bouquet: Leaf & Bloom
Bouquet: Caprice Design & Decor
Bouquet: Benny & ViV
Bouquet: Pink Twig
Bouquet: Flowers Time
Bouquet: Cathy Martin Flowers
Bouquet: Coriander Girl
Weren’t these all spectacular?
I can’t wait to photograph the bouquets in store this upcoming wedding season!
5 Helpful Engagement Session Tips
I get asked this question all the time – What makes a good engagement session?
Since I’ve found myself e-mailing responses to this question so often, I thought I’d put together a quick little guide.
For me, it’s actually super simple. There are 5 Helpful Tips that really do make a *huge* difference in the results of your photos.
TIP #1 – LIGHT
The definition of ‘photography’ literally translates from Greek to drawing with light. (Photo=Light, Graphy=Drawing)
Light is a huge component of what makes a good photograph.
For engagement sessions, many people love the warm glow they sometimes see in photographs, often with sun beams coming into the shot. The best time to get this type of light is about the hour to half hour before sunset. I typically start sessions 1.5 hours before sunset to have a bit more cushion time to explore and catch different types of light.
Sometimes the skies don’t allow for these sun beams (c’mon, cloud cover!), and that’s ok. It may not even be something you like. But, don’t fret if it’s not a bright sunny day. In fact, it’s actually BETTER when the day is cloudy versus too bright. Clouds are like nature’s soft boxes, creating a great, even light. Bright sunshine (like at mid afternoon) makes people squint and leaves ‘hot spots’ (bright white areas) on your clothes & faces. Clouds or scheduling your session at a later or super early time will help prevent this.
Speak with your photographer about the best time to take your photos to get the best results. This will also depend on how your photographer likes to shoot. For me, I love the hour-ish before sunset. (This actually applies to your wedding portraits too, if possible!)
TIP #2 – PERSONALIZATION
I love it when engagement sessions reflect you as a couple. I always ask couples to tell me some things they enjoy doing together, or places they enjoy visiting. From there we can gather inspiration for little things we can add to your session to make it something you can look back on and think, ‘that was so us during that time’.
For instance, you guys may love going for coffee, or having picnics, or maybe you love sports. Or maybe you just want to spend time at home since it’s your favourite place, or visit where you had your first date. We can include hints to these things in your individualized session.
Of course we’ll take some awesome lovey portraits, but it’s also neat when the location or some items in the photos have special meaning for you.
TIP # 3 – OUTFITS (Think: Comfortable, Co-ordinated, Compatible)
A big question I get a lot is ‘what should we wear?’
The answer to this is three-fold:
1. Comfortable: The most important thing is that you are comfortable, since it will show in the photos if you aren’t. This means wearing something that is weather-appropriate (wear layers in cold weather so you’re not freezing with hunched, stiff shoulders in the shoot!), as well as something you can move around in easily. Make sure it’s something you’d feel comfortable sitting on the ground in – something that won’t shift in awkward, possibly revealing ways (e.g. a short skirt, or a tight buttoned shirt that could pull the spaces between buttons awkwardly). Accessories like scarves and blankets can also add a cozy feel.
2. Coordinated: Make sure your outfit styles work well together. Maybe you’re both wearing earth tones, maybe you’re both slightly more formal, maybe both outfits have a bit of the same colour, or perhaps you’re wearing different yet complementing colours. The important thing is that your outfits work well together. Something to avoid is one person being super dressed down (e.g. in a hoodie or torn jeans) while the other is a bit more put together. Class it up, but also keep it relaxed & co-ordinated. (Note: Co-ordinated is different from match-y – don’t wear the same shirts and pants, since that tends to have a formal family portrait vibe.)
2. Coordinated: Make sure your outfit styles work well together. Maybe you’re both wearing earth tones, maybe you’re both slightly more formal, maybe both outfits have a bit of the same colour, or perhaps you’re wearing different yet complementing colours. The important thing is that your outfits work well together. Something to avoid is one person being super dressed down (e.g. in a hoodie or torn jeans) while the other is a bit more put together. Class it up, but also keep it relaxed & co-ordinated. (Note: Co-ordinated is different from match-y – don’t wear the same shirts and pants, since that tends to have a formal family portrait vibe.)
This bride-to-be even co-ordinated her lipstick with their picnic cherries:
3. Compatible: Make sure your outfits make sense/are compatible with the location of the shoot. If we’re frolicking through a forest you probably don’t want to be wearing heels. But heels definitely work for city photos. If it’s snowing outside it may look (and feel) strange to wear a sleeveless dress, so wear something weather-appropriate (this is also part of the ‘comfortable’ tip). Make sure your outfits will look nice in the context of the environment.
TIP # 4 – MANICURES
This goes for both the ladies and the gents. Get your hands ready for those potential close-up shots.
Painted nails look so great in photos.
Painted nails look so great in photos.
Also, these things are often overlooked: moisturize (so you don’t have dry skin and cuticles) and trim those nails, gents!
These little things make a big difference.
TIP # 5 – ENJOY
Engagement sessions are a time for you to let loose and enjoy a fun date. It’s totally about you guys – a time for you to pause, enjoy each other’s company, and connect. Your photographer will help make you feel comfortable and give you directions if needed, but we are there to capture the essence you two. Spend time really feeling each other’s love, because that’s what this is all about!
Milk Bath Maternity Photos
Milk Bath Maternity Photos
This concept is a little different than many maternity photos you may have seen.
It’s kind of nice when you think of it – hanging out in a warm bath, sort of like your baby is doing.
Mix in some pretty flowers – customizable to your taste and colour preferences – and you’ve got an extra layer of beauty, in addition to your own.
Why milk bath, and not a regular bath? The opaqueness adds some modesty, hiding things you may not want others to see. Plus, it just looks cool.
* Like how different/interesting this looks? Instructions to DIY are at the bottom of the post! *
The little heart!
This tattoo is a memorial to her family’s puppy who was named Cookie.
Aaah, so lovely and luxurious.
Curious about how to make your own awesome milk bath for a photo session like this?
Let me tell ya!
1. Run a bath.
2. AFTER bathtub has filled to desired amount, pour cold water into a bowl, add powdered milk, stir. Dump into tub.
(Note: It’s important to use cold water when mixing the powdered milk to avoid clumping. And It’s important to dump the milk mixture into the tub when tap is turned off to avoid bubbly froth forming.)
3. Repeat step 2 until desired opaqueness/whiteness has been reached.
4. Add your choice of foliage/flowers (or not – up to you!)
Some tutorials will tell you to also add corn starch. We tried that, and it all seemed to settle at the bottom rather than contribute to the goal – and it was a slight pain to clean up.
We used NoName brand, and it worked well. I’d say get two packs, just in case.
That’s it!
Pretty neat, eh?
If you end up trying your own milk bath photo shoot I’d love to see! E-mail info@olivephotography.ca to show me, or to schedule one with me.
If you’re thinking about doing your own maternity session with me (Eee! Exciting!), there are so many options.
– Click here to see an indoor Winter shoot
– Click here to see an outdoor Summer session
– Click here to see a late Fall outdoor session
All these options have been super fun for me to photograph – I love exploring different possibilities.
The most important thing to me is that you feel comfortable and have a great time.
Got other ideas or types of locations in mind? I would looove to hear from you.
Big love!
Anastasia/Olive Photography
Maternity Photography Toronto – Indoor Session
I had the honour of photographing a dear friend during this remarkable time in her life.
She looks absolutely incredible, and I got emotional several times during the shoot because of how special what she’s going through is.
The baby kicked throughout the session when I exclaimed with excitement while shooting. That was something.
I really loved photographing this maternity self-appreciation session. I think it’s so important to take time to pause and take in just how amazing growing a life within you really is.
Because it is. And you look beautiful whether you feel it or not.
I hear it all the time – pregnant women call themselves ‘whales’ or call themselves other self-deprecating names. And it makes me so sad.
Truth is, pregnant women are so incredibly beautiful.
I’ll say two things about why you’re beautiful while pregnant:
The first, you’ve probably heard a lot, but take it to heart: The best, most alluring and impactful beauty, comes from within. When you believe you are beautiful, when you exude confidence, happiness, warmth, care, and goodness – that shows and you are a new kind of irresistible. And as someone prepping to be a mom, so many of those characteristics become a part of you.
The second is the beauty of your circumstance. The sheer fact that you are growing a new life within yourself is inexplicably amazing. It’s beauty on another level. Seriously.
I won’t say your skin glow makes you beautiful because I’ve heard lots of moms-to-be respond that it’s just the puke sweats.
But I think that’s self-deprecating again, and dismissing what people are trying to get at. The glow from within is real. It’s an intangible, but totally palpable thing that you truly do exude, whether you feel it or not.
So let me say it again – Whether you feel it or not – You. Are. Beautiful.
If you are pregnant, I’d love to photograph you during this incredibly special time and help you feel that way. <3
How to Choose a Wedding Photographer – 4 Easy Questions
4 EASY QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. I’ve been there, and I totally know how crazy it can feel. There are SO many things to take care of, and so many options for each item on that To-Do list.
With that said, there are some simple things you can think about to help you determine if a photographer you are considering is right for you.
ASK YOURSELF THESE 4 EASY QUESTIONS:
1. DO YOU REALLY LIKE THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S WORK?
This is a no brainer – Make sure you actually enjoy the photographer’s photos!
2. DO YOU GET A GOOD VIBE FROM THEM?
This refers to all forms of communication – email, meeting in person, phone calls… Do you feel like this photographer cares about you & your special day? Do you feel comfortable asking them questions? That they listen and treat you with kindness?
It’s great if a photographer’s portfolio is lovely, but make sure you also like them as a person. You’ll be spending lots of time with your photographer so you want to make sure they are approachable and that you feel good around them. (This will help you look relaxed in photos too! And it just makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable.)
3. HAVE YOU SEEN FULL WEDDINGS THEY HAVE SHOT?
I strongly urge you not to book a photographer based solely on their website portfolio. This is their ‘best of the best’, which is often (though not always) heavily reliant on the professional designing and modelling in styled shoots.
Some photographers post more photos of real weddings on their blogs which is super awesome, but even then, make sure that they are willing to show you some examples of full real weddings so you can gain a more realistic sense of how they shoot a whole wedding day.
Pay attention to whether they capture natural emotions and moments, how they handle different lighting, whether they also photograph the little details couples work so hard to plan if that’s important to you, and whether you like their editing style.
It’s great when you connect with a photographer’s website portfolio, just make sure you also really enjoy the way they capture an entire wedding day since that’s a more accurate representation of what you will receive for your own wedding.
4. CAN YOU AFFORD THEM? OR, CAN YOU RE-JIG ANYTHING ELSE TO AFFORD THEM?
Wedding expenses can add up, but ask yourself what you consider to be the most important aspects of your wedding. Those are where you should feel ok to spend most of your budget.
After the day is done, and years pass, your photographs will be the only tangible thing left to revisit your wedding day.
So here’s something to consider: If you *really* like a photographer but they’re out of your budget, is there anything else in the budget you’d feel comfortable re-jigging to make this work?
This doesn’t just apply to photography – go back to that question of what’s most important to you. Down the road, 5, 10, 25 + years from now, will you be happy with the decisions you made?
It’s easy to get lost in price shopping versus whether you really connect with the work.
Take a step back, take a deep, calming breath, and remember that it’s so important that you actually like what you see.
RE-CAP!
- Book with a photographer whose work you really enjoy.
- Make sure you actually get along with the photographer – that they are approachable, and that you feel comfortable with them.
- Look through their full *real* weddings, not just highly curated website portfolios.
- Determine what’s most important to you for your wedding. If photography is one of them, consider re-jigging other items in your budget to afford a photographer you really love. After all, you’ll be looking at those photos for the rest of your life.
I hope this mini-guide has been helpful to you! I’m all about going after what makes you happy – if you get the good feels from something, go for that!
If you get the good feels looking at my work, I’d love to hear from you!
Whether that’s to talk about your own wedding or just to say hello. I always love receiving friendly messages and would love to chat with you.
Big hugs,
Anastasia/Olive Photography
Toronto Winter Engagement Session – Denis & Ada
He proposed during a trip to Quebec City.
He kept the ring in his sock, waiting for JUST the right time.
He had a spot in mind, but there were too many people around and he wanted the moment to be kept between just them two.
She thought he was going to wait until their trip to Albania a little later in the year.
She wondered why the heck he had to tie his shoes so many times on their walk.
She didn’t see it coming.
He wasn’t actually tying his shoes. He was checking that the ring was still there.
When the spot and moment were just right, he surprised her, and she said yes.
Then, they were able to celebrate with family on their trip back home to Albania.
—
I went to high school with Denis, and he got in touch when he and Ada were engaged.
I was of course super honoured and super excited!
—
We decided on a Winter engagement session. We were hoping for snow, but with busy schedules and an unpredictable Winter, there wasn’t any on the ground for their session.
But that’s ok – we still had fun walking around High Park for their engagement photos – a place they used to visit together.
We also enjoyed some coffee at The Grenadier Restaurant in the park to fill up with some warmth before our trek through the wilderness.
—
The light is so different each season in Toronto – for this session, the sky was overcast which lent itself to some slightly more ‘moody’ photographs. Kind of how the season often feels in general. But within the shadows and the darker shots, the warmth and coziness in their closeness and happiness makes these photos feel like a hug.
Here are some of my faves.
Location: High Park, Toronto
Season: Winter
Month: January
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