engagement Archives | Olive Photography

Cottage Engagement Session | Marshall & Irini

July 19, 2017

When Toronto summer hits, you hear lots about people going up to the cottage, and as someone who doesn’t currently have one, the prospect of going to the cottage for an engagement session sounded too nice to pass up.

And may I say, Marshall & Irini’s cottage is FREAKING AMAZING.
It has anything you could ever want in a cottage. *sigh* Just thinking about it is making me want to go back.

We also spent some time in the surrounding area and made a day of it. We started in town grabbing a shake at a super charming soda & ice cream shop, then we went to admire the nearby scenic waterfall, and capped things off cozy at the cottage, on the dock and in the woods. All the while with super cute pups Milo and Elsa in tow.

We had such a great time. It was also so difficult to narrow down their photos to show you – I love them all!
Here’s a look at Irini & Marshall’s Muskoka Cottage Engagement session. (And be sure to check out their love story at the bottom of the post!)

And their love story from the couple themselves:

Marshall and I went to Western together and finished the same business program. We knew each other in university but we only really connected about 3 years ago when we both moved to Toronto post graduation. We were both newly single and both swiped right on OK Cupid. We are an OKC success story! I thought it was all hilarious.

We went on our first date and I thought Marshall remembered me from university (like I remembered him from class) and about 30 min into our date I realized he had NO idea who I was. 3 bottles of wine into our date we sorted it all out. 3 months into dating I went up to Muskoka to his family cottage, met his family, and on our drive back in his 1990s bright yellow mustang I decided I’d marry this guy…as he was singing John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ from the top of his lungs. 3 years later Marshall proposed and we started planning our wedding.

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And now “his” side of the story. When thinking back, I do remember Irini from class together, but I will admit, I had no clue who she was on our first date. But when a cute girl “hearts” your profile, it can only mean good things! After realizing we had mutual friends, I couldn’t help but bring it up on our first date… only to begin the journey down the rabbit whole of what was the origins of our modern love story!

Irini says she fell for me when we were driving back from the cottage later that summer, but the truth is, she first fell for me at the end of our first date together. We were walking back to her apartment at Church and Wellesley (the heart of the village), and there were a lot of drunk & unsavoury individuals wandering the streets. I turned to her and grabbed her hand and said “I’m never letting you walk home alone again”! From there our adventure took off together as we began to discover what made each other tick.

For me, it was the moment I fell in love with her baby cows (little dogs, Milo and Elsa). You see, I’m not a Dog person. In fact, I’m not an animal person in anyway. When Irini first told me she had dogs currently staying with her mother, I was skeptical to say the least, putting that emphasis on “her” dogs. I thought maybe they were just her childhood pups who i’d only have to see when visiting the in-laws. When Milo and Elsa finally moved back in with her a few months later, I realized how wrong I had been and that one of my worst nightmares was coming true… falling for someone with dogs! But that was also one of the best moments of my life too. For one, it’s the day I met my amazing puppies! But more to the point, it’s the day I decided that this was the girl to conquer my fears with; that this was the person who I wanted to go on life’s adventures with, and this was the soul that I wanted to share a family with.

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Anastasia Giaouris
Inline image 1
olivephotography.ca
416.520.1093

facebook.com/olivephotographyTO

Toronto Proposal Photography – Andy & Viv

May 10, 2016

On a recent evening my phone started to ring – the call display said the number was from the US.
I picked up, and learned of the sweetest thing!

Andy and Viv have a long distance relationship – both living in different states currently.
Originally both from California, she moved to New York to be a real estate lawyer and he tours around being a dentist for the military.
They were planning a trip through Asia, and they had a one-day layover in Toronto.

Andy wanted to propose on that layover day, and he wanted a photographer to document the happy occasion.

Guys, I was SO excited.
I can’t even tell you.

Well, being the totally enthusiastic and keen person I am, I immediately started working with him to brainstorm ideas, and we quickly set a plan.
I would gather a few items – picnic basket, blanket, champagne, glasses – and help him find THE BEST Toronto skyline view for a romantic site for him to pop the question.

The day approached. Their planes had both arrived in Toronto and they met up around 11:30 am. They checked into a hotel, dropped off some stuff, & explored the city.
Meanwhile, I took the ferry to Ward’s Island that afternoon and set up the picnic stuff at the site.

At 5:30, they took the ferry across and Andy started to lead her across the island (saying a friend had said it was super pretty) using the directions I had sent him.

I knew what they looked like (he had sent me a photo), and when I saw them approach I readied my camera.

They arrived at the spot, and Andy made a comment about the strange picnic basket. They walked towards it, and he got down on one knee.

Y’all know what happens next.
She was totally surprised in that moment. And I was smiling ear to ear as I photographed the magic happen.

Hugs, kisses, happiness abound!

They then enjoyed some bubbly and some quality time exploring the beautiful scenery as I snapped away to commemorate the evening.

Ah! I’m so giddy just thinking about it.

Congratulations again, Andy and Viv!! I am SO stoked for you guys!!

Toronto Engagement Photography – Andree & Katherine

April 22, 2016

Andree got in touch with me shortly after he and Katherine got engaged with a very unique story.
They live countries apart (he in Toronto, her in Texas), and they met each other at a religious retreat a couple of years ago.
But then they didn’t talk for about 2 years.
As time passed, they were on each other’s minds and they rekindled their connection online.
Now, this may sound like a common enough story, but here’s where it’s quite different:
As they spoke, they realized very quickly that their shared views and life goals were enough for them to seal the deal.
He bought a ring. She didn’t know. But, she did think to herself that if he asked she would definitely say yes.
He booked a ticket to visit her, and he proposed to her surrounded by beautiful blooming nature at a botanical garden; The profile of the ring features a leaf design to signify their love continually growing (aaaaw!) and she said yes!
When we photographed this session they had spent a total of less than a month with each other in person, but their shared beliefs mean they feel very secure in their decision to be together.
It was pretty cool to witness a couple’s slightly careful yet definitely giddy beginnings. They were still discovering how they fit into each other, but by the end of the session they were in a constant comfortable embrace. It was heartwarming and a privilege to be a part of.
Thank you so much for inviting me to document this special time for you, Andree & Katherine! I wish you an incredible life together!

Sneak Peek from Last Night

April 19, 2016

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!

5 Helpful Engagement Session Tips

February 4, 2016

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.

Engagement Session Tips | Olive Photography Toronto

Toronto engagement photography - Olive Photography

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.

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!

Ontario Cottage Engagement Session

July 9, 2015

Ooh, I was so excited to shoot this Ontario cottage engagement session!

There’s nothing quite like a visit to the cottage.

As someone who lives in the bustling, often smoggy city of Toronto (which I absolutely love, don’t get me wrong!), the clear, fresh air that comes with vast expanses of nature is invigorating.
Pair that with the relaxed, care-free vibe that you can’t help but adopt in such a magnificently beautiful place, and you have a recipe for a great time.

Emily and Matt are having their wedding at Emily’s parents’ home/’cottage’ near Creemore, Ontario, and we decided to take some engagement photos as we explored the property in preparation for their big day.

Her parents built the home from the ground-up and have been so thoughtful and creative with how they use the land surrounding it. They’ve created lovely trails around the land with hand-made benches and bridges sprinkled in the most perfect locations along the way. (I remember thinking, ‘it’d be so nice to have a place to sit and enjoy this view’ a couple of times, and each time one was right there!)

For this shoot we incorporated bubbly and a pool hangout since those are musts for this pair at this rural retreat.

For the wedding, Emily’s mom is going to utilize her award-winning gardening prowess to make the home even more beautiful than it already is – I can’t wait. Until then, here’s there engagement session!

P.S. How much does Matt look like John Hamm? We had a riot whenever he made certain faces – it was uncanny!

Raptors & High Park Engagement Photos

May 19, 2015

Raptors engagement photos? Such a fun idea! Lesley and Peter are big sports fans – They particularly enjoy watching Raptors basketball games. They also like going to concerts. With that in mind, since I love photographing couples in environments that reflect their unique story, it just made sense to photograph part of their engagement session at the Air Canada Centre. This was a unique location that was a blast to shoot! I asked Lesley and Peter to bring a basketball to their session to incorporate as a cheeky little prop – and I just adore how cutely it showcased this couple’s super cute height difference when we had Lesley stand on it to reach Peter for a kiss!

After the ACC we headed on over the High Park, a location that’s been so popular this month thanks to the Sakura blooms. But, this couple was super happy to explore the park to check out the various totally awesome, unique areas it has to offer. And I *love* exploring, so this was a tonne of fun for me as well! That’s pretty much how I like to work anyway – We pick a spot, go for a walk and chat, and I get all excited when I see some amazing light or a wicked cool backdrop to use.

We had such a nice time, and I’m so looking forward to photographing Lesley and Peter’s wedding at Marquis Gardens in Burlington on August 29th!

And now for some words from the lovebirds themselves!

“The past 4 years have been quite the journey! From traveling the world, sharing in our love for the Toronto Raptors/Maple Leafs, experimenting with cooking to enjoying the nature around us, these have been the solid foundations of our relationship.

We wanted the locations of our engagement shoot to represent a part of who we are as a couple. We spend a lot of time at the ACC cheering on the Raptors and Leafs and seeing our favourite bands in concert so we knew it had to be our first stop!

We are both very excited to begin a new chapter in our lives together and look forward to everything that will come our way on this great adventure!”

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Thanks so much for sharing your story, guys! And thanks for the opportunity to photograph your beautiful love <3

Anastasia
Olive Photography
info@olivephotography.ca

* Update: This engagement session has been featured on The Wedding Co! Click here to check out the feature! *

Featured on The Wedding Co.!

April 15, 2015

I love this engagement session so much. These high school sweethearts are just that… sweethearts.
Kelsey & Nico are *featured* on The Wedding Co.today – These two make me swoon big time. <3

Cupcakes, Blankets & Tea: Louisa & Ben’s Cozy Fall Engagement

October 28, 2014

Hugs, a big warm blanket, cupcakes and soothing hot tea – these are the yummy things that filled this simple but amazingly lovely engagement session.
Louisa and Ben are two ridiculously sweet folks whose smiles just beam. They’re so cute together and this session just unfolded so naturally – the result: cozy, natural, love-filled photos that showcase the wonderful bond these two share.

Read at the bottom of this post for their love story!

And now some words from our lovebirds!

Our love story began with some popcorn and ice cream. We met through a mutual friend and starting hanging out by making dinners and going for walks. She never really realized that they were dating until one day, we saw a movie together, Crazy, Stupid, Love. She was going to buy her own ticket but he happily returned from the cash with two tickets and a large bucket of popcorn! Somewhere in between the sweet and savory, we fell in love. There wasn’t a defining moment when we knew we were meant to be; rather, it was a series of small details we noticed about one another that made us sure. She noticed the way he held his grandma’s hand on the stairs, the amount of ice cream that arrived in her fridge and ‘have a great day!’ post-its that began to appear everywhere. He noticed that she picked up on all the small details that make up the important parts of others’ lives, how things started to look brighter (i.e. cleaner) when she was around, and that he had met his match in her determined spirit. The love we had became one of those certain things in life, one that was undoubted and went on to grow comfortably and confidently. We experienced life’s ups and downs together for the past few years and continue to celebrate the big and little things that come our way. We are so excited to be married and continue to build our life together!

Niveen and Rob’s Nature and Sunbeam-Filled Engagement

October 24, 2014

I had a blast photographing these two for their engagement session!

We got to frolic about amongst the gorgeous nature *just* before the leaves started falling off the trees. (Sidenote: It’s amazing how quickly that happens, isn’t it??)

These two are just so much fun and easy to get along with – we chatted, joked, and it even went for lunch while we waited for the ferry back. It felt like we were just hanging out – and we just happened to be snapping photos of their adorable looooove.

And, another awesome bonus to our time together was the unexpected visit of an adorable cat, who calmly strolled right into the middle of our shoot and showed himself off for the camera. Since all three of us have cats we of course had to take some time to properly say hello!

Thanks for a memorable, lovely time, guys!

Really looking forward to photographing your wedding this January 31st!

*Check out the bottom of this post for words from Niveen and Rob themselves about their love story!*

And now for some words from the lovebirds themselves:

A long long time ago…(more like 6 years ago) a boy with bright ginger hair walked into work for the first time. He was stopped by a nosey brunette who asked “Are you new?” He said “Yes”. She smiled and said “Welcome!”. Music, and tech geekery brought us together. Our lunch room at work provided Rockband for staff to play and unwind. One afternoon, while Niveen was rocking out on the drums, Rob came by and asked if he could join her on guitar, soon their band formed and was called “What’s for lunch?”. After numerous awkward group work outings, Rob asked Niveen out for dinner, and the rest was history!

Even though we are complete opposites – she’s reckless, he’s patient (Thankfully) – and come from very different backgrounds and walks of life, the relationship became a bridge. It bridged our families, our cultures and our lives. On a warm summer day, after both had taken the leap to buy a house, they had finally picked up the keys and were filled with anticipation. At the door step of their first home, Rob “fumbled” and dropped the key on the floor, he then remained on his knee, and asked Niveen to make a home of their new house, together. And it was the best decision she ever made!