Amanda Wheatley Photography

New Years Eve has never been my thing. There’s so much hype and too much let down.

This was not the case this NYE when Mitch and Chelsea rung in the new year with their family in friends after saying “I do”.

When Mitch and Chelsea asked me to photograph their wedding I jumped at the chance, knowing that NYE would be much better celebrated as a wedding rather than just some old party. I went to high school with Mitch so I know his style, he’s laid back and calm but appreciates a job well done. I met Chelsea only about a year ago and instantly loved her, she is the perfect match for Mitch. Together they are a force to be reckoned with.

The day was mild, mostly snow-less and the grey skies provided the perfect shooting conditions to capture the day. Chelsea and Mitch got married in the quaint little town of Jordan, Ontario at Inn on The Twenty, it was romantic to say the least. It was fun to watch the reaction between Mitch and Chelsea during their first look, the energy was magical. It was equally as fun to reunite with old friends and to capture the candid moments throughout the evening as the celebration ran on.

What I loved about this wedding was the understated elegance, Chelsea hand picked the perfect team to help bring her vision to life. It wasn’t over the top, the decor was impeccable, the detail personal, and the style was relaxed yet refined. Tying all the little details together through custom signage, menus and programs was the talented Jessica Bishop of Custodio at Style, Graphics & Photography.

Personal touches were everywhere and everyone pitched in. The bride’s dad made all of the cookies that were the party favors for each guest, how sweet is that? And although I love sweets, I don’t love cake, but I have to admit that the cupcakes made by LA Cupcake Boutique were to die for! The red velvet was a dream. And if scrumptious cupcakes weren’t enough, these two provided their sweet toothed friends and family members with a fully stocked candy bar styled by the wonderful Kim Rasokas of the The Creative Bride. In addition to a delicious candy bar, Kim also provided Chelsea and her lovely bridesmaids with their stunning bouquets. Talk about talent!

Of course nothing makes my job easier than a stunning bride and Chelsea was just that in her curve hugging Amsale gown that she picked up at local bridal boutique, Pearl Bridal House, in Port Credit. And  a huge thank you goes out to my partner in crime for the night Fred Perry for flying up from ATL to help me capture the day. Chelsea is not big on public displays of affection so our challenge was to capture moments in a way that made both her and Mitch the most comfortable. Thankfully there were two of us on the job, I think we pulled it off, but I’ll let you be the judge.

Just a little teaser to get you interested. Full New Year’s Eve wedding post coming shortly.

Congratulations Mitch & Chelsea!!!

Back in June Catherine from Documentographer asked me to assistant shoot for Anne and Luis’ wedding at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto . The AGO boats amazing light and even more amazing architecture, it’s easy to see why Anne and Luis chose this as the backdrop for their nuptials.

Thanks to the encouragement and honest mentorship of Catherine, I have really hit my stride and have found new confidence in capturing moments from my own perspective. During Anne and Luis’ ceremony Catherine was down in the trenches capturing the emotion of the vows up close and personal, while I found interesting angles from a birds eye view above the action.

Want more of Anne and Luis’ wedding day?  Head on over to Documentographer to view more by Catherine Farquharson.

Until next weekend….

The rain held off today, and instead we were delivered beautiful overcast skies… perfect for shooting.

I’ve been assistant shooting for Catherine Farquharson over at Documentographer, this weekend I met up with her on the rooftop of the groom’s building just in time for some bridal party portraits. I loved the sleek modern design and the cold slate gray color of the surroundings. Catherine started the day early and captured Jocelyn getting ready as well as some stunning portraits of the bride and groom’s first look which can be seen here.

Learning and working for Catherine at Documentographer (one of the best in the business) is amazing. I guess being one of the best in the business has it’s perks, because Catherine books some of the best weddings and venues in Toronto. I am so privileged to be working for her.

Jocelyn and John got married at Berkeley Church, this is an incredibly rustic yet beautiful building (you’ll see for yourself in a minute). Although the Berkeley Church offers loads of character it’s always nice to add a personal touch. Jodie Katz of the The Social Butterfly was on deck to manage all the details and helped Jocelyn pull off elegant wedding.

I tackled the ceremony from the back of the venue, it allowed for a different perspective than Catherine’s up close and personal one. The light was soft and flowy, the ceremony was endearing and the celebration was pure love and happiness.

Thanks Catherine of Documentographer for taking me along on this one. Great success.

It’s been an extremely busy summer but I am finally finding the time to show you all what I’ve been keeping busy with.

This summer has been amazing in large part due to Catherine Farquharson over at Documentographer. Check her out, her work is stunning. Catherine and I met way back when during the bleak cold days of winter, we hit it off immediately, and luckily for me we did. Catherine welcomed me aboard for the summer and I have been assisting her ever since.

Catherine is a local star up here in Toronto and there’s no question why (seriously, check out her work). I am so fortunate and thankful to be working for Catherine as an assistant shooter for many of her weddings this summer. We work hard and play hard, shooting for Catherine has been a blast and we still have a long ways to go. So check back regularly for updates.

Alas, my first wedding assisting Catherine was  shot way back in May. It was a rainy and dreary day at Graydon Hall but the spirits were high and cheerful. Janine looked incredible, she lit up the room every time she smiled, and she was a trooper, trudging out into the rain with us to get the perfect snapshot.

Thank you Documentographer (Catherine) for letting me tag along with you.

Enjoy.

Back in April I had the pleasure of meeting Nicola and Stephane of Jolie Papeterie, a Toronto based boutique specializing in couture invitations.  It was a cold gray morning and the rain would not let up, but that didn’t deter this creative duo from heading out to share a cuppa joe with a complete stranger.

We sat near the window gaining warmth through our lattes and chatted like old friends about the wedding business. It was so fun to connect with another wedding industry professional; Nicola and Stephane were amazingly open and shared many useful tips with me.

If you are in the market for exceptional wedding invitations, place cards, thanks you cards etc., you need to check out Jolie Papeterie. Nicola and Stephane have a fantastic portfolio featuring bold and unique designs and they are always up for working with you to create a custom design that perfectly reflects your style.

With their second baby due to arrive mid June, Nicola and Stephane will be taking a much needed hiatus until July 15th. But don’t let that stop you from contacting them; they’re happy to hear from you at any time. But if you find yourself loving what you see, I’d advise you to get your orders in early as this dynamic duo books up fast! At Jolie Papeterie couture isn’t synonymous with expensive. Ultra chic designs are delivered at affordable price points, now that’s exciting!

You can get in touch with Jolie Papeterie by going to www.joliepapeterie.com and clicking their Contact page. You can send in an email, give Nicola a call at (905-220-0979), or request a quote using the “request a quote” page on their website. Whichever method you prefer, you’ll be guaranteed, a quick response from Nicola or Stephane and friendly and efficient customer service throughout the process.

Go on and visit them, you’ll be happy you did.

Photos courtesy of Heidi Ram Photography, and Jolie Papeterie

10.9.10.

One of my very best friends got married this month, I wasn’t the photographer, I was a bridesmaid but I still managed to capture a few special moments of Ashely’s big day. I have to give a shout out to my husband too, due to my bridesmaid duties a few of the images below belong to him. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, nuzzled deep in the Virginia country side we laughed, toasted, and celebrated Ashely and Carlin. It was a fantastic day, the setting was a vineyard, the ceremony was in a horse pasture and the atmosphere was elegant, laid back and genuine.

I was with Ashley when she found her dress, the moment she put it on we knew this was “the dress”.  Ashley you looked breathtakingly beautiful, your wedding truly reflected your personality and I was so honored to be a part of your day. You and Carlin are amazing, I wish you both nothing but the best.

With love always,

At long last, here is a sneak peak of Becky and Mark’s chic rustic wedding in the country from last weekend. Becky and Mark went to high school together but never started dating until after they graduated from college and returned to their hometown. I’ve never been to a small wedding and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice and intimate the affair was. The ceremony was held in Becky’s parents yard with only immediate family in attendance, I counted 19 chairs. It was a beautifully intimate affair celebrated with a champagne toast on the back deck. The weather threatened rain all day and to Becky’s surprise, it held off. The reception was held at a rustic cabin along a river, featuring a swimming pond and a beautiful old barn. At 5pm Becky and Mark were joined by 150 of their closest friends to help celebrate their union. The atmosphere was chic yet laid back and the detail were impeccable (all created by the bride).

Congratulations to Becky and Mark, you made country look uber elegant, sophisticated and very welcoming.

I had the opportunity to second shoot with Erin Samuell last weekend and it was fantastic. Shannon and Daniel were married at Casa Loma in Toronto, and the castle setting was the perfect compliment to the authentic Scottish attire the groomsmen donned. I loved the laid back feel of this wedding despite it’s formal atmosphere. Shannon and Daniel saw each other before the wedding for pictures and it really helped lower the anxiety and set a fun loving tone for the rest of the day.

Here are a few shots from Shannon and Daniel’s fantastically chic, Scottish affair!

Congratulations!

So my first wedding of the season came and went, whew! It was a great day altogether with few hiccups and a fantastic assistant (Fred Perry). Fred and I acted as a tag team and tackled the wedding from every angle, Fred tailed Lars and I tailed Sarah.

Sarah you were stunning!

Sarah and Lars got married at St. John’s in Ellicott City, MD and then headed over to the Oakland Manor in Columbia, MD to celebrate with their friends and family. The setting was laid back and fun, Oakland Manor provided a gorgeous backdrop and the band pumped oldies into the tent all night long keeping the dance floor jam packed.

Sarah and Lars, congratulations to you both I wish you a lifetime of happiness. I am so thankful to you both for allowing me to share in your day, you looked blissfully in love and so content to just be with one another, always remember that feeling.

Below is just a little sneak peak.

Cheers!