When Leon told me that these guys were the fittest couple ever he was not joking. I started the morning with Alex at their place with his boys who were pretty relaxed for the morning. Loved the tall ceilings of their training grounds but I understood why they needed it since Alex is quite tall. For me to say that is a rarity but if the man has to bend down to look in the full length mirror he is tall. After the first five minutes with these guys I knew it was going to be a fun day. And of course as I quickly learned throughout the day, Alex is a super sweet and sensitive guy, starting with the gifts and notes he wrote to his groomsmen.
After taking some quick pics in his backyard, we headed off to the church where we got to see Father Vito. (Side Bar: Leon and I have a soft spot with him as he gave us all our sacraments growing up). Once the ceremony was finished we headed off to the lakeshore for some pics. As always Queens Quay was traffic filled but we squeezed our way in and got some great shots by the water. And off to the distillery district we went.
We love the distillery as the brick and mortar buildings are always a great backdrop. We ran around the area to grab some pics and the wedding party was super fun even though we lost them a couple times. The wedding was being held at the Thompson Art Gallery so as you can imagine it was gorgeous inside. I definitely appreciate the small intimate weddings as the bride and groom get a chance to interact with everyone.
Now back to the sensitive Alex part, I really got a chance to see it that night in his speech. His love for Enza and his gratitude to his family was so well expressed and made me choke up. Luckily I had my camera in front of my face when I started tearing up. So sweet.
One word to describe this wedding. Beautiful. Beautiful couple, beautiful day, beautiful venue, beautiful ceremony, beautiful new love.
Gi
There are so many things that stuck out to me from their wedding and for me as a photographer. It was also a few new experiences too which I loved. So I’m probably going to be all over the map when talking about this amazing day. Lets start with Details. There was so much attention to detail with their wedding. I got a glimpse of this when I met with Enza and Alex over coffee at their place a few days before their wedding. Of course, when Enza whipped out this perfectly organized binder, colour coded tabs which outlined every single detail of their day, I was like holy crap nuts… this is so awesome. This is when you know you are dealing with a Teacher =). On the day of their wedding, I started off a Enza’s home, where I was welcomed by her parents - whom both Gi and I met at Vanessa’s and Dan’s wedding a few weeks back. The house was full of friends and family coming in and out, while Enza and her bridal party were on the top getting ready (and looking fabulous!)
When Enza and her wedding party came down to do her reveal in her gorgeous dress, it was a sweet moment as she gave her parents a gift she made. So when the limo came to grab everyone, this was the first time in my life where I didn’t have to run to my car and rush to the Church. The Church was literally down the street and I could walk (always making Gi happy with my extra exercise)
After the ceremony, the weather allowed us to do one huge group picture outside. I was excited to get to the grounds of the Distillery District for the photos and to check out their venue. For me I have shot so many lifesyle shoots, corporate events and commercial shoots there… but this would be our first wedding shoot. So needless to say anything new for us… we love.
The Thompson Landry Gallery is a beautiful space as a whole and with the space surrounded by paintings, it made it that much better. We headed off with the B+G and the wedding party to do some pics which was a blast as everyone is so easy going. The night started and there are a few key things that stuck out. The singing performance from Enza’s bridmaid Cristina was off the chain… amazing. And Alex’s speech.. got the emotions out of everyone… even when I looked over at Gi across the room, we where both hiding behind our camera’s tearing up.
Before we get into the pics, I want to thank Vanessa for the referral to this beautiful couple. To my new friends, Alex and Enza.. I really wanted to start off this blog entry screaming out the words fittest couple eveeeeerrr… (which you guys still are) but instead after getting to know you both through the year… I would first and foremost brand you both as one of the most “perfect couples ever”. Thank you so much for having Gi and I do what we love on your big day (I wouldn’t want to have done anything else on my birthday =)) . Here are a handful of pics we selected to visually story tell your day.
Your Friend, Leon