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Bear Estate Wedding, Collingwood: Kerry + Alex

I’m putting the finishing touches on this gallery for Kerry and Alex, so I thought I would share with the rest of you! This wedding was a dream to photograph, from start to finish. Kerry and Alex said they wanted a fun day, without things getting too formal. Kerry had a hand in a lot of the decor- the seating chart, jam favours, menus, name tags, and chalkboard sign were all done by her, and I was SO blown away when I saw how talented she is. Together with Vicki from Posh Beyond Events, a stunning rustic and romantic wedding day was created and enjoyed. Kerry and Alex are just the sweetest couple, and working with them over the last year has been a pleasure.

Thank you for having me there to document your incredible day! Bear Estate weddings are always some of my faves!
And thank you to my pal Stephanie for shooting with me and driving up to Collingwood with me!

Enjoy!
xo Jenn

See the bottom of the post for the list of incredible vendors!

Vendors:
Coordinator/Florist/Decorator: Vicki from Posh Beyond Events
Makeup: Presley Foskett
Hair: Hair by Ladylyn
Cake” Groom’s Aunt Donna!
Invitations: Karen Chen/Megan Breese of Frou Frou House
Signage/Stationary: handmade by the Bride!
DJ: Jason from Knight Hawks DJ Services
Officiant: Dan from Anytime Weddings
Gown: Martina Liana from Felichia Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy from Helen’s Bridal
Suits: Tip Top Tailors
Venue: Bear Estate, Cranberry Resort

August 26, 2015
Featured: Orchard Row Wedding Inspiration

I am beyond excited to finally be able to share this stunning photoshoot I photographed earlier this year. It is currently featured on Ruffled Blog, and I am so honoured to be gracing the pages of such a respected wedding blog. This shoot had so many amazing aspects- baby lambs, insanely beautiful dresses, custom carpentry, and so many delicious treats. Set among the blossoming trees at Spirit Tree Estate Cidery, this romantic ‘Orchard Row’ inspired styled shoot is something I am really proud of. Dawna Boot Makeup, Hair by Ladylyn and I knew we wanted a fresh feeling photoshoot that featured gold and navy with pops of pink, and The White Book Wedding Co did an incredible job executing our initial vision.

This team was so great to work with, and each of them is a master of their craft- if you are still looking to complete your team of wedding vendors, check out the list below! Enjoy some wedding inspiration!

Check out our feature on Ruffled Blog here!

• Creative Direction & Design: The White Book Wedding Co.
• Photography: Jenn Kavanagh Photography
• Makeup: Dawna Boot
• Jewellery: Hattitude Jewellery
• Veils & Millinery: Blair Nadeau Millinery
• Custom Engagement Rings: Alexis Gallery
• Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo
• Nails: Mimi Kwan, Mobile Mimi
• Model: Nicolette Fehr, Elmer Olsen
• Model: Azura Skye, Elmer Olsen
• Hair: Hair By Ladylyn
• Vintage Furniture & Decor: Happily Ever After Wedding & Events
• Floral Design: The Rose Mint
• Stationary: Ferris Wheel Press
• Cakes & Sweets: Crumb & Berry
• Venue: Spirit Tree Estate Cidery
• Swing: Stirling Carpentry
• Napkins: Inspire Event Rental & Design

August 25, 2015
Knollwood Golf Course Wedding – Laura + James

Laura and James grew up just streets away from each other, but their paths didn’t cross until much later in life- I love thinking about all of the chances that they walked by each other, played at the same parks, but weren’t brought together (call it fate if you like!) until the time was right. This Knollwood Golf Course wedding was a hot one- the air was heavy and the closer we got to the ceremony, the more it felt like the skies could pour at any moment. Luckily, it all held off during our First Look and bridal party and family photos. But, as luck would have it, the moment that Laura was ready to walk down the aisle to James, huge rain drops starting falling and all of their guests scurried under the reception tent. Luckily, it cleared almost instantly and Laura and James got the beautiful outdoor ceremony that they had planned for.

Dawn from I Do’s by Dawn was there the whole day, organizing everybody and making sure the day ran smoothly. I adore the flower girls’ baby’s breath crowns and french braids, and the bridesmaids looked amazing in their coral gowns. Laura was brave enough to bake her own cake, and she totally nailed it. Laura also has an affinity for sprinkle donuts, so she made to sure to sneak one in and it made for such a cute photo op! James’ dad made the center pieces with logs from their own cottage, complete with a J+L branding. I love these personal touches that make every wedding unique! We wrapped up the night with some dancing under the twinkling lights, and delicious late night service by Gorilla Cheese food truck. Can’t ask for anything more!

Laura and James, thank you for having me as your wedding photographer!
xo Jenn

Check out the bottom of the post for the list of amazing vendors who contributed to Laura and James’ wedding vision. Thank you to Caitlin for second shooting with me!

Wedding Coordination: I Do’s by Dawn
Bride’s Gown: Sposa Bridal
Cake: Baked by the bride!
Florals: Debbie’s Flowershop
DJ: As You Like It
Officiant: Drew Maddison
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Suits: Moore’s
Late Night Service: Gorilla Cheese Food Truck

July 15, 2015
Katrina + Aron – Rustic Hamilton Wedding

Oh, what a day! Katrina and Aron were all smiles on their wedding day, and for good reason. They are both SO sweet and were surrounded by people who truly wanted to celebrate the kickoff of their marriage (like really, really excited to celebrate…this was the loudest group of wedding guests I’ve ever had!) Katrina pulled off such a stunning bridal look with her sequin ‘Samantha’ gown by Rachel Gilbert, and neutral Nine West shoes, paired with her gorgeous cropped hair- it was quite the winning combo! Katrina’s ladies wore a great combination of mismatched dresses and Aron and the groomsmen were just having a blast all day. The rustic florals provided by PlushFlowers were the perfect addition to Katrina and Aron’s already beautifully natural looking venue.

Thank you, Katrina and Aron, for allowing me to document such a special time in your lives. I wish you two all the best!
xo Jenn

Gown: Rachel Gilbert
Makeup: Makeup by Farishtey
Bride’s Shoes: Nine West
Flowers: Plush Flowers
Officiant: Trish at Kettle Creek Weddings
Cake: Abigail Rosero
Videography: Glowstick Creative
Thank you to Caitlin, who was my wonderful second photographer!

Katrina and Aron chose to do a First Look, which is always a great way to make your day less stressful (and you get to spend more time together!)

Love this rustic bouquet!

I loved this special touch that Katrina and Aron added to their ceremony space- a hand painted sign that reads ‘What God has joined together, let no man separate.’

Wooden centerpieces cut from logs, paired with rustic flowers. Must I say more?

Naked red velvet cake adorned in baby’s breath was so simple and classic.

Perfect idea for your guestbook- poloroids of all your guests, hung on twine!

The bride and groom share their first dance as husband and wife!

June 30, 2015
Nikita + Jarrel – Kariya Park Wedding, Mississauga

Nikita and Jarrel had such a lovely and intimate ceremony with their immediate families and bridal party before they headed down south to the Dominican Republic to have a big celebration with the rest of their friends and family. We had some fun in Kariya Park doing some portraits while the cherry trees were in full bloom. Nikita is such an absolute stunner- I knew she would would look amazing but I was somehow still so blown away by her beauty and style. I was lucky enough to photograph Jarrel’s sister’s wedding last summer, so it was such an honour to photograph another special day for this family!

Thank you for having me there to document such a special day!
xo Jenn

Nikita’s tulle skirt: Alexandra Grecco, NYC
Nikita’s dress (worn under skirt): Sophie’s Gown Shoppe
Hair: Andrea Go (Donato Salon)

June 15, 2015
Behind the Scenes: TuesdaysTogether Toronto, June Meetup

Yesterday I had the pleasure of hosting the very first TuesdaysTogether meetup in Toronto! This movement is the brain child of The Rising Tide Society, who are encouraging creative entrepreneurs to get together once a month to foster a supportive community! Our meetup last night filled Whelan’s Gate on Bloor St to the brim! I am so thankful to our gracious hosts, and to Sara Monika for taking these lovely images.

From the ladies at The Rising Tide Society: It is our hope to cultivate a society of creative entrepreneurs who believe in community over competition and have a desire to lead with love. From this dream, #TuesdaysTogether was born. A meetup every month where creatives + entrepreneurs gather together for coffee and conversation. An open space for idea sharing and goal building. Separated by distance, but beautifully united by a hashtag and a shared desire for community. Because isn’t that what we all deserve? A safe place to belong.

We will be meeting on the second Tuesday of every month, at different times and locations, so find us on Facebook to join in on the July meeting! Keep in mind that this is not just limited to photographers (although we had plenty of them at the meeting last night!)

Follow along every month on Instagram! #TuesdaysTogetherToronto

All images via Sara Monika, Photographer.

June 10, 2015
Blush and Bloom Floral Workshop

Today I had the pleasure of attending a Blush and Bloom floral workshop, which is a lively (and busy!) floral company with Becky De Oliveira at the helm of it all. Becky just took over the unit next to her original studio, so she now has plenty of place to play with and even some natural light. I’m pretty obsessed with her floral wall! We got to design our own pieces after a short (and very informative) intro from Becky, who made it look so easy (which it actually isn’t!)

There were plenty of creative ladies on the scene though, who all made some amazing floral arrangements. Hattie, who designs custom jewellery, was definitely in the running for ‘should maybe switch careers to floral design.’ We were also joined by Blaire Nadeau, who has a very busy millinery business (brides, check her out for veils and headpieces!) One of my 2014 brides, Laura, also came along, with her sister -and they all brought their Moms! Becky, thank you for such a nice way to spend my Saturday and for such lovely florals to take home!

Becky is running a Mother’s Day workshop on May 10th from 12-2, so you should definitely check it out more Blush and Bloom floral workshops if you’re interested in learning more about how to make these beautiful arrangements (and if you need a great Mother’s Day gift!)

Enjoy!
xo Jenn

March 28, 2015
Sarah + Brad- Sonoma Valley Engagement

This is a blog post that is very special to me! I’ve been friends with Sarah for a long time so I am pretty excited to be sharing her Sonoma Valley engagement photos with you today! As you know from my previous blog posts, Nick and I were in California this past February and we ended our trip with a visit to San Francisco. Sarah and Brad were our gracious hosts, so as a thank you for putting us up and driving us to all the important landmarks (like the house from Full House, obviously) I offered to do some engagement photos for them! We went to do some wine tasting in Sonoma Valley, and ended up finding some beautiful blossoming trees at Cline Cellar Vineyard, where the light was just perfect.
These two are looking at getting married next spring and I’m hoping to sneak another little trip in to California for their big day!

Sarah and Brad, thank you so much for being so welcoming! Congratulations!
Enjoy,
xo Jenn

March 25, 2015
Monika + Calla Lilly Valley, Big Sur Portrait Session

Last week, I posted about a workshop I recently attended in California and today, I am following up that post with a portrait session I did with Monika Greenaway. Monika is a very talented and super sweet fellow photographer from Carmel, CA. I approached Monika about doing a session together, for a few reasons. I wanted to connect with some wedding photographers while on my trip to Cali, I definitely wanted to do a shoot somewhere on the gorgeous Big Sur coast, and I also wanted to get myself on the other side of the camera. During engagement sessions and wedding days, my clients always put themselves out there and push past their comfort zones, so I really wanted to put myself in their shoes and see what its like! Monika and I did photos of each other, and I love how they turned out!

Monika had a great location in mind, that was just a short drive away from her hometown of Carmel. Calla Lilly Valley is tucked in a little valley along Highway 01 and it was just out of this world. Such a stunning spot!

Enjoy!
xo Jenn

March 10, 2015
Behind the Scenes: Foster Workshop with Ben Sasso, California

A few weeks ago, I packed up my bags and headed to stunning California for a 2 day photography workshop led by talented wedding and portrait photographer, Ben Sasso.

I try to attend some kind of workshop or creative gathering every year, and was so glad when my pal and fellow Toronto wedding photographer, Tamara Lockwood, let me know about this one that she was attending (she can be seen below, just killing it in front of the camera!) Going to workshops and conferences is a really important part of being a creative small business owner, especially when you tend to spend most work days slaving behind a computer, at home, for hours (days) on end. I put a lot of love into my couples’ photos and spend a lot of time doing so, but it can often feel isolating. Getting together with creatives, learning from each other and sharing in our similarities and differences is a great way to grow, as well as it gives you a chance to connect with other people who are in the same boat as you. I really liked Ben’s approach to education- he is very transparent and is a huge advocate for supporting community over competition. Learning new or different ways of doing things in my business is obviously always beneficial, but sometimes it’s also reassuring to see that I’m doing things the same way as photographers that I look up to.

Ben had some amazing ‘co-hosts’ and helpers at the workshop, and they all produce amazing work (plus they’re like Instagram superstars), so be sure to check them out! Benj Haisch, Katch Silva, and Ryan Longnecker. We were also lucky to have Liana and Brian hop in front of our sea of cameras, to do some modeling for us as we worked on posing. Ben and Benj did some portraits of us too, so you can see those below too (including the Photoshopped masterpiece, created by Ryan!)

I thought it’d be nice to share some photos from the workshop and to give my couples an idea of what I’m up to during the winter when the weddings slow down. I’ll be sharing more from my trip to California soon- I’ve got a session from Calla Lilly Valley in Big Sur and an engagement session from Sonoma coming to the blog soon!

xo Jenn

February 27, 2015