When I think about Anwyn + Kevin. I can't help but smile. These two people are the most genuine, caring and hilarious people I have met in a long time and I am pretty lucky to now consider them friends. It all started at their engagement session, when we roamed Toronto and laughed hysterically, creating more inside jokes together in two hours than I thought possible with two people I had only just met. I knew from that day that I was in for a hell of a lot of fun at their wedding. I was right.
Their wedding was held in the home where Anwyn grew up, full of treasured memories and lovingly converted to a beautiful ceremony space for the day by her parents. I arrived to find her getting ready with her awesome posse of gals, singing to Celine Dion and keeping the mood light with her easy laugh and smile. Her mom was on hand too, cracking us all up (I see where Anwyn gets it) and bustling around to make sure all the final touches were done. She maybe also suggested that Priscilla be rescued from the boys in the basement. Who is Priscilla? Well if you guessed a fire-damaged, missing-limbed mannequin, you would be absolutely correct! And there just happened to be an extra wedding dress lying around from Anwyn's days working in a bridal shop, so suddenly Priscilla was decked out and ready to try and steal the show. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard in my life during the bride getting ready. Also, so many happy tears. The bride recorded a beautiful song to share with her mom as she finished doing up her dress that was so moving that the tissue box needed to be passed around several times. And when she descended the stairs for her father to see her for the first time, I actually prayed that I even got a few frames, such was the level of I-can't-even-hold-myself-together-right-now.
After finding Kevin putting the on the last bits of his nuptial apparel, I led him outside to standby for the first look. I love doing a first look, the reactions are always so real and candid when a couple first sees one another and has time to really soak it in. There may or may not have been a very loud "holy s**t" expressed by the groom when he saw his gorgeous bride.
Now normally, I don't really share too many wedding party/group photos in these posts, but when you have a group of actors around, not to mention parents and family who take themselves not-too-seriously, there are too many awesome moments to leave them out! Then the star of the show, DRAGON (yes his name needs to be in caps, he is that awesome) the cutest dog ever, made his appearance and doggy kisses abounded. Having been bathed in canine love, we took some time around the beautiful property to capture the couple together in the fall sunshine.
We took a break to have some supper and thaw out before the guests arrived. They were escorted to the living room, all set for the ceremony, awash in candlelight and so intimate. Kevin + Anwyn bound sticks together in a Welsh tradition before exchanging emotional vows. And as if I wasn't already a hot mess of tears, two of their friends serenaded them with "Make You Feel My Love", with Anwyn taking over to sing the last verse to her new husband. Pick me up off the floor.
The recessional led right to the front hall for a touching speech from her dad and a champagne toast. After making their rounds to gather hugs and warm wishes, they loaded into their car Gary and were off to dance the night away with even more friends and family. Best day.
Thank you, Anwyn + Kevin for making me always welcome, for trusting me to be there for every moment of your day and for making me laugh. A LOT.
M xo
