This stunning, all white Fairmont Royal York wedding was definitely one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve had pleasure to photograph. Sara and Jordan exchanged their vows in Toronto’s most iconic, hotel ballroom in front of 350 guests who came from all over the world to celebrate their love. White cherry blossoms and blush peonies were a central theme at this wedding inspired by Sara’s love for all things floral. As a wedding photographer, I get a high from weddings like these and I’m excited to tell you all about it!
Sara and Mike met during one of Jordan’s birthday parties. Having been good friends with Sara’s sister previously, Jordan actually hasn’t met Sara until that moment. The two instantly fell for each other and couldn’t keep their eyes off of each other that whole night. Five years later, on a quiet Fall afternoon, Jordan asked Sara to be his wife as they were spending the day together at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Isn’t it such a romantic story?
When I met up with Sara and Jordan at our Studio to discuss their upcoming wedding and go over their engagement session, Sara told me she loved a candid approach to photography and I instantly knew we were a good match! I shot their engagement party and their engagement session in their home and around their neighbourhood, so when it came to photographing their big day it was really easy and organic. I already knew what they liked best and what kind of images they are looking for. I can’t stress enough how important it is to get to know your photographer well in advance. We get along well with pretty much anyone no matter how many times we met them, getting to know your photographer will add a really personal touch to your wedding pictures. Think about it. You’ll spend time during your engagement session talking and getting to know each other on a more personal level. What movies do you like? What artist are you inspired by? All of these little things tell us something about you, and we do our best to make your wedding photographs reflect that. Then your photographer will meet your closest family and friends at your engagement dinner, where they will – and there is no doubt about it – instantly bond with your grandmother and sincerely laugh at your uncle’s jokes. We try our best to get to know your important family members and quirks so taking those very important family photos is going to be a breeze! There are so many advantages to it, it could turn into a separate blog post! Check out some of the great resources and articles here.
Another reason why it was so easy to photograph Sara and Jordan was the fact that they completely and unconditionally trusted who they hired to make their dream wedding come true. Weddings are always a result of a strong collaboration between photographers, planners, florists and everyone involved, and trusting them is key. This is where they will flourish the most and astonish you with outstanding wedding photographs.
Sara and Jordan’s ceremony took place in Fairmont Royal York’s ballroom and featured an ethereal, larger-than-life chuppah constructed from hundreds of cherry blossoms. The curved altar imitated the ballroom’s opulent ceiling complementing it rather than competing with it, and it was definitely a show stopper! “Walking down the romantic aisle to my handsome, soon-to-be husband was a moment I’ll never forget,” recalled Sara.
Melissa Baum of Melissa Baum Events coordinated transformation of the hotel’s Concert Hall into a White Wonderland, where guests were greeted by a white cherry blossom oasis! The space was filled with blush peonies, shimmering candlelight and garden rose centrepieces lovingly created by Stemz. Dessert was a top priority for Sara, so she worked with Truffle Cake & Pastry to create a stunning, 12-ft long colour coordinated sweet table with peony decorated macarons, doughnuts and so much more! This epic, fairytale night concluded with late night dancing and heartfelt speeches. The evening after their wedding, the newlyweds took off for their honeymoon to California where they toured the historic wineries of the region. Sara and Jordan, I hoped you enjoyed your much deserved vacation and are having a blast as a husband and wife! Thank you for making me feel as part of your family.
As seen in Wedluxe.
Photography: Mango Studios
Planner: Melissa Baum
Florist: Stemz
Cake & Sweet Table: Truffle Cake & Pastry
Dress: Monique Lhuillier