Hands down, Michelle and Jesse’s fun and tropical Malaparte wedding is one my favourite weddings to date!
Where do I even begin? If I had to dream up a couple I’d work with again and again, it would be a pair just like Michelle and Jesse. Infectiously wonderful in everything they do, these two truly rocked my world.
Michelle and Jesse met at University of Guelph and were friends for a year before they realized they are crazy about each other. They’ve been together for more than 8 years now and have come a long way, supporting each other’s busy careers, walking their adorable dog Wilco and have recently added a new member to their family – precious baby Blair!
Looking back at their wedding photos, I can’t help but think about the connection that we build with our couples. Having witnessed their most emotional day, getting to know their family and spending the entire day with them, it’s only natural that we grow fond of our couples. I can’t stress how important it is to build rapport with your wedding photographer and let them into your life. Do not be afraid to show your vulnerability, your love and your raw unfiltered emotions. It’s only by opening up to them, that you can let them be their most creative and capture your wedding day in all its beauty.
As a true Leslieville “live and die” gal, Michelle got ready at an artistic loft in the heart of the Queen St. East. The floor-to-ceiling windows let the abundance of the glowing morning light in, and the rustic yet elegant interior of the loft added a bit of the Queen East charm to the photos. The space reflected Michelle’s down to earth, artistic and lively personality and set the vibe for the whole day.
Aside from their Queen St. East getting ready location, there was another reason why I was so pumped for this wedding. The two wed at the Trinity College Chapel – and I couldn’t be more excited! Apart from being breathtakingly beautiful, Trinity Chapel is also the last work of British architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, whose other designs include the famous British red telephone boxes! How awesome is that? With its glorious architecture and beautiful natural light, The Chapel is a wedding photographer’s dream to shoot at.
Once the wedding vows were spoken and these two tied the knot, it was time to celebrate! When I asked Michelle what inspired her for their Malaparte wedding day, this is what she told me:
“When we initially got engaged, I was obsessed with replicating all the Pinterest weddings I had saved over the years, until I finally realized that this wedding is the most lavish party I’ll ever have the opportunity to throw, so why not make it OUR ultimate party? I proceeded to plan a wedding that reflected our perfect night out: it’ll have amazing food, tasty drinks, clean, modern and simple decor, and a tropical patio to escape to! If no one else has fun, I know for sure WE will.”
What fun it was! The talented team at Near + Dear Events set up a tropical paradise right in the heart of Toronto. The girls at Timberlost did an amazing job decorating the space with mismatched floral arrangements, while Nadia and Co hand-painted Michelle’s and Jesse’s cake with unique tropical floral design. With its lavish patio and elegant interior, Malaparte was completely transformed. It transported everyone into a hot Bossa Nova-inspired party of live music, dancing and tropical fair!
Their Malaparte wedding party ended at sunrise with a mini-orchestra playing Jazz, while the bride and groom shared their last dance looking-up the fading stars in the morning sky. Michelle and Jesse rocked it hard and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you for having me on your big day and I hope you’re having the time of your life in your new role as a mom and dad!
Event Coordinator: Near + Dear Events
Florist: Timberlost
Cake Artist: Nadia & Co
Gown Boutique: Anne Barge from Kleinfeld Canada
Wedding venue: Malaparte
