Photographing weddings in Ottawa is always special for Magda and I. We spent a lot of life there and it feels like we’re back home! So when we found out that the most adorable Caitlin and Steve were getting married there, and that they wanted their photos in the same location as our own wedding photos were taken, we knew we had to be a part of this!

It was a perfect summer day, not too hot, not too cold, so everyone was happy! The ceremony was held at the very pretty St. Teresa parish and then we headed over to the Experimental Farm Arboretum which provided really pretty backdrops for our photos. It was a breeze and a pleasure photographing Caitlin and Steve, with them being so beautifully in love! Finally, the day ended and we took a few more photos around the Byward Market and then we were ready to party at Restaurant 18 right in the heart of the beautiful market. The food was to die for, the speeches touched everyone and the dancing was out of this world!

Caitlin and Steve, thank you for inviting us to capture this beautiful day for you! We wish you a lifetime of happiness and leave you with a slideshow, as well as our favourite moments of the day…

When Karl called me to tell me he got engaged, I was simply thrilled. Karl and I (Magda) go way way back all the way to Grade 9!! Each coming from different parts of the world, Karl from Australia and I from Montreal/Poland, we lived on the same street and quickly bonded as good friends.

I only met Hollis for the first time on the wedding day itself, but quickly saw her as a wonderful girl with a warm heart and a great love for Karl, and knowing Karl, I can see how she is his everything. Karl being such a warm smiley teddy bear himself, I am really happy he found someone that matches his kind heart!

The wedding was very small and very intimate. Unfortunately as life sometimes has it, Karl’s dad has fallen ill. And therefore, for Hollis and Karl nothing was more important than to have him part of the big day! So, the plan was in full swing and before anyone knew it, Hollis and Karl were exchanging rings and putting smiles on their family’s faces in the beautiful Restaurant Eighteen in Ottawa! As much as Hollis and Karl were the focus of attention that day, all eyes and ears were also on Karl’s dad. The smile Karl’s dad had from ear to ear was as heart warming as the love between the young couple.

This was one special ceremony we were honored to be a part of this year! Not only did I get chance to reconnect with my close friend from high school, but I was able to help capture one of the most important days in his life.

We wish Karl and Hollis the most wonderful life together! Thank you for having us a part of this incredible celebration and we are keeping Mr. Mendes in our thoughts and prayers.

With that, we leave you with our favourite moments from the day. as well as a little slideshow. We hope you enjoy…

When the morning started off with Jagermeister on the rocks and Mimosa’s, we knew the day was going to be fun. Having been married in the same church, it was really special for Magda and I to photograph a wedding there. St. Hyacinth church is Ottawa’s only Polish church and it’s design follows the traditional folk Polish architecture featuring beautiful wooden sculptures which you can find especially in cities close to the mountains like Zakopane! After the ceremony we drove all the way up to the Gatineau hills to take photos at the Mackenzie King Estate. It was our first time taking photos there and we loved the variety!

The wedding reception was held at the chic Restaurant Eighteen in the Byward Market. We find it very difficult to make a restaurant your own to fit your wedding, but Lidia and Sandro and the staff at the restaurant really made it happen! The mood lighting, the cozy atmosphere and the top shelf food and drinks came together like the best ingredients in an award winning dish. Not to mention the beautiful stationary made by Wishtree Invitations and Stationary Inc.!

The genuine love between Lidia and Sandro can only be translated into years and years of a beautiful marriage. Thank you so much for having us a part of your special time in your lives! Enjoy the slideshow and our favourite moments from the day.