September 4, 2009…the day I met Patricia and Greg. I remember this night so well because it was the first time that a couple has come bearing gifts for an initial consultation. Not gifts for me, but gifts for my children. Not toys, but books !!! How incredibly thoughtful ! How did they know I had kids ? They asked…and generally took time to get to know me and my family through my blog.
When I first received their inquiry through my contact form, I knew I had to meet them. I knew they would be the perfect fit for me. One of the questions I ask is, “What are you looking for most in your photographer ?”. They answered,
“A friendly, engaging person who understands that the little moments make the best memories! Someone who listens to our ideas but is creative enough to surprise us.”
I said to Jeanette, “Ya, I think we’re going to be a great fit for each other.”
We spent about a week corresponding via email before we got together. It was then where she informed me that Greg and her are avid photographers. She had spent hours poring over photographers’ portfolios, and though there were many are technically talented, artistic, or both, the images she saw from my site made her feel like she was there (in her words, a ‘slightly creepy feeling’) and that my photos captured the story of each wedding best.
She was so articulate in her messages. She totally GOT me and what I do. I couldn’t wait to meet them. The excitement was definitely building. We met over drinks/snacks at Milestones where we got to know each other even better. It was official.
I knew our relationship was going to be a little unconventional. They insisted that they did not want to have an engagement session. Porquoi ? It just wasn’t them. I totally respect that. Engagement sessions aren’t for everyone. We agreed that we’d trade off the engagement session for a night out hanging out and learning how to take better photographs since they are both enthusiasts. The purpose is the same…just hanging out and catching up and taking photos.
Patricia has been a hardcore fan ever since. She reads every single post of mine and in many occasions, proofread’s my posts for spelling and grammatical errors ! Who does that ? Just awesome ! She will probably send me an email after reading this with the changes I need to make to this post haha
Note the wedding date: 10.01.10. First thing that came to my head was binary code. In actuality, the date was significant because it was their 12 year anniversary. They were getting married at Miller Lash House at the University of Toronto at Scarborough.
Their wedding was going to be super intimate…roughly about 45 guests or so. I couldn’t think of a better place for their wedding than at Miller Lash House.
Greg was getting dressed at his parents home, where Chris was with them.
Patricia got ready at MLH with her mom and sister and brother. I hadn’t seen Patricia in so long. She looked as fantastic as I had remembered her.
Patricia met her ‘tall, blonde Adonis’ during frosh week. It was at the dance held that week for the new students where Greg’s objective was to dance with as many girls possible. ”You know, to get your name out there”, he says. I remember Greg talking about how he ‘electric slode’ his way over to one group of ladies, which had a ‘couple of white chicks and one HOT Asian girl’.
It turned out to be a great night for him because 4 days later, he bumped into the hot asian girl again. Actually, he was unloading some things from the car to his dorm when an Asian chick appeared out of nowhere. She literally jumped out of the bushes. It was Patricia with her big, warm smile. Then they discovered that they lived only 4 townhouses away from each other. On the wedding day, we decided to take them up to their old residences and campus for some memorable and relaxed photos.
Best groom socks of 2010 !
We headed off to the reception where we were treated to some of the best and unique wedding details. For example, here’s a part of their incredibly UNIQUE table seating chart !
I thought I was good at math, but some of these formulas were WAY over my head ! And check out some of the other details, too !
The evening was filled with some of the funniest speeches ever ! Speeches are probably one of the most enjoyable parts of the evening for me. I learn more and more about the bride and groom from their friends and families.
Greg’s best man even came with diagrams/charts. This was one of the best ones. I believe it was a breakdown of how much money Greg would net after all his expenses each day spent with Patricia after work.
Patricia and Greg. Your school-themed wedding was incredibly beautiful to photograph. Not only were there so many gorgeous details, but it really was your inner beauty that was so wonderful to photograph. From the moment we met, I knew you two were special. There are so many things I took away from your wedding…one of them was when Patricia spoke about her day shaping the most defining part of her identity – her love of reading. I will forever remember that as it really struck a cord with myself being a parent to 3 little boys. Both of your parents should be very proud of how you two turned out. Truly, two of the most kind and sincere individuals that have crossed my path.
Too keep the school theme post, let’s take a look at Null Hypothesis:
A bell bottom, west coast vegetarian cannot possibly be compatible with a tall, disco dancing, technologically savvy omnivore from Toronto.
We REJECT the null hypothesis
Can’t wait to see you in a few weeks !
-Joee
Team JW: Myself, Chris, Heidi
Venue: Miller Lash House
Caterer: Marigolds and Onions
Make-Up: Karen Chen Richardson
Hair Stylist: Justin | Puzzle Creations
Officiant: Jeremy Citron
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