Sarah + Adam | Las Vegas, NV

Apr
29

Posted in: Weddings

Written by: Davina Palik

Every year, wedding photographers from all over the world gather in Las Vegas, for the largest conference and expo in our industry. It is a week of learning and partying, and most of all, a reminder that our colleagues are some of the most wonderful people out there. We first met Sarah and Adam a few years ago when they took a workshop with us, and they have since become two of our dearest friends. They have an ability to turn the dullest of situations into hilarious ones and we find ourselves doubled up in laughter whenever we are around them. Despite the fact that they live in Austin and we are in Montreal, we find ways of seeing them a few times a year, and one such occasion was in Las Vegas, when we were speaking at the conference earlier this year.

We were wrapping up a workshop on our last day there when we got a text message from Adam, asking if we were free that evening. They had, in true Vegas fashion, spontaneously decided to renew their vows… in just a few hours. So Daniel and I ran – literally – to their room to catch them getting ready before heading off to the famed Little White Chapel for their vow renewal. This was already gearing up to be a very special evening for us, but it hit and even more personal note for us, as we had our own first, civil wedding ceremony at this very same place 4 years earlier. And that evening, the very same minister who married us also officiated Sarah and Adam’s ceremony.

As cheesy as Vegas can be, we know all too well that it also possesses a kind of magic for those in love. As Sarah and Adam exchanged their vows in front of us, their only witnesses, we couldn’t help but get emotional ourselves. These two are so darn great together – we can testify to that! – and to see them recommit themselves to one another in this way was one of those magical, special moments that we will never forget.

Thank you, Sarah and Adam, for being incredible friends to us and for being a beautiful example of marriage. We are so grateful to have been there for this spontaneous moment, and we will never forget it. We love you guys!

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Megan + Max | Springfield Castle, Ireland

Apr
16

Posted in: Weddings

Written by: Davina Palik

Megan and Max knew they wanted a destination wedding, the only problem was they could not find a location that felt quite right. When they could not settle on the perfect Caribbean resort, they thought that perhaps they were not looking in the right place. And then Ireland came to mind. With ample golfing for Max and beautiful scenery to suit Megan, the country that neither had ever visited suddenly hit the mark. And just like that, a beach wedding turned into an Irish castle wedding.

Nothing could have prepared Daniel and I for the stunning landscapes and rustic charm of Ireland. Springfield castle, complete with resident peacocks, was definitely one of the most unique locations we have photographed yet… even without any ghostly encounters (much to my disappointment!). On the wedding day, I was happy to play double duty and jump in to do Megan’s makeup – a real testament to this bride’s low-key nature! Megan and Max chose to have their ceremony in the former dungeon, which happens to be the oldest part of the castle, dating back to the 13th century. The space’s dark and moody feel was the perfect contrast to Megan and Max’s joy; shared by everyone in attendance. Following the ceremony, Megan and Max’s intimate group of 15 gathered in the parlor for traditional Irish mead (quite tasty, we thought!) and then feasted on a meal prepared entirely of local – and delicious! – ingredients.

A visit to Ireland simply would not have been complete without a tour of the stunning cliffsides the country is known for, so the day after the wedding, we all piled into a bus and headed off to explore the Dingle Peninsula. With breathtaking views consisting of rolling hills, cliffs, ocean, sheep, and the classic dry stone walls, we could not resist the temptation to grab a few more portraits of Megan and Max. Keen to be a part of it, they literally changed in the back of the bus and trekked through wind and lumpy grass to give us just a few more images!

Thank you, Megan and Max, for allowing us to join your intimate group of 15, for braving the elements for a few more portraits, and for trusting us with the task of capturing your wedding weekend memories.

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Magali + Stefan | Montreal, QC

Mar
28

Posted in: Weddings

Written by: Davina Palik

On this blog, I get the opportunity to express how special the couples we photograph are, and how much we value the bond that we build with them. This post is particularly unique and special to me, as I have been building a bond with this bride for almost 27 years. Magali and I are cousins, but we are so much more than that; we have been constant friends since we were born. Our parents tell us that we traded our pacifiers and got into trouble together (like the time we climbed onto the kitchen table and ate butter), and our friendship continued throughout our teenage years and into adulthood. I probably share more embarrassing memories and inside jokes with her than with anyone else in the world, and we know each other better than almost anyone. So when Stefan came around when we were just 18, I wasn’t too sure what to make of him… he had a lot to live up to! But it wasn’t too long before this goofy and silly little man made his way into our hearts too, and it’s been pretty hard to imagine one of them without the other ever since. It is obvious to anyone who meets these two: they are simply perfect for each other. With Stefan, Magi is the person I have always known and loved: vivacious, happy, and a worthy opponent to her new husband in the ‘silly and goofy’ category.

Stepping back from photography for their special day was a tough task for me, but I knew their wedding memories would be in Daniel’s capable hands, as well as those of our associate photographers at Grey Sparrow, Marie-Christine and Jean-Michel. So on a cold winter’s day in Montreal, Magali and Stefan stuck to their guns and lived out their dream of an outdoor winter ceremony. Stefan had us all laughing and crying as he shouted out his vows, consisting of lyrics from their favorite songs, for the entire park to hear. The band Minuit, featuring both my father and Magali’s, made their second appearance in two years at the reception (the last time was at our wedding in Mexico), and their music ensured that guests never left the dance floor. With MC and JM there, Daniel was more than willing to put his camera down and join the party. As a final personal, musical touch, my sister Arielle and Magali’s father led the couple’s first dance with a sweet rendition of the Civil Wars’ I’ve Got This Friend.

It was an honor to stand along side one of my best friends as she married a man who we just cannot imagine her without, and I know that it was a pleasure for Daniel, MC and JM to document it. Thanks for being in our lives, Magali and Stefan. We love you so very much!

You can browse through some of our favorite moments from their wedding by clicking on the arrows above. Many of these images were made by Marie-Christine Genero and Jean-Michel Lacombe of Grey Sparrow studio.

The Vendors:

Venue: Parisian Laundry
Catering: Java U
Coordination: Elyna of Unity Weddings
Make-up Artist: Tiffany of Victoria Tiffany
Flowers: Mother of the bride
Cake: Ashley, Friend of the bride
Band: Minuit
Dress: Anne-Jean Michel
Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade
Groom’s suit: Penguin
Groom’s shoes: Vans

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