Paradise Banquet Hall Wedding
I first met Stephanie and Leo on a hot summer day at the gorgeous Rockwood Conservation Area. Leo chose me to come down to the Guelph area to photograph his surprise proposal and it was the big day. After I spotted them hiking around I tried to follow behind them stealthily but the conservation area was fairly quiet. Unfortunately, I’m not as sneaky as I thought because Steph did their “someone is following us” signal which is a squeeze of the hand. Thankfully, Leo soon got on one knee and everything quickly made sense in her mind. After they had their big moment I cheerfully said hello and congratulated them on their engagement. We giggled about how I had been following them and began the rest of their session. We enjoyed creating their engagement photos and chatting about their wedding planning ideas for the rest of the hour. I was so excited to hear from them about their wedding a month after they received their surprise proposal photos. If you’re curious you can view their proposal photos (here). I felt so great that we all connected so much and that I would have the honour of witnessing another beautiful moment in their life story. It was even more exciting because they decided to get married in less than a year. I wouldn’t have to wait up to a year and a half to celebrate with them! They decided on a Paradise Banquet Hall wedding in the spring.
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I began their wedding day with Leo at their condo to capture him hanging out with his best friends. They love playing billiards so that’s exactly what they did. It’s so nice to take advantage of a wedding photographer by creating images of you having a good time with your buddies. How often does that happen, right? After I was done with the guys I travelled to the Paradise Banquet Hall wedding in Vaughan for the rest of the day. They have a beautiful bridal suite where Stephanie chose to get ready. Her family surrounded her and I could immediately feel how close and loving they were. One of my favourite moments from their day was their decision to do a first look followed by private, intimate vows. After completing their adorable wedding photos together it was time for their marriage ceremony. They included aspects from their Jewish and Filipino heritages. I love Jewish weddings because I find the hora and the breaking of the glass so fun. However, breaking the glass is a more serious tradition as it reminds the couple that while life is full of sorrow, it is equally full of sorrow. No matter what life brings your husband or wife will always be there for you. It was the first time I had been at a Paradise Banquet Hall wedding and I was pleasantly surprised by how elegantly decorated the venue was. Stephanie specifically wanted to do as much of their wedding photography indoors as possible. When they first told me about this I was a bit concerned as many banquet halls don’t have any windows. I was wowed by the amazing skylights and large windows that we were able to use that day. However, because the weather was so nice for a March day I got them outside for a few moments to capture couple photos on the lovely outdoor property. I am so grateful to not only have had the honour to document their proposal but also their wedding. Thanks, Stephanie, Leo and family! 🙂
Paradise Banquet Hall wedding photos by Vaughan wedding photographer, Chelsey Cunningham Photography.