York Civic Centre Wedding
I was so excited to hear from James about his York Civic Centre wedding in Toronto. Since COVID more and more couples have decided to keep their wedding micro and intimate. I love this new trend as it keeps the importance of the moment front and centre. While aesthetically pleasing decor and a wild dance party are a blast it can be a lot for some introverts. I was so excited about James reaching out because I photographed his proposal to his now wife 2 years earlier on the Toronto Islands. We had such a blast creating romantic sunset photography together. It’s such a huge honour for me to be asked to photograph another big moment in a couple’s life. They planned a small attendance city hall wedding, including their immediate family members only. I felt so special to be one of the few to witness their marriage ceremony. I was also happy to see that the marriage chamber at the civic centre had floor-to-ceiling windows and thriving plants. Many civic centres and city hall wedding chambers are small, windowless, lifeless rooms. There’s nothing wrong with that but your images will look more natural and lively if your photographer doesn’t have to use artificial light. York Civic Centre is the best, modern wedding chamber I have ever been in. When I arrived at the civic centre I was filled with joy to meet the couple’s little boy and family for the first time. Little did I know then that Vivian was expecting on the day they got engaged. So special! It is clear how much joy their son has added to their lives. Even though it was a day about celebrating the love between each other they wanted their son, the product of their love, to be the focus. It was so easy to photograph the bubbly and happy little one. Of course, because their child is so young his image will remain offline.
See more: Toronto Wedding Photos!
The couple and their family will cherish the images in private for the rest of their lives. I find it so special to share your wedding day with your kids. Even though their son won’t remember the day, he’ll love looking back at the images and seeing the love-filled moments between his parents that he was present for. Photography will always be a gift that keeps on giving for generations to come. During their York Civic Centre wedding vows, James and Vivian became very emotional. You could see James’ eyes begin to glint as soon as he walked down the aisle with his father. Vivian’s brother walked her down the aisle and joy was written all over his face. They had a simple, intimate wedding ceremony but that doesn’t mean they are absolutely bursting with love and commitment. Their parents and siblings looked on with huge smiles of pride. After signing their marriage certificate they cheered and kissed. They bounced with joy outside the building so we could capture their family and couple photos. I was even more impressed by the York Civic Centre because the property surrounding it is so beautiful and filled with green space. We took advantage for the manicured gardens throughout the property to created their romantic, candid wedding photography. I had such a blast photographing these two again. My favourite images we made together was the ones in which Vivian needed a break from her heels so she took them off and they started running around in the grass. I’m so grateful I got to be a part of these moments and excited for what the future holds for these two!
Micro York Civic Centre wedding photos by Toronto wedding photographer, Chelsey Cunningham Photography.