I got to meet Geoff & Shawna just about two years ago at the Wedding Co. Market held at Wychwood Barns. That’s where I first heard about their wedding plans to host a beautiful modern wedding at One King West in downtown Toronto.
I distinctively remember Geoff spending about an hour chatting with us completely into the various analog film cameras I had around my booth and amazed at the print quality of the film photos we were showcasing in our wedding albums. I’ll admit it didn’t take much convincing or explaining to them the benefits of having analog film used for their wedding photos because Geoff’s entire childhood nostalgia revolves around film photos of his friends and family. On the topic of analog, we discovered his cousin Justin’s Production Company (Frame Discreet) actually scans all my Super 8mm film and once we connected those dots Geoff and Shawna were even more inclined to have us shoot some Super 8mm for their wedding video (coming soon… stay tuned!)
Just from our brief chat at the Wedding Co. Market I was extremely to be part of a wedding day that had such an emphasis on the importance of not only photography, but tangible photography through the analog medium. I know I’ve talked about shooting film over the course of 2019 because seemingly everyone I’ve come across seems to “get” the artistry and craftsmanship in shooting film, but for this bride and groom, shooting film really did make sense. They’re both the chillest, most down to earth, easy-going individuals I’ve ever met.
There’s a sense of calm when you’re in the presence, and that sort of confidence in knowing how patient they are really made the methodical and nuanced approach shooting film way less anxiety inducing.
Although the day started off with the usual chaos of getting ready, the bride and groom both embraced the moment and enjoy the incredible views of downtown Toronto from their One King West hotel suites. The non-stop action in the morning provided some incredible candid moments that were made to be recorded on black and white Kodak Tri-X film, giving them a true authentic and an unmatched documentary photography aesthetic that encompassed the spectrum of emotion.
The small fleeting moments bled into the wedding ceremony that was held at a beautiful church in downtown Toronto that had truly stunning architecture only outmatched by the stunning works of art that covered the ceilings, making you feel small among the masterpieces that transport you back in time.
Before heading back to One King West we took the time to explore the University of Toronto’s campus for a few portraits among the beautiful old buildings that the U of T campus is famous for, and for good reason. It was nice to give the bride and groom a small breather to enjoy one another’s company and the quiet fleeting emotions seen in their soft breaths between their chests as they held each other closely at no direction of mine. The bride and groom are legitimate high school sweethearts and it showed sometimes. With the child-like laughter and gaze that you have with your first-true love that you can’t dissimulate. It was endearing to see and a special bond that was made to be documented preserved within the sentimentality of analog film.
I’ve never photographed a wedding reception at One King West before this wedding so I was excited to work within the confines of such authentic old Toronto architecture, providing a genuine aesthetic that elevated the elegance of the entire wedding. As the evening flowed emotions ran high, a few tears were shed, especially during Geoff’s dad’s speech that referenced their relationship as a friendship, even had me choked up. The love and closeness of all who attend the wedding was evident and once the speeches were done it was time for the party to begin, and oh boy did it. Armed with a small 35mm point and shoot film camera, I acted as a documentary photographer, immersing myself into the experience and party atmosphere. The energy was electric and it was the bride and groom spearheading the party with infectious dance moves that fired up everyone on the dance floor.
I’ve been extremely lucky in 2019, I guess I owe the Wedding Co. Market a massive thank you for helping our lives collide. It was no coincidence that we all shared in many long conversations, even from the first time we met. Working with such incredibly genuine and like-minded people like Geoff & Shawna really tear down my old misconceptions about shooting weddings or being labelled a wedding photographer. I’ve gotten to develop real friendships and connections, I get to create meaningful work that will eternalize my bond with specific people, and knowing that I’ll indirectly be part of their lives for years to come is something I take pride in and find incredibly rewarding.
