Tricia and Bernard’s wedding was spectacular. An absolutely perfect Friday afternoon with an incredible venue and amazingly talented team of vendors. Tricia and Bernard are relaxed and so easy to work with, it was an honour to capture these beautiful moments for them. Every second was enjoyed by all of the family and friends that surrounded them. The Distillery is always a fun location and the food at Archeo is exceptional.
Congrats to the both of you, I wish you many years of blissful happiness. Enjoy this same day slideshow from their wedding on June 10th, 2016.

Vendor love:

Alicia Thurston Photography – Photographer
Bloved Events – Wedding Planner
Pink Twig – Florist
Lea-Ann Belter – Wedding Gown
The DJ and Company – DJ
Arta Gallery – Ceremony
Archeo – Reception

PHOTOGRAPHY • Alicia Thurston Photography, PRODUCER; CREATIVE DIRECTOR; STYLIST; FLORAL AND DECOR DESIGN • The Social Rose, Designer Events, VENUE • Eagles Nest Golf Club, STATIONERY • So Pretty in Print, GOWN • Hayley Paige from Pearl Bridal House, NECKLACE AND EARRINGS • Tara Fava Jewellery, RING• Penwarden Fine Jewellery, HAIR • Hair By Ladylyn, MAKEUP • Dawna Boot Makeup, CUSTOM PAINTED WINDOW PANELS; STONE STANCHIONS; LINENS • Have a Seat Inc., CEREMONY ARCH • The Social Rose, Designer Events, CUSTOM CEREMONY RUNNER DESIGN • So Pretty in Print, CUSTOM CEREMONY RUNNER PRODUCTION • Event Graffiti, WHITE AND GOLD TIFFANY CHAIRS • Detailz Couture Event Rentals, VASES; CANDLEHOLDERS; GLASSWARE; BLUE CRYSTAL STEMMED WINE GOBLETS • The Social Rose, Designer Events, CHARGER PLATES; DINNERWARE; FLATWARE; WATER GOBLETS • Plate Occasions, CUSTOM ILLUSTRATED BACKDROP DESIGN • Aurora Pagano Art & Illustration, CUSTOM BACKDROP PRODUCTION • Event Graffiti, VIENNA MIRROR TABLE •Detailz Couture Event Rentals CATERING • Eagles Nest Golf Club, COOKIE BOX AND CAKE DESIGN • Amanda Foong Cakes, CINEMATOGRAPHY • Vincent Andres Films

We’ve been on the road for a couple weeks. It was so much fun catching up with family and friends in some of my favourite places. Em was asked to put together a presentation for school since she missed a week. We made this video to go along with the stories she wrote while on the road. We are back home and getting into the swing of things but already missing all of the beautiful faces we saw on our journey.
You will see a collection of images and videos, some images were made by my daughter and I’m so impressed with her young talent. The videos were all documented with my iPhone, photos were captured with iPhone, Nikon D750 and Fuji x100s.
Now that I’m back I will be diving into all the editing from the rest of my winter sessions and look forward to shooting the engagements, families and weddings in the coming weeks and months. I’m pretty excited about 2016 and what it will bring! Stay in the loop with our newsletter and watch for a Mother’s Day celebratory announcement.
Life is all about the little moments, having these pieces of our life captured is the best way for us to remember how much we cherish this time together.

Holownych Family Road Trip 2016 from Alicia Thurston on Vimeo.

WHISTLE BEAR GOLF CLUB

I would have to say that Whistle Bear is hands down one of my all time favourite wedding venues! The Forestview Room & Terrace is pretty much a photographer’s dream, when it comes to beautiful light. The white walls and 20-foot ceilings with exposed hand-carved pine beams and gorgeous chandeliers bring beauty to new heights. The property grounds offer a picturesque outdoor space for the ceremony. After you say “I Do” you can hop into a golf cart and find some epic places for romancing in the woods. The food and service is impeccable, giving you the entire package for your wedding.

AUBERGE Du POMMIER

If you are a foodie, then I would highly recommend taking a look at Auberge Du Pommier. Auberge is one of the renowned Oliver and Bonacini restaurants, offering the best of the best in French cuisine. Nestled away in a quiet alcove in the big city, you will sweep your guests away with rustic charm. In season you can have your ceremony in their lush garden terrace.

THE DISTILLERY DISTRICT

It’s a given, The Distillery District is a sought after location for many reasons. With dozens of vibrantly restored Victorian Industrial buildings, the Distillery District offers couples a chance to host an event filled with the magic and allure of an internationally acclaimed village in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Your photos will reflect the architectural beauty of this city’s gem, not to mention the many options for amazing cuisine and local beer.

ROSEVILLE ESTATE

Roseville Estate is an exclusive event venue on 56 acres of beautifully forested land with an extraordinary refurbished stone home built in the 1800’s. The bridal suite is breathtaking with gorgeous light and lots of space for all your bridesmaids to get ready for the big day. Your family and friends can stay in one of the available guest rooms and relax with a steam sauna, or cozy up by the fireplace. The property boasts a pool with stone waterfall, a pond, a cabana with a wet bar, a tent and a rustic barn. With such an enchanting outdoor space, your photos will be elegant and timeless with tons of variety.

SOUTH POND FARMS

South Pond Farms is another favourite of mine. I photographed a wedding there for the first time this past summer and was blown away by the magic of it all. The ceremony space offers a beautiful backdrop and wide open space. The fields go on forever and if you aren’t willing to brave the bugs and climb into the tall grass for the perfect photo op, hopefully your new hubby will be happy to carry you off into the sunset. Then there’s the barn; where I’m pretty sure light fairies have made their home! Your guests will enjoy delicious local food and you can rest easy knowing that so many of the details are taken care of with their in-house event planning. If you are looking for a barn wedding just outside of the city, I would highly recommend taking a look at this charming and endearing venue.

LIBERTY GRAND

From the splendour of the courtyard for an outdoor ceremony to the selection of ballrooms, you will have everything you need at Liberty Grand.
Liberty Grand is one of the few traditional ballroom venues available in Toronto with the ability to host events for one hundred and fifty to three thousand people. You can choose from one of their grand ballrooms decorated in a traditional, early 1900’s elegance; or a contemporary open concept room as seen below. Their state-of-the-art audio/visual and lighting system is exceptional and when choosing a ballroom for your wedding, this should be one consideration on the top of your list. With incredible landscaped grounds and located near the water and Liberty Village, it offers tons of creative options for your photography.

THE HUNT CLUB

The Toronto Hunt Club is one of a kind; offering an exceptional view of Lake Ontario and the Scarborough Bluffs. The picturesque ceremony site will make for unforgettable vows. This is another venue for the Foodies out there, with outstanding cuisine and unprecedented service. The property offers a beautiful place where water meets woods, lending itself to creative portraits that you will cherish forever. The dining room fills with light throughout dinner as you watch the sunset, a perfect way to ring in the party and celebrate your love with family and friends.

ONE KING WEST

The Grand Banking Hall at One King West offers an incomparable wedding venue where opulent, historic charm meets culinary excellence. With an expansive 100 foot bar, stately Corinthian columns and Cathedral windows, your guests will be in awe of this exceptional space. The hotel offers an array of venues to accommodate your event from your ceremony to reception and even a family brunch the following day. If you are looking for a piece of Toronto’s history, One King West is it!

BALLS FALLS CONSERVATION AREA

A storybook wedding starts with your dream. If you’ve envisioned a beautiful white chapel and a big barn wedding, then Balls Falls is a perfect fit. The chapel is about the sweetest ceremony site ever with gorgeous stained glass windows and warm wood tones. The barn is a huge, light filled space with tons of room to be creative with your decor. From capturing the details at your head table to the dancing at the end of the night, your photography will reflect everything you’ve poured your heart into, the character of the barn and the love between you.

HOLCIM WATERFRONT ESTATE

A light and airy bridal suite, an intimate dining hall in an enchanting mansion, a picturesque ceremony site and all on a beautiful waterfront property. Holcim Waterfront Estate is a charming venue space, rich with history and full of lush green gardens. If water makes your heart sing, the sweet pebble beach is amazing for photography. This is definitely top of our picks for a romantic venue.

***My Top 10 are some of my favourites in Southern Ontario. With so many outstanding options, one blog post only touches the surface. I would love to do a dedicated post every year highlighting some of the venues I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I hope you find this resource helpful in your journey creating your dream wedding.
Happy Wedding Planning from Alicia Thurston Photography!

Valentine’s Day Wedding Photography Promotion. Ontario Wedding Photographer. Book your wedding photography package with us between January 24th, 2016 and February 29th, 2016 and get a 10×10 Studio Favourite Album included with your package. Some conditions apply. Please inquire.

Kim and Mike got married at Grey Silo Golf Club on October 10, 2015. An absolutely beautiful wedding on an awesome fall day set the stage for these two to celebrate their love.