Since Canada is known as a multicultural country, it’s no surprise that we sometimes get chances to shoot some pretty amazing multicultural weddings. Recently we were a part of the wedding of Melissa and Brook, which included a double service – Canadian and Korean. If you’ll remember, they were the lucky couple who did this year’s Epic Couplescape at the Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas, back in March. Their wedding location was at Graydon Hall Manor, which is a grand Georgian-style manor built in 1936 overlooking the Don Valley in Toronto.
I loved the setting of the ceremony on the 160 foot-long stone terrace beside the fountain and formal gardens. The terraces, garden walls, and buildings feature the same kind of fieldstone as the manor house and made a stunning backdrop for the first look and formal portraits. And the balcony on the main house…well, what self-respecting photographer could resist the opportunity for bird’s eye view shots of the ceremony?
Following the outdoor ceremony, it was time for the bridal couple to make a quick change into traditional dress, and then we all moved indoors for a second Korean wedding ceremony. At the p’ye-baek, the bride offers dates and chestnuts — symbols of children — to the groom’s parents, while sitting at a low table filled with other symbolic offerings. The parents offer sake in return, and as a final gesture they throw the dates and chestnuts at the bride, who tries to catch them. See if you can find the fruit and nut game photos below!
Melissa and Brook looked splendidly regal in their Korean outfits. Korean weddings are about respecting traditions and roots, and the traditional hanbok and jeogori that they wore, along with the headpieces, have been worn by centuries of Korean brides and grooms. You can see how the guests enjoyed the novelty of the different elements of this ceremony.
After an elegant and lavish reception at the Hall, we were able to capture gorgeous couplescapes that feature glistening chandeliers and gilted mirrors. And check out that silhouette shot of Brook and Melissa on the mansion’s balcony – talk about romantic! But enough of me talking. There’s much more below, so enjoy!
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Thank you, Melissa and Brook, for choosing us for your wedding photographers. We send you our best wishes and if we could type Korean, we’d say, “Congratulations to the bride and groom on their happy union”.
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