This wedding was a special one for me.
Chris is my really good friend from high school (shout out to all the Woodands crew reading this post!), so I feel as though I’ve been part of his continuing journey of life since his teens! From his straight face to his distinctive chuckle, he is still the same person to this day. Many of my days hanging out with Chris at school was trying to make him laugh, cause that chuckle was just so darn contagious (so you can understand how happy I was when we captured it in this video)! He is someone to this day, that I trust whole-heartedly, who I can rely on for advice, and is loyal to a fault. Even though Henry hasn’t known him for forever like I have, he feels exactly the same way!
So, a great man needs a great woman by his side right? I have seen Chris go through his fair share of ups and downs through life and to see him come out the other side with the most beautiful and loving wife, makes my heart so happy. Our friend Will said it best, because of Amanda, we now have one less thing to wish for for Chris. Thank you Amanda for being you – bright, fun, chatty, sweet, and so much more – and for bringing so much meaning to Chris’ life. You did such a great job planning your big day, as it was a perfect reflection of you and Chris! We had so much fun filming it all and had a blast putting it together in the editing room!
Their big day was held at Eglinton Grand which suited their movie theme to a tee. Their incredible movie posters, popcorn favours, and movie-themed table numbers were a perfect compliment to the space. They certainly lived up to their movie title of,’Reel Love’. The last time we filmed at this historical venue was for Stacey and Marc’s wedding. We definitely felt transported on both occasions, to another place and time when entering the building.
The reactions all day and night were so honest and genuine. The couple was on a roller coaster of emotions, as most brides and grooms are on their wedding day. I felt it when they laughed, and I felt it when they cried. I had to hold myself back from balling my eyes out a couple of times during the Q&A and the speeches! We were so lucky to have the audio that we had to tell their story properly and to do it justice. So thank you Chris and Amanda for being so open with your answers and to everyone else that made toasts and speeches. This is what makes our videos unique and personal to each couple.
We were instantly up and dancing when we listened to the songs that the couple sent us to consider for their highlight video. Memory by Machel Montano was actually the second song the couple danced to for their first-dance. It literally gets me on my feet every time I hear it – you can’t help but want to dance! We also used another Machel Montano song, E.P.I.C., for the intro to the video – gets my blood pumping every time too. They gave us such a great list of songs with varying tempos, that it was hard to choose what to use! But we knew in addition to those party songs that were no-brainers, that we needed a slower-paced song for the buildup. Enter Alicia Keys’ classic, If I Ain’t Got You. The perfect love song, for the perfect love story.
For me, the wedding was obviously about seeing these two lovebirds get hitched, but it was also another opportunity to see the old high school gang back together. This day, along with other big moments in our lives, whether joyful or sad, is a reminder that our friends will come together when needed no matter how busy life gets sometimes. I have to mention here that Royce, another one of our highschool friends and part of the wedding party, made their beautiful wedding cake along with his girlfriend Megan. He’s a world-famous chocolatier (check out Shoko Chocolates) and doesn’t normally do wedding cakes, but again, he did it just for Chris!
Chris and Amanda, you didn’t have to choose us to film your big day just because we’re your friends, but you did. We are truly honoured that we got to immortalize your incredible day on film so future generations can see the love that you share. You two are such amazing individuals, and although hard to believe, even better together! Can’t wait to see what the next chapter has in store for you guys! We will be there every step of the way!
Until the next post,
Joanie x
ADDITIONAL VENDOR and WEDDING DETAILS:
Makeup & Hair: Shira Ben and Angi Cole of The Beauty Movement
Barber: Boye the Groomist of The Infamous Scars and Strops
Photographer: Let us go {photo}
Wedding dress: Amanda-Lina’s Sposa Boutique
Groom suit: Stava’s
Florist: Bride made the bouquets
Decor: Bride and Groom
DJ: Marxman the DJ of Image Events
Vocalist: Art iS Vente
Tassa: Toronto’s Finest Tassa Drummers
Movie Posters: Ryan Deane of Kool Headz
Cake: Royce Li and Megan Katsumi (of Shoko Chocolates)
Officiant: Brian Manuel of Enduring Promises
Published on HenjoFilms: Wedding Cinematography Toronto / Toronto Wedding Cinematographer
