I specifically remember where I was when I got the email from Ericka and Matt letting me know they “had” to have me as their photographer. I was at my brother Brandon’s wedding reception and quickly refreshed my email and smiled. Yes! I couldn’t wait to photograph their backyard July wedding in Kitsilano.

I loved the extra details Ericka included in her note: Matt was recovering from knee surgery, so Ericka had a captive audience when it came to wedding plans and choosing their photographer. They were scrolling through site after site until Emma and Aaron’s Roundhouse Wedding on my website caught my eye. “That’s everything I want for my photos!” and she started to tear up. Ericka took that as a sign she needed to book me (and I’m glad for that sign, because her and Matt are awesome) and Matt agreed. “Book her, Ericka!” Done deal.

Ericka and I chatted on the phone shortly afterwards but the three of us didn’t get to meet until this past week at Spanish Banks for their engagement photos. Ericka and Matt live in Toronto now but Matt is originally from Vancouver – they wanted to capture the beauty of the beach and mountains only a few blocks from his parents home.

One of my favourite parts of my job is hearing love stories. I’m currently in the long process of writing out our love story… so the longer the story I receive from my brides and grooms the better. I loved Ericka & Matt’s too much to not share word-for-word. Follow along belong in between the photos.

Matt and I met in October 2010 while working for the same software company (Achievers) in Toronto. I was introduced to Matt at a company social event and from the moment I laid eyes on him, my heart started pounding. His eyes and his smile (a smirk, really) were unforgettable. It was love at first sight for me. To make work friends at Achievers, I joined the Holiday Party Planning Committee a couple months after I started working there. 

Matt joined the Committee, too, and on the day of the party we both found ourselves at the office early in the morning getting things ready. We went for brunch when we finished, and I remember being completely fascinated by everything Matt said during the meal. I hung on his every word! He had already done so many exciting, interesting things with his life, and shared many of my interests. He fascinated me. 

It was like I was talking to someone I’d known my whole life. We joke that we had “laser beams” for each other during that meal; something electric was going on. We quickly bonded over a shared love of playing soccer, eating good pizza (not all pizza is good!), and eating off each other’s plates (Matt = savoury, me = sweet). We wandered around after brunch in the frigid Toronto winter, not wanting this impromptu, incredible day to end. 

Not long after that first brunch we shared, Matt asked me out to dinner to – where else? – the most amazing Italian restaurant in Toronto that served our favourite pizza. I was in heaven. The conversation flowed just like the red wine we shared. I went home from that date and told my mom & grandma – I’ve met someone that I am crazy about. 

A few months later, Matt and I went on the most romantic, incredible trip to Southern Italy and Paris, France, where we both told each other we were in love. And I had no doubt in my mind that it was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime love.

For Photographers
Gear Used at this Engagement Session
Shootsac Lens Bag, Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 50 1.2, Canon 35 1.4, Canon 24 1.4