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Suzanne & Aman (Vegas Engagement Shoot)

daveabreu — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:44:38 +0000

[ So, here we are. Finally back at it. It has been a long time since I have blogged and even though I have come back to it from time to time, it has been regrettably to long.
As any wedding photographer will tell you, July is a month like no other but I will again try to be consistent with my posts and keep my amazingly patient and understanding brides happy. This time I really mean it!....;) ]

In celebration of this insane weather we are having, let us start the first post back with a scorcher!

Suzanne and Aman in LAS VEGAS!

What a couple! Two beautifully unique people with a passion for life.
When I first met these two, the connection we had was unmistakable and I instantly knew we would be great friends. We got along so well that we thought an engagement session together in Las Vegas would be the only way to do them justice. How awesome is that? We weren’t limited by time and we could shoot until exhaustion. Las Vegas had other plans for us though…109 degree weather!!
Even with the intense heat, Las Vegas is a playground for photography. The endless supply of themed hotels like New york-New york, Paris, The Luxur, Bellagio and the Venetian keeps your creative juices flowing! Not to mention some of the most beautiful uber-swanky hotels and casinos like Aria and the Cosmopolitan.
With all of the possibilities, I was itching to get started as soon as we landed!
We met up at after dinner at their ultra-chic hotel, The Cosmopolitan and headed out to capture our first night together in SIN CITY.

Perfect way to finish off a great night of shooting.

For the second part of their engagement shoot we thought it would be a nice change to head out into the desert and go to the Valley of Fire. The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations and the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. Although we were left chasing the sun for most of this shoot, we still ended up with a ton of amazing shots in the desert.

We had such an amazing time with you guys! We can’t wait for your big day!!

Preeya & Raj’s Berkeley Church Engagement Photography

daveabreu — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:42:47 +0000

It almost seemed as though this engagement shoot was never going to take place. Preeya and Raj were continuously derailed by uncompromising weather, and after many attempts to get together, they decided not to allow mother nature to rear its ugly head again. So, we took the shoot indoors, and spent an afternoon at the Berkeley church. In my opinion, it is one of the best wedding venues in the city, offering a multitude of photographic options. And, combined with a photographic pair like them, it was hard not to feel inspired.

Here are some of my favorites from their E-shoot. Feel free to leave your comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog.

Amitoj & Sundeep – Sikh Wedding Photography

daveabreu — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:09:28 +0000

What better way to get over our jet-lag from our month long trip to India than to jump into the 2010 season with an incredible wedding.
This wedding was put together in no time by SAPNA weddings, and on short notice, we were happy to take part in Amitoj and Sundeep’s beautiful day.
The Ceremony was held in Punjab, India (unfortunately before we arrived), so here are some of my favorites from their reception at Versailles Convention Centre in Mississauga.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for updates and contests!

Anjali & Shane’s Wedding – Toronto Wedding Photography

daveabreu — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:32:38 +0000

Here is the final chapter from Anjali and Shane’s Wedding!
It was a real privilege to be included in the celebrations of such a warm and welcoming family.
Their energy and spirit really came through in the images captured from their
day, and though business relationships can end once the event is over, I left this wedding feeling as though I had gained new friends.

I look forward to participating in future milestones with the Sarin family.
Here are a few snapshots from their wedding. Enjoy them, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for
updates and contests.

Shane getting ready.

The precession was performed by Aman with his acoustic version of Metallica's 'Nothing Else Matters'.

Proud father.

The happy couple.

Jay & Shalini – Toronto Hindu & Sikh Wedding Photography

daveabreu — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 02:35:40 +0000

Okay here they are… the party pictures from Jay and Shalini’s reception. I have never seen so many people on one dance floor, these families really know how to let loose.

Enjoy the photos and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for updates and contests!

When Shalini and Jay arrived at the reception, we had 5 minutes to take some shots. This one of the bride is one of my favorites.

I have never been a fan of gazebo shots, but these two really know how to create moments.

First dance.

If you recall, we flew down to Vegas for Jay and Shalini's Engagement shoot. At the reception, they brought a bit of Vegas home with them.

Lets get this party started!! Father of the bride having the time of his life!

Shane & Anjali – Mendhi and Chuda Photography

daveabreu — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 08:52:19 +0000

When I arrived at Anjali’s house, her henna application was in full swing.
The work that Dimple Shah created on Anjali was very inspiring and had a unique and modern feel to it.
The tradition of applying mendhi goes back thousands of years to religious and bridal rituals in India, Africa and the Middle East. Mendhi is of great significance in Hindu weddings. Traditional belief is that the darker the stain, and the longer it remains on the bride’s hands and feet, the deeper the groom’s love for her.

Here are some of the photos from her Mendhi celebration:

I love the playfulness of this shot.

Such incredible detail. I love the way the piece moves along her leg.

I love prime lenses and the control they have on bokehs.

According to more recent traditions, the groom's name will be hidden in the design of the bride’s hands. The wedding night cannot commence until he finds it.

Anjali's mother, Poonam, has a meticulously manicured garden which made for endless photo-ops. This was my favorite.

Anjali, the bride-to-be.

The Chuda ceremony is held at the bride’s home. Chuda is basically a set of red and cream ivory bangles that are touched by everyone who is present, as a sign of their best wishes for her married life.

Here is the bride on day two, preparing for her Chuda ceremony.

Anjali's Chuda (bangles) being put on by her maternal Aunt.

Vatna, a beautifing ceremony, involves applying the paste made from turmeric powder and mustard oil all over the bride's face by her female friends and relatives.

Anjali's kaliras (silver, gold or gold plated traditional ornaments).
These were later tied to her bangles by the female relatives.

I hope you enjoyed the sneak peak. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for contests and updates (including Anjali and Shane’s Reception)

Jay & Shalini – Toronto Sikh & Hindu Photography

daveabreu — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 01:58:30 +0000

You might remember Jay and Shalini from their engagement adventure in Las Vegas. What an amazing couple to work with!
Over the course of 2 days, I was lucky enough to witness and be a part of their Hindu, Sikh and Western ceremonies and celebrations.
The events were filled with lots of vivid colours and endless amounts of delicious food!

I must give credit to the amazing talents of Karam Singh and Mehreen:
Videographer: Karam Singh of Republic Films
Makeup & Hair Stylist: Mehreen of Glow by Mehreen
Not only does their work speak for itself, but they were a real pleasure to work with that day.

Enjoy the first series of photos from day one, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for the second series, and for upcoming contest information.

Up before dawn to begin the pampering.

Final touches

Shalini taking a moment to reflect.

Off to the first ceremony.

I love this shot. It reminids me of the legendary king Rama of Ayodhya in ancient India, preparing his troops for battle against Ravana's armies.

The granthi (caretaker of the Granth Sahib) waves the feather over the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of Sikhs containing the hymns of Sikh gurus) to show respect to the elders.

The beautiful bride.

Jay rocking the beard.

These two are masters of moments.

Jay arrives on horseback.

Shalini's colourful Hindu saree.

Buddha....

Stay tuned for day two….

Viva Las Vegas!! | Vegas Engagement Photography

daveabreu — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:55:48 +0000

Viva Las Vegas!!

There is no better way to capture creative images for this intriguing couple than to take a trip to Sin city. From the breathtaking and peaceful vistas of the desert, to the overwhelming shock-to-the-senses Vegas strip, this trip had it all. I had a great time shooting their engagement, and I am looking forward to the wedding.

I also had the pleasure of working alongside two great videographers/cinematographers: Karam Singh from Republic Film Studios and Sean Jayaseelan from P-Your Vision. I’ll post their engagement video once it’s complete. If you are looking for a videographer for your event, don’t hesitate to give these guys a call. Tell them I sent you, and they will take care of you.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for updates on new posts and contests!

Welcoming visitors since 1959

Right out of a magazine! I love this shot.

Here's another favorite taken on the strip.

Silhouette in front of the Flamingo Casino.

A moment of sacrifice for an incredible shot in Red Rock Canyon.

The brave bride-to-be.

On the Edge.

I love lens flares. This was taken on our way back from Red Rock.

Shalini striking a pose in the Valley of Fire.

I love the way the colour just pops in this shot.

The fountains at the Bellagio Casino.

What an incredible backdrop for a shoot!

This is my favorite shot form the entire trip. It was taken at the Venetian Casino on our way to the gondola ride.

Jag looking sauve.

How

A quick snuggle at the Venetian

Vegas, thanks for a great time!

Kashpia and Imtiaz | Toronto Wedding Photography

daveabreu — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:09:18 +0000

Here are a few pictures from Kashpia and Imtiaz’s wedding.

They were a great couple to work with. As you can tell, she is very photogenic, and he had a great sense of humour. Their families were also very charming and a pleasure to shoot.

The selection of dishes were a real treat! The panipuri was, and is, my favourite (the phoochkas were very light and crispy!). The spiritual moments were humbling, and the colours and textures from Kashpia’s jewelry, mendi and saris added a dimensional aesthetic and quality which are always great to photograph.

It was great working with you, Kashpia and Imtiaz, and I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Anjali & Shane | Toronto Engagement Photography

daveabreu — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:27:44 +0000

Here are a couple of my favorites from Anjali and Shanes engagement shoot.

These guys were great to work with, they were up for anything.

We decided to shoot at Sunnyside Pavilion. I have always enjoyed this location, there are many interesting lines and a great selection of textures to work with.

I am looking forward to shooting your wedding. All the best!