Mark Anthony Studios Blog » weddings

True Love, True Luxury – Carina and Ray

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:50:45 +0000

As seen on wedluxe.com Editor’s Blog

Carina and Ray were married on May 14, 2011 at the Paramount Conference and Event Venue in Woodbridge, Ontario.

(WedLuxe:) How would you describe your wedding day?

(Carina:) “Amazing. Romantic, whimsical and entertaining!”

What was your favourite design detail?

“Our centerpieces; which were highlighted by spot lighting. We opted for minimal flowers at our wedding. Instead, we used silver faux manzanita trees which we decorated with fresh orchids and strands of running crystal.”

What was your biggest splurge during the planning process?

“Photography. Weddings go by so fast… we wanted to have amazing photography to help us remember our day forever.”

Who was your favourite wedding vendor and why?

“All of them were amazing, accommodating and made our vision to come to life. But if we have to pick one, we’d have to say the Paramount. People forget how beautiful a hall is decorated and how good the entertainment is, if the service and food at your wedding are sub-par. The menu was excellent and their service was outstanding.”

Carina wore a beautiful white San Patrick gown with a modern twist on a Spanish mermaid style with crystals and ruffles. Her bridesmaids each wore a different style dress by Dessy (to suit their individual body types) in sapphire blue and accessorized with custom jewellery by Tara Fava Jewellery.

Ceiba Del Mar, Riviera Maya

admin — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:15:16 +0000

The opportunity to explore new inspiration is always exhilarating to a visual artist. This time I was asked by the talented Gabrielle deMelo of Casamentos to collaborate on a styled shoot in the beautiful Mayan Riviera, Mexico.

As an avid traveler, I have had the pleasure of traveling to some of the most exotic and serene parts of the world and dare I say I’ve developed a rather discerning eye for accommodation. Ceiba del Mar absolutely surpassed my expectations.

It is an intimate coastal resort with lush grounds that set the tone for high style, anchored by statement making gourmet delectables and an abundance of Mexican charm. Luxurious yet authentic, Its an ideal setting for an intimate destination wedding where unparalleled service will not go without notice. We worked with some of the most talented local vendors, Indulged in a beautiful performance by Javier Rojas, and even found a few minutes along the way to soak in some sun.

But the most spectacular of it all was the incredible settings designed and executed with utmost attention to detail. From the lavish arrangements to the fierce use of color, the environment was set to beautifully compliment its background’s gentle pace.

A special Thank You to Gabrielle deMelo for taking care of every last detail, along with these talented professionals:

Ceiba del Mar – www.ceibadelmar.com

Planner 1 – Gabriela Lavor – www.planner1events.com

Javier Rojas - www.javierrojas.com.mx

Euforia – Hector Suarez Maillard – www.eventoseuforia.com

Sell to Please – Michael Roque – www.selltoplease.com

Hits Band – www.hitsband.com

Mannia Cancun – www.manniacancun.com.mx

Celilia Dumas – www.ceciliadumas.com

Mark Anthony Studios celebrates 10th anniversary in Liberty Village!

admin — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 21:09:43 +0000

It was 10 years ago today that the keys to my very own, 2,000-sq.-ft. studio space were handed over to me. I then began constructing my dream photography studio. Who would have thought that my street, Atlantic Avenue, would become a major artery of Liberty Village, now one of Toronto’s hottest communities.

Ten years is very hard for any business to stay alive, especially these days. It takes a lot of effort, dedication and passion to be successful. A heart-felt THANK YOU goes out to all who have helped me along the way, from my talented photographers and studio assistants to industry professionals and, especially, to the 1,000+ clients over the years. Thank you for trusting in the MAS team. Your referrals are always our biggest compliments.

In 2011, there will be a reinvention of sorts for the studio. New and exciting products and services are in the works.

Stay tuned….

A few of my personal favorites from 1989 to 2010.

East meets West

admin — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:59:43 +0000

Jessie, from Beijing, China, and Scott from Guelph, Ontario, decided they wanted their wedding to be an expression of both their cultures. So, in October 2010, after a wedding celebration in Ontario, they invited me to a second reception in Beijing, China’s capital city, and photograph them as they went on a whirlwind tour of some of the country’s major attractions.

The Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China was absolutely stunning. I never imagined that I would be walking the Great Wall of China and doing what I love the most, creating photographic art. Thank you Jessie and Scott for a wonderful opportunity to experience an amazing land and people.

Jessie and Scott’s “ twin ” wedding wasn’t the first time Mark Anthony Studios has been asked to pack our bags and head out of town to cover a wedding. Other places we have travelled for weddings are Italy, Prague, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Vancouver, BC.

WedLuxe Excellence in Photography Award

admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:11:48 +0000

Whatever your passion, you find it gratifying to be recognized for the work that you do. Well, we just were tipped by WedLuxe, Canada’s top wedding fashion magazine, for our wedding coverage of Catherine Tanaka and Jordan Benjamin, which is featured in the magazine’s current (winter/spring 2011) Toronto and Eastern Canada edition.

Mark Anthony Studios is proud to be the recipient of the magazine’s 2010 Excellence in Photography Award.

Wedding Date: June 20, 2010

Venue : Liberty Grand

Wedding Planner: Candace Zwicker

Videography: Images Film and Video

Bayan and Alex

admin — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:56:30 +0000

Ceremony & Venue: The Peter Atrium ( RBG )

Photography locations: Pantages Hotel / Royal Botanical Gardens

Special Feature: Custom designed wedding gown, masterfully created by the talented – Jeffrey MacKinnon

Websites:

www.jeffreymackinnon.com
www.Pantageshotel.com
www.RBG.ca

Nairesiae and Adrian

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:22:18 +0000

If Nairesiae and Adrian could bottle the love they have for each other, and unleash it on this unsuspecting planet, humanity would be much better off. What does it say about love that Nairesiae, a Kenyan, could find her soulmate in Adrian, with Italian coursing through his veins? That love, that unbridled joy they share translated through the lens with remarkable ease. From the elegant ceremony at St. Michael’s Cathedral (Canada’s oldest R.C. church), to the respected grounds of Osgoode Hall, and finally to Embassy banquet hall for the wonderful reception, the images we captured were phenomenal. It was a pleasure to be able to photograph your special day, and we wish you all the best from Mark Anthony Studios.

Joanna and Joe

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:30:11 +0000

On the first truly decent spring day of the year, we had the pleasure of capturing the love of a wonderfully fun couple, Joanna and Joe. After the intimate and elegant ceremony, we then headed for Toronto’s world renowned Distillery District, famed for its cobblestone walkways and artisan flair. It’s clear that Joanna’s vivacious personality is the yin to Joe’s laid back and suave yang. We were having so much fun, that before we knew it, we had exhausted the sun, and managed to get in a few nighttime shots prior to departing for the reception at Spirale. It was an honour to participate in your wedding, and we hope you enjoy these images that you helped create as much as we enjoyed taking them.

Tina and Brian

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:55:14 +0000

Hawaii was where they met, Toronto was where they married. Tina, our bride, a bright and beautiful California native, braved the world renowned Canadian winter to marry her soulmate, the suave Brian. It was clear that no distance could weaken the love they have for one another. After seeing each other for the 1st time, we jaunted off through the streets of downtown Toronto to capture their essence. Tina looked radiant in her dress and faux fur coat, and Brian was quite dashing in his tux. The cityscape was the perfect backdrop for this elegant couple’s love. We made our way to the frozen waters of Lake Ontario. The shoreline and city in the background made for wonderful images, and both Tina and Brian were game, despite the increasing cold weather. Afterwards, we made our way back to the Park Hyatt, where an intimate and elegant ceremony and reception took place. We are truly glad to have been able to participate in such a wonderful day, and extend our best wishes to the newly married couple.

A special thank-you is extended to Christiana Vasquez at the Park Hyatt. Your assistance and kindness was greatly appreciated, and is a testament to the service that the Park Hyatt strives to provide.

Tala and Marco

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:25:22 +0000

Winter weddings can provide some of the most spectacular images, and Tala and Marco’s nuptials were no exception. Braving the bitter cold, Tala and Marco showed that the heat of their passion could withstand the worst of Mother Nature. After the intimate ceremony at Holy Rosary, we headed to the shores of Lake Ontario and then to stylish Liberty Village, where these newlyweds put their best foot forward to get the look they wanted. We then departed for the Royal York Hotel, where prior to the traditional Persian ceremony, we got to make use of this storied landmark, and capture Tala and Marco’s love in another beautiful setting. It was such a pleasure to start off 2010 with such a joyous couple, and we hope you enjoy these images as much as we did taking them.

A special “thank you” to Gabrielle deMelo from Casamentos Haute Couture Weddings ( wedding designer and event planner ) for taking care of every detail and for creating such a masterpiece of a wedding!