Mark Anthony Studios Blog

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

Alexandra and Christopher

admin — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:58:39 +0000

Toronto is not only about traffic congestion and large, block skyscrapers, as Alexandra and Christopher discovered during a dusk-to-night shoot in the city. Nathan Phillips Square (and City Hall), the “Crystal” entrance to the Royal Ontario Museum, the cobble-stoned pathway in front of Osgoode Hall, and the old street lamp-lit grounds of the University of Toronto’s St. George campus are just a few of the surprisingly romantic settings the city has to offer. This is especially the case at night, when colours seem much more vibrant against a grey or dark backdrop.

The two tie the knot this August in the this big city.

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

Carina And Ray

admin — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:39:36 +0000

My last shoot until Dec. 31. … And it was cold! However, photographing Carina and Ray made it all worthwhile. This very chic, stylish couple made me feel as if I was photographing for a fashion magazine. All the planets must have been aligned because everything seemed just perfect, from the dramatic sky to the warm glow hovering over Toronto’s skyline. We created some magic. Carina knew exactly what she wanted for the engagement shoot. “Something different Mark. I’m counting on you!” Carina exhorted. Talk about no pressure. But that’s usually when I work at my best. This was just part one of the couple’s engagement session. Part two involves us flying to Las Vegas in early 2011 to photograph again “something very different.” The Nevada desert and the Las Vegas strip lit up at dusk will surely create some spectacular backgrounds for Carina and Ray. I can’t wait!

Mark Anthony

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

Czech it out!

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:32:18 +0000

Ah…Prague, a city that is a must visit for many people, especially photographers. It is a place where your imagination is a reality because this city was built to impress the universe. Wherever situated, just look around and all is beautiful. All the pristine details and ornate craftsmanship cover the historic buildings that have truly stood the test of time. Although, the purpose of this photo excursion was to bring back beautiful images and improve the old palette of skills, it was to scout this golden city to be the location for Mark Anthony Studios first international workshop. In Toronto we are also blessed with a bountiful selection of backdrops. But nothing is more rejuvenating to ones craft than to step out of our shells for a bit to pursue the perfect picture in another part of the world.

For more information on this workshop ” Prague September 2010 Edition” , please contact Mark Anthony Studios for further details. Be prepared to be amazed!

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.