Diana+Ryan married at Hockley Valley Resort

Diana+Ryan married at Hockley Valley Resort

July 17 was a stormy, rainy day in Toronto…but not a drop fell, for our wonderful couple as they tied the knot in lovely Hockley Valley Resort. Diana and Ryan had great weather, along with wonderful surroundings for their special day.  Upon our arrival, we met the bridal party, and we contemplated the perfect location for the First look. Utilizing the party members help, we whisked Diana and Ryan on golf carts, to a secluded outdoor location for the first look.  It was amazing.  Ryan’s reaction was so sweet.  We then had the bridal party join us for group shots including fun ones by the “beverly hills” pool and everyone managed to stay dry :)

Soon after the ceremony commenced, under a great white canopy with soft guitar music filling the air, enhancing the romantic mood.  At the reception you could hear the affection and playfulness in everyones entertaining recollections, advice and well wishes. Some of the best speeches we have ever heard! We love to capture the raw emotions of the day. In the case of Diana+Ryan, there was definitively plenty of laughter. Ryan’s two brothers delivered a multitude of lol’s, wow’s and ahhhs that had everyone in stitches. Then, somewhere between the courses, we had the newly married couple come with us for some more beautiful image making by the evening light. They were such great sports as we did a power shoot around the venue. They were up for it all, and we believe the results are super fine. Good job, and we are so happy you both participated so we could make some wonderful fine art imagery for you. We love it, when our couples go with the vision….after all, that is why our super brides commission us… and we aim to deliver. By working together, it allows for the creation of fine art images that will last a couples lifetime. Enjoy the wonderful memories you created and thanks again for allowing us to be part of your most special day. Cheers.





















































Sneak Peaks of Toronto Engagement Photography

Sneak Peaks of Toronto Engagement Photography

Its super beautiful outside, but I was determined today to post some uber fun couples that we had the pleasure get to know and photograph for their eSessions.
Niki is begging to go for a walk and I can’t resist…. so a comentary to each preview to follow soon. Hope you enjoy and do leave us a comment or two. Happy Friday the 13th and a wonderful weekend to everyone.

Daniella+John

Elma+Boris



Jen+Tim





Megan+Jeff






Anna-Lisa+Stefan






Trisha+Kamil









Chris+Jesse

…Aaand We are Back

…Aaand We are Back

Ajj ja jaaaj….where did the time go. I can’t believe its August 13th already…

Lana is growing like a weed, summer is in full swing, we are back in action and ready to get this blogity blog back on track.

So much personal stuff to tell you and show you, KostelPhoto has some super news to share very shortly as well and of course our amazing clients need to be showcased :)

So to start off, we will do a sneak peek of few of the more recent work to keep you all wanting more ;) Just look above.

Cheers

Happy Birth Day Lana Lee :)

Happy Birth Day Lana Lee :)

…after a quick shower at home, picking up some personal artifacts I am back at St Joe’s with Anna and Lana. How funny does that sound ;) Anna and Lana. Wow, yesterday was day 0, today is day 1. It feels like day 8. Everything is a blur. 6 hrs of sleep in past 36hrs, but so worth it.
This is just a prelude to a long, happy story that we will share with everyone soon. Interim here is two quick images from Lanas birthday! Happy birthday sweetheart :) !!!

Balgavy Family – Toronto Modern Lifestyle Photography

Balgavy Family – Toronto Modern Lifestyle Photography

We were privileged to come out and take photo’s of Daniel, the new addition to the wonderful Balgavy family.  From the moment we walked in the door of the beautiful home near Humber River, we were greeted with all smiles.  Daniel is such a happy-go-lucky child, and his parents even shine with the same joy and excitement.  The family was a pleasure to shoot and were even head out  for some outdoor shoots despite the cooler spring like weather.  Mark and I were thinking that we could all head out to a park, but the Balgavy family had a wonderful secret that they revealed to us….a stunning backyard that felt like it stretched out for miles!  It felt like the country, yet so close to the city of Toronto.  We were excited to shoot Daniel and his Family in the wonderful backyard.  Daniel will make wonderful childhood memories here, along with Mom and Dad, and possibly even acquire a green thumb. :)   We loved the cute little outfits Mom picked out for him – he looked like a little Parisian or at times as if he were from “old time” London, England. Here are a few images from that wonderful day.  Balgavy’s,  we wish you all the best – happiness, love and the making lots of great, fond memories together.























Familia time –  Toronto Beaches Photography

Familia time – Toronto Beaches Photography

Make time to head out and create some fun, family images.   It’s a great way to capture people, time and memories.  It’s so easy, yet so many of us leave the house without our camera or don’t even bother taking it out of the case.  We recommend everyone form a new habit, and take your camera with you and just shoot.  Use whatever camera you have, because as Chase Jarvis says “the best Camera is the one you have with you”.  If you have the eye for imagery, you can make magic happen with any camera (even your phone camera, or a point & shoot).  Just use it.    If you really feel you don’t have “a good eye”, realize that practice can only make you better.  Also, you can study other people’s work, take a class/course or just ask people for opinions on how to improve.  Just make sure you get out there and capture the important people, places and events in your life.  Your family will appreciate it, and so will you, down the road.  Most importantly, have fun!

Here are a few images from a really sunny, blinding day at the Toronto Beach with Mark’s family.