We at SDE Weddings, Toronto’s premier wedding videography and cinematography group, are ever enchanted by stories of fate and fulfilment, and the story of Mike and Harshini’s serendipitous journey from friendship to the wedding aisle leaves us content in capturing these touching tales of life’s most precious moments. The notion of a “self-fulfilling prophecy” is one which we’re all accustomed to, especially in this day and age where family, friends, career and entertainment are electronically intertwined, and personal goals are as easy to plan as a push of a button. Still, in this ever-growing era of information, one thing that remains constant is the importance of relationships, whether it be friends, loved ones, or perhaps the one you’ll one day call your husband or wife. That’s why it’s no surprise that the “self-fulfilling prophecy” Mike had made when he first met Harshini eventually became reality. As Harshini initially scoffed at the idea of the two being anything more than friends, Mike’s initial instincts many years ago would soon come to fruition, and the couple would find themselves engaged for two whole years till their fateful day of April 28th, 2014. In an exquisite ceremony and reception in Toronto’s Islington United Church and Chateau Le Jardin Convention Centre respectively, the beloved couple were wed to the resounding applause from countless loved ones who gathered to see a prophecy be fulfilled.

Wedding day began early for our videographers and cinematographers, who arrived alongside the photography crew to film the early morning prep sessions of both bride and groom. The couple, awake bright and early, made diligent work in making sure they were fit and perfect for the momentous life-changing occasion ahead of them. Midway in their preparations, Mike and Harshini both took a moment to read the special wedding day letters which they had exchanged beforehand. In the highlight video, you can preview the couples’ teary eyed reactions which they shared with us in film. Once fully ready, the couple and their entourages proceeded to Islington United Church for the ceremony, of which a few scenes you can preview below. As per the couples’ request, our videographers and cinematographers made sure to film the particularly special nuances of their ceremony, which included the joint mothers of bride and groom partaking in a candle-lighting ritual, and Mike’s sister reciting a specially made poem for her brother on his big day. After Mike and Harshini were happily wed with watery eyes and unanimous applause from the crowd, the wedding party made their way to greet Harshini’s centenarian grandmother in her nursing home and share in the familial festivities, a truly heartwarming gesture.

Reception services began right at sunset, with the formal celebration welcomed by an oil-lamp lighting ceremony, symbolic of the power of love to burn brightly and steadfastly through the dark uncertainty of the future. A playful cake-cutting afterwards would set a lighter mood for the evening to come. Commemorative and congratulatory speeches by the newlyweds’ closest family and friends were next in line, and as in keeping with a theme, you can preview plenty more candid teary-eyed moments from the speeches in the highlight video below. Our videographers and cinematographers also lived up to SDE Weddings’ namesake, and crafted a same-day-edit of the days’ footage, which was played following the conclusion of speeches, and was received with unanimous applause by the crowd. After more festive, personal, and perhaps embarrassing moments, such as the garter and bouquet toss, Mike and Harshini made a 2nd entry at the midpoint of reception services, with Harshini fashioning an elegant Sari, and the couple bringing alongside them a tassa band to drum away the long hours of the night with their hypnotic rhythm, and strumming off as the celebrations winded down. As a special request to the couple, we made sure to capture every frame of their 2nd entry, and encapsulate the reverberating energy of every drum beat played out in film form. We at SDE Weddings, Toronto’s premier wedding videography and cinematography group, were left undoubtedly pleased in filming and working with Mike and Harshini to document their wedding day, from the candid morning moments to the vibrancy of the late-evening’s entertainment. We wish Mike and Harshini many more memorable days in marriage and a promising future to come.

Photographs by Scott Williams Photography | scottwilliamsphotographer.com

Ceremony: Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Toronto, ON M9A 1G9
Reception Venue: Le Jardin, 8440 Hwy 27, Woodbridge, ON L4L 1A5
Photographer Information: Scott Williams Photography
DJ Service: DJ Riyad
Officiant: Mark Aitchison | Minister at Islington United Church
Make Up Artists: Kayana Beauty Trends
Bridal Dress Info: ivory, lace mermaid dress, purple & gold shoes made by Bride
Groom Dress Info: Charcoal grey tuxedo, cream color tie, vest & pocket scarf, white high top nikes
Wedding Decor: Alexandra Damouni | OMG Events
Wedding Cake: Savoy Cakes | Brenda Chen
Limo: Erin Mills Limo