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About
If you want to feel genuinely happy, present in the moment, and with natural photos that capture the atmosphere of your day, look no further!
With 11+ years of experience, photographer Kate O'Connor, brings a joyful and comforting energy that can calm the most stressed out mother-in-law, and entertain the surliest father of the bride!
Wedding photography consists of unposed documentary coverage for most of the day, plus a small session of guided portraits for family members and the newlyweds, of course!
Experience
For the past decade, Kate has documented more than 220 weddings in Ireland, Hawaii, Jamaica, San Francisco, Manhattan, Vancouver Island, Ottawa, Montreal, Muskoka, Prince Edward County and all around the GTA. She studied Applied Photography at Sheridan College.
Kate is also a life coach specializing in pussy power and confidence for women, AND founder of The Course for Brides — the first and only online resource of emotional health tools for people getting married!
Services offered
Citizens of Sweetheart Empire are emotionally adventurous couples, having authentic celebrations, looking for a little extra magic.
All wedding packages include two photographers, an engagement session, and lifetime access to The Course for Brides.
Photography services include the following:
- A personal online gallery
- High-resolution files
- Flush mount albums
- Photographic Prints
- Thank you cards
Areas covered
Kate offers preferred service for local Toronto weddings, Ontario cottage country, New York, Austin, San Francisco, Puerto Rico, and Ireland. She is also a citizen of the EU and is happy to travel worldwide for destination weddings.
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Frequently asked questions
What primary photographic style do you identify with?
Contemporary
Photojournalism
Portraiture
What photography services do you offer?
One event per day
2nd shooter
Add'l hours
Engagement shoot
High-res
Liability insurance
Multi. locations
What photography items do you offer?
Albums
Canvas
Digital files
Flush mount
Prints
Thank you cards
What is the starting price for your wedding photography services?
7,650.00
Which of the following are included in the starting price?
One event per day
2nd shooter
Albums
Canvas
Digital files
Engagement shoot
Flush mount
High-res
Multi. locations
What is the price of your most popular wedding package?
7,650.00
Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?
One event per day
2nd shooter
Digital files
Engagement shoot
High-res
Multi. locations
Any other questions?
Reviews for Sweetheart Empire
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
38 reviews
100% recommend it
Adam F. Sent on 02/04/2019
5 out of 5 rating
Outstanding Service, Skill, and Spirit
First off, Kate is an excellent photographer. Our photos turned out exactly how we wanted them. I think largely because of Kate’s eye and skill, but she took the time to ask us about our vision and really listen to our wishes, some of which we didn’t even realise until she helped us dive in to what we were looking for! Kate’s experience, positive demeanour, and patience showed the whole day and night. The way kate helped us prep was efficient, smooth, and fun, and didn’t require much work on our part at all, which is what we wanted. She guided us through our wishes and straight to the heart of the matter when establishing our approach, which is what we asked for. I think she would be compatible with every type, from the laxidasically inclined to the bride and groomzillas. She offered the whole package, without even a hint of upselling, but we were on a tight budget and Kate made it work for us. I have seen her albums from 2 different weddings now, and they are second to none in my opinion. Kate is flexible, thoughtful, fun, creative, responsive, light hearted and just a pleasure to hang with. You surely won’t be disappointed with her level of service and quality.
Joel F. Sent on 29/12/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Look no further than Sweetheart Empire
Kate and her team are amazing. If you are considering a wedding photographer, or a family photographer, look no further. Kate will make you feel at ease. Like an old friend you've known for years. She really made the process fun and romantic from the moment we met at our consultation, through our engagement photos, and up until the delivery of our beautiful wedding album. We felt that she was just as excited for our wedding as we were, and the results are totally amazing. We really couldn't have asked for anything more.
Freyah O. Sent on 07/03/2017
5 out of 5 rating
We experienced Kate's professionalism and keen eye when we were in a friends wedding. When it was our turn to get married there was no question about who our photographer would be. She makes you feel at ease while giving you games to play with your partner so that the pictures are less staged and more candid and she's so sly you often forget she's there. She was super flexible with time and places to meet, and through the process became a friend. Sweetheart Empire is the best!
Joe P. Sent on 16/02/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Kate did our engagement photos and wedding photos. Her style is what drew us to her in her ability to capture moments in time. She doesn't do lots of looking at the camera shots which we loved. She was really good and creating emotion and then shooting that emotion. She was really accommodating and just a good person to be around. She was a true professional and worth every dime. We would happily refer her to any of our close friends.
Elizabeth F. Sent on 14/02/2017
5 out of 5 rating
We were so thrilled to work with Kate! She was professional, friendly, and the photos are incredible. She clearly communicated every step of the way, and has done so many weddings that she knows how to make things work seamlessly. We felt so taken care of, and despite a hot, sticky, 40 degree day, found ourselves laughing and enjoying every moment of the photography process. We can't wait to have Kate photograph the next wedding in the family, and have recommended her to everyone we know who's planning a wedding!
Laura Sent on 13/02/2017
4.8 out of 5 rating
We were planning a unique Toronto Island wedding on the beach with 5 guests, and because of this we knew we needed someone we really trusted and “clicked” with, as well as someone who was willing to shoot a non-traditional wedding. So many photographers were unwilling or unable to be flexible, and just wanted us to book packages with multiple shooters or long packages. Meeting Kate during our hunt for a photographer was amazing. She immediately understood our vision and offered advice on planning/logistics before we even booked with her. Throughout the process, Kate was a breeze to work with, despite the fact we had a small wedding, we had a detailed plan. Kate matched our enthusiasm and didn’t treat our plans any differently than she would a large 250+ person wedding.
On the day of the wedding, Kate came over to the Island and checked out our Bed & Breakfast, quietly taking some of my favourite photos of the day while I was getting makeup done and my husband was getting suited up. She chatted with my mother and charmed my Father in Law, even taking part in our champagne toast prior to the vows. Even though our wedding day was shorter than usual, Kate worked to keep up our energy when we were flagging bit, making sure we got all the photos we’d said we wanted! When we had a delay caused by a missed ferry, Kate was able to be flexible and stay a while longer to make sure we got our photos.
I would recommend Kate to anyone, anytime.
On the day of the wedding, Kate came over to the Island and checked out our Bed & Breakfast, quietly taking some of my favourite photos of the day while I was getting makeup done and my husband was getting suited up. She chatted with my mother and charmed my Father in Law, even taking part in our champagne toast prior to the vows. Even though our wedding day was shorter than usual, Kate worked to keep up our energy when we were flagging bit, making sure we got all the photos we’d said we wanted! When we had a delay caused by a missed ferry, Kate was able to be flexible and stay a while longer to make sure we got our photos.
I would recommend Kate to anyone, anytime.
George O. Sent on 13/02/2017
5 out of 5 rating
It is without hesitation that I recommend Kate O'Connor to anyone seeking a photographer's services. Technically she is superb, she has all her equipment organized so isn't taking up the customers time due to disorganization, she is professional at all times and I have never seen more creative photos (e.g., a wedding party spread out amongst the trees of a forest). The images are sharp and the colour is breath-taking. But what sets Kate apart from the herd is her personality. She is loads of fun even as she is working, is very friendly and - amongst all kinds of other traits I could mention - she is a true original in her interactions and her thinking. We enjoy being in her company (she is so lovely in every way) and I've never said that about a photographer especially the ones that just issue commands about where to stand and how to pose. So if you want to have both fabulous pictures - we have them on the walls throughout our house and I use them as my computer screen-saver - and a wonderful interpersonal experience, call Kate. She can give you my coordinates if you want to hear more. It's an honour to give this testimonial. Thanks.
Mary W. Sent on 12/02/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Kate O'Connor knows how to do the right things and ask the right questions so that her beautiful, professional photos have the warmth and spontaneity of candid shots. We are very proud of our wedding photos, and we are very happy that we chose Sweetheart Empire.
Daniela P. Sent on 11/02/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Coming from Germany to get married in Toronto, we haven't had a lot of time to get to know different photographers, what made me a little bit nervous - but Kate made that nervousness disappear right away!
The contact via Email was very professional and she offered a first meeting up front the wedding photo shoot to get to know each other a bit better. Kate was very easy going, but also very professional. She made us feel comfortable right away. Kate wasn't pushing and the shooting felt more like a teamwork. It was visible, that she's got a lot of experience with calming down and making nervous brides (and grooms) feel comfortable :) We've laughed a lot!
It was important for us that the pictures look real - and they do! Kate didn't make us pose - shes very creative with how to make the best natural pictures, gave us different themes to talk about, made us think back to different situations - we've had so much fun! And while talking, walking and laughing, we almost forgot that she's taking pictures.
Also during our a little bit chaotic "friends shoot", Kate was relaxed and took the best pictures ever! Our friends were impressed by her! We love that she's captured even the different characters of our friends in those pics - AWESOME!
Somehow it seems Kate knows exactly how to catch feelings in her photos.
She's a very lovely, friendly and funny person and it's obvious that she loves her job. She made our special day even more special and we've been very happy that we got the chance to meet her.
She's a great photographer with a great personality! Highly recommended!
The contact via Email was very professional and she offered a first meeting up front the wedding photo shoot to get to know each other a bit better. Kate was very easy going, but also very professional. She made us feel comfortable right away. Kate wasn't pushing and the shooting felt more like a teamwork. It was visible, that she's got a lot of experience with calming down and making nervous brides (and grooms) feel comfortable :) We've laughed a lot!
It was important for us that the pictures look real - and they do! Kate didn't make us pose - shes very creative with how to make the best natural pictures, gave us different themes to talk about, made us think back to different situations - we've had so much fun! And while talking, walking and laughing, we almost forgot that she's taking pictures.
Also during our a little bit chaotic "friends shoot", Kate was relaxed and took the best pictures ever! Our friends were impressed by her! We love that she's captured even the different characters of our friends in those pics - AWESOME!
Somehow it seems Kate knows exactly how to catch feelings in her photos.
She's a very lovely, friendly and funny person and it's obvious that she loves her job. She made our special day even more special and we've been very happy that we got the chance to meet her.
She's a great photographer with a great personality! Highly recommended!
Shannon D. Sent on 18/10/2019
5 out of 5 rating
Super star.
Kate was a stand-in photographer for my wedding when my original photographer suddenly had a medical issue within the week of my wedding. Although the situation was stressful, Kate swooped in and helped me feel at ease, setting up a quick coffee date with me pre-wedding. She captured some absolutely wonderful moments during my day. I only wish I had had more time shooting with her. I plan on staying in contact with her and cheering her on as she tackles ‘The Course’...stress management for brides! Check it out!!!
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