Art of Celebration Toronto—SNIPPET by Panache Partners

Art of Celebration t

inspiration and ideas from top event professionals

i n t ro d u c t i o n

Celebrations are woven into our lives from the moment we are born; we pave our long and winding road with revelry. Cultures are identified by their milestones and rites of passage. From the visions of a select few, through the work of many, and motivated by all, our celebrations are universal. In Art of Celebration Toronto, we chart metro Toronto's modern-day visionaries who mastermind remarkable events, creating everlasting memories. The magic of a phenomenal celebration is achieved with great collaboration. This book will take you on a voyage, sharing the insights and creations of the gifted. We begin this journey with event planners and designers—the directors, producers, and creative geniuses—who formulate, synthesize, and execute the visions from behind the scenes Before the Music Begins. And because once you've set the date, the next step is Location, Location, Location, we turn our focus to the Greater Toronto Area's most incredible venues, which become inspirational backdrops. The event, floral, and lighting designers are true connoisseurs of Creating an Ambience; these artists are responsible for the endless ideas and boundless efforts, and are often the heart and soul of an unforgettable gala. Then Eat, Drink & Be Merry in the culinary world of caterers, whose works of art and ingenious creations delight the palate and astound the mind. From there, It's All in the Details, as print shop proprietors and graphic designers share insight into how breathtaking invitations and other printed materials set the stage for what is in store for the guest and offer a glimpse of what's to come. Through the amazing talents of musicians, entertainers, photographers, and video technicians, Capturing the Moment will forever keep alive the experiences of life's ritual—the art of celebration.

Art of Celebration Toronto will inspire, inform, and just might take your breath away! Let the magic happen—and celebrate!

Before the Music Begins The Mint Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 CANDICE&ALISON Luxury Event Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 McNabb Roick Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Karen G Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Anne Anderson Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Melissa Andre Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Location, Location, Location Berkeley Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Art Gallery of Ontario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Royal Ontario Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Allstream Centre at Exhibition Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Atlantis at Ontario Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 The Eglinton Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 The Boiler House Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 The Carlu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 The Fermenting Cellar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Creating an Ambience Westbury National Show Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Luxe Modern Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Micki's Luxury Linen and Draping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Creations by Gitta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Forget Me Not Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 San Remo Florist & Design Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Chair-man Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

contents Eat, Drink & Be Merry L-EAT Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Patricia's Cake Creations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Encore Food with Elegance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 10tation Event Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Creative Cutters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Double Chocolate Fountain & Fun Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Les Louises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Per SĂŠ Fine Food & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 PR Creative Caterers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

It's All in the Details Palettera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Cre8ive Invitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Paper Things . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Capturing the Moment St. Kitts Music Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 Franc Natale Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 424u.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 5Gear Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 Hudson Taylor Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

M M c N a bb R o i c k E v e n t s

J effry R oick

Jeffry Roick is a passionate artist whose creative medium is raw venue space—a blank canvas on which he imagines

a uniquely wonderful environment. Drawing from his palette of design elements, Jeffry uses color, lighting, furnishings, décor, food, flowers, and entertainment to create one-of-a-kind spaces for elegant celebrations. Roick & Associates was formed in 1992, and after four years of local success, Jeffry collaborated with his New York mentor Jim McNabb of McNabb & Associates to create McNabb Roick Events, a global event design and management company with expanded offices in London.

Serving corporations, organizations, and high-profile individuals, McNabb Roick's crème de la crème team creates high society functions throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and elsewhere. Inventing soirées from formal weddings to charity galas, haute couture fashion shows to international corporate parties, milestone birthdays to sponsorship events at the Olympic Games, the firm has a boundless scope. Whether creating theatrical lighting effects, refined contemporary décor, signature menus, bespoke centerpieces, or exclusive furniture designs, the team demonstrates attention to the minute details that lift the art of celebration to a new realm.

We transformed the Granite Club ballroom into a romantic haven by lining it with sexy draping to conceal the space's existing décor. Philippe Starck ghost armchairs keep it airy and tall acrylic centerpieces with suspended candles and white dendrobium orchids cast an ethereal glow on wedding guests.

Photograph by Envisions

Photograph by George Pimental Photography

Photograph by Henry Lin

"A mood can be created through dramatic lighting or a table arrangement, yet it's the smallest of details that guests will remember." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jeffry Roick

Photograph by Henry Lin

Top: We work closely with a Toronto philanthropist who hosts Fashion for Passion galas to benefit children's charities several times a year. Pastel blush and ever so glamorous, the fashion show-fundraiser in The Carlu's grand foyer included a designer menu by local celebrity chef Mark McEwan with fashion icon Oscar de la Renta as guest of honor showing his latest collection. Bottom: Our mirrored tabletops elegantly reflected crystal candlelight and white wedding florals. Full-service catering with a multi-course menu was center stage with nouvelle cuisine served on square china for a fresh, contemporary presentation. Facing page top: Haute couture starred at the Chanel Cruise Collection fashion show and fundraiser held in the Direct Energy Centre's Heritage Court. We covered the floor in white event carpeting and appointed the room with white gazebos and resort furniture to create a hotel courtyard garden feel. Beyond the curtains we featured a shallow swimming pool with intricate black runways where top models sashayed as though walking on azure blue water. Facing page bottom: The ice palace is one of several rooms we designed in the Kool Haus nightclub-concert hall, each inspired by the Oscar-winning epic film "Dr. Zhivago." Our corporate holiday celebration was created for a major media network, intended to delight 3,000 guests. Like a jewel on a snowy night, the event sparkled with crystalline beauty.

Photograph courtesy of McNabb Roick Events

Above: We designed an elegant 70th birthday party to complement the ballroom space at Marché Bonsecours in Old Montréal. Plexiglas feasting tables framed in faux Victorian façades had acrylic centerpieces with dangling crystals and roses, illuminated by candlelight and personalized vellum lampshades with images of the honoree's significant life moments. Left: Held near Valentine's Day, the amfAR organization's annual gala was dramatically dressed to suit the occasion. We carpeted the room in white and added a rich red hue with glossy black tables and chairs for a dash of mystery. Red rose bouquets added the finishing touch. Facing page top: For a bat mitzvah at The Carlu, we recreated a Junkanoo celebration to pay homage to the family's Caribbean home. Our dance floor is a technical lighting illusion designed to resemble a shimmering pool of water. Young guests sat on pillows around low tables near the imaginary pool while adults enjoyed formal dining near soothing water walls. Wicker charger plates and candles with seashells and sand created a beach effect. Facing page bottom: A festive Chrismukkah party for 400 at The Carlu was the year's biggest fundraiser for the Regent Park School of Music. Oversized snowflakes and wintry white décor set the magical tone.

Photograph courtesy of McNabb Roick Events

Photograph by Envisions

"Fantasy décor ignites the senses and elicits an emotional response." —Jeffry Roick

Photograph by Henry Lin

Photograph courtesy of McNabb Roick Events

Photograph by George Pimental Photography

Photograph by Envisions

"Addressing the objective of a corporate event is essential; it's all about bringing the brand to life with a wow factor." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jeffry Roick Right: The Fermenting Cellar became a French-inspired 150th anniversary party celebrating the Louis Vuitton world of luxury. We suspended vintage LV luggage from the ceiling and commissioned a tiered cake replicating classic leather suitcases. For branding extraordinaire, ghost chairs featured portraits of founder Louis Vuitton Malletier. Amazing sleight-of-hand magicians from France interacted with 300 guests during dinner. Facing page left: High-tech racing team bicycles wowed 250 guests at the Royal Ontario Museum for a new product launch. We constructed acrylic display stands, created stone table runners to mimic road surfaces, and projected rotating spoke gobos for visual continuity and excitement. Facing page top right: We transformed the main stage into a fundraising dinner at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts following a ballet performance. A myriad of red balloons on ribbons formed a quick, high-energy art installation.

Facing page bottom right: Our outdoor tented reception on the football field at University of Toronto was an inspiring donor kickoff party for the Luminato Arts Festival. Huge projection screens featured video art to engage guests.

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Photograph courtesy of McNabb Roick Events

Whether your celebration is philanthropic, commercial, or purely social, it's key to find event design and management experts to scout the location, set the proper tone with the invitation, and transform a space into a theatrical feast for the eyes. Work with an experienced advisor who understands your goals and knows the ins and outs of your venue so there is little room for error. Most of all enjoy the creative process and relax at your event!

A A ll s t r e a m C e n t r e

E x h i b i t i o n P l ac e

L aura Purd y

Upon arriving at Exhibition Place you'll drive under Princes' Gates, a historic monument with the Winged Victory statue

exuding an ethereal quality. But looking through the archway you'll see a magnificent energy-producing wind turbine. The contrast is fascinating. This is the grand entrance leading to Toronto's Allstream Centre in all of its restored glory. The former Automotive Building was Toronto's first exhibition hall built in 1926 and has been repurposed into a transformed version of the legendary landmark proudly deemed the "newest and greenest" conference center in Canada.

Embodying the city's vision to create an environmentally sensitive model for corporate and social events, Allstream Centre boasts elegant Art Deco architecture with eco-friendly elements and state-of-the-art technology throughout. The 160,000-square-foot facility houses a column-free, 44,000-square-foot ballroom appropriate for groups up to 3,000â&#x20AC;&#x201D;with triple-high ceilings divisible into two spaces. Beyond the formal ballroom, there are four pre-function spaces and 20 inviting meeting rooms featuring natural light from stunning architectural windows. Operated by a team of highly experienced event professionals, the dream has been realized as the first off-grid, fully sustainable convention center earning LEED Silver certification and numerous environmental awards. Eco-chic and contemporary with historic ambience all at once, it's one of Toronto's most exciting venues.

We gladly roll out the red carpet for VIPs. Illuminated at night, the impressive Art Deco faĂ§ade with its triple portico creates a dramatic backdrop. The historic building's multimillion-dollar restoration was completed in 2009 and the center was named in honor of its corporate sponsor.

Photograph by Garry Porter Photography

"Hosting a celebration in an eco-chic space symbolizes the future, the ideal of what an event space should be." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Laura Purdy Right: The renowned monument Princes' Gates is a historic archway that was officially bestowed to the city in 1927 after marking the original grounds for the Canadian National Exhibition in 1879. It heralds visitors at the grand entrance leading to Allstream Centre. Facing page top: Fully restored to original Art Deco glory, our lobby entrance opens to polished terrazzo flooring. The mezzanine boasts tulip-style period lighting, rosette motifs and "winged wheels" bas-reliefs on the ceiling, recalling the Automotive Building's first purpose. Exclusive to Allstream Centre, Cerise Fine Catering creates perfectly designed menus while providing unsurpassed service for guests at every event. Chef de cuisine Stephen Montague and his culinary team prepare gourmet delights with flair, often using organic ingredients in keeping with the center's green commitment. Facing page bottom: Our audiovisual experts are able to customize high-tech presentations for every function, large or small. The center's team of event professionals will personally design a celebration around a given theme or collaboratively create the ultimate gala with outside consultants, whether hosted in our contemporary ballroom or inviting meeting rooms.

Photograph by William Conway Photography

Going green for any celebration or business meeting is easy when you start with the right venue. Select a space that has earned LEED certification with Greenguard furniture and fixtures made of recycled materials and rooms decorated using low-VOC paints and carpets. Ergonomic flex-back stackable chairs and sleek aluminum modesty panels are environmentally smart yet have a sophisticated aesthetic. Gathering spaces should offer natural light and lend a relaxed lounge atmosphere.

L u x e M o d e rn R e n ta l s Charles K ay

Brian H arris

Evan A ranoff

P eter Gismondi

Specially selected, perfectly suited furniture and décor add an aura of glamour to any event. The right chandelier can

set the tone for the entire room. When Toronto's most discerning hosts need to bring in the sleek and the sophisticated, they turn to Luxe Modern Rentals. The rental company's expansive collection of sofas, tables, chairs, stools, rugs, illuminated bars and towers, and other accoutrements lends upscale parties an unmistakable air of polished and luxurious modernism.

Luxe partners Brian Harris and Evan Aranoff boast that their longtime friend and business partner Charles Kay was born with the ability to add creative flair to whatever he does. The collection of unique event furnishings that Charles continues to re-invent often is no exception to his dedication to delivering the most exquisite event environments. Together, the Luxe team shares a passion for the events industry and an attention to detail. Their relentless pursuit of excellence— evident in the constant introduction of new trends—has won the firm many fans. The showroom, open by appointment only, houses the modular repertoire of pieces that all work together in numerous combinations across the entire gamut of inventory, delighting event designers. The amount of flexibility that Luxe Modern Rentals offers as a result is simply unmatched. It's no wonder that the firm's distinctive furnishings are popping up not only across Canada but in the continental United States, the United Kingdom, and Bahrain as well.

To enhance a modern Victorian dinner party with black and white tones, we brought in ivory Louis ghost chairs, cream Bourgie lamps, and oversized black-and-white Spindle floor lamps all atop flooring in stripes of cream and black.

Photograph by Charles Kay, Luxe Modern Rentals

Photograph by Davina + Daniel

Above: The grass wall and the openness of the restaurant patio inspired us to transform it into an intimate lounge setting for a summer launch party through Savoy all-weather faux rattan furniture.

Facing page: We arranged multiple private lounges for a futuristic robotic-themed charity event. Drake shimmer screens with Moooi one-way mirrored barrel chandeliers crowned silver, electric blue, and fuchsia furniture, pillows, and area rugs.

Photograph by Davina + Daniel

Photograph by Charles Kay, Luxe Modern Rentals

Photograph by Badger Photography

Right: Sleek transparent Mirage chairs sit at stainless steel Metropolitan tables to give a polished look to the wedding reception. If the venue has the space to make long tables that will seat many guests, it's well worth it. Facing page top: We laid a 40-foot hand-tufted wool rug custom-printed with Rialto towers to match the wedding couple's invitation down the ceremony's long, narrow aisle. We placed Mirage chairs along the sides of the rug to create an intimate ceremony space. Facing page bottom: An international fashion designer's hotel party necessitated a lot of seating in a small space; we mixed and matched elements from our baroque and Victorian collections, like gold Biltmore sofas and cream Henry coffee tables, to accomplish the desired effect. A silver-and-white wedding's light-filled industrial venue bursting with big windows and raw beauty called for a silver Lancaster bench, Astaire end tables, and Marlowe mirrors in the lounge.

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Photograph by Badger Photography

Rentals should be all-inclusive: delivery, installation, cleaning, and removal in one turnkey package. Your event fitted out with luxury accoutrements that execute your vision will result in a gorgeous environment that reflects you.

10 tat i o n E v e n t C at e r i n g D avid D 'A prile

David D'Aprile was green in his approach to cuisine before it was ever in vogue; he always used locally grown produce, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and the freshest ingredients of land and sea in his recipes. He started in his family's restaurant business as a child and grew to love it. Later David traveled to Italy and worked in the foodservice industry there for several years acquiring more knowledge about the world of dining and preparing gorgeous and delicious dishes. With newfound experience from restaurants abroad he affirmed that food was his passion and haute service his forte, founding his own event catering company in 2001.

Named 10tation Event Catering for the temptation that quality food has for us all, his expansive 10,000-square-foot kitchen is run by nearly 30 top chefs and everyone else that it takes to operate an efficient professional catering firm. Everything is made in-house from scratch including authentic Italian pastas and mouthwatering European-inspired pastries. Corporate events, intimate affairs, big bashes, and wedding celebrations are a daily happening at 10tation, from small dinners for 10 to receptions for 5,000. The caterer's calling card? Exceptional service and, of course, exceptional food. David and his culinary crew believe in using local produce and seasonal ingredients to ensure freshness and health benefits. Even the kitchen uses sustainable equipment and systems and the company website is wind-powered. The firm truly enjoys being eco-conscious, not only because it's good for the soul but also because guests relish each thoughtfully prepared bite.

Served hot as a delectable amuse-bouche, a vivid spring pea soup with seared diver scallop and roasted corn awakens the taste buds.

Photograph courtesy of 10tation Event Catering

"Your event should feature the freshest cuisine, served with exceptional style and a European sensibility." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;David D'Aprile

Right: Appetizers are in line and ready to be snapped up by hungry guests. For a summer occasion, our award-winning chefs designed chilled hors d'oeuvres featuring a bright red Prince Edward Island lobster claw atop roasted heirloom beets and micro-greens, lightly drizzled with tarragon vinaigrette. Tender and juicy, our lobster is fresh caught off the Canadian coast. Facing page: An affair hosted at The Fermenting Cellar is all set for an elegant formal dinner. Our special event planners will design the entire party from cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations to impressive seated dinner for up to 5,000 guests. We can orchestrate everything from signature menus to waitstaff protocol, furniture rentals to mood lighting and tabletop dĂŠcor. Photograph courtesy of 10tation Event Catering

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Be creative and choose a menu to suit the occasion and time of year. If it's a holiday party in the dead of winter think warming foods with some spice and heat. When summer arrives, think light, crisp, and fresh from the garden. How about a cuisine theme based on your ethnic heritage or a favorite travel destination?

Paper Things

Paper Things is a Toronto institution. The stationery shop, once entirely volunteer-run, now furnishes the grown-up

grandchildren of its original patrons with paper goods, gifts, cards, journals, and everything in between.

The shop opened in 1962 as a fundraising project of the volunteer committee belonging to The National Ballet of Canada. The first week, the shop sold out of every single item. Over the years, Paper Things became a place to get—among other things—an invitation suite at the best value, even if custom-designed. Today the shop can provide everything from blank cards and templates to completely personalized stationery and printed materials. Calligraphy, thermography, letterpress, specialty paper—the shop can do anything related to paper and ink. Loyal volunteers offer friendly guidance to equally loyal visitors, while all three of the permanent staff members are capable of graphic design work—especially when one is commissioned personally by long-standing fans of the shop.

Paper Things is perfectly poised to maximize the close relationships patrons build with the designers, whether that leads to knowledgeable advice on the best off-the-shelf choice or the creation of full suites, from save-the-dates to thank-you notes, for every event comprising a celebration. Located in the upscale Yorkville shopping district of Toronto, Paper Things has become a warm and welcoming pocket of the city as well as a destination in and of itself that attracts all generations.

A chocolate Dupioni silk box tied with a beautiful teal bow opens to reveal an invitation the color of the groom's turquoise tie. We came up with a contemporary graphic element inspired by our modern couple's travels and utilized our favorite font combination, simple with cursive. That's so much our signature look that people recognize it by now. The end result? Boxed elegance.

Photograph by Kings + Queens

"Creating an invitation with a designer you have a rapport with means the design will totally reflect you." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Suzanne Fox Invitations tell the guests what to expect. Our invitations run the gamut from bright and colorful tied layers to bold traditional in black and white to edgy but classic to spring-like and soft, whether in a silk box or on embossed paper. We can take advantage of elements like hand calligraphy to lend a more time-honored feel, or mix multiple fonts together for a strong impression; everything will coalesce into a design that represents the overall aesthetic of the event.

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Photograph by Kings + Queens

It's reassuring to be able to visit the graphic designer in charge of your event's printed materials in-store and ask questions, consulting face-to-face. Seeing familiar, friendly faces every time you come is comforting. Most of our patrons have become regulars primarily for the relationship they have with our volunteers.

F r a n c N ata l e P h o to g r a p h y F ranc N atale

Franc Natale's exquisite photography attracts a range of discerning, exclusive clientele in Toronto, New York, and

various destinations worldwide. Originally, Franc began taking photos as a substitution for painting. Not yet ready to fully pursue painting but still driven by an urge to create, Franc took up photography while studying at Ryerson University in 1990. People were drawn to his work, and soon he was shooting weddings and special events in the city and across the country. Today Franc focuses on personally fulfilling photography, nurturing the connections he's made over the years.

Despite all his success, Franc remains refreshingly humble, even admitting that he still gets nervous before a shoot. During shoots, he blends into the scenery to get those elusive candid-yet-flawless images. The people he works with compliment his ability to make them feel at ease. The depth to which he cares about his subjects is evident in how he continues to work with the same people even after that first event. It's become customary for Franc to follow up for photo sessions of a couple's children several years after the wedding, or to come back for an anniversary party after a birthday celebration. It's all thanks to having established that crucial rapport of trust that keeps his clientele so loyal.

On every shoot, I want to be unobtrusive and make the people I'm photographing feel comfortable with me. That's an essential part of getting the best shots, the ones that will last forever as priceless mementos.

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Photograph by Franc Natale Live Entertainment

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Photograph by Franc Natale

"Everyone deserves to have at least one really great, memorable portrait." 窶認ranc Natale

Acting as a tool to freeze a moment in time, I consider it my responsibility to make each scene look its best for the sake of posterity. Even though perfect, amazing shots rarely compose themselves and my artistic direction is usually necessary, I'm also careful not to tax my photographic subjects' energy; their smiles and joy should be genuine.

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Photograph by Franc Natale

The photographer's task should be to capture unforgettable, lasting images. These important days often fly by, so it's important to have mementos you can treasure and look back on. Knowing that people can relive those moments through my photographs is a wonderful feeling.

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Art of Celebration Toronto US $45 ISBN 13: 978-0-615-51925-8 ISBN 10: 0-615-51925-3

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