Sometimes you don't have to travel too far to find a "nice location" for photos.  Brittany + Spencer used their own backyard for their engagement session.  Granted, their backyard has cornfields, green space and some wonderful light.  Regardless of location though, an engagement session can be a no-pressure warm-up to wedding day - allowing the couple to get accustomed to their photographer and the process of having photos taken that represent their relationship.  Looking forward to October 2018, Brittany + Spencer!

Kristen + Eric chose Thanksgiving weekend to bring their family and friends together to celebrate not only their thankfulness, but their vows. 

Kristen was gentle and regal in her Amanda-Lina Boutique gown, timeless accessories and classic florals by The Gathering Event Company.  With her bridesmaids scattered around the globe, the only instruction Kristen gave for their individual gown choice was that it had to be grey: and just look how well her best friends pulled their ensembles together sight unseen! 

Rain squashed our plans of photos in the Dominion Arboretum but the shelter of Lago Restaurant and Dow's Lake still provided a fitting backdrop for Kristen and Eric's super sweet, super genuine first-looks.  Eric was completely floored with the sight of his soon-to-be-bride.  (I'm a huge fan of first looks - and with private moments like these, you can understand why.) 

The Gathering Event Company transformed Lago Restaurant into an elegant ceremony space and then retransformed it into an inviting and comfortable dining space while family photos were being taken.  (So impressive!  Kudos on the joint efforts of The Gathering Event Company and the staff of Lago Restaurant for that impressive flip!)

Kristen + Eric's wedding was one of my favourite weddings of 2017.  Despite my catching fire while Kristen walked down the aisle (see the backstory under the "Meet Elenora" tab), Kristen + Eric's day was sublime and a perfect fit for a weekend of "thankfulness".  xox

Hockey families know all too well that as soon as the cooler weather hits (and sometimes even beforehand), much time is spent indoors in an even colder arena.  The Carlsons - with both boys playing a competitive level of hockey - set time aside to get family photos done before their weekends were spent on the road, in games or in tournaments.  Bright sun, warm hearts!