We can love our four-legged friends as much - and sometimes more - than our two-legged friends - and, they can definitely become part of our family.  Sweet Mavi wrapped herself around Hayley's heart, all the while teaching Hayley about riding and the responsibilities that come with caring for a pony.  Learning from each other, the two even made it to the Royal Winter Fair in fall of 2019!  Mavi has since moved on to the win the heart of another owner but will always have a special spot in Hayley's. 

... you answer and realize the family is about to change with one leaving the nest.  Rebecca and Lincoln have one out the door and another not too far behind, so a family session became a high priority before "adulthood" claimed all their little ones. They laughed, hugged and squeezed one another in their session, hanging on to to each just a little longer than usual.  Because, come the fall, this family of 5 will be a party of 4. 

What do you get someone who has everything and really just wants time well-spent and memories with loved ones?  And what if that person is your parent or parents?  Joanne knew the answer for her parents and their 50th wedding anniversary:  an extended family photography session.  Wrangling family members to show up in one location on one day can sometimes be like herding cats, so Joanne knew it was easier if the location was well-loved and somewhere everyone enjoyed being anyways.  The family cottage during overlapping family holidays was the perfect solution.  The date was arranged WELL in advance so that schedules could be locked in place; a backup date in the event of rain was also secured so there was no last minute scrambling to find an alternate date.  And, at the end of a lovely cottage day full of swimming and snacking, family photos and keepsakes were created in honour of Grandma and Grandpa - which now hang lovingly in each family's home ... and in the cottage of course!

Even though Brianna's parents are no longer a married couple, they are still a "family" with bonds and connections that cannot be dissolved.  Brianna and her siblings knew they could gift their parents "a family session" and that they could trust me to photograph their relationships without discomfort or awkwardness.  Brianna brought her siblings together from all over the map - some as far away as the Caymen Virgin Islands - on a pre-arranged date in June (arranged as far back as 6months!) to ensure success.  A carefully thought-out shot list made sure we didn't miss a beat and everyone had treasures close to their heart.  Brianna - thank-you for continuing to lean on me for those important times in your life when you don't want to risk the outcome!  xo

Fall colours, warm temperatures and a blanket of fallen leaves greeted the Sly Family for their extended family fall session honouring Grandma and Grandpa.  I'll be travelling to their family cottage this summer to capture the rest of this extended family as they celebrate a special anniversary!  xox

A very busy family, the Young Family understands the importance of marking each year that passes in pictures.  It's my honour to create these keepsakes for busy mom and dad!

When the Hunt family from Western Canada knew they were travelling to Ontario in the fall for a family wedding, they knew they wanted to get some family photos done recognizing it was going to be a rare opportunity for all them to be in one place at the same time.  Mom, Nancy, and daughter, Katie, organized the booking with me Trans-Canada and gave the rest of the family their marching orders to show up on the given date and time with smiles in place.  Here are a few favourites that highlight their connections despite the geographical distance.  Thank-you, Hunt Family, for allowing me to create keepsakes you can take with you when you can't physically be together!  xox

Marley and her siblings gifted their mom an extended family session for Mother's Day, something she had wanted for some time.  They took care of all the details, including Mom's outfit so that all she had to do was show up and smile.  Although the gift was for mom, everyone received.  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!

The Hills didn't have to travel very far for wonderful family photos.  A small patch of green and great light in their sideyard made for an excellent photo location that was easily accessible and comfortable for all.  The takeaway?  Don't fret about "location" - it's all in the connection you share with your loved ones and trusting me to capture it.  Thank-you, Hill Family, for sharing your moments with me over the years.  xox

It is a privilege and gift to have healthy, devoted grandparents in our lives and in the lives of our children.  This fall, the Howell family took me up on my offer to include Grandma and Grandpa in their fall family session, honouring two individuals who unconditionally support their children and grandchildren at home and at a distance.  The connections are real, the love, respect and admiration genuine.  Thank-you, Howell Family, for allowing me to capture one slice of the family pie that makes up your support network.  xox

Easton was just a newborn when I first photographed Lisa, Ken, Emilia and Easton.  Since then it has been a yearly tradition for us to get together in the fall to capture the changes and development in this little family.  The sessions keep getting funner, the images more amazing as Emilia and Easton play to me with their vibrant personalities and characters.  Thank-you, Lisa and Ken, for your continued trust in me to photograph your family.  It is an honour.  xox

It's that time of year:  the weather starts to get cooler, the kids - big and little - are going off to school or work and thoughts begin to turn inward to getting the family back together again.  The Boivins said enough is enough and put time aside in their busy schedules to "get the kids together" for photos outside of weddings or special events.  The "kids" showed up at the family homestead, shared a few laughs, humoured me with my antics and mom and dad - both senior and junior ;) - now have a few keepsakes of their growing family.  Thank-you, Boivin Family, for allowing me to capture your family circa 2016.  xox

This time last year, newlyweds Jessica and Ron were enjoying their first summer as a married couple.  This year, they are enjoying it as new parents.  They have slid into their new roles with apparent ease, calm and joy - and it is clearly reflected in baby Ross and big "sister", Nalla.  (See the full slideshow of their lifestyle session below some chosen favourites.)  A million congratulations, Jessica and Ron, as you embark on this new adventure in your lives!   I am honoured to have been included in this milestone.  xox   

It's been 3 years since I had the honour of photographing Tara and David as they exchanged their wedding vows.  In those 3 years they added to their family, bought a home and are easing into a life of proud parentdom.  Tara knew she wanted bright, cheerful images of her family and her own backyard did not disappoint.  Thwarted by poor weather a few times, we finally made it to the mark with literally a day of perfect weather and light.  Thank-you, David and Tara for entrusting me once again to photograph key moments in your life.  xox

Busy parents Samantha and Jeff have a keen sense that time is flying.  It's been a quick year since they welcomed their youngest into the fold -- and recognize how quickly their teen is changing and looking to leave the fold.  They knew they wanted to mark their family's progress with a family shoot to coincide with Jordan's first birthday, booking their day months in advance for certainty.  They came to their shoot ready to laugh, hug and squeeze just a little longer than usual.  Thank-you, Stevensons, for sharing a bit of your family with me.  xox

Although I have put a newborn or two into a basket, there is something warm, comforting and natural about a newborn and parents at home in their own environment.  Welcome to the world, Mackenzie - and thank-you to Momma Marie and Dad Graham who continue to put their trust in me to capture their milestones.  xox

An alternative to the studio newborn session:  lifestyle newborn sessions in the comfort of babe's home.  Life unscripted.  Welcome to the world, Leti.  xox

Marie + Graham celebrated their marriage in 2015 and will soon be celebrating the arrival of Baby Hill in a few short weeks.  I was able to convince Marie to document her gorgeous state with a few bare belly, intimate shots indoors before moving outdoors -- I think we were at -20C! on this particular day -- to take advantage of a rare day of sunshine and fresh white snow.  Below are a few of my favourite highlights.  The light on Marie was glowing - just like her.   Thank-you, Marie + Graham for allowing me to bear witness to two of the key milestones in your life; it is an honour to have your continued trust and to share in these special days.  I so look forward to meeting Baby Hill.  xox

Those of us who are fortunate to have furry four-legged friends in our lives, know we are on borrowed time with these particular friends -- that in the natural order of things, they will ultimately leave us before our own time is up.  Gentle Kea has been Aynsley's companion through many of life's adventures, at her side, unconditionally and steadfastly offering love and warmth.  A medical scare had Aynsley questioning whether their time together was drawing to an end, but Kea breathed through her procedure, showing up for her shoot a mere two days later, ready to create some long-lasting images with her Alpha.  It was an honour, dear friend, Aynsley, to freeze some time for you and Kea.  May your images ever be warm reminders of unconditional love and friendship.  xox

Oh, the joy and fun photographing Max!  I cannot help but laugh and smile at these images, knowing what a character this BOY is.  Full. Of. Charm.  xox  Thank-you, Monique and Mark for continuing to share your beautiful boy with me!

Sometimes the most gorgeous locations and lighting can be found in our own backyards -- and when you least expect it.  "Fall" can mean bare trees, crisp air and golden lighting even if you typically envision red, yellow and green to be the colours of the day.  Thank-you, Howells, for following my lead as soon as we entered the space and for being so open-minded about what "fall" can look like.  xox

When two sisters marry two brothers, the resulting families can be closer than just "in-laws" and "cousins".  Sisters, Kelly and Karen, married brothers, Ernie and Robert, and look at what they've created.  This particular family session was about bringing siblings and children together and focusing a bit on the matriarch that started it all:  Grandma Marilyn.  Thank-you, Angel and Gagnon families for sharing your bit of history with me and allowing me to capture your connections, both individually and together.  xox 

What a GREAT spirit in this family!  The O'Connors came to their session with an openness and flexibility to trust in me, have fun and get out of their comfort zone.  Their images are a result of that:  they smiled, laughed, hugged and danced their way through their session, keeping true to themselves, their personalities and family connections.  I will admit:  my face hurt at the end from all the smiling I did.  Thank-you, O'Connor family, for the trust you so willingly gave to me to capture your family in ways you would enjoy.  xox

A few moons ago, Tiffany and her husband, Andy, were rained out of their chosen outdoor wedding portrait locations.  Never forgotten, Tiffany knew she wanted to revisit those locations, this time to be photographed with her husband and two sons.  As Murphy's Law would have it, she was rained out yet again, but with some patience and persistence, we made it happen -- with blue skies, bright sunshine and lots of smiles.  With time, some things can come full-circle.