... 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. 

It was a perfect, sunny day for the Tweed / Canopy Growth Gay Pride Parade in Smiths Falls.  Supporters donned rainbow-adorned T-shirts, visors, socks, face paint and glitter to show their enthusiasm and solidarity as a group.  The parade route took walkers through downtown Smiths Falls, gaining momentum as they handed out flowers, blasted music, danced and waived to onlookers.  Final stop was the Marina where inspiring singers and dancers entertained attendees while they snacked on food and cake.  The day couldn't have ended more fittingly with a rainbow gracing the skies as the event came to an end.  Thank-you, Canopy Growth, for choosing me to provide event coverage of such a well-executed, fun-loving event!

It took a few years to complete this stunning indoor and outdoor renovation, but I don't think anyone would say it wasn't worth the time. 

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!

 Sarah + Sasha knew they wanted their wedding to be meaningful and intimate, with an ode to their family cultures and traditions.  Blending Sasha's Russian heritage and Sarah's family roots, they chose to have their wedding at Sarah's family home in Brockville.  On wedding day, Sarah happily greeted her guests dressed in Russian tradition (wearing one of her two gorgeous floral crowns by Colonial Flowers in Brockville) and broke bread (she made!) with her future husband while their family-style meal was being prepared on-site by Victor Dries Curated Events.  Then, when it was time, she and her closest family members retired to the bridal suite to dress for the ceremony while guests mingled with cocktails and appetizers.  When Sarah emerged in her Powder Bride gown by Lihi Hod and made her way to the ceremony site, she literally made her stoic Russian husband-to-be crumble with emotion.  The fathers officiated a ceremony filled with personal details and promise.  With their kiss, everyone shared a champagne toast to the couple - the beginning of many toasts to the day, a Russian tradition that kept things flowing into the wee hours of the morning.  Their tented reception was an elegant affair, beautifully executed by Victor Dries Curated Events and Colonial Flowers - a treat for both taste buds and the eyes.  Sarah and Sasha's wedding day was photographed in primarily documentary style - with little direction or posing.  Below are some highlights of the day to enjoy while the couple enjoys their full gallery ...

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