I knew as soon as I met Cynthia at a bridal show that we both gravitated to a similar style.  She studied my work and I could tell the images spoke to her.  A consultation allowed us to confirm our suspicions ;) and, happily, she and Brian booked me to photograph their August 2018 Graydon Hall Manor wedding in Toronto.  Putting their trust in me, we opted for an Experimental Farm / Dominion Arboretum engagement session in Ottawa that would provide a contrast to the images we plan to create on wedding day.  On a gorgeous July evening, Cynthia + Brian willingly allowed themselves to be put through the paces of play and posing, trusting that their images would reflect their personal style and connection.  Thank-you, Cynthia + Brian for your trust - such fun working with you!  So excited for August!  xox

She didn't see it coming.

My dear friend and assistant, Aynsley, volunteered herself and her partner, Shawn, to be my models for a couple's winter "practice session" on Ottawa's Corktown Bridge - also known as the "Love Lock" Bridge where couples come to profess their love for one another, attach a "love" lock to the rails and throw away the key.  What Aynsley didn't know was that with her kindness and willingness to help, she had played exactly into Shawn's plans for a surprise proposal in such a fitting location. 

Shawn had privately messaged me earlier with his desire to propose to Aynsley on the Love Lock Bridge in Ottawa - and to have it photographed.  A plan was hatched and Aynsley unsuspectingly stepped right into it.  A few poses later, Shawn was on his knee asking Aynsley to marry him, to which she laughed and said "yes, I'll marry you!"  Shawn obviously had a lock prepared for the bridge: together, they found its "forever" spot, attached it for all time and threw away the key.

They were joined by their dog, Kea, for a few family keepsake photos and then spent the rest of the afternoon skating on the Canada 150 rink, basking in the glow of their little secret that had yet to be shared with the rest of the world.

Thank-you, Shawn, for entrusting me with your special plans to propose to Aynsley.  It was perfection.  So looking forward to August 19, 2018!

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!

She said she was shy.  He said he didn't like having his photo taken.  I said, "Trust me." 

Amanda and Jimmy's Toronto engagement session started in their new home where Amanda and Jimmy got comfortable with me and being in front of my camera in familiar surroundings first.  We then took to the woods where I could push the envelope a bit more with a gown provided by Arroh & Bow and The Handmade Bride and a coronet from Jewel Feathers.  I knew in advance those borrowed items would SING on Amanda in that particular location - and Amanda obliged, at that point feeling a bit more comfortable with me and the process of having her photo taken.  By the time we got to the town of Kleinburg, Amanda and Jimmy had eased into their session, full of genuine smiles and laughter, my own heart smiling, sensing these at-first reluctant subjects might have completely relaxed and were truly enjoying themselves too.  ;) 

Thank-you, Amanda and Jimmy for your trust.  I know you approached your session with more than a fair share of nerves - and overcame them.  xox

As I type this, I know Taylor is anxiously awaiting the release of these photos, excited to share with friends and family. ;)  What a FUN couple!  Thank-you, Taylor and Wade for your trust as I put you through the paces of your engagement session.  SO looking forward to photographing your wedding this summer!  xox 

Will YOUR wedding be one of the best?  We're on the hunt for awesome couples for 2017 and 2018!  Are you in?

High school sweethearts, Erin + Dan, wanted to return to the scene of the crime for their engagement session.  That was a little easier said than done as their well-loved high school is now closed due to age and disrepair.  However, a few phone calls and connections later had us slipping into the empty halls and classrooms, Erin + Dan reminiscing about their days when the building was full of activities, friends and hustle and bustle.  Enjoy a few favourites from our walk down memory lane.  xox