Wedding Patrick Chondon Wedding Patrick Chondon

Top 100 Wedding Photos 2019

Well, another year down and hopefully, another great one on the horizon. Looking back on all my weddings from 2019, really made me appreciate how lucky I am to be able to do this job. Year in and year out I get to meet so many amazing couples and families. Then I get to share my story with them and give them memories that will last for generations. I can’t think of a more rewarding job.

best-of-2019-wedding-blog-88.jpg

Well, another year down and hopefully, another great one on the horizon. Looking back on all my weddings from 2019, really made me appreciate how lucky I am to be able to do this job. Year in and year out I get to meet so many amazing couples and families. Then I get to share my story with them and give them memories that will last for generations. I can’t think of a more rewarding job.

If you would rather see a nice slideshow to music, click on the video below. Otherwise, keep on scrolling.



Read More
Wedding Patrick Chondon Wedding Patrick Chondon

Brandon + Anna Wedding - Fort William Historical Park

My last wedding of 2019 took place at Fort William Historical Park. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful location to end such an amazing year. Once I arrived I met up with Brandon and some of the wedding party at the main entrance. We hopped on the shuttle bus that eventually took us to the park, which is where everything was taking place. Once we got there, Anna arrived, and we made our way in. After gathering everyone in the wedding party and the immediate family, we continued on and photographed all the portraits.

anna-brandon-wedding-blog-35.jpg

My last wedding of 2019 took place at Fort William Historical Park. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful location to end such an amazing year. Once I arrived I met up with Brandon and some of the wedding party at the main entrance. We hopped on the shuttle bus that eventually took us to the park, which is where everything was taking place. Once we got there, Anna arrived, and we made our way in. After gathering everyone in the wedding party and the immediate family, we continued on and photographed all the portraits.

There is no better place in Thunder Bay to photograph wedding photos than this location. There are endless backdrops and an immense amount of character and history. Plus, Brandon and Anna looked the park. It was honestly one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever had the pleasure of covering.

We spent the next hour or so wandering around the park and stopping at various locations doing bridal party photos as well as family ones as well. It was super casual, and the weather was actually quite mild for the middle of the winter. This portion of the day actually went by super fast. I could have easily spent another 2 hours photographing Brandon and Anna but the ceremony was starting shortly.

The ceremony and reception took place in the Canot du Nord building right by the front gate. It was fairly small and intimate wedding. Throughout the ceremony and reception and just did my thing, capturing moments throughout. I also made sure to continue to get family portraits on request. We even went outside just after sunset to get some portraits with friends and family. The lighting was absolutely perfect.

I stayed just until the speeches were done, but that was more than enough time to tell their story through my eyes. I’m very excited for yet another year of weddings, and I hope it’s even better than 2019!

Read More
Engagement Patrick Chondon Engagement Patrick Chondon

Sara + Eric Engagement Session - Centennial Park

Sara and Eric came to visit family for the holidays and, while they were here, asked me to shoot their engagement photos. I always love when wedding couples of mine decide to to do engagement sessions. It helps break the ice a bit and get everyone comfortable with one another. Plus, I very much enjoy getting out in the winter and photographing beautiful couples.

sara-eric-engagement-blog-11.jpg

Sara and Eric came to visit family for the holidays and, while they were here, asked me to shoot their engagement photos. I always love when wedding couples of mine decide to to do engagement sessions. It helps break the ice a bit and get everyone comfortable with one another. Plus, I very much enjoy getting out in the winter and photographing beautiful couples.

We decided to do it at Centennial Park, which in my mind, is probably one of the nicest winter spots to do portraits. There was quite a bit of snow on the ground and the weather wasn’t too cold. As always, I like to keep these kind of winters sessions moving, yet not rushed. That helps everyone stay warm.

Both Sara and Eric were complete naturals in front of the camera. I’m already looking forward to their wedding in 2021!

Read More
Event Patrick Chondon Event Patrick Chondon

ONWA Poetry Night

As part of their work to address violence against Indigenous Women and Girls, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) hosted Poetry Nights at their chapters and offices across the province of Ontario this past Monday, November 25th in support of the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women orangetheworld campaign. It was an evening of spoken word and live music from local artists. I was there to capture the evening and I am so thankful I was invited to be part of such an important event.

onwa-poetry-night-blog-67.jpg

As part of their work to address violence against Indigenous Women and Girls, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) hosted Poetry Nights at their chapters and offices across the province of Ontario this past Monday, November 25th in support of the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women orangetheworld campaign. It was an evening of spoken word and live music from local artists. I was there to capture the evening and I am so thankful I was invited to be part of such an important event.

To learn more, please visit ONWA’s site here.

Read More
Event Patrick Chondon Event Patrick Chondon

2019 Holiday Craft Revival

The 2019 Holiday Craft Revival took place this past weekend and it was an overwhelming success. Well, at least that’s how it looked to me. I couldn’t believe all the people that showed up to shop. Over course, there were over 200 vendors at a variety of locations downtown, so there was no excuse not to come out. Every single business that took part was busy and full of people enjoying the event.

craft-revival-thewalleye-75.jpg

The 2019 Holiday Craft Revival took place this past weekend and it was an overwhelming success. Well, at least that’s how it looked to me. I couldn’t believe all the people that showed up to shop. Over course, there were over 200 vendors at a variety of locations downtown, so there was no excuse not to come out. Every single business that took part was busy and full of people enjoying the event.

I actually had a booth at the Spring Craft Revival and it was a great time. I had the chance to sell some of my photography and meet and connect with some amazing people. This time around I wanted to to once again capture the event. Although I did miss selling my work, I had a great time wandering around Downtown Port Arthur for 6 hours. It was a long day but I managed to get some really great photographs as well as some video too. I just have to decide if I will be capturing the next Spring edition or selling my prints once again. At least I have some time to decide!



Read More
Event, Concert Patrick Chondon Event, Concert Patrick Chondon

Big Wreck @ NV Music Hall

It was quite the concert last night with Big Wreck at NV Music Hall. I am by no means a concert photographer but once in a while I’m asked to photograph the odd one here and there. I’ve been a fan of Big Wreck for a long time so I was excited to finally see them perform live. It was a sold at show which made for an electric crowd. As a photographer, it’s not always easy when it’s that packed, where you can’t even move, but I still managed to get a few great shots.

big-wreck-nv-blog-21.jpg

It was quite the concert last night with Big Wreck at NV Music Hall. I am by no means a concert photographer but once in a while I’m asked to photograph the odd one here and there. I’ve been a fan of Big Wreck for a long time so I was excited to finally see them perform live. It was a sold at show which made for an electric crowd. As a photographer, it’s not always easy when it’s that packed, where you can’t even move, but I still managed to get a few great shots.

They of course played a lot of their classics and even some recent songs as well. Some of the highlights for me was a cover of the Tragically Hip song ‘Ahead by a Century’ and their last song of the first set, ‘Blown Wide Open’ which is one of my favourite songs by them.

If they ever roll through town again, and you are a fan, be sure to check them out! Thanks to The Walleye for asking me to cover this concert!

Read More
Event Patrick Chondon Event Patrick Chondon

Remembrance Day 2019 - Waverley Park

These are a collection of photos I took at this years Remembrance Day at Waverley Park in Thunder Bay.

remembrance-day-2019-blog-98.jpg

These are a collection of photos I took at this years Remembrance Day at Waverley Park in Thunder Bay.

Read More
Portrait Patrick Chondon Portrait Patrick Chondon

Jake + Journee Portraits - Centennial Park

Sometimes things just happen for a reason. A couple weeks ago we had to cancel our original session because Jake wasn’t feel well. Fast forward to this morning and the weather was absolutely perfect. It snowed the night before so it made Centennial Park even more beautiful. Jake and Journee had never done a portrait session before but they had absolutely nothing to worry about. In 30 minutes we came away with so many great photos.

jake-journee-portraits-blog-8.jpg

Sometimes things just happen for a reason. A couple weeks ago we had to cancel our original session because Jake wasn’t feel well. Fast forward to this morning and the weather was absolutely perfect. It snowed the night before so it made Centennial Park even more beautiful. Jake and Journee had never done a portrait session before but they had absolutely nothing to worry about. In 30 minutes we came away with so many great photos.

Once their their newest addition arrives, hopefully we are able to get out again and do some more portraits!

Read More
Portrait Patrick Chondon Portrait Patrick Chondon

Lexy + Family Portraits - Tree Farm

It was my second portrait session in a row at the Tree Farm. This time around, instead of an engagement session, it was with Lexy and her family. But, just like the previous session, they brought their dog. In this case, it was Gabby, who was definitely the centre of attention. Lexy mentioned that Gabby had been through quite a few foster homes so it hadn’t been easy. Luckily she is ‘home’ now and you could really tell she was settling in with her new family.

lexy-rob-family-portraits-blog-27.jpg

It was my second portrait session in a row at the Tree Farm. This time around, instead of an engagement session, it was with Lexy and her family. But, just like the previous session, they brought their dog. In this case, it was Gabby, who was definitely the centre of attention. Lexy mentioned that Gabby had been through quite a few foster homes so it hadn’t been easy. Luckily she is ‘home’ now and you could really tell she was settling in with her new family.

The 1 hour session was so much fun and spontaneous. Lexy and everyone else were so easy going and it was really just like we were going for a walk through the forest. I’m so glad I got to spend some of my Sunday afternoon with them. Hopefully we are able to do it again in the near future!

Read More
Engagement Patrick Chondon Engagement Patrick Chondon

Devin + Mitchell Engagement - Tree Farm

The snow has not yet come, but I know it’s only a matter of time. I’m happy for that because it allowed me to have a relatively warm engagement session at the Tree Farm with Devin and Mitchell. Of course they brought their two dogs Ruger and Callie. I have done many sessions at the Tree Farm and I just love it when couples and families bring their dogs with them. It just adds a totally different dynamic to the session.

devin-mitchell-engagement-blog-1.jpg

The snow has not yet come, but I know it’s only a matter of time. I’m happy for that because it allowed me to have a relatively warm engagement session at the Tree Farm with Devin and Mitchell. Of course they brought their two dogs Ruger and Callie. I have done many sessions at the Tree Farm and I just love it when couples and families bring their dogs with them. It just adds a totally different dynamic to the session.

The Tree Farm is just the perfect spot to do portraits. It was a very casual session. We simply walked and stopped in spots along the way. It made for very natural photos. It also helped that Devin and Mitchell were great in front of the camera.

I get to shoot their wedding next year and I simply can’t wait!

Read More
Wedding Patrick Chondon Wedding Patrick Chondon

Melissa + Brandon Wedding - Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel

Melissa and Brandon’s entire wedding day took place at the Best Western Hotel here in Thunder Bay. If I had to shoot at wedding at just one hotel, this one would definitely be at the top of my list. It did rain the whole day so it was completely indoors but that’s what often happens this time of year. Regardless, it was such an amazing day to be a part of.

melissa-brandon-wedding-blog-extra-1.jpg

Melissa and Brandon’s entire wedding day took place at the Best Western Hotel here in Thunder Bay. If I had to shoot at wedding at just one hotel, this one would definitely be at the top of my list. It did rain the whole day so it was completely indoors but that’s what often happens this time of year. Regardless, it was such an amazing day to be a part of.

The good thing about a completely indoor wedding is that you often get to spend more time with the couple, which is exactly what happened with this one. It was very laid back and casual. It was almost like I was just hanging out with the Melissa and Brandon. I prefer it that way because it allowed me to capture a ton of candid photos.

I jumped back and forth in the early afternoon between Brandon and Melissa getting ready. They were both super relaxed and it showed through in the photos. Brandon bought all the guys in his wedding party watches, that as far as I could tell, they had to put together. It was very cool and something I had never seen before.

After a few hours it was time to get the ceremony started so everyone headed down to the main ballroom. This is where the reception would eventually take place so it was very convenient, and perfectly decorated. It was an intimate wedding but a busy one for the room nonetheless. I don’t think there was an empty chair. Looking around in the crowd I could see all the proud family and friends. I could also feel it too. Of course, as I expected there were some laughs during the ceremony too, which is always a good sign.

Once the ceremony was done, all the family and close friends made their way upstairs where we did some family portraits. I would have preferred to do them outside but the weather had other plans for us. Nonetheless, it was actually kind of nice having all the family in one room like that. Melissa and Brandon also made their announcement about her pregnancy which surprised a lot of people!

As I mentioned it was raining all day but that didn’t mean we couldn’t get outside to do some bride and groom portraits. We simply used one of the balconies. Since it was cloudy, the lighting was absolutely perfect. Those are definitely some of my favourite photos of the day.

The reception was just as fun as the rest of the day. There were the first dances, a shoe game and some very moving (and funny) speeches. Melissa and Brandon also revealed on their slideshow that they were having a baby to the rest of the wedding guests. It was during their first dance which was perfect timing. I hope both Brandon and Melissa have an amazing life together!

Read More
Portrait Patrick Chondon Portrait Patrick Chondon

Cher + Family Portraits - Crescent Lake

My second portrait session of the day took place on Mount McKay at Crescent Lake. It was with Cher and her wonderful family. I had to hitch a ride with them to the lake because my car was too small for the road, but once we got there it was perfect timing. The sun was just going behind the trees so the lighting was awesome. Once we were done at the lake we quickly stopped on the road on the way back to get a few more family portraits on the ground which was covered in leaves. I’m so glad we were able to fit a session in before the weather gets any worse!

cher-family-portraits-blog-3.jpg

My second portrait session of the day took place on Mount McKay at Crescent Lake. It was with Cher and her wonderful family. I had to hitch a ride with them to the lake because my car was too small for the road, but once we got there it was perfect timing. The sun was just going behind the trees so the lighting was awesome. Once we were done at the lake we quickly stopped on the road on the way back to get a few more family portraits on the ground which was covered in leaves. I’m so glad we were able to fit a session in before the weather gets any worse!

Read More