Wedding Patrick Chondon Wedding Patrick Chondon

Barbara + Darren Wedding Celebration - Springfield Farm

It was just this past summer that I photographed Darren and Barbara’s very small wedding just outside Wawa at Chippewa Falls. It was literally just them and their children, plus of course the minister, all on the rocks with the rapids flowing in the background. It was a very fun day, and one that I look back on fondly.

It was just this past summer that I photographed Darren and Barbara’s very small wedding just outside Wawa at Chippewa Falls. It was literally just them and their children, plus of course the minister, all on the rocks with the rapids flowing in the background. It was a very fun day, and one that I look back on fondly.

Since it was just them for their wedding day, they wanted to have a more formal family gathering near their hometown of Ottawa. They liked the way I captured their wedding so much that they invited me out to Ottawa to capture their day.

It ended up being at a very beautiful location on the outskirts of Ottawa called Springfield Farm. Even though it was a rainy day, that didn’t matter at all. They had all their closest family and friends there, and that is all that mattered. From the custom Star Wars cake, along with two other ones, to the beautifully decorated venue, it was a night to remember.

The highlight of the night by far, was the 80’s hair band they hired to play the barn there. Supposedly they saw them live in Ottawa and decided to ask them to play their wedding celebration. It was truly epic and an insanely fun evening of music that I grew up with. The entire crowd enjoyed, from the older crowd all the way down to the kids.

I’m so glad Barbara and Darren invited me out to Ottawa to capture such a memorable evening!

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Barbara + Darren Engagement Session - Katherine Cove + Agawa Rock

With Barbara and Darren’s wedding fast approaching next month, they wanted to do an engagement session in the area of their wedding. It just so happens to be around Katherine Cove, which is exactly where we did their session, along with Awaga Rock. Anyone familiar with Thunder Bay, knows that it’s about a 6 hour drive.

With Barbara and Darren’s wedding fast approaching next month, they wanted to do an engagement session in the area of their wedding. It just so happens to be around Katherine Cove, which is exactly where we did their session, along with Awaga Rock. Anyone familiar with Thunder Bay, knows that it’s about a 6 hour drive.

So my wife Anne, our new puppy Lucy and I left the day before and made a little mini road trip out of it. It gave us a chance to sight see a little along the way too.

Back to Barbara and Darren … we started the session at Katherine Cove. They both were quite fearless climbing and navigating the rocks to set up for some very fun and candid photos. Everyone of course stayed very safe, and it was a dry day, so none of the rocks were slippery.

After spending about 45 minutes there, we drove about 10 minutes east to Agawa Rock. If you haven’t been, make sure you go. I’m still amazed at all the hidden gems in Ontario, this is probably top of the list.

As you can see from the photos, we ended up with some epic photos. I simply can’t wait until the wedding the next month!

Lastly, I couldn’t help but get at least a little bit of video during the session. It’s more in the style of behind the scenes, but I also included some of my favourite photos too.


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Tricia + Darren Portraits - Mariner's Hall

I'm so lucky to be able to meet amazing couples and families each time a have a session. This time around I spent 30 minutes capturing some moments between Tricia and Darren. It was somewhat of a last minute session as Tricia's original photographer who they have been using for quite some time, wasn't available. Luckily, I had some spots open this weekend, and I'm so glad I did. 

tricia_darren_portraits_blog8.jpg

I'm so lucky to be able to meet amazing couples and families each time a have a session. This time around I spent 30 minutes capturing some moments between Tricia and Darren. It was somewhat of a last minute session as Tricia's original photographer who they have been using for quite some time, wasn't available. Luckily, I had some spots open this weekend, and I'm so glad I did. 

Since it has been quite cold out lately, Tricia suggested that we do the session in Mariner's Hall, right beside Bight. Bight is actually where they are getting married New Years Even so it was the perfect location. Aside from weddings, this was actually the first true portrait session I did in the hall and it was beautiful. There is a ton of natural light coming in through the windows so it provided a nice soft atmosphere for an intimate photo session. 

Before we finished up, Tricia and Darren were brave enough to get some portrait done outside at the Marina. I didn't want them to freeze so we moved fairly quickly, but some of my favourite photos came from those last few minutes. 

It was a pleasure to meet and of course photograph both Tricia and Darren and I hope they have a great wedding!

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Brianne + Darren Engagement - Tree Farm

Going into the weekend I wasn't sure how the weather was going to be but Saturday ended up clearing up quite a bit and the sun even made an appearance. It was perfect timing for my first session of the day, and engagement session with Brianne, Darren and their dog Cora. They decided they wanted to do a mini-session, which is 30 minutes long, at the Tree Farm. 

Going into the weekend I wasn't sure how the weather was going to be but Saturday ended up clearing up quite a bit and the sun even made an appearance. It was perfect timing for my first session of the day, and engagement session with Brianne, Darren and their dog Cora. They decided they wanted to do a mini-session, which is 30 minutes long, at the Tree Farm. 

Like most couples, Brianne immediately told me that she doesn't really know what to do in front of the camera and I was quick to reassure them both. I get that exact question more then I can count from people and I say the same thing to each and every one of them. Just be yourself. I find it usually takes are few shots for couples to get truly comfortable but once they do it's a breeze. That is exactly what happened during this session. Both Brianne and Darren were naturals by the end of it all. It helps that I keep the entire shoot very relaxed. I always direct each couple a little bit, but at the end of the day, it's up to them to be themselves.

Because it was a 30 minute session we stayed in the first part of the Tree Farm which was just fine. There was a couple great areas with the usual tall trees as well as a few different trails. I even managed to get some great photos of Cora, doing her best pose. All in all, it was a fun little session and I think that comes through in all the photos below. Thanks as always to Brianne and Darren for letting me photograph their engagement session. They were a pleasure to work with!

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