Nicole + Terrence Wedding
Where do I begin with Nicole and Terrence's wedding? It was such an epic and fun day I guess I should just start from the beginning. Upon arriving at their beautiful property on the outskirts of Thunder Bay I parked my car and strapped my cameras on my shoulders. I didn't look back after that because the day just flew by with so many great moments.
Where do I begin with Nicole and Terrence's wedding? It was such an epic and fun day I guess I should just start from the beginning. Upon arriving at their beautiful property on the outskirts of Thunder Bay I parked my car and strapped my cameras on my shoulders. I didn't look back after that because the day just flew by with so many great moments.
I showed up just a bit before the ceremony was too begin which was perfect timing because it allowed me some time to check out their property and of course get a ton of candids of the guest s and wedding party. They ended up having to delay the wedding a little because there was. mixup with the bus which worked out well for me, because it gave me even more time to capture some moments before the wedding.
Once the guests arrived the ceremony got started, and a beautiful ceremony it was. It was a lovely ceremony to capture and because it was outside with the perfect weather, it made my job that much easier. All in all, it took about 30 minutes, at least that's what it seemed like to me. After the ceremony, everyone conversed and congratulated Nicole and Terrence and then we got to work on the portraits.
I immediately knew it was going to continue to be a fun day because none of the wedding party really cared if there were beer in the photos. I know some photographers might be bothered by that, but to me, that's who they were and it was real life. I learned a long time ago, to just go with the flow, and I truly believe my photos represent that realism. There were a lot of laughs during the portraits and it really gave me a chance to meet the whole family.
I of course stole the bride and groom away for a bit to get some intimate and casual photos just of them. Nicole and Terrence were so easy going to made for truly natural photos. Not only for the portraits but for the entire time I was there. I couldn't have asked for a nicer couple.
The rest of the evening was extremely laid back and fun to capture. I essentially just wandered around looking for moments as I always do. I also made sure to pull Nicole and Terrence aside a bit later in the evening to get some beautiful photos of them and the horses. If I could have taken their miniature house 'Darwin' home with me, I would have. He was simply adorable. Let's just say once he was free on the field, he didn't want to come back. One of my favourite photos of the day was Nicole going after him.
I also managed to capture a little bit of video from the day which you can eventually find within this blog. It's not something I specialize in but I have been trying to spend 5-10 minutes with couple at weddings when I can to capture some.
Thank you to Nicole and Terrence for letting me photograph their special day and getting to know not only them, but their entire family and friends. It was truly a memorable day for me.
Shannon + Family Portraits - Tree Farm
This following weekend provided some pretty good weather so it was perfect timing to do a family portrait session with Shannon and her wonderful family. We were originally supposed to have them done at their home but some last minute scheduling led us to do the tree farm instead, and in the morning instead of the afternoon. As long as I still got to photograph them, I didn't mind the shift in location and timing. In the end, the Tree Farm provided the perfect backdrop for an early morning session. I think the kids had a great time as well.
This following weekend provided some pretty good weather so it was perfect timing to do a family portrait session with Shannon and her wonderful family. We were originally supposed to have them done at their home but some last minute scheduling led us to do the tree farm instead, and in the morning instead of the afternoon. As long as I still got to photograph them, I didn't mind the shift in location and timing. In the end, the Tree Farm provided the perfect backdrop for an early morning session. I think the kids had a great time as well.
Usually for an hour session, I take the family in a loop around the trail. Stopping here and there and walking at a nice easy pace ends up allowing for enough time to get a good amount of photos in. The challenge I find, is coming away with too many photos and narrowing them down!
Right off the bat, I could tell that everyone was going to be super easy to work with. All the kids were great models and even offered up some suggestions for spots to stop and take some pictures. I ended up using some of those suggestions as well. It was all a very natural and go with the flow kind of shoot. It's such a treat when I am able to photograph a family that is so easy going and willing to pretty much do anything I suggest.
Just before we finished up, I had promised earlier to let the kids do a funny face, and that is exactly what the did. It was fitting end to a spontaneous and fun session.
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!
Ashima + Family Portraits - Tree Farm
Just as I was finishing up one session at Centennial with Carol and her family, before I knew it, I was off to the Tree Farm to photograph Ashima and her family. As soon as I got there, Chase, her son, greeted me by walking up and saying hello! Shortly thereafter, he turned his attention to a dog in the vehicle beside me, but hey, I'll take what I can get.
Just as I was finishing up one session at Centennial with Carol and her family, before I knew it, I was off to the Tree Farm to photograph Ashima and her family. As soon as I got there, Chase, her son, greeted me by walking up and saying hello! Shortly thereafter, he turned his attention to a dog in the vehicle beside me, but hey, I'll take what I can get.
That initial introduction summed up what the rest of this mini-session would be like. Fast paced, spontaneous, and basically me just trying to keep up with the little guy. Luckily, we were able to slow things down a bit here and there to capture some family portraits. But, the rest of the shots were simply candid and on the fly. It was easy to grab this kind of photos too, with all the trees and places to run around and hide.
One of my favourite photos is Chase standing off in the distance between the tall trees. Of course, he had to have his toy dump truck with him at all times! As our time almost came to an end I made sure to get a few photos of the happy couple as well as the soon to be newest addition to the family.
Even though we only had 30 minutes together, it was plenty of time to get some great genuine photos of the Ashima and her family in a beautiful setting. I'm so glad I got to be a part of it!
Tobin + Family Portraits - Tree Farm
What another great session with Tobin, Kristi and their ever growing family. This was the second time using this specific location with them so I was anxious to get back there and capture some updated photos, especially with the new addition to the family. The tree farm is such a perfect location in that you can literally spend the whole session in spot if you really wanted to. Well, we made sure we moved around a bit so I think we came away with some great moments.
What another great session with Tobin, Kristi and their ever growing family. This was the second time using this specific location with them so I was anxious to get back there and capture some updated photos, especially with the new addition to the family. The tree farm is such a perfect location in that you can literally spend the whole session in spot if you really wanted to. Well, we made sure we moved around a bit so I think we came away with some great moments.
Admittedly, there aren't a lot of leaves at the tree farm but with that being said, there was still a lot of great 'colour' there. Plus, when you are right smack dab in the middle of these rows of huge trees, that's more then enough. Everyone had a great time during the session and we even managed to end it with some leaf throwing on the trail.
It was such a pleasure photographing Tobin and Kristi's family. Especially at such a wonderful location. I'm very much looking forward to our next session in the near future.
Marianne + Family Portraits - Tree Farm
It was yet another beautiful morning last Saturday and I was lucky enough to take photos of Marianne and her family at the local Tree Farm. The main reason she asked me to take photos was because her son just had his 2nd birthday recently.
It was yet another beautiful morning last Saturday and I was lucky enough to take photos of Marianne and her family at the local Tree Farm. The main reason she asked me to take photos was because her son just had his 2nd birthday recently.
We started the day at 10:00am. Luckily it was a bit overcast which made for some wonderful light and also some good weather. Once I arrived we started our walk through the forest stopping along the way. The hour went by super quick and everyone had a wonderful time.
The location itself is such a unique one. There are a ton of spots to stop with rows upon rows of trees in the background. Suffice it to say we took advantage of a few of them. We ended the session by the bridge that overlooks the creek which lender itself to a few more unique and creative photos.
As always, thanks to Marianne for letting me photograph her family. I had such a good time and I absolutely love how the photos turned out.
Tobin + Family Portraits
For the second year in a row I had the pleasure of photographing Tobin, Kristi and Grace. Last year we used Centennial Park as the location. This year, however, we chose to use the Tree Farm just on the outskirts of Thunder Bay.
For the second year in a row I had the pleasure of photographing Tobin, Kristi and Grace. Last year we used Centennial Park as the location. This year, however, we chose to use the Tree Farm just on the outskirts of Thunder Bay. I had recently visited this location and after seeing it for the first time I couldn’t wait to do a portrait session there. Especially around this time of year it’s absolutely perfect as the trees are changing colour and the leaves are falling.
Right off the bat I couldn’t believe how much bigger Grace got! She was off to the races as soon as she stepped out of the vehicle. I basically spend the next hour chasing her around and getting some really nice candid shots. She did settle down here and there to pose with her mom and dad which was great. She really was the perfect little model. The best part was that she had these boots on that squeaked so even though the tree farm was quite big, there was never any fear of losing her.
We got some nice photos in the high grass, there were some encounters with dogs, we checked out the creek area and the last part of the session ended with a whole lot of leaves being thrown around. Those were some of my favourite shots of the day. Thanks again to Toby, Kristi and Grace for letting me be part of an amazing day. I can’t wait to see how much bigger Grace gets next year!
Sean + Carly Wedding
When I first met with Sean and Carly earlier in the year to discuss their wedding, one of their main concerns was what to do if it rains the day of the wedding. Well, low and behold, it did indeed rain. When I first arrived at the simply stunning location which was located on Carly’s family farm, everything was set up for the outdoor ceremony. The rain soon followed and the backup plan was to hold the ceremony in the outdoor tent they had set up. After a little bit of waiting, the rain eventually passed and it turned it a very hot and sunny day.
When I first met with Sean and Carly earlier in the year to discuss their wedding, one of their main concerns was what to do if it rains the day of the wedding. Well, low and behold, it did indeed rain. When I first arrived at the simply stunning location which was located on Carly’s family farm, everything was set up for the outdoor ceremony. The rain soon followed and the backup plan was to hold the ceremony in the outdoor tent they had set up. After a little bit of waiting, the rain eventually passed and it turned it a very hot and sunny day.
As I mentioned before the location was just wonderful. As everyone slowly arrived and braved the quick sun shower, there was plenty of space to mingle and wait for the ceremony to begin. They had a nice little outdoor bar setup on the side of one of the barns, and guests were also able to take shelter in the outdoor tent. Guests were soon told to make their way to the seating area. Half of them sat in the chairs and the rest stood, gathered in behind. With the sun beating down, the 3 piece band played music and Sean and the guys made their way to the aisle. Shortly after that, the girls and eventually Carly and her dad walked through the crowed of anxiously awaiting guests.
All in all the ceremony took about 40 minutes and it was quite nice. There were even some laughs as Sean stumbled a couple times on his words which is completely understandable given the circumstances…there were a lot of people watching his every move. After the ceremony was done the entire wedding party took a brief respite inside the house, then it was time for the family portraits.
It was all very casual and we just went with the flow. We did some group shots first, with a few photos of just Carly and Sean mixed in. We also took advantage of a lot of the different areas of the property including the long road leading in, some of the hold barns and of course, the great green backdrops. My favourite photos of the day were when the ladies were posing with the fur scarves around their next. The photos were just so natural and fun.
Soon after the portraits were done, the wedding party took a short break and mingled with the guests. Then the receiving line started which actually took about an hour or so. By the time it was done the food was all ready. As the chef and the servers prepared the table, the wedding party made their entrance into the tent and Sean and Carly immediately started into their first dance. After that, the speeches would follow from the best man and maid of honour and then it was time to eat.
All the food was fantastic but the highlight for me were the two roasted pigs. It was definitely a sight to see. After dinner, my night was over and I left shortly after. I’m sure the rest of the night was a blast for everyone there. Sean and Carly were such a great couple to photograph and I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding to be a part of!
Melissa + Robert Wedding
Melissa & Robert decided to have their wedding at their parent’s place just off Mud Lake Road. It was just a bit north of Murillo. Going in, I didn’t know what I expect, other then what Melissa and Robert told me about the location. I was blown away by the entire property. Upon entering, there was a huge gate with a sign on it indicating the marriage of Melissa and Robert. You can see it by scanning through the photos below.
Melissa & Robert decided to have their wedding at their parent’s place just off Mud Lake Road. It was just a bit north of Murillo. Going in, I didn’t know what I expect, other then what Melissa and Robert told me about the location. I was blown away by the entire property. Upon entering, there was a huge gate with a sign on it indicating the marriage of Melissa and Robert. You can see it by scanning through the photos below. Once I made my way down the long driveway it was greeted by a huge red barn, some old tractors and a field on both sides. I first made my way to the main house where Robert and his groomsmen were getting ready. I spent some time there documenting them. I came away with some fantastic natural shots.
It was then time for Melissa and her bridesmaids to arrive. After snapping a few photos of them exiting the car, I also spent a bit of time photographing them getting ready. Shortly after that the ceremony began. It was located just down from the house. There was an area set up overlooking the large field (and pumpkin patch) behind. Once the ceremony was complete, guests congratulated the bride and groom. Portraits of the family and wedding party followed. There was definitely no shortage of photo opportunities. We began with the large red barn where the reception took place. The wedding party then joined me at various locations throughout the property. We took advantage of some old farm equipment, bails of hay, the long gravel driveway and the grassy fields. There was also a horse and carriage that took guests for a ride up and down the driveway. It was nice touch.
As I mentioned before, the red barn was host to the reception. The decorations were amazing along with the food. After dinner was served the speeches were said and then it was time for the cake cutting. And then of course, the night continued with hours of dancing and celebrating. Congratulations to Melissa and Robert on their wedding. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I have had the pleasure of shooting.
Brett + Stef Wedding
Eganville was the setting for one of my latest weddings. It’s a small town just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. The day started at Brett and Stef’s house where I spent some time with the boys taking photos of them getting ready. I was then off to Stef’s mom’s place where we got some portraits of Stef and the family.
Eganville was the setting for one of my latest weddings. It’s a small town just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. The day started at Brett and Stef’s house where I spent some time with the boys taking photos of them getting ready. I was then off to Stef’s mom’s place where we got some portraits of Stef and the family.
The ceremony was in a small church which was packed full of family and friends. Afterwards the entire wedding party went back to the house and we took some more portraits in the yard and by the lake. Lastly, we then went to the farm across the street from Brett and Stef’s place to take some more portraits. From the open field to the horse and carriage, there were plenty of opportunities for some great moments. We were also able to get a few quick photos of Brett and Stef with their horses, which after some encouragement, posed for a couple shots.
The reception was amazing. The food was great and the decorations were fun and inventive. In order to get the bride and groom to kiss, you had to rope an empty saddle. It made for some good laughs. Once the speeches were done, the live band started playing and everyone danced into the early hours. As always, thanks to Brett, Stef and both of their families for allowing me to be part of their special day. And also, making sure I was properly fed and hydrated on what must have been one of the most humid days I can remember.
