Cassandra + Dustin Wedding - Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel
Cassandra and Dustin made it official last week and I was lucky enough to be hired to capture their wedding day. Outdoor weddings in October are always a toss up with the weather, but everything worked out absolutely perfect! The location was the always beautiful Best Western Plus Norwester. With the backdrop of the fall colours, you couldn’t ask for a better setting for a wedding.
Cassandra and Dustin made it official last week and I was lucky enough to be hired to capture their wedding day. Outdoor weddings in October are always a toss up with the weather, but everything worked out absolutely perfect! The location was the always beautiful Best Western Plus Norwester. With the backdrop of the fall colours, you couldn’t ask for a better setting for a wedding.
My day started with the boys getting ready and then the girls. As a photographer, it’s a fantastic time to get a lot of genuine candid moments, which I love doing. After a few of hours of that, the guests started arriving for the ceremony, which as I mentioned, took place outside. The weather was just warm enough too, to make it a very enjoyable outdoor setting.
As with most weddings, we then did all the family and wedding party photos after the ceremony, eventually leading into a quick session with just Cassandra and Dustin by the pond.
The real fun began with the reception where there were some great speeches, superb food and of course, some fun party games. Congratulations to Cassandra and Dustin, and thanks again for for choosing me to document your wedding day!
Sara + Eric Wedding - Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel
It was my second wedding of the summer at NorWester Hotel. Once again the weather held up, but it was definitely a hot day for a wedding. Sara and Eric actually got married in a small intimate ceremony the previous year, but they wanted to do it again, this time in front of family.
It was my second wedding of the summer at NorWester Hotel. Once again the weather held up, but it was definitely a hot day for a wedding. Sara and Eric actually got married in a small intimate ceremony the previous year, but they wanted to do it again, this time in front of family.
The ceremony was short and very sweet, with all of their closest friends and family watching on. Once the ceremony was over we immediately braved the hot weather, and wind, for the family and wedding party photos. As I mentioned before, it really is one of the nicest backdrops in the city there. We took full advantage of it too.
My day ended with covering the first part of the reception. It gave me a chance to get a lot more candid photos of people, which I absolutely love. Congratulations (again), to the happy couple, Sara and Eric.
ONWA's 50th Annual General Assembly - Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel
It’s been over 2 years since the last time I got the chance to attend and photograph ONWA's 50th Annual General Assembly. It’s such a great event and one that is filled with so many special moments.
It’s been over 2 years since the last time I got the chance to attend and photograph ONWA's 50th Annual General Assembly. It’s such a great event and one that is filled with so many special moments. From the election to the breakout rooms to all the interviews I was able to do, it was a packed a weekend. A new President and Vice President were appointed too, which was very exciting.
The highlight of the weekend was definitely the Sunday, where everyone made the trip out to out to the School of Indigenous Learning. It was a first for most people attending the conference, and I could tell that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Julie + James Wedding - Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel
With only a few weddings left this year, I’m really trying to take it all in. Luckily Julie and James were an extremely fun couple, so it made getting candid and sincere photos, pretty darn easy. My day started with Julie and the girls getting ready. I spent good hour with them just hanging out, documenting the time leading up to the ceremony.
With only a few weddings left this year, I’m really trying to take it all in. Luckily Julie and James were an extremely fun couple, so it made getting candid and sincere photos, pretty darn easy. My day started with Julie and the girls getting ready. I spent good hour with them just hanging out, documenting the time leading up to the ceremony.
As people started to arrive, I headed down to where the ceremony was taking place to start capturing people arriving. With the threat of rain quickly approaching, it got started pretty quickly. The ceremony itself was only about 20 minutes which worked out perfectly. It just started to rain as Julie and James said ‘I do’. I personally don’t mind the rain at weddings, because it makes for beautiful photos. Well, that is, until everyone gets soaked.
There was a small break after the ceremony and then it was time for the portraits. We focused on just Julie and James for the first little while. We of course took advantage of the beautiful backdrop of Mount McKay as well as the pond. The family photos were actually a lot of fun too. Everyone had such a good personality and sense of humour.
Soon after it was the reception which was a good finish to the night. The speeches were amazing, the first dances brought out some tears amongst the guests and of course people were able to let loose after all was said and done.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I feel free lucky to be able to photography weddings, and meet such beautiful and kind couples. I hope these photos last them a lifetime, as cheesy as that sounds.
ONWA’s 48th Annual General Assembly & Leadership Conference
ONWA held their 48th Annual AGA Conference this past October and I was tasked to capture the entire event. It was a lot of work but I absolutely enjoyed the entire experience. The last one I photographed last year was actually in Toronto. So it was nice to be able to stay in town for this one. Although, I do enjoy going to Toronto any chance I can. Not only did I take photographs, but I also did a lot of video too.
ONWA held their 48th Annual AGA Conference this past October and I was tasked to capture the entire event. It was a lot of work but I absolutely enjoyed the entire experience. The last one I photographed last year was actually in Toronto. So it was nice to be able to stay in town for this one. Although, I do enjoy going to Toronto any chance I can. Not only did I take photographs, but I also did a lot of video too.
We did 19 interviews which I am very much looking forward to eventually releasing. Along with that, I grabbed some overall highlights from the event too. These included the Grassy Narrows Drum Group, the ONWA Drum Group, the official release of the She is Wise Magazine, which was a historic moment. Of course there were various workshops, vendors, a paint night and also a blanket healing activity on the final day. I still can’t believe how fast the 3 days went by. Stay tuned to my website as I will eventually be releasing the videos.
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 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!
Jenna + Jeff Wedding - Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel
The thing I like about weddings is that they are all different in some way. This past weekend I had a wedding where we went to 4 different locations. For Jenna and Jeff’s wedding which took place earlier this month, it was all at the Nor Wester. It was a nice change of pace because there was no travelling around, and it all happened at one beautiful location. With that being said, I love the variety of each and every wedding I do.
The thing I like about weddings is that they are all different in some way. This past weekend I had a wedding where we went to 4 different locations. For Jenna and Jeff’s wedding which took place earlier this month, it was all at the Nor Wester. It was a nice change of pace because there was no travelling around, and it all happened at one beautiful location. With that being said, I love the variety of each and every wedding I do.
Just because this one was at one location, doesn’t mean it was boring. Far from it! The Nor Wester is by far one of the nicest spots in Thunder Bay to get married. I arrived, just as Jenna was doing a first look with her dad in the hotel room. It was the perfect start to the day. Once we finished that I was off to the races. It’s summer, so the ceremony took place in the courtyard with the gorgeous backdrop of Mount McKay.
As with all ceremonies, theirs was very sweet and you could really feel the emotion. After a short break once the ceremony was done I gathered everyone in what little shade there was and we did all the family and wedding party portraits. During the portraits, I still made sure to keep on snapping in between as there are always opportunities for candid photos. It helped that the entire wedding party was a blast. They were always laughing and having a good time. It made my job 10x easier. I just sat back at times and assessed the situation.
Once we were done the portraits, there as about an hour break before the reception started. It was great because I just wandered around the grounds and photographed people hanging out. Down by the pond, most of the people were gathered, and some of the guys were also fishing. Surprisingly, this was the first time anyone in the wedding party decided to fish and it was a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately the biggest catch of the day was waterlogged grass. Ah well. There was also some goose chasing which also provided some unique photos.
I then headed to the reception about 15 minutes before everyone was scheduled to arrive and photographed the details. It’s one of my favourite parts of the wedding day because it’s just me, walking around, taking my time seeing what I can create. Everyone entered shortly after and the rest of the night flew by for me. There were speeches, great food, a shoe game, a bouquet toss, a garter toss, lots of dancing and of course, some portraits with the happy couple just before sunset.
Almost every wedding I do at the Nor Wester, I suggest to the couple to step out before sunset to do some portraits of just the two of them. The lighting and the way it plays off the scenery at that time of day is to die for. Shortly after that my day was over. It went by very fast, and looking back on all the photos, brings me back to just how much fun I had with everyone during the wedding.
Betty's 80th Birthday at the Norwester Hotel
Today the weather held off just long enough for me to have a very fun family portrait session over at the Norwester Hotel. The occasion for this particular session was to celebrate Betty's 80th Birthday. Plus, it was one of the rare occasions where most of the family would all be together at once. As soon as I arrived at the hotel, we all made our way out to the back field which overlooks Mount McKay.
Today the weather held off just long enough for me to have a very fun family portrait session over at the Norwester Hotel. The occasion for this particular session was to celebrate Betty's 80th Birthday. Plus, it was one of the rare occasions where most of the family would all be together at once. As soon as I arrived at the hotel, we all made our way out to the back field which overlooks Mount McKay.
We started off by getting an entire family portrait and then worked our way down from there into different groupings. Even though this was more a 'posed' session, it was still very natural and I was able to sneak in a few candids here and there.
With one of the most beautiful backdrops in Thunder Bay, and a perfectly overcast day, it really did make my day that much easier. Plus, the whole family was a pleasure to work with. I managed to get about 40 minutes worth of photos in before the rain told it was time to wrap things up. Regardless, because we worked fairly fast and loose, I still came away with tons of great photos.
Thanks as always to the whole family for letting me be a part of such a special occasion. I hope these photos provide memories for years to come!
Amy + Andy Wedding - Chippewa Park
Amy and Andy recently got married at Chippewa Park this past September, and I was lucky enough to be chosen to photograph it. The wedding itself too place at Chippewa Park, nestled in the forest down this beautiful short trail. I have been to Chippewa many times but I never even knew this little area existed until I arrived for the wedding. It was definitely a pleasant surprise, and as a photographer, I was excited to be able to shoot a completely new location.
Amy and Andy recently got married at Chippewa Park this past September, and I was lucky enough to be chosen to photograph it. The wedding itself too place at Chippewa Park, nestled in the forest down this beautiful short trail. I have been to Chippewa many times but I never even knew this little area existed until I arrived for the wedding. It was definitely a pleasant surprise, and as a photographer, I was excited to be able to shoot a completely new location.
I arrived about 30 minutes before the guests were supposed to arrive and that gave me a chance to scout out the location which was of course already decorated. I made sure to get a lot of detail photos of the decor and setting. As the guests arrived I basically just did my thing. At each and every wedding I'm constantly on the lookout for candid photos or just opportunities in general. After all,
Once the ceremony started, the wedding party and parents began making their way down the trail. The wedding itself was very small but that just meant I was able to get a few more photos of the guests then normal during the ceremony. After the ceremony, there was the usual marriage license signing and then everyone made their way to another open area where we did some groups portraits of the guests with Amy and Andy.
Since we were at one of the nicest parks in Thunder Bay, we took advantage of the wonderful view down by the boardwalk and water. We did manage to capture some group photos but in the end it was a bit too chilly and windy so we made our way back to the ceremony site and got the rest o the bridal party photos there. I only show a handful of photos from the wedding in this blog post but we got some many great shots of the both the guys and gals. It was nice to have a good amount of time to get those done as some weddings are pretty tight on time.
That was it for now for the formal portraits with the wedding party, the next stop was Mount McKay where we took a few more photos overlooking the city as well as in front of the mountain itself. One of my favourite photos of the day was Amy and Andy standing in front of Mount McKay.
The next stop was the reception which took place at the Nor Wester hotel. Yet again, it was in a room that I had never photographed in so that was a pleasant surprise. Just the like the wedding, the reception was small and intimate which was a nice change from some of the larger weddings I have done this year. Not that I'm complaining though. Overall, it was pretty laid back. Oh, and the food was amazing!
Before my time was up and while there was still some light out I knew I had to get Amy and Andy outside for some more portraits. The Nor Wester has one of the most beautiful backdrops in all of Thunder Bay, so that was a no brainer. Suffice it to say, the portraits we captured were some of my favourites of the day. The light was perfect and Amy and Andy were so natural in front of the camera.
Each and every wedding and I get to meet a new couple and also a whole new set of family and friends. Everyone was so nice and easy going. Thanks again to Amy and Andy for letting me be part of their wedding day.
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers
This past Friday I had the pleasure of photographing the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers at the Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel & Conference Centre. It was an all day event which concluded with a press conference with The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, and the Honourable Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry for the Province of Ontario.
This past Friday I had the pleasure of photographing the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers at the Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel & Conference Centre. It was an all day event which concluded with a press conference with The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, and the Honourable Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry for the Province of Ontario.
All in all it was a very informative and productive meeting between all the Ministers throughout Canada. Without knowing much about the topic going in I did come away with a greater understanding of some of the challenges facing Canada and the Forestry Industry.
Lindsay + Dustin Wedding
Lindsay and Dustin celebrated their wedding on July 30th, 2011. The day started off at the groom’s and then off to the bride’s. Watching Dustin and Lindsay get ready on their wedding day was exciting. It allowed me to capture some really good natural moments. The nervousness and the anticipation simply can’t be hidden during that time.
Lindsay and Dustin celebrated their wedding on July 30th, 2011. The day started off at the groom’s and then off to the bride’s. Watching Dustin and Lindsay get ready on their wedding day was exciting. It allowed me to capture some really good natural moments. The nervousness and the anticipation simply can’t be hidden during that time. After that, it was time for some pre-portraits before the ceremony itself. We gathered the whole group and headed down to Victoria street to take some quick shots in front of some old buildings.
The ceremony itself was at the MNR which ended up being a beautiful location for the wedding and some portraits afterwards. Aside from a missing ring after the ceremony, everything went very smooth. Everyone then made their way to the Nor Wester where it was time to get on with the celebration. There were some truly moving speeches and plenty of tears shed and laughs too. In the end, the entire day was a joy for me to photograph. Thanks again to Lindsay and Dustin for including me in their special day.
Connie + Joey Wedding
It was another beautiful fall Saturday afternoon at the Nor Wester. A perfect day for a wedding. This, my second wedding at this location, was for Connie and Joey. It was a small ceremony, which made it that much more intimate.
It was another beautiful fall Saturday afternoon at the Nor Wester. A perfect day for a wedding. This, my second wedding at this location, was for Connie and Joey. It was a small ceremony, which made it that much more intimate. Everything seemed to come together perfectly. Both Joey & Connie looked fantastic as well as the rest of the wedding party. The ceremony was accented nicely by live music played by a local harpist. It was a pleasure to photograph this wedding and I hope my future clients are as friendly and fun as Connie and Joey were!
