What to do with your wedding photos
Part of the problem with today's digital age is that we often take photos on our devices and they just stay there. Sure, you might share some photos through Facebook or other photo sharing sites, but most people simply don't print out photos like they use to. There is something to be said for having physical and tangible printouts of your photos. A certain timeless feel if you will.
So your wedding is all said and done and you received all the wonderful photos on a DVD.
Now what?
Part of the problem with today's digital age is that we often take photos on our devices and they just stay there. Sure, you might share some photos through Facebook or other photo sharing sites, but most people simply don't print out photos like they use to. There is something to be said for having physical and tangible printouts of your photos. A certain timeless feel if you will.
Below I will list some of my favourite options for ensuring your photos don't just collect dust on your computer.
Go ahead and mount it on your wall
There are a ton of services online, not to mention within your community to get photos printed out. As well, there are a slew of different mediums on to which you can get photos printed on to.
Some of the more popular mounting options for photos are the following. The benefits of going with one of these mounting techniques is that you do not have to have a frame. They all create a polished 'gallery' style look.
Matboard
This usually comes in a few different thicknesses ranging from 1/16" to 1/8".
Foam Core
If you need a bit more support and would like your photo standing out from the wall a bit more this is a great option. It is usually lighter then mat board as well.
Standouts
Some companies also do this form of mounting. It is printed on a sort of foam and is even thicker then foam core making it protrude from the wall considerably so.
Canvas
For an even more professional look canvas is a very popular method that people decide to go with. It is very sturdy and durable but often more expensive then the other options.
Gallery Wraps
If you ever go to an art gallery you will often see this type of mounting. The photos is mounted on a frame usually ranging around 1.5 inches and then stretched around it. Be sure to factor in that part of you photo will be wrapped around so you wouldn't want any important parts of your photo on the edges.
Custom Framing
Then there is always going the route of a frame. It could be something as simple as going to your local Walmart or framing store and picking out your frame of choice. A lot of online printing companies will also offer a wide range of custom frames.
Printing
You can also choose from a wide array of paper choices when printing with certain companies. The most common options are the following.
Standard
At the lowest end of the spectrum, most companies will have their standard finish. For the majority of people this will be absolutely fine. If you are looking for something a bit more professional, I have listed a couple more options below.
Matte
This kind of finish will ensure that your photo will not have a shiny glare to it. You would want to get this if your photos will be hanging in a bright room where there is a lot of sun.
Lustre
If you want a rich sheen added to your photos this is the one for you. This particular finish usually has some sort of protective coating on it as well to prevent fingerprints.
Metallic
To get a certain 'pop' to your photos metallic offers the ability to really create an almost reflective look.
Some of my favourite places to get photos printed out are listed below. Keep in mind that there endless places to go and these are just companies that I have dealt with.
Other sites that are out, but that I haven't used include:
Make a book
One of my favourite methods of getting my photos off the computer is to simply create a photo book, There are a few different ways to do this depending on your computer skill level. It ranges from simply uploading your photos a site and letting it create it for you. Or, you can completely customize your own book. My favourite method is to use Lightroom and export the book directly to a service like Blurb. With this method you obviously need to know your way around your program of choice, but if you do, it is well worth it.
A couple things you need to make sure before proceeding are that your images are high enough resolution. If you are getting your photos from a photographer they will usually be more then sufficient. Most services take the guess work out of this though as they will give you a warning sign if the image is not large enough.
Be sure to also choose what kind of paper stock you want it, the sizing of the book and also the style of cover you want. There are a variety of options and I would recommend whichever service you go with, read the descriptions of each. I personally almost always choose a lustre finish with the cover being a hard cover wrap. This means that the image extends all the way around the book.
As I mentioned before, my favourite service is Blurb. It is definitely not the cheapest but for my purposes it is integrated well with the program I use and the quality of the books are outstanding. Plus, delivery is very reasonable.
Some other options include:
Also, places like Walmart and Staples also offer this service. They may not have a lot of the options that the bigger online companies have but it may very well be all you need.
Those are the main two options that I typically use but you are definitely not limited to them. Be creative. Perhaps print out 4x6's of a bunch of your favourite photos and hang them on a close line. Or, create a wall mural with some of your photos. I have also seen friends of mine with glass coffee tables which had the photos placed inside.
Not just limited to Facebook
Lastly, there is nothing wrong with sharing photos online. But don't be scared to jump away from Facebook and explore other sharing services. Create a slideshow and share it on Youtube. Do you have a blog yet? If not, it's extremely easy to do and is a great way to share photos of everyday events. Especially with family that may live afar.
These are but a few examples of what can be done. There are many more which I have not listed here but this should give you at leas some motivation and a few ideas of what can be done. After all, you potentially are going to spend money on a photographer to take all these photos so why not showcase them like they are meant to be.
From Enthusiast to Wedding Photographer - Lessons Learned Along the Way
There comes a time in your career when you get so comfortable that you forget how you got to where you are now. I am still amazed that I am a wedding photographer. If you would have asked me 6 years ago if I would be doing this I don’t even think I would have given it a second thought. In fact, I always remember looking at wedding photographers as being crazy.
Everyone starts somewhere
There comes a time in your career when you get so comfortable that you forget how you got to where you are now. I am still amazed that I am a wedding photographer. If you would have asked me 6 years ago if I would be doing this I don’t even think I would have given it a second thought. In fact, I always remember looking at wedding photographers as being crazy. I mean, the pressure alone of handling a full day of shooting, knowing what to shoot, how to shoot and many other factors that make up the wedding day. At the very least, I envisioned myself maybe photographing landscapes or random objects for fun, certainly nothing I would eventually get paid for. Well, I still shoot the occasional landscape, and in my spare time I do shoot a lot of random stuff for fun. My main profession though, is that of a wedding and portrait photographer. So, how did I get there? What did I learn along the way? Read on to find out.
Let me start by saying that I am only about 5 years into this. I consider myself a professional because I do get paid for what I do, and I also think I am quite good at it. With that being said, I still have a lot to learn, and I am anxious to continue to do so. The minute you think you know everything is the minute you stop evolving. There is always something new to pick up along the way.
If you don't enjoy it, move on
My initial intention was to actually photograph real estate, or at least that is what got to buy my first real DSLR camera. I quickly realized that there just wasn't a market for it where I lived and I didn’t really enjoy it anyways. Then one weekend I brought my camera to a friends wedding and took some photos from afar. They turned out pretty good and I posted some of them on my portfolio. I noticed I was starting to get some compliments on the photos so I figured I would advertise my services and let the dice roll as they may. Next thing I knew I had an older couple interested in hiring me to document their small backyard wedding. I agreed to do it, hesitantly at first.
It wasn’t that I didn’t have confidence in my ability, it was just that I had never done this before. The pressure of being responsible for a once in a lifetime event is nerve wracking. The good news was that they were very easy going and they only really needed me for about one and half hours.
Why do you do it?
Instead of panicking I continued to read and learn as much as I could before the big day. I went out and took tons of photos. As the wedding got closer I envisioned the whole day in my head and planned accordingly. But I new a lot of it would still be spontaneous and spur of the moment. After all, I couldn’t possibly predict everything that could and would happen.
I soon learned that as the wedding began it was the unknown and unpredictability of a wedding that I loved most. It's great to have a plan and know what kind of photos you plan on capturing but it is equally integral to be able to adapt to the moment. This is how I have continued to find those unique and genuine opportunities. This is also why I really do love photographing weddings. There are always the posed photos when doing portraits but it is the rest of the wedding where you simply have to react, that I love most.
Always evolve and learn
Fast forward to present day, I have continued to learn and practice and absorb any piece of information and advice that comes my way. Along the way I have honed my skills, improved my workflow and also leaned to be much more patient when taking photos. The fact is, everyone has to start somewhere. You may not go in thinking you are going to focus on a certain discipline but you just never know where you might end up. In the end, you just have to make sure you enjoy what you do. If you don’t, make changes along the way to ensure you get to that point.
Things to consider when choosing a photographer for your wedding
Choosing a photographer for your wedding can be a daunting task. There are a lot of different things to consider, many of which a lot couples don’t even think about until it is too late or they have committed to a photographer.
Choosing a photographer for your wedding can often be as hard as choosing the right shoes. There are a lot of different things to consider, many of which a lot couples don’t even think about until it is too late or they have committed to one particular photographer.
What is your budget?
This can sometimes be the deal breaker, especially if you have a great photographer in mind but simply can’t afford them. So before you put all your eggs in one basket make sure the cost of potentially hiring them fits into your overall budget. With that being said, a lot of photographers are flexible. They may not necessarily come down in price, but perhaps it might make sense to only hire them for the most important part of the wedding. For example; I have worked with couples in the past who couldn’t afford the package they wanted, so we simply chose what were the most crucial hours of the day to them. Another option is to split up the day into 2 parts. Keep in mind that not all photographers are willing to do this.
The other option is to go with another photographer all together, one that is more in your price range. Just be sure that you are not ‘settling’. Take a look at their portfolio and make sure their style fits your needs. I get more into detail on this exact point in the next section.
Do you like their portfolio?
Go to their website. Check out blog posts, portfolio pages or anything else they may have. If you are trying to go with a more experienced photographer, go deep into their blog or portfolio and see if they have a consistent look and style. Are you looking for a candid style or more of a traditional look? Don’t hire a photographer only to turn around and tell them you want all your photos to look exactly like someone else’s. It’s unfair to the photographer and will often lead to photos that just don’t live up to what you expected. You should be hiring a photographer because you like what THEY do not because you won't them to emulate someone else's work.
How do you get along with them?
When I get a new client I highly encourage them to meet with me in person. Even if it’s a 10 minute meeting. It will also help put your mind at ease after getting to know the photographer a little bit better. Ask any questions you may have. Exactly what do they offer for each package? How would they define their shooting style? What happens if the wedding goes long? (this happens a lot) Are they flexible on traveling throughout the day? There are many more questions you can ask so have a list before you meet up.
One of the main concerns I get from clients is what happens if the wedding does run long. Will I just get up and leave in the middle of the first dance? Obviously not. But I do tell them that if it is an excessive amount of time, say more then 15 minutes or so there may be an extra charge.
How and when are the photos delivered?
Be careful with this one. I have heard many horror stories about couples not getting their photos until 6-9 months after the wedding. Even then, they have to buy prints or they only get a certain amount of the photos upfront. This doesn’t happen all the time, but be sure you talk with your photographer and discuss how this is handled. I personally write in the contract that each couple gets all the final photos on a DVD no later then 30 days after the wedding. This ensures there is no extensive delay and couples know what they are getting. For some couples that live outside the city I have sent a link in which they can download the files. USB sticks are also becoming quite popular and this is another option I usually mention to clients.
The reception
I figured I would touch upon this part mainly because I have had some confusion here in the past. If you hire a photographer for say 8 hours and some of those hours include the reception … how long do you plan on having them there for? Are they eating dinner? Is dinner considered a break in which you don’t think you need to pay them? When I shoot a wedding I always assume that, even if I am eating, my time doesn’t stop or get put on hold. If there is any confusion to this I am always up front. I do this mainly because I literally take 5 minutes to eat and then I am up and about shooting guests are anything else going on. Even if the meal is split up, I am always doing something.
Also, indicate to your photographer if you plan on having a meal for them at the wedding. If you aren’t, that is fine, at least they will know to bring their own snacks. One thing that helps is to have a spot set aside for the photographer where they can store their stuff while taking photos. I usually just keep my things in the corner by the DJ booth, or even by the front table in plain site so I can see it. But it all depends on the setup of the wedding. The best case scenario would be to have a locked room but this isn't always feasible.
Conclusion
One point I didn’t really go into detail with is signing a contract. Always, even if it is a basic one, get the photographer to write up a contract. Read it, understand it and then get both parties to sign it. This ensures that everyone is protected.
Trust me, I have a had a few weddings where couples have contacted me a week before their wedding because their photographer bailed on them. On the other end of the spectrum, I have also had one or two couples cancel on me due to the wedding being called off. As long as I have enough notice I am quite flexible and won’t charge but if it does happen, it should be indicated in the contract.
Aside from that, just be sure to get to know your photographer either through email or in person. Be upfront with what you are expecting but at the same time don’t be to overbearing, be sure to let the photographer do what they do best … which is take photos!
Getting the best possible photos on your wedding day
Photography is an integral part of pretty much every wedding. After all, what couple wouldn’t want to document at least part of their special day. Some couples are fine having a relative or friend of the family snap photos while others hire a professional to get the job done right.
Photography is an integral part of pretty much every wedding. After all, what couple wouldn’t want to document at least part of their special day. Some couples are fine having a relative or friend of the family snap photos while others hire a professional to get the job done right. With that being said, some photographers are better then others and depending on which one you hire, there are certain things you need to look out for in order to make sure your wedding photos turn out as best they can. Most of these tips can actually be applied well before your wedding, to some extent. So without further delay, here are some my favourite tips for couples to consider before their wedding day.
1. Time of day
When is your ceremony taking place? Is it in the wide open? Is there any shade? Is it outdoors?
These are all important questions for a variety of reasons. For instance, if you wedding is at high noon, where the sun is beating down from above, this can create unflattering shadows on just about everyone. This isn’t to say that flash can’t be used throughout the ceremony, but some weddings don’t allow it, and plus, if the photographer can’t get in close it may not even be possible. I know me personally, I like to hang back and get photos from a distance with a zoom lens. Shade can play a very integral role in capturing better lit photos during the ceremony. If, you think it may be sunny and the time of day isn’t ideal, then it might be a good option to have some form of shade, at least for the couple and the wedding party.
This wedding had everyone. Rain, clouds and eventually a lot of sun and warm temperatures. For this particular shot, I got the girls to stand against one of the old sheds which was in the shade. Shade is a photographers best friend. It creates natural even light.
2. How big is your wedding party?
I have had at least a few weddings where the wedding party was so large that it was struggle to get proper photos because the locations was so small. Obviously it is just a matter of moving everyone to a larger area but make sure you plan this in advance, especially if you are on a strict timeline. Some couples like to get very large shots of family and the wedding party and this is even more of a challenge depending on space. It can also take some time to organize and get all the combinations required. When you meet with your photographer of choice make sure you are upfront about how large your wedding party is, and if you plan on getting a lot of different family combinations. This will go a long way in planning the timing of the day. I find it works best to do all the family photos first and then work your way down to the wedding part and finally the bride and groom. That way, family members, especially older ones, aren’t waiting around the entire time.
With only 8 total people, this wasn't the largest wedding party I ever shot but it was important to find a large enough area for them to fit. Another bright sunny day with no shade, I moved them to open area with trees for shade. Not only was it cooler for everyone but it allowed for much better lighting.
3. Does your wedding attire go with your surroundings?
It’s really easy to choose a nice colour scheme for you and your wedding party but don’t forget about how everyone will look during the portraits and even the ceremony. If you plan on getting everyone out to the local park and getting photos done with trees in the background, it probably doesn’t make much sense to have green dresses. Ok, I have yet to have a wedding couple choose green as their colour choice but, trust me, I have seen some ‘different’ choices. For instance, if you are going with purple or something bold like that, make sure you choose your portrait locations accordingly. If you have no choice in the matter, a simple solution to this is to have your photographer convert the images to black and white. I am a huge fan of black and white and I often convert a lot images to black and white at no extra cost, but some couples only like colour.
Knowing tha we would eventually be going to the local park, Erika and Daniel chose a muted colour scheme for their attire and it worked wonderfully. It really complimented their surroundings.
4. Be prepared for the weather
I don’t know how many weddings I have shot where it is either extremely hot or quite cold. Either way, it can make for some uncomfortable and rushed photos. There was October wedding I did this past year where the ceremony was indoor and then we had the portrait session at the local marsh. It was a great backdrop and the photos turned out amazing but the bride was wearing her dress the whole time, in below 0 weather. She was a real trooper but near the end of the session you can really see it in her expression that she was cold. Luckily we got through the photos quick and got her warm as soon as we were done. So, a jacket goes a long way or keeping a warm car nearby to jump into is another solution. On the opposite end, on extremely hot days, bring an umbrella, make sure there are areas of shade around or take breaks in an air conditioned house.
This was that cold October day I discussed above. Like I said, she was a real trooper but even I was cold. To Ryan's credit he did offer his jacket up a few times.
5. Be upfront with your photographer
I have heard of many different instances of a photographer getting the ‘bride from hell’, or something to that extent. I have yet to have that problem, or anywhere close to that. Part of the reason is because I always make sure I communicate with the bride and groom. Not just about scheduling for the day, but also what kind of shots they are looking for specifically. Many just tell me that it’s completely up to me to work my magic which is fine. Others bring examples of photos they have seen from other weddings. Now, I have my ow style, and I’m not going to copy another photographer but if your photographer has and idea of what you are looking for going in, then this ensures that you get the shots you want. Except it will be with their own personal style. Which, after all, is what you are paying them for. When both parties are on the same page, it makes for a much smoother wedding day.
These are but a few examples of what I have encountered over the years. If anyone has anything to add please feel free to comment below. In the end, if you are truly enjoying your wedding day, those emotions will come through. It’s just a matter of capturing them properly with a camera!
Favourite Wedding Photos of 2013
With the new year now upon us, I figured it was a perfect time to highlight some of my favourite images from this past 2013 wedding season. It may come across like I am patting myself on the back but I think with anything, it's important to reflect. It allows us to not only see where we excelled but also where we can improve.
With the new year now upon us, I figured it was a perfect time to highlight some of my favourite images from this past 2013 wedding season. It may come across like I am patting myself on the back but I think with anything, it's important to reflect. It allows us to not only see where we excelled but also where we can improve.
Each year I look back, I realize just how much I have evolved as a photographer. I continue to develop my style and learn new techniques and also new ways to look at things. It also helps that every single couple I photographed were fantastic to work with. For someone like me who has more of a documentary style way of shooting, it's important that couples are very relaxed and natural.
I really can't wait for the 2014 wedding season. The enjoyment of meeting new couples, seeing new venues and continuing to grow as a photographer are just a few things that get me super excited.
Thanks again to all the couples who made 2013 a year to remember.
Also, stay tuned for my next post which will include my best portraits for 2013!
As always, if you like what you see here don't forget to check on my blog. If you are interested in booking a wedding or would just like to chat don't hesitate to send me an email or call anytime. I still have some spots open for this coming season.
Brian & Leesa Wedding
My last wedding of the year took place at the Victoria Inn. The happy couple this time around were Leesa and Brian. This being my actual first wedding at the Victoria in, I was anxious to see what it was like. Last year I had the wedding show in the large ballroom so I had some idea of what it would be like but it’s always great to see how everything is decorated. I arrived about 15 minutes before the reception which took place in the room beside the main ballroom. By the time the wedding started it was a packed room I would estimate about 150 people or so.
My last wedding of the year took place at the Victoria Inn. The happy couple this time around were Leesa and Brian. This being my actual first wedding at the Victoria in, I was anxious to see what it was like. Last year I had the wedding show in the large ballroom so I had some idea of what it would be like but it’s always great to see how everything is decorated. I arrived about 15 minutes before the reception which took place in the room beside the main ballroom. By the time the wedding started it was a packed room I would estimate about 150 people or so. During the 25 minutes leading up to the start of the ceremony I took my usual candid photos of the crowd. This where some of the most unique shots of the day often take place because people aren’t necessarily posing.
Once the ceremony started I quickly made my way to the aisle and started taking photos of the wedding party making there way down the aisle. It wasn’t long before Leesa entered the room with her father. She looked beautiful, and I could tell by the look on Brian’s face that he thought the exact same thing. The ceremony itself was very traditional and actually went by fairly fast. With that being said, I did get a lot of great photos.
After the ceremony people gathered in the hallway and offered their congratulations to the happy couple. This was yet another opportunity to get a lot of genuine photos of emotions and reactions. Shortly after this we all made our way to Brian and Leesa’s house near Mountain Road. For those unfamiliar with this area of town it was quite nice. All the homes are located with Mount McKay in the background. Their house was absolutely stunning. It had high ceilings, I great backyard and plenty of locations for photos. The wedding party and I spent a little bit of time outside getting the group shots and then we made our way back inside. Once inside we took advantage of the staircase, the indoor balcony as well as the grand living room.
It was then time to head back to the hotel for the reception. As always, I got there a bit early to get some photos of the decorations and overall atmosphere. Once guests started arriving I continued to snap candid shots of everyone. Soon after the wedding party arrived and would eventually make their grand entrance. Dinner soon followed and it was time to relax just for a bit. The highlight of the night soon followed, which was a performance by a group of belly dancers. They were amazing and the crowd just loved every minute of it! My night then ended with the couple having their first dance.
All in all it was a very fun and spontaneous night for me. Leesa and Brian were the perfect couple to photograph and all the guests I talked were equally nice. It made my job that much easier to have some many great people and moments to photograph.
Ryan + Chelsea Wedding
This was probably one of the most last minute weddings I have ever done. Ryan had contacted me about a week prior to their wedding, we met a few days later and then the wedding was here. Just like that. Right up until the Saturday the actual location wasn’t even confirmed. They had it narrowed down to two locations, and depending on the unpredictable weather, they would choose accordingly.
This was probably one of the most last minute weddings I have ever done. Ryan had contacted me about a week prior to their wedding, we met a few days later and then the wedding was here. Just like that. Right up until the Saturday the actual location wasn’t even confirmed. They had it narrowed down to two locations, and depending on the unpredictable weather, they would choose accordingly. Well, with it being a bit too cold outside for an outdoor wedding, they went with the Conservatory. I had previously shot a couple weddings here before and I simply couldn’t wait to do so again. It’s such a great location to work with.
The ceremony itself was very small and intimate. In total there were about 7 people at the wedding, including the bride and groom. This really allowed me to get some nice candid shots of everyone. Once the wedding started Ryan and Chelsea took their spot on the small bridge. As everyone watched on they said their vows and then it was over. Short, sweet and very joyful. As always, we took some time to get some family photos against the various beautiful backdrops within the conservatory. It was then off to the Mission Marsh for some portraits with Ryan and Chelsea.
The weather was very brisk and Chelsea was a real trooper. She was just in her wedding dress with really no protection from the cold. Even after multiple offers from Ryan willing to hand over his jacket she politely said no for fear of ruining some of the photos. It definitely wasn’t in vain as I think these are some of the best portrait shots I have gotten this year. They were very natural behind the camera and it really showed. My favourite was a very simple yet effective shot where they were holding each other down the trail.
After about an hour walking around we quickly finished up with one final shot with the Sleeping Giant in the background. Then it was time to get Chelsea back into the warm vehicle to try and defrost! Ryan and Chelsea were a pleasure to photograph and as always I am so lucky to have been part of their day.
Stacy + Adam Wedding
When Stacy and Adam’s photographer decided to not shoot their wedding they asked me to do it as a favour. Well, since we were going to the wedding anyways, I jumped at the chance to also be the photographer. The other reason I was extremely excited was because I had never been to Lutsen Resort and I had heard that it is supposed to be beautiful.
When Stacy and Adam’s photographer decided to not shoot their wedding they asked me to do it as a favour. Well, since we were going to the wedding anyways, I jumped at the chance to also be the photographer. The other reason I was extremely excited was because I had never been to Lutsen Resort and I had heard that it is supposed to be beautiful.
Well, it definitely lived up to all the hype. The main portion of the resort was located right on the water, which meant you were but a 1 minute walk to the lake. With the huge waves constantly crashing against the shore it made for the perfect backdrop for a wedding. Unfortunately it wasn’t all good news though. Once Saturday rolled around it was gloomy and rainy. On the bright side, we did manage to sneak out here and there to capture some outdoor shots.
Before I had the chance to get to the beach, my day started with Stacy and the rest of her bridal party getting ready in her room. I wasn’t their long but I did get some great shots of her getting ready as well as some of the kids.After that it was off to the main resort. As I waited for all the guys to gather, I was able to snap a few candid shots. We then made our way to the outdoor walkway that overlooked Lake Superior. Because it was so cold it we weren’t really staying in one place too long. We quickly made our way down to the beach. It was a no brainer to use the lake as the backdrop and even though it was rainy and grey out, the photos still had a certain mood to them which I loved.
The girls eventually arrived so we made our way inside. As I waited for all the guest to gather into the ceremony area, I focused on getting a ton of candid photos of everyone. Soon after all the guests arrived the ceremony began and it was quite beautiful. Once it was over everyone mingled around for a bit and then I stole the entire wedding party and the immediate family for some outdoor photos. Lucky for us, the weather held up just a bit and we once again made our way down to the beach. One of my favourite shots of the day was Adam carrying Stacy down the beach. Once we got to the spot, the resulting photo with them posing in front of the waves splashing off the rocks behind, was another keeper.
It started to rain very hard so everyone headed back in. All was not lost as there was a nice little porch which allowed us to get all the special group photos. Then it was time for the receiving line, and eventually, the reception. As always the speeches were very heartfelt and everyone was laughing and even crying at times. In order to get the couple to kiss, one had to do their best ‘animal call’. As expected, this resulted in some very unique moments. The reception was actually over early in the day so the rest of the evening was spent back where the ceremony was, except now, it was a very cool dance floor with a live DJ. Everyone danced then danced the night away.
Thanks to Stacy and Adam for inviting me to their wedding and allowing me to shoot their wedding. Even though it was a favour, I was extremely proud of the resulting photos and I can’t wait to hopefully photograph their family again.
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!
Katie + Kurtis Wedding
The last wedding of August for me was Katie and Kurtis. It was almost like the best was saved for last! My day started at the Vahalla with Katie and her bridal party. They had rented a hotel room and I was there to capture all the fun. It was a pretty relaxed atmosphere but as the time to leave came closer you could feel some of the nervous tension in the air. But it was a good thing. Everyone made their way down to the limo waiting outside, hopped in, and just like that they were off.
The last wedding of August for me was Katie and Kurtis. It was almost like the best was saved for last! My day started at the Vahalla with Katie and her bridal party. They had rented a hotel room and I was there to capture all the fun. It was a pretty relaxed atmosphere but as the time to leave came closer you could feel some of the nervous tension in the air. But it was a good thing. Everyone made their way down to the limo waiting outside, hopped in, and just like that they were off.
The wedding took place at Whitewater Country Club. This is always a beautiful location. As everyone gathered on the outdoor patio overlooking the forest Kurtis waited anxiously for his future bride to make her way down the aisle. Once she started, everyone stood up and admired the gorgeous bride. She really did look quite beautiful. The ceremony itself was fairly short and the live music playing the background was really a nice touch.
Next up was the greeting line and then it was off to do some group portraits. We didn’t go very fair as there was a nice shady spot just by the clubhouse. Luckily we found some shade because it was one of the hottest days of the year. The entire wedding party was very fun to work with. I even got the guys to jump in the air a few times which made for some pretty silly yet spontaneous results. My favourite shot with the gang was when the bridal party picked up Kurtis. You could see that they were struggling a bit but they pulled it off!
Thankful to get out of the heat we all made our way to the reception area inside. After spending some time photographing the little details the speeches started right away. Instead of just clinking glasses together, guests were required to sink a golf ball on the putting green. Suffice it to say, many guests cheated. The rules would eventually change later in the evening as any guest who didn’t sink it on their first try had to kiss someone from the wedding party. There were some good ones.
Once dinner was done it was time for the first dances. First up was Kurtis and Katie and then Kurtis and his mom. We were then able to sneak out for a few minutes and get some really nice sunset shots. Even though it was very overcast it was still a great setting. I finished the night by capturing Katie and Kurtis cutting the cake. Oh, and the cake was the best one I have seen to date which you can see in the photos below. Thanks as always to the wonderful bride and groom for a great day. I had so much fun.
Daniel + Erica Wedding
Once again I had the pleasure shooting another wedding at a brand new location. This time around it was the Thunder Bay Marina. Daniel and Erika were the lucky couple. With the sleeping giant in the background, it was the perfect setting for a wedding. Everyone gathered around the flowers and waited for Erika too make her way down the pathway with her father. It gave me a chance to get some great candid shots of all the guests.
Once again I had the pleasure shooting another wedding at a brand new location. This time around it was the Thunder Bay Marina. Daniel and Erika were the lucky couple. With the sleeping giant in the background, it was the perfect setting for a wedding. Everyone gathered around the flowers and waited for Erika too make her way down the pathway with her father. It gave me a chance to get some great candid shots of all the guests.
Once Erika started her walk everyone got up and anxiously waited. Both her and Daniel looked great and I just loved their attire. They hired a a few musicians to play music in the background and it really added to the overall mood. All in all it was just a perfect setting. After the ceremony we took just a bit of time to capture some family photos.
Then it was off to Centennial Park with just the 3 of us. This is always a great location as there are so many different spots to take photos. We didn’t stay in one spot to long however, as the mosquitos were out in full force. I felt bad for Erika because as I was taking photos I can see her struggling not to swat a bug mid photo. It made for a fun time though as you had no choice but to be easy going when you are getting eaten alive.
Lastly, I quickly followed them back to their parent’s place to snap a few family photos. And then my day was done. Erika and David were a pleasure to photograph. I just love how the photos turned out, being such a cute couple played a large part in that.
Amy + David Wedding
Vahalla Inn in Thunder Bay was the location for my wedding with Amy & David. I showed up around 1:30 and immediately started taking photos of David and his party. Upon arriving, all the boys were in a relaxed mood joking and having fun. I spent the next 30 minutes taking photos of them getting ready. We did a couple outdoor shots since they were on the main floor and of course there were also some Jagerbombs which further helped to calm the nerves.
Vahalla Inn in Thunder Bay was the location for my wedding with Amy & David. I showed up around 1:30 and immediately started taking photos of David and his party. Upon arriving, all the boys were in a relaxed mood joking and having fun. I spent the next 30 minutes taking photos of them getting ready. We did a couple outdoor shots since they were on the main floor and of course there were also some Jagerbombs which further helped to calm the nerves.
Then it was off to Amy’s room. I got there just as they were tying up her dress. It was quite the lace job but once it was done it looked fabulous! The girls were joking around just as much as the guys were. This was a sign of the rest of the day would be. Everyone was just so easy going and carefree. It really made my job that much easier. It also made for some equally fun photos. My favourite photo from this part of the day was when the entire party pretended they were misbehaving.
I then made my way down the ceremony. This took place in the beautiful courtyard. Since this was my first time shooting a wedding here, I was anxious to see how it all looked. On some of the trees they hung up a whole bunch of photos of Amy and David. This was such a nice touch. Once the music got going and everyone took their seats, it was time for the boys to walk, more like run, down the aisle. Once the girls made their way, it was a lot more deliberate. Surrounded by the trees and eventually the crowd, it made for some great photos.
The ceremony itself took about 30 minutes, then it was time for the portrait session. We spent the next hour in the courtyard getting all the family shots as well as ones of the bride and groom. As I mentioned before, everyone involved was willing to have a bit of fun with the photos as you can tell from the resulting images below.
Once that was all said and done it was time to head off to the reception area. I took some time to just photography the table settings and different aspects of the room, before everyone arrived. As soon as everyone had their seat, dinner started almost immediately. The next hour and bit was spent walking capturing some of the special moments. The cake looked fantastic and food was very tasty. So much to choose from!
All in all it was an action packed day and I was so lucky to be able to be a part of it. Thanks again to Amy and David.
