Why you Should Do a Bridal Boudoir Session | Simcoe County Boudoir Photographer

Why you Should Do a Bridal Boudoir Session | Simcoe County Boudoir Photographer

There are many times during your wedding planning process that you may find yourself in front of the camera. From engagement portraits, to showers and parties, and of course, your wedding day!

But have you ever thought about a private intimate session JUST FOR YOU?

I am talking about a Bridal Boudoir session.

Breaking the Wedding Rules - The First Dance and how to Make it Special

Breaking the Wedding Rules - The First Dance and how to Make it Special

Traditionally the first dance is for the Bride and Groom. It is a symbolic dance expressing that the two are joined in union. But in modern times, the first dance can be so much more! Here are some ways to make it personal, have fun with your first dance, and make it a picture-worthy event!

Break the Wedding Rules | The Wedding Party

Break the Wedding Rules | The Wedding Party

Who says you need to have an even numbered, matching gender, wedding party? Who says you need to have a wedding party at all? Your wedding day is about YOU so choose what feels right to you. Who do you want by your side? Maybe it’s everyone, maybe nobody. You choose!

Take a look at some non “traditional” bridal party ideas

Hey you! Stop ghosting your wedding vendors!

Hey you! Stop ghosting your wedding vendors!

Ghosting is a newish term originally referring to the online dating world, when you would be talking with someone and out of nowhere they just stop returning your calls or texts and disappear (or "ghost" if you will)

And now this trend is being seen in businesses around the world and everywhere in turn I read posts by vendors who are getting very offended or upset by this phenomenon. 

So, can we go back to old fashioned manners and politeness?

Perfect and Fun Gifts for your Wedding Party

Perfect and Fun Gifts for your Wedding Party

When it comes to thanking your bridal party, there are endless routes you can take. You can go the sentimental, practical, or completely out of the box. One fun avenue to think about is gifting your bridal party presents that can be used the day of the wedding. Your wedding day is the start of the rest of your life, but on flip side, it’s the end of a long commitment from your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

The First Look and Why You Should do One! | Alliston Wedding Photographer

I will be honest, only three years ago I had never even heard of a "First Look"! And now they are happening at most of the weddings I photograph!  Whether or not to do a First Look is your choice, your personal preference.  Some more traditional Brides prefer that first look to be when they walk down the aisle - all eyes on them, and her eyes only on her Groom.  Other couples prefer to take a moment before the ceremony to see one another, in private, without the guests watching. Whatever your preference, I love photographing that moment but I just wanted to share some examples and reason why I really love shooting First Looks!

Reason #1 - Intimacy.  Couples get a chance to see one another for the first time without the guests, friends and family watching. For some Brides this is ideal as they often spend that moment walking down the aisle worrying about tripping, looking at the guests, checking out the decor to make sure its correct, and so much more! They forget to enjoy the moment.  Then, when you get to the altar, the ceremony begins and you and your spouse do not get a chance to communicate.  My one rule (yes I have a First Look "rule"), is that no guest may be around when we do First Looks. No one. This is YOUR moment, your time, enjoy it!  You don't want the moment ruined by Aunt Matilda and her ipad camera in your face!
Then after I snap a few shots I will disappear for 5-10 minutes for you to talk and whisper sweet nothings to one another...your time.

firstlook
first look bride and groom

Reason #2 - Time!  As a photographer, the First Look makes my day! Why? Well, after the couple finish their moment we will go out and do all the formal shots of the couple, then gather the wedding party for some fun wedding party images, and then usually finish all the posed family shots - ALL BEFORE THE CEREMONY!!
 Why is this so amazing? Well, you can enjoy your ceremony and then move right into your party without having your guest wait around for hours while you take photos!  Its a win-win for me, the couple, and the guests! 

However...I do usually like to take the newly married couple aside for a few more shots together because now they will have that freshly married glow! 

toronto first look

Now what about that moment you walk down the aisle?  Does having a First Look take away from that moment?

I say NO! Its almost like you get two special moments now!  Walking down the aisle still feels special because now you are seeing one another for the first time in front of your friends and family,  many of which do not even know you already saw one another!  And you know that this is the real thing - the moment you have been waiting for your whole life, knowing that once you get down that aisle in a few short minutes you will be married to your true love!! It has a whole different feeling than the first look before the ceremony because now its really happening!

wedding shot alongside Carolyn Bentum Photography

wedding shot alongside Carolyn Bentum Photography

So, my future couples - whatever you decide to do is your choice and I love them both!  Hopefully this little post will give you some insight as to why many choose to do a First Look. I cannot wait to capture your moment, however that moment unfolds ♥




How being a Mom makes me a better wedding photographer

How being a Mom makes me a better wedding photographer

When you are searching for a wedding photographer are you drawn to the photographer’s personal life, or do you back away from it?  Does your photographer’s home life play a part in whether or not you would hire them?

Sometimes I feel that being a mom to four (yes, FOUR!) kids may repel potential couples from hiring me as their wedding photographer.  Maybe they think “she must be so busy, how can she focus on us and our wedding?” or maybe they would rather hire the young hip kid-less photographer because they can relate better to their current life.

Everything You Need to Know about Choosing a Wedding Florist

Everything You Need to Know about Choosing a Wedding Florist

Advice for Couples from REAL WEDDING FLORISTS! 

Most important is to pick someone whose design style is similar to what you envision your florals to look like  for your big day.

Read More...

Love Unscripted {and why you do not need a Shot List}

Love Unscripted {and why you do not need a Shot List}

Your wedding is fast approaching. Do you A) Send your photographer a link to your Pinterest page full of ideas and poses that you want them to replicate? or B) Trust your photographer to do his or her own thing (no or minimal list required)?

Do we really need a second Photographer for our wedding?

Some wedding photographers will insist on you hiring a second photographer while other photographers I know prefer shooting alone.  At the end of the day you are the one hiring the photographer and it will be up to you if you want one or two people photographing your wedding.  To help make a decision, here are some factors to consider.

Stress-Free Friday - How to Plan for your Engagement Photos

Stress-Free Friday - How to Plan for your Engagement Photos

You have decided to do engagement photos! Yay! Now what?

Personally I like to think of an engagement session as a little date. If you were planning a romantic date night, would you go to a random park and cuddle under random trees? Probably not. Choose a place that is meaningful to the two of you. If that park was where you got engaged or first met, sure let’s go there! Or maybe you love going to local patios and enjoying a cold beer – then go there! Take the dog for a walk, browse your favourite book store together, or better yet, just stay home and cuddle on the couch!

Five Reasons you should Take Engagement Photos

Five Reasons you should Take Engagement Photos

So many couples ask me WHY should we do an engagement session? What's the point? Especially if you are a private couple who won't be sharing photos of yourselves all over social media. Well, let me tell you some reasons why I love when couples choose to do an engagement session and maybe one of them will relate to you! 

Planning for Awesome Getting Ready Photos

Planning for Awesome Getting Ready Photos

If you have your photographer document the part of your wedding day when you are getting ready for your wedding, you may want to keep in mind a few tips to make those images just as amazing as your portraits.  Getting ready images are an important part of your wedding day, and sometimes some of my favourite moments. Since my goal is to shoot the real moments and authenticity of your day, getting ready images are often some of my most favourite images.   Everyone is starting to buzz with excitement at this time, realizing what is about to happen!

 

Read more for Tips and Tricks to awesome Getting Ready Photos!

How to Include your Groom in Wedding Planning - Stress Free Wedding Planning

How to Include your Groom in Wedding Planning - Stress Free Wedding Planning

Today's Stress-Free Friday post is all about including your man in the wedding plans.

COMMUNICATE – the number one tip I can give you is to communicate BEFORE you start planning. Sit down and discuss what aspects of your wedding day are most important to both of you, what you can do without, and share the vision you each have for your perfect wedding day.

Do both sides of our wedding party need to be equally matched? | Stress Free Wedding Planning

Do both sides of our wedding party need to be equally matched? | Stress Free Wedding Planning

Today's Stress-Free Friday Tip answers the question - Do I need to have an even number of attendants in my wedding party? The answer is no. 

Read on to find out solutions to common stressors when planning a wedding with an odd number of Bridesmaids or Groomsmen. 

Stress Free Wedding Planning - Can I have a flower girl and not a ring bearer?

Stress Free Wedding Planning - Can I have a flower girl and not a ring bearer?

This week in Stress Free Wedding Planning – Flower Girls and Ring Bearers.  

You may be asking - Is is necessary to have a Flower Girl and Ring Bearer at my wedding? What if I have only one Flower Girl I want to include? What if I have too many children to include? Do they all have to stay for dinner?

Ok – breath. Not a big deal. Like I always say – it’s YOUR wedding, DO YOU.

Is it necessary to have children in my wedding party?

Keep reading for the answer!

5 Unique Wedding Venues in Ontario

5 Unique Wedding Venues in Ontario

5 totally rad and unique places I have shot at over the last few years right here in Ontario, Canada.  Some were low budget, some high, some big and some had small guest lists but what remained constant was how accurately these venues complimented the couples who got married there. 

What to Wear to a Wedding - Cracking the Wedding Dress Code

Ever wonder what to wear to a wedding when you see "Black Tie" or "White Tie" or what the heck does "Casual Attire" mean? Our friends over at T.M Lewin UK Menswear are helping us out with this handy WHAT TO WEAR template!

Whether you are the Groomsmen or Bridesmaid or just a guest, use this tool to help you plan your outfit! Of course, trends change and some couples may have a slightly different idea of what they want their guests to wear, but this is a great starting point!

Thanks to T.M Lewin for sending this! Check out what's on sale while you look!

And hey, save this image on Pinterest and you won't use it!


Stay Calm, Make a List. | How to Plan for Wedding Day Family Portraits

Stay Calm, Make a List. | How to Plan for Wedding Day Family Portraits

Some tips to help the portrait time of your day running smoothly and quickly. 

1. Always photograph groupings with small children first. Especially if the weather is not ideal, or its meal or nap time. 

My Wedding Photography Bucket List

My Wedding Photography Bucket List

Many people have a bucket list right?! Things they want to do in their lives, or place they want to go.  As a wedding photographer, my list contains amazing venues and locations I am dying to shoot at!