Engagement sessions on the beach are always wonderful for light, and the best time to do them is either early morning as the sun is rising, or later in the evening just before "golden hour". Golden hour is a term that refers to the hour before sunset, when the sun is low and the shadows scarce, which creates beautiful dream light for portrait photography.
Earl Rowe Romantic Canoe Engagement Session | Devon & Bryan | Alliston Ontario
Richmond Hill High School Engagement Session | Nicole and John
My favourite thing about engagement sessions is getting to hang out with, and get to know the couple better before the big day! I always ask a few probing questions before we plan a location such as "where did you meet, what does your perfect day look like, where would you go, what music would you listen to?" This gives me a peak into their lives, but also my creative brain will start coming up with all these fun ideas of things to do for their session may be a little bit different than most of the "let's go to the park and smile" engagement sessions out there!
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.
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!
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!
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 ♥
Hockley Valley Spring Wedding - Danielle & Dustin
Toronto Subway Engagement Session | Lara and Martin
It was so fun getting to know Lara and Martin and see their favourite hang outs in Toronto such as the subway station, their fave pub, and the neighbourhood around their city condo - these type of engagement sessions are the best way to ensure we get to know each other before your wedding day! And so fun, you will be more relaxed than you would be if we posed at a random park or place you have no attachment to.
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.
The Doctor's House Winter Wedding | Kim and Thomas
Toronto Engagement Photography | Jane and Danny
I met Jane and Danny in Toronto near their condo for some engagement photos. We started out at Music Park, which is where Danny proposed to Jane! Then we took a walk, the sun went down and it got really cold but it was just more reason for them to snuggle up! Off to skating at one of Toronto's outdoor rinks - seems like a typical Canadian thing to do for photos right?! Check out these two lovebirds here!
Everything You Need to Know about Choosing a Wedding Florist
Scotsdale Farm Winter Engagement Session | Erin and Paul
Kortright Centre Engagement Session | Lindsay and Kyle
Welcome to the magical forest of the Kortright Centre in Kleinburg Ontario. This is where I met LIndsay and Kyle and Moose for their early morning engagement session. We were the only ones there which was peaceful and awesome. Hey couples - one benefit of getting up early for a sunrise or early morning session is that you are usually the only people there and its quiet and fun and you can get romantic without an audience :)
Toronto Harbourfront Engagement | Ainka and Andy
Etobicoke Humber Bay Park Engagement Photos | Sarah and Callum at home
Rockwood Conservation Area Fall Family Photography
I had a blast this past fall at Rockwood Conservation Area, photographing a day full of new and past clients. Its always amazing when clients come back to see me year after year, and I cannot believe how big the gets have gotten!
Love Unscripted {and why you do not need a Shot List}
Colonel Sam Smith Park - Etobicoke Family Photography
I met up with these three little girls, sisters, at Colonel Sam Smith park in Toronto for a fun holiday session. Complete with a real tree that we lugged up onto the rocks overlooking Lake Ontario!
Best of 2017 Wedding and Elopement Portraits | Ontario Wedding Photographer
Best of 2017 Family and Couple Photography | Ontario Family Photographer
Best Wedding Moments of 2017 - Ontario Documentary Wedding Photographer
Here are some of my favourites from 2017 - I had so many that I felt I needed to put them in categories this year!
Starting with THE MORNING OF, and continuing with Emotional Moments, LAUGHTER and JOY, Kids + Pets, SELFIES (because there are sooo many), Bloopers and Funny Moments, Party Time and Sentimental Moments.
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.