Engagement Photo Ideas

Spring is definitely here!  The trees are budding, the flowers are starting to peak out of the gardens, and our clients are calling to book their engagement sessions.  Spring is definitely one of the most popular times for engagement photos, so I thought I would post a bunch of our favourite images and locations to help give you some inspiration for your own photo session.

First up – Patricia & Chris’ summer session.  These images were taken at Coronation Park in Oakville.   Patricia added some variety to the session with a wardrobe change.  The casual denim was great for the fun vibe.   The switch to all white as the sun was setting created a more romantic feel.

Bree is such a photo buff that she & Eric opted to do a 4 seasons engagement package.   Bree & Eric chose Spencer Smith Park in Burlington for their summer engagement session.

Conor & Christian’s engagement session started at Paletta Estate in Burlington, which was also the location for their wedding.   From there we moved to Spencer Smith Park.

Another image from Spencer Smith Park – this one taken of Chantal & Jadin at sunset.

Erin & Brandon wanted to spend some time in The Beaches neighbourhood in Toronto’s east end.  This is the area where Brandon grew up, and the two spent a lot of time walking on the boardwalk or sitting on a sidewalk patio enjoying the people watching.   I love to do sessions in locations that have special meaning for the couple – and anytime we end up with a glass of wine on a patio reminds me of how much I love my “job”!

This shot of Becky & John is one that caused quit a bit of traffic in our booth when we first exhibited it a couple years ago.   This shoot almost didn’t happen because it had been raining all day, but the wedding was only a week away and we were quickly running out of time!   Just around dinner time the sun finally made an appearance and we made a mad dash to Erchless Estates in downtown Oakville!  Can you guess what this is?

I LOVE puddles!!   This is their reflection on the stone pathway along the lake.   While not a “traditional” portrait, it did become one of their favourites (and one of ours as well)!

Later we walked out along the pier to the lighthouse.    There was still a lot of cloud cover, but the sun was just peaking out from behind the clouds, which allowed me to get this amazing silhouette.

Heather & Ryan decided a fall shoot would be perfect for them.   I took them to one of my favourite places – Smokey Hollow in Waterdown.  It has a wonderful waterfall right off the parking lot, and is one of the easier places to get to.

For our friends Jerry & Melbourne we wanted to do something different.   After the typical park shots at Kariya, which by the way is amazing in the spring, we headed across the street to the parking garage at Square One.   Built in the 70′s this structure has really cool circular openings in the walls.   Kevin and I got them to sit up in one of the openings to get these great silhouettes.

Hamilton is the waterfall capital of North America (bet you didn’t know that!).  Aside from Smokey Hollow, Websters Falls (below) is another really nice accessible spot.   Be warned though – if you want to get to the bottom of the falls be prepared for a lot of steps!!  It’s also crazy busy on a nice sunny day so patiences is a must.  We spend a great deal of time jockeying for position and waiting for others to move so that we can get the shots we want.  Ashley & Josh certainly thought it was worth it for their fall session.

For Kate & Derek the location was a simple choice!  Kate grew up in Owen Sound, and her family is still there, so we picked a beautiful autumn day for a road trip and shot this along the shore of Georgian Bay!

Balls Falls in St. Catharines is another great spot for waterfall shots.  Thanks to Keri & Joel for introducing me to this great spot!

One of the best engagement shoots we’ve done was for Kim & Jay.   When we first met to discuss photography and were chatting about engagement sessions I suggested that we look at places where they spent a lot of time when they were first dating.  Kim started telling me about how they met in school at Western University in London and how awesome it would be to go back and relive some of their early dates.

We spent the afternoon wandering the campus and listening to stories.  Kevin even helped them relive their  first date when he “broke in” to the theatre in the student centre!   What a blast!!

Kristie & Ryan were the winners of our Facebook promotion at the Ancaster Wedding show last fall.   They won a free engagement session and a gift certificate for a complimentary night at C-Hotel by Carmen’s in Hamilton.   I took them to Smokey Hollow in October for their photo session.  The leaves were just starting to change, and the waterfall was glistening in the sunshine.   Kristie was quite a trooper hiking to the falls in high heel boots!   A girl after my own heart!!

For Leah & David’s engagement I met them in downtown Brampton.  We started at Gage Park, then simply wandered the area around city hall.   This circular walkway and flower arrangement made the perfect setting for this shot from a high vantage point.

Kevin met Lindsay & Phil while we were at Spencer Smith Park working on another couple’s engagement session.  They were sitting on the rocks taking a self portrait with Lindsay’s blackberry.   Kevin wandered over to help them out.   A few minutes later Lindsay emailed us and asked if we do engagement sessions!! Needless to say we were happy to schedule a session with them.   Phil is a pilot, and he arranged to have a Cessna to use as a prop – what a great idea, and so much fun!!

It’s always great when I find something in common with a client, and I hit the jackpot when planning this session with Melissa & Bill.   They were all over the suggestion to head out to a local winery.   I chose Angel’s Gate, which not only has great wine, but a beautiful building and wonderful views of the lake from up on the ridge.

Winter is a highly undervalued season for photography.   While my favourite winter activity is sitting by the fire, going out for a walk in fresh fallen snow always makes for some great images.   Adding colour is as easy as a bright scarf or hat.

For Mike & Sarah, one of the must have shots in downtown Oakville was the Nike storefront because Mike works for Nike.   Of course a trip to downtown Oakville is not complete without a stop at Marble Slab for ice-cream!

After the ice cream we headed back to the lake to take advantage of the sunset.   Once again I lucked out with some great cloud formations – always nicer than a perfectly clear sky.  

While most couples choose a natural setting, Kenzie and Mike wanted something a little more urban.   Kevin and I met them at Queen & Spadina in downtown Toronto, and we used the graffiti in some of the back alleys to get a more edgy feel for their engagement session.

We started off with Patricia & Chris’ summer engagement, but I wanted to show some of their spring session as well.  These were taken at Kariya Park in Mississauga, near Square One.  It is one of the best places in the GTA for flowering trees in the spring, and has a nice oriental feel.

For Paul & Twila we travelled to her parents farm in Tavistock.   I particularly love the image in the corn field.

Late last fall I had the pleasure of hiking Mono Cliff Park in Orangeville with Ravit & Ryan.   It was a little bit of a chilly day, but the hike to the lake was well worth the effort.

While Niagara Falls has been “done” and may be viewed as a little cheesy, it is still a great spot.   Kevin and I took my cousin Rikki Lynn & her fiancé Billy out for the day.  We embraced some of the cheesiness of Clifton Hill, and the natural beauty of the falls themselves.  

So when planning your engagement session here are some things to keep in mind:

1.  Choose a location that has some personal meaning for you.

2.  Choose a wardrobe that works with your surroundings (dress & heels will look out of place in a park setting)

3.  Bring a change of wardrobe or accessories to add variety.   Scarves, hats, jackets, sunglasses are all great props.

4.  Schedule your shoot for good light.   Early mornings or evenings will result in great skies and softer light.  Mid day shoots in bright sunlight will result in very harsh shadows unless you are in the shade.

5.  Feel free to make suggestions to your photographer.   These photos are for you, and your input will help make them reflect your personality.

Most importantly – relax and have fun!!

Wedding Cakes – Our favorites

Spring is in the air, and wedding season is just around the corner.   While Kevin and I enjoy some down time, we thought it would be fun to post some of our favourite photos from the past 4 years.   Today’s theme is wedding cakes.

When your guests arrive at the reception, one of the first things they’ll do is check out the cake.   Far more then a dessert, the wedding cake reflects the style of the wedding and the personality of the couple.  Over the years we’ve seen some beautiful cakes, gorgeous cupcakes, and unique masterpieces.   Here are a few of our favourites.

This tropical cake was made by a friend of the bride for their at home reception following their wedding in the tropics. I especially love the flip flops under the palm tree.

Petya and Jason are both tennis professionals, and incorporated their love of the game throughout their reception.  Petya filled tall vases of beautiful white lilies with green tennis balls, used a tennis ball to wrap the stems of her bouquet, and of course had mini cake tennis balls on her cake.  I doubt anyone in attendance will ever forget who’s cake this is!

Kim & Jay’s wedding reception was elegant, and the cupcakes brought the perfect amount of fun.  The beautiful silver & crystal initials made a great personal cake topper.

Leah & David had a fall reception in a stunning waterfront estate.  Leah brought the fall feeling to the reception by decorating their cake with acorns and fall leaves.

Melanie & Gerard’s wedding had an understated elegance, and a simple beauty all it’s own.  Their single tiered white cake was topped with natural orchids to match the brides bouquet.

Mike & Sarah’s cake was a true cavalcade of classic red roses, that held it’s own even against the stunning Bronte waterfront backdrop.

I had to include Twila & Paul’s cake because it matches our company colours so well.  I love the simple swirl, and the elegant calla lilies.

One of the most unique cake cuttings we’ve ever witnessed is Keri & Joel’s “Smash the Cake”!!   If you look closely you’ll notice that the “cake” is actually a white chocolate shell, filled with individual chocolates.  The bride & groom, both avid curlers, used their curling brooms to smash the cake like a piñata.  The kitchen then put platters of the chunks of white chocolate and individual chocolates on each table at the reception.

Heather & Ryan’s new year’s eve wedding was crowned by this gorgeous 3 tier polka dot cake.  I love the juxtaposition of the round dots against the square tiers.  The cake topper is a silver cup that was purchased by the bride’s grandmother for her wedding, and has been passed down to her mother, then to the bride.  The names and wedding dates of all 3 generations are engraved on the side of the cup.  Heather plans to continue the tradition.

Kenzie & Mike are a fun loving couple, who chose to exchange vows at Disney World in Orlando.   Their brunch reception had a Mad Hatter Tea Party feel to it, and this topsy turvy cake fit in perfectly.   The bright colours gerber daisies tied in to the bouquets carried by the bride & her attendants.

Our bride, Conor, chose to honour her husband’s Australian roots by using Koala Bears as their fun cake topper.   As favours Conor & Christian gave each guest their own Koala Bear holding a bottle of Canadian Maple Syrup.  What a great way to mix their two countries!

Chantal & Jaden had a exquisite cake, topped with a stunning bouquet of orchids that matched the bride’s own bouquet.

Of course no post about wedding cakes would be complete without this wonderful Super Mario Brothers cake from Deb & Brent’s wedding.  This cake was designed and created for the bride & groom by their close friend who apparently does this for fun!  She is one seriously talented lady!!

Next week……I’ll be posting some of our favourite ring shots.    If there is something you would like to see please let me know.

Chantel and Jadin – A First!

On Friday we had the pleasure to shoot Chantel & Jadin’s wedding at the new C-Hotel by Carmen’s in Hamilton.  This lucky couple was the first to be married on terrace of this beautiful new venue.

While Kevin headed over to Playdium to spend the morning with Jadin and his guys, I headed to PURE HAIR on Brant St. in downtown Burlington where the staff worked their magic, making our bride & her ladies even more beautiful.

After the salon, it was back to the hotel for makeup.  Once again we had the pleasure of working with Melissa from Pretty in Pink.

With the transformation complete, it was time for Chantel to get into her amazing Maggie Sottero dress.

The guests enjoyed oriental fans, ice water and a slight breeze as they waited anxiously on the terrace for the wedding party to arrive.    The hotel did a great job of decorating the terrace to make it a romantic ceremony spot.

The lighting and decor in the hall was stunning.

The dinner was wonderful, and everyone enjoyed the party.

Congratulations Chantel & Jadin!   We wish you many more years of happiness.

Maple Syrup & Koala Bears

Yesterday Kevin and I had the honour of capturing the beautiful wedding of Conor and Christian at the historic Paletta Estates in Burlington.

My day started off at the salon capturing the transformation from girls to bride & her bridesmaids.   With the help of Teresa of Lorenzo Spa in Mississauga, Conor’s lovely strawberry blonde hair was styled with a beautiful “low-do” that was perfect for this elegant, natural bride.  Instead of a veil, Conor chose to wear a white feather fascinator in her hair.   Her maid of honour and cousin Dana, and bridesmaid Nicole – the groom’s sister,  also wore beautiful fascinators.  The staff at Lorenzo’s did a great job styling the brides entourage, including both the mother of the bride, and the mother of the groom.

Next it was off to Paletta Estates to meet up with make up artist Melissa of Pretty in Pink, who’s skilled brushes enhanced our beautiful bride and left her with a natural radiant glow.

With hair & makeup complete, it was finally ready for the final stage of the transformation into blushing bride – the dress!!  Conor chose a beautiful white fitted gown, with flowing layers of chiffon, and glittering accents on the bodice and hip to add just the right amount of bling.

Conor found her dress at Promises & Lace Bridal in downtown Burlington.

The brides bouquet and flowers were supplied by Pandora’s Box Florist in Mississauga.

Shortly before the ceremony Christian arrived with his groomsmen – his brother Luke and his soon to be brother in law Brendan.   BEing surrounded by family on your wedding day is always special, but even more so when they come from the other side of the world!   It was great that Luke, Nicole and their mom were able to make the trip from Melbourne Australia to be here with Christian.

The ceremony was held on the terrace, overlooking Lake Ontario.   It was a picture perfect setting on a picture perfect afternoon.

The bride & groom included a hand fasting in their ceremony, having their hands bound together with material from her mother’s wedding dress, and the best man & maid of honour read a wonderful poem together.   During the signing of the register, the bride’s family broke into an impromptu rendition of the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love”!  What a great way to finish things off!

The piper lead the recessional off the terrace, and around to the front of the mansion for a group photo with all 85 guests.

After some family photos, we set off with the wedding party to have some fun.  Here are some of our favorites from the formal session.

One of the great things about Paletta is the variety of areas for your photos.   We were able to get beautiful gardens, natural woodland, waterfront, and great architecture – all without having to travel anywhere!

After cocktails, guests made their way upstairs for a delicious dinner.   As a thank you to their guests, Conor & Christian had a bottle of Canadian maple syrup, and a cuddly koala bear waiting at each place setting, a great tribute to the country where they met, and the country they now call home.

Finally – here are some of our favorites from the reception:

Yes – that is the bride taking the garter off the groom!!   Instead of the traditional bouquet toss, Conor & Christian both did a garter toss – one of the advantages of a groom with a kilt!  It caught the guests by surprise, and was a big hit, as you can see.

Conor & Christian – best wishes to you both for a long and laughter filled marriage!  It was a joy for us to be a part of your day.   Have a wonderful honeymoon!  Can’t wait to get together to unveil the rest of your images when you get back.

Kenzie & Mike’s Disney Wedding

Wow – what a weekend we had last week. Beautiful weather, a gorgeous location, and a fun wedding couple! The recipe for a perfect shoot! Kenzie & Mike tied the knot at the wedding pavillion on the grounds of the Grand Floridian, right across the lake from the Princess Castle at Disney World. I was a little worried when we first talked about doing a wedding at Disney – don’t get me wrong – Disney is a great place, but they tend to do things a little over the top. I had nothing to be concerned with – they put on a beautiful, elegant affair that will be remembered by all in attendance for years to come. It also a perfect reflection of Kenzie & Mike’s young and playful spirits! Here are a few of my personal favorites from the wedding!

The wedding had a rainbow colored theme, with wedding party wearing black, with different colored accents. The guys loved the idea of wearing converse hi tops, and the girls bouquets of gerber daisies added the matching splash of color.

The ceremony was at 10am, so it was an early day for Heidi (our makeup artist) and I. While Heidi made the girls look glamourous I managed to get a few shots of the castle at sunrise. The ceremony was followed by a “Mad Hatter Tea Party” brunch, with a topsy turvy cake.

While the guests took the afternoon off to relax by the pool or enjoy Disney, I went back to my hotel and put together a slide show of the best images from the morning, which we played at the dessert reception & fireworks that evening. In the end, Prince Charming got his Beautiful Princess and everyone lives happily ever after!

Great Ideas

One of my favorite parts of working with engaged couples is hearing about all the details of their wedding day.   Every wedding is different, and I’m always amazed by the creativity and unique ideas that some of our couples have.  

Recently I had the opportunity to meet with Jacquie and Peter to discuss the plans for their September wedding here in Burlington.   Jacqui and Peter are planning an elegant adult affair.    They were looking for an elegant way to replace the traditional clinking of glasses.   We’ve seen so many different options over the years, sing a song, tell a story, answer a trivia question, sink a golf putt, etc.   Jacquie wanted something a little less “game like” in keeping with the mature elegance.   Near the head table they will be placing small organza bags.  In order to get the bride & groom to kiss, guests will be asked to put a donation in the bag, and place the bag on a kissing tree.   At the end of the evening, all donations will be sent to the Liver Foudation, a charity that holds special meaning for Peter & Jacquie.   e

This is such a unique idea.  It’s a great way to remember a special person, or just give back to the community.  I just had to share with all my readers.   We also were especially touched because the Liver Foundation is one that Kevin and I have been personally touched by.  

If you have any unique or creative ideas for personalizing your wedding, send us a note.   If your idea is featured in a future blog post we’ll send you a special surprise!

New Album Collection

Last year Kevin and I met Abbas Manesh, Canadian representative for Album Epoca.   The idea of having a local representative was intriguing, and after spending some time with Abbas looking at the quality and selection that Album Epoca offers we were convinced that this was the right partnership for us.   This year Album Epoca has added even more beautiful album covers to choose from, and new sizes as well.    With over 50 different and unique covers there is something for everyone.  

Of course, all we still work with our clients to custom design every single page so each album tells the unique story of your special day.   Sharing your story with family and friends is even easier – with family & friends books, and the always popular mini-books.  

For 2011 we are happy to be able to offer 2 for 1 pricing on all family & friend albums.   We are so excited about the new collection, and we know our clients will be too.

New Years Eve – Heather and Ryan

Kevin and I don’t usually make too much of a big deal over New Years Eve, but this year we were lucky enough to be invited to capture Heather & Ryan’s wedding and New Year’s celebration at the Hamilton Convention Centre.

Having your wedding on a major holiday has it’s pros & cons.  Heather & Ryan can count on there always being a celebration for their anniversary, and family and friends won’t soon forget the date.   On the other hand, there were some major challenges in getting vendors to work for them.  When we got together 2 weeks before the wedding to review the plans for the day Heather told us that their plans for pictures had to be changed.  Heather had called to confirm their permit, only to be told that the venue was closing at 4pm because of the holiday – their wedding ceremony was scheduled for 2pm leaving us almost no time to get to there and even less time to shoot.  We spent some time over coffee brainstorming for other options, and finally settled on the Waterfront Hotel at Brant & Lakeshore.   James – the General Manager  - was awesome, allowing us to shoot in the lobby and out on the patio.  Best of all the hotel was beautifully decorated for the holidays, providing a great background.

The other challenge that Heather & Ryan faced was having to find a new florist last minute, after a medical emergency left their original florist unable to complete their order.   This was especially difficult because most florists were either already busy with party decor for New Years, or were closed for the holiday.  A calm head and perseverance prevailed, and the flowers looked amazing!

Heather & Ryan took all the challenges in stride, had an amazing wedding day, and counted down to 2011 with their family & friends.  Congrats to them!!

The Burlington Bridal Show…

was last weekend (Jan 29-30th) and it was a smashing success.

Thank you very much to everyone who stopped by the booth and took the time to talk to us.  We really appreciate your interest in our style and methods.

If you haven’t already please head back to the website where you will find (as promised) a gallery of our 2011 Album cover offerings.

I know all of you have our contact information, please feel free to call or email either of us with your questions etc ….

We look forward to meeting with all of you again soon.

 Thanks again:

Kevin and Debbie.

Time to get back to work.

I don’t know about you; but it has been one heck of a 2010 for us.

We had a full plate of Weddings as well as a few select events to cover, and that alone would have normally been enough to keep us busy.

Just after we shot Ashley and Josh (see previous post) we sold our house and had to get out. If any of you have ever done this well in advance (6 months) of your brand new builder home being completed you would (possibly) be able to sympathise with us.

Remember that our home is also our studio, our editing room, and even at times our print lab. So with a full slate of bookingd till to come, everything gets packed into boxes and hauled off to storage. While Debbie, myself and Pepper are off to a furnished apartment. A.k.a ‘The Cottage’, its small, it’s dark, it’s old, and it’s a 1 minute walk to the lakefront. The things we do in an effort to try and protect what little sanity we have.

Then on May 22 – Mel and Gerrard, Irish and proud. Honestly; what other kind is there. Ohh how I do hope that Father Seamus has recovered.

 We call this one – “Fiery red getaway car”.

June 19th – Katie and Derek. You’re from Owen Sound, we love Owen Sound! Hottest day of the year, yet never once stopped smiling, must have been the Polka!

‘The sunshine of my life’

July 17th – Victoria and Allan. Working with a family member who is also a pro photog, that is a new stress. Oh you shoot Nikon, well then I guess you’re O.K.. Honestly have you ever seen two families who get along so well?

 ’Pinky Swear’

July 30th – Sarah and Mike. (they paid a fierce sum of $$ for two photo spots) Nike and the school teacher, our newest and closest neighbours, the man with all the umbrellas (2009) and a wedding full of old acquaintances.

 ’Blue is the colour…’

And “Forget the flowers; Kiss me!’

By now we knew that the builder was delaying our closing date. Great 3 – 4 additional months @ the cottage. Sanity wearing thin. It’s amazing how all the busy-ness of shooting a wedding is such a de-stressor for us.

Oct 30th – Melissa and Bill – Yes on Halloween, after everything else, after over a year, new locations, new vendors and plans; I honestly don’t know if I have ever met two people who just wanted to have their night, just one night, this night so bad.  You could see it in everything they did.

‘Every time I look into your eyes …’

Nov 6th – Paul and Twila. You can just imagine what they paid for three spots on the role. It doesn’t hurt that during the reception Paul and Twila introduced us to all their guests and announced that we were working their wedding on our 3rd Anniversary (it is on the 7th). We must have done something right – we got quite the ovation! Thank you so much.

‘Walking to the Church’

‘On the porch with a Mint Julip’

And one for the Brides father. Although I just met him, he is a man I respect, a working farmer, a provider. My family came from the same place, I know the hard work he speaks of, but does Paul; ‘does this city slicker who is marring his daughter’ know? Well, we’ll show him!

‘Wedding Gothic’

Ok; to hell with this place, builder delays, the ‘cottage’, the constant buying things for the house, family demands etc … Princess Cruise Lines here we come.

‘Grand Cayman Sunset’

Only to be depressed when our flight landed back at Pearson and we walked out into the -10 light snow early December. But wait, what is this message in my inbox? A letter from the builder, a contract amendment to firm closing! We have been bumped from the last closing date in April to the first one in February!  

Well, all that activity made the Christmas break something to look forward to ….

Dec 18th – Kerri and Joel, Curlers extraordinaire, Fly Ball aficionados, Hikers, etc … Better stop now before I run out of room. The Christmas Wedding, a beautiful time, with a beautiful setting, and a beautiful couple.

‘Bubbles’

and the final one of 2010;

Dec 31st – Heather and Ryan (yup New Years Eve). The Greenhouse, the Florist, the Baker, the candle stick maker, WOW who would have ever thought it would be so difficult. But hey; then the Canucks killed Dallas 4 – 1! So in the end; Yes Heather – there was a very happy ending! O.K. I think Ryan was happy too. But remember – no working on your wedding anniversary.

‘Another Piercing?’

 

So there you have it the Images of you 2010 Year in Review (from May onward anyway).

I’d love to finish this off with a promise to post regularly, or even at more frequent intervals, but I would hate to be caught out not keeping up. So lets leave it  off with this….

Come visit us at the Burlington Bridal show on the last weekend of January! You can find us in booth 92 – same place as last year, same great photographers, same great chat, same relaxed atmosphere.  http://www.thebridalshow.ca/thebridalshow

 Kevin