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!!
Burlington Wedding Photographers 