Friday, August 30, 2013

City Kidz + Zekar Photography = Love

Hey guys, just wanted to post a little shout out to our awesome clients, and an awesome charity. For the past two years, we've  hooked up with the City Kidz charity, based out of Hamilton, Ontario. They work with over 5,000 inner city kids, each week, by providing them with a safe, fun, inspiring place to hang out on Saturdays and be around people who care about them and are dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. These guys go around to designated neighbourhoods, in a big red school bus, pick the kids up and take them back to the 'clubhouse' where there are games, programs, snacks and general hullabaloo's to be found. 

I grabbed this off their site, it highlights what they do a little more: 

·         Inspire children to dream big, and to rise above their circumstances
·         Instill faith based values and teach children to do the right thing
·         Provide new experiences and environments that inspire kids to unlimited possibilities
·         Provide positive role models that build relationships with every child
·         Build hope by celebrating the special days in a child’s life such as Christmas and birthdays (honestly, this one killed me, they get a special VIP badge and a present, just for them. Sometimes, its the only acknowledgement of their birthdays that they get).
·         Remove barriers by providing door to door transportation to all activities
·         Empower youth to be role models and provide opportunities to lead

But words do not really express what they are doing in the hearts of the little ones they have such a big impact on. We had a bridesmaid who worked at a school in one of these neighbourhoods, and she said that whenever it was 'share and tell' time, without fail, at least a few of the kids had a fun City Kidz experiences to share each week. Pretty awesome, especially when there are a lot of dismal statistics in our fair city.


It's hard not to see this and look the other way, so Mike & I figured out a way to give back just a little, with each of our gold and platinum wedding packages, if a couple donates $30.00 or more to City Kidz, we take $100 off their package. And honestly, because our clients rock, this charity has been receiving more than the minimum amount of donations, more often than not. You wouldn't think that $30 would be a lot, but believe me, it goes a long way to helping these guys do what they do. And so many of the kids that were once 'city kidz', grow up to be junior leaders and leaders in the organization.

 Leaders! In their communities! So amazing. So inspiring :)

Here's a little note we got from City Kidz recently, we're only half way through the wedding season here, so it's looking like we'll close to double it before 2013 is through. So thanks to our awesome clients, you guys make a huge difference!! :)


Saturday, August 24, 2013

Meghan & Andrew - Scottish Rite Wedding

On a beautiful day in early June, Meghan and Andrew had finally arrived at the day they'd been waiting for. While Andrew was hanging out at Staybridge Suites, the new hotel in Hamilton, Meghan was getting ready with her girls in the bridal suite at The Scottish Rite. 








Sometimes a girl needs a little help :)





So I did a little research on the internets about this Ferguson clan symbol and I learned two things. First, it says Dulcius Ex Asperis, which basically translates as "Sweeter after difficulty", which is a fitting motto not only for a fierce clan like the Fergusons, but for the ups and downs of marriage. The second thing I learned, was that Craig Ferguson has this motto as a tattoo. And now you know. 



After the beautiful 1950's Bentley, from Memory Lane Limousine, dropped Meghan off at the Church, it was time to say 'I Do' as the bagpipes played and their loving families looked on. It's always nice when a couple has the privilege of having a family member officiate, and Andrews mom, who is also a minister, did a wonderful joining her son to his beautiful bride.



Little dude in a kilt! :D











 Before we headed back the the Scottish Rite, the four of us took a short walk across the street to capture a few wedding photos in Hess Village, Hamilton's own pedestrianized bar district. With its paved stone streets and old architecture, it made the perfect backdrop for this beautiful couple.










After little impromptu busta-move to Brown Eyed Girl and the reception was at hand.





We enjoyed a delicious meal and a fantastic same-day wedding video done by their talented videographer. When it was time to dance, everyone was out on the floor, gettin' their groove on and Meghan & Andrew celebrated being Mr & Mrs, at last! 






Since most of the bridal party met through various jobs at the CFL, it was only fitting that Meghan & Andrew had Hamilton's own Pigskin Pete as their MC! 





Raisin Bran Love :)

Monday, July 1, 2013

Kristen & Joel's Wedding at Carmen's Banquet Hall, Hamilton

When we met Kristen & Joel, we were so excited to have been invited to be a part of their day. These guys are the real deal, so in love and super committed to eachother - even across the US / Canada border, their love for eachother is solid. We had a blast at the engagement shoot (our first sunrise engagement shoot, and it turned out fabulous) and knew the wedding was going to be just as amazing. Unfortunately I (Kate) couldnt be there that day, but Mike and our assistant had a lot of fun and, as you can see, this family is pretty amazing and beautifully emotional. Kristen looked so delicately beautiful in her strapless, multi-tiered wedding gown, she really took Joel's breath away. Check out some of my favourites from the day, enjoy!












After the ceremony, Mike and the bridal party quickly headed over to Sam Lawrence Park to snap a few shots. The leaves were just coming out, and the flowers beds were still asleep -  a gorgeous Spring day!














The reception was held at Carmen's Banquet Hall, and everyone was ready to par-tay!






Cutest family!! 






The couples' little one decided he needed to help Joel with the flow of tears...



 
And it helped. A little. ;) 




I love how kids are always the first ones to break in the dance floor :D



Shadow monster dance puppets! 




Congratulations you two, we wish you guys all the best...its a beautiful life! :)