Keith & Karen - August, 2012

Karen and Keith’s intimate wedding at the Scottish Rite in Hamilton was a lovely way for all of their closest family and friends to spend a Sunday afternoon.

 Both the venue and the outfit were a shout out to Keith’s Scottish heritage – it’s not very often we get to experience a groom that rivals the bride in outfit and attire. But with his kilt, sporran and dirk tucked in there just in case, Keith looked every bit the Scottish gentleman for his beautiful lady.  

 I think the thing that we noticed most about the two of them was how comfortable they were with each other, and how when they looked at each other, you could just tell that everyone else in the room just disappeared and they were in their own little world. When they are together, they are both relaxed and in tune to each other and it’s really lovely. 

Karen put a lot of thought into really personalizing her reception area, and I was so delighted when I saw her unique ideas for each centerpiece. Each table number was accompanied by a little blurb about the two of them, so all the guests got a glimpse into their lives and their love for each other. Fabulous! 

But guess what else?

And yes I squealed a bit at this, because it’s the most perfect DIY, inexpensive, unique and totally Canadian bonbonierre idea ever (yes I mean ever): little mini Tim Hortons espresso cups! Filled with chocolate! Heck yes! So cute.:) 

 

We had a lovely time with these two, and I know that they are going to have a very happy future together. Congratulations guys!

Why the heck do we need an engagement shoot anyways?

Why, thank you for asking. We get this question a lot, and I’m here to tell you why it’s a really good idea to book an engagement shoot with us before your wedding.

Number one answer? Because they are fun.

Seriously, they are. That’s the main reason we include them with all of our packages. Basically it’s like, you guys are on a date, and Mike is the weirdo ninja paparazzo in the bushes snapping away furiously as you guys are canoodling and schmoopying and doing all that stuff that maybe you haven’t done together in a while. 

Going on a date, with just the two of you, focusing on each other and just…feeling each other’s energy, and hearts and enjoying each other’s company. And then having awesome pictures to remember it with for the rest of your lives? It’s perfect! 

You two are in love. That’s why you’re getting married.

And your wedding day is going to be all sorts of amazing, but that day is extra special, which is why you dress up all fancy-like.  You’re probably not going to spend too much more time after your wedding day in your wedding clothes. (Unless you’re like me who likes to wear her wedding dress for Halloween, because why the heck not.)  There is really only a short period of time where you’ll identify as ‘the bride’ or ‘the groom’, but you’ll always identify with being ‘each others’. So capturing you guys as who you are, how you belong together in every day life, is so important because it’s who you’re going to be for the rest of your lives.

 It doesn’t matter if you still want to ‘lose weight’ before the wedding (just gotta add in here ladies, do not put this kind of pressure on yourselves…!) or maybe you just got a less than fab haircut or your future husband looks stiff and silly in pictures. Forget all this stuff. We are professionals, and our job is to bring out the beautiful in you both, by making you comfortable, and letting you guys do what you do. 

And if you’re sitting here thinking, “what if we don’t DO anything?”, believe me, you do. We’ll step in if we need too, to get you guys loosened up a bit, suggest some poses maybe or Mike will tell terrible jokes.  Actually, the terrible joke part happens regardless of whats going on. Anyways, so then, when the big day rolls around, you guys will not only have amazing pictures to show on your welcome table and in your guest book, you’ll know exactly what it feels like to spend time with Mike, to have a big crazy-ass camera pointed at you. You’ll know how amazing you look in the pictures we take. So you don’t have to worry about making sure you have your model lips on, or you are tilting your head just so, because all that stuff is baloney and you’ll have had real time practice looking fabulous without even knowing it. 

Allasan & Mike - July, 2012

Hey guys!

So, wayyy back in November of last year, we met up with Allasan & Mike to do their engagement shoot. It turned out to be rainy, cold and totally romantic. It’s kind of hard not to sound cheesy, but these two had such a connection with each other that just flooded our camera with all sorts of loveliness and I’m pretty sure neither of them were feeling the cold in this picture. Can you guys feel the heat or what?! 

Fast forward to this past July, and it really was actually pretty steamy outside. The wedding took place at the Ancaster Mill, which, for any of you brides-to-be, is a pretty fab place to get married. We were so impressed with the professionalism of the staff and the amazing delicious food (Portobello mushroom in phyllo pastry? Honestly, I still think about how mouthwatering it was, and its been a good couple months now.)  Anyways, so Allasan and her girls arrive, and her bridesmaids rise to the occasion, making sure her hair piece and dress are just perfect. I know that one of the things that Mike just loves about Allasan is how fabulous she looks when she’s laughing, which is a lot, thanks to all the fabulous friends and family she has. 

 There are reasons why we just love the getting-ready pictures, and this is one of them:

 The moments between a father and his daughter, are so special. I just love how adorable Allasans mom is in this picture!

There is really nothing better than a good ole shot of Beefeater to get you right straightened out before the big walk down the aisle.

As Allasan and her parents make their way down the aisle, the cello is playing and their friends are smiling and all eyes are on her – especially the ones that matter the most.

 After a beautiful ceremony, we head to the falls and have a fantastic time with the bridal party. Don’t you guys just love how the contrasting yellow flowers look with those gray bridesmaids dresses?

 I kind of have a soft spot for daddys and daughters.

Next it’s time for some pictures with the new Mr & Mrs. I was so looking forward to this part because the connection that exists between these two is so strong, and it’s such an honour to be able to capture it in camera. I mean, I don’t even think I’m going to comment on these next few, they kind of speak for themselves...

(squeal!)

Amazing, right?! : )  Next we head off to the reception, beautifully decorated with the perfect hints of Mike & Allasan’s personality. S’mores bonbonnieres are such a fab idea, (the back of the tags said "Sending S’more Love" Love it!!) And each table was designated by these cool retro postcards, signifying the couples love of camping and travel. 

Now, I just have to pause for a second here, and give a shout out to two of the groomsmen. First, the best man made the funniest speech I have ever heard at a wedding. Honestly guys, it was hilarious and sweet and these two are lucky to have this guy in their lives. But one of their other groomsmen also contributed something really special  - he made this freakin’ beautiful cake!Check it!

Pretty cool, huh?

The night continued with a lot of laughs, and good times, 

and ended with a lovely first dance to Strangers In The Night, a la Sinatra. With bubbles, and the love of their friends just pouring out, these two are headed towards a fun, adventurous life together – with a cool (tee hee) Icelandic honeymoon to kick it off!  Thanks guys for having us out, we had a fab time and enjoyed every moment!