MAUI LOVE

            My family and I returned from the magical island of Maui a month ago, which feels like forever, now that we are back in our groove at home.  My connection to Maui begins with my parents' love story.  My Mom and Dad met at McMaster University and shortly after saying their I do's, decided to vacation in Maui.  After only a few days of living the Island life, my parents decided Maui was going to be home.  They bought a condo and my mom began serving tables oceanside. My dad's hunger for adventure landed him in the dangerous world of Alaskan fishing 6 months, and Maui for the remainder of the year.  My parents savoured their new lifestyle, spending their free time in and by the ocean.  They fell in love with a golden lab puppy they named Maui Boy and brought him home, only to discover that their complex did not allow pets.  Friends offered them a place to live in the Valley - an isolated cabin without electricity or running water, and surrounded with luscious vegetation and a flowing stream from the mountains.  My parents jumped on the idea and threw themselves into the heart of Maui, relishing all adventures that came their way.  I arrived into the world shortly after, which certainly made country life challenging, but my mom said she wouldn't have changed the experience for anything.  We bathed in the stream, played with wild chickens, lit oil lamps during the evening, and watched the luminous stars light up the sky. 

             When my parents decided to separate, my Mom and I moved to California, while my Dad stayed behind in Maui.  We then moved to Orillia,  where we had family, and I went to school.  I have been lucky enough to visit Maui yearly since leaving, and am beyond grateful to my parents for starting my journey in such an enchanting place.  To be able to bring my son back to the island where I have so much history, is a dream come true.  There aren't enough words to describe the beauty Maui holds - it is so much more than a visual experience.  Landing at the airport, taking that first breath of exotic air and feeling the warm, tropical breezes is heavenly.  It is a deeply spiritual island that embraces mother nature and kind living.  Maui, you will always have a part of me.

ELISA

I am beyond proud to call this woman my friend.  I have known Elisa since living together in University.  She is dedicated, hard working, giving, and oh so loving.  She would truly give you the shirt off her back in a heart beat if you needed it.  But don't take advantage, she is also a fellow Scorpio.  She wanted to step outside her comfort zone and blow her husband-to-be's socks off by doing a dare to bare session for him. She transformed her photos into a book and it's safe to say it is her new husband's favourite read;) It is such a beautiful thing to see your friend comfortable in her own skin and embracing her womanhood.  Elisa, you are absolutely stunning.

LACE & LIGHT

When afternoon tea with your girlfriend turns into an impromptu photo shoot, you know it's going to be a good day.  With beautiful afternoon sunlight pouring through my bedroom window, I couldn't resist the opportunity mother nature presented.  Luckily for me, Sina is always up for my crazy ideas.  I am so thankful to have such a supportive and trusting friend.  My beautiful girl, you killed it!

BREAKY WITH THE HANDY'S

I have been fortunate enough to work with this darling family twice now, and the cuteness factor is through the roof.  This family is effortlessly adorable and charming, making my job incredibly easy.  I don't know how this mom does it with four littles, but she manages the role so naturally.  Her children are sweet, polite, and it goes without saying, ridiculously beautiful. 

SPRING FEVER

As the season begins to shift, I feel more energized to explore, and was lucky enough to have Samantha Vessios, vessiosphoto.com by my side. Making a new friend under the changing sun made for an invigorating day. As nature begins to evolve and bloom, I can't help but feel the same myself. With refreshing warm breezes, new golden silhouettes, and longer days, I begin to push myself out of the cozy comforts of home. How could I not?  

AFTERNOON LIGHT

Savouring every last drop of sunshine. 

OUR CHRISTMAS

The holidays are an extra special time in our family because two years ago we welcomed our son on Christmas day!  It is a very busy time in our home but it is wonderful to be surrounded by family and friends who go out of their way to make him feel loved.  Thank you for making beautiful memories for our little man who lights up our world.  

This year we celebrated an unsual green Christmas and it also happened to be a full moon, which made it one to remember.  Not to mention, it was our puppy's first Christmas, which added to the chaos but we wouldn't have it any other way. 

A GORGEOUS WOMAN

This woman is not only stunning, but is also a wonderful human.  She is strong, passionate and beyond supportive of people in her life, including myself.  She has been nothing but open and real since I have met her and I feel fortunate our paths have crossed.

One of my favourite things as a photographer, is to make women feel and look beautiful.  Thank you for making my job so easy.