Upon leaving their car this family, including myself, left our shoes behind. This simple act confirmed to me that these people are my kind of people. Danielle is a friend, photographer and expecting mama of a baby girl. Shooting for other photographers is a dream because they are willing to get down and dirty, or perhaps wet in this case for the shot. We wandered the forest lakeside as the sun set and the air was dewy. Ending the session in the water was pure heaven.
Megan and Josh created a timeless backyard wedding in the peaceful surroundings of Josh's childhood home. The day was sunny and warm, with a soft breeze blowing gently through the weeping willows overhead. Family and friends gathered to watch them take their vows. After the ceremony, they snuck away to enjoy some bubbly in the middle of a dirt road, just the two of them, relishing in the blissful celebration. Come evening, they sat together at their own table and soaked in all of the love from the day and created moments for just the pair to share. Megan and Josh did it their way and you could feel it. The mood was vintage, romantic, and relaxed and I was so happy to be a part of it.
I asked them how they knew they wanted to spend their lives with one another.
Megan said, "I knew early on...he felt like home. Everything was consistently so easy and natural. Our values and desires to live an honest, adventurous, and creative life, lined up right away. And he made me laugh all of the time, which was a bonus!"
Josh replied, "I didn't have to do or be anything other than myself. And that is how I knew. As someone who has spent many years travelling the world, it was nice to know that the person I was meant to be with, was in my life the whole time." (Megan and Josh were friends in high school and reconnected ten years later.)
Wishing you both ALL the love!!!
Dress-The Gown: thegown.ca, Hair-Amadao Salon: Amado.ca, Makeup: artistrymarieclaire.com, Wedding Coordinator and Flowers- Sarah Jane Events: sarahjanevents.com, Wedding Invitations-Speers Creative: speerscreative.ca
When fellow photographer, Scarlet O'Neill, asked me to document her growing baby bump, I couldn't be more honoured. I had never met Scarlet before, but was inspired by her work, so it would be an understatement to say that I was thrilled to be able to create these memories for her. Upon entering her home, she welcomed me with such warmth, I felt an immediate comfort being in her presence. She is just as kind, down to earth, and hardworking as she comes across. I have mad respect for this woman. She is truly embracing her sweet baby belly, and I know she is going to rock motherhood. Thanks for making magic with me Scarlet! xo
Being quiet, walking through the tall grass, feeling the sun on our faces, and basking in the warmth of the air - we happily took in what nature provided. This woman is so beautiful, inside and out. She encompasses what being comfortable in your skin means. Rebecca is a mother, wife and incredible yoga teacher. Her business is Yoga in Orillia.
I know this wedding will be going down in the books as one of my favourites of all time. When the day arrived, the weather was moody, the clouds covered the sky and the wind was howling, a photographer's dream. The colours popped against the grey sky and wind blew the delicate fabric of the girls' dresses and hair, my favourite! The backdrop included tall pines and rich greens, and the leaves were just starting to turn.
I knew Jenna because she owns and runs Rustica, an adorable Italian restaurant in Orillia. I had never met Daniel, until their first look. It was evident that they had that kind of love everyone searches for. Their eyes lit up, and the magnetism between them was clear to everyone around them.
They first met in Australia, Daniel's homeland, while Jenna was travelling. They developed a strong friendship before Daniel decided to come to Canada and they began to share their lives together. I asked them both, "When was the moment you knew they were the one?"
Jenna, "Well, it was on the first day of his trip to Canada. It happened to be my massive family Christmas party. He was so wonderful with my extended family, my grandparents, parents and siblings. He even ended up sitting on my Dad's lap that night (my dad was 'Santa' for the party). I knew that we got along, as we had spent hundreds of hours talking (only a few actual days together in person at this point), but to see how he fit in with my family was what did it."
Daniel, "I knew Jenna was the one pretty early on, because I'd never met anyone that I could truly be myself with, and still have them be interested in me and excited. Jenna has this uncanny ability to be be able to read and understand people, her empathy is stronger than anyone else on this planet. As such, I imagine this is how she seemed to know me so well, also understanding me and how I work in my quirky ways. This was all evident while I was still living in Australia and she was in Canada, where we Skyped at least once a week, and these sessions were at least 3-4 hours every time. There was a true friendship that had started to blossom and I knew that the one I would be with for life, would be someone with whom I have this unwittingly strong connection. In my mind, there wasn't a single chance or a single universe where she wasn't the one."
I am so honoured I was asked to document this day for them. It was nothing less then pure magic. Thank you Jenna + Daniel xo
Watching these two together is everything.
Dear Lucy,
It has been one month since you, darling girl, came into our lives. Now that you are here it is hard to imagine life without you. You are a strong and fierce one, my dear babe, you know what you want and when you want it (genes I am happy to pass along). When the days and nights have seem to blur together, and my exhaustion is at it's peak, you fall asleep on my chest and all is forgotten. It's an all-consuming love that you likely won't understand until you become a mother yourself one day. You are challenging me little one, which makes me appreciate all the sweet moments even more.
After having your brother almost four years ago, I was a bit rusty with my newborn mothering skills, but we are learning to get into a sweet rhythm of each other. Freddie has grown effortlessly into his big brother role and my heart is so full watching you two together. He kisses you every night on your forehead and says, "I love you my baby girl." Your brother is a gentle and kind soul who will protect you always. You are one lucky lady to have him by your side.
As your Mother, I promise to always keep you safe, show you kindness, challenge you, guide you out of the darkness, stay playful, confirm your worth, feed your curiosity, and most of all, I will love you with everything I have for the rest of my life. I am so thankful that you are a part of our precious little family and am beyond proud to be your Mama. x
I love being able to bring creative visions to life. I am constantly playing out ideas in my head, and try to make them happen whenever I can. I knew Samantha Vessios would be perfect for this.
I was welcomed into the Jones' home on a rainy day to document baby Bentley and his loving family. His proud big sister Brooklyn, was more then willing to share the spotlight with her sweet smile and blonde curls. It was an absolute pleasure to capture these beautiful moments for this easy going and warm family.
Robyn and Jamie are expecting their first baby this month, and I couldn't be more excited for them! We shot the session in the comfort of their beautiful home. They make an amazing pair and will be wonderful parents to their little girl!
I have always been intrigued by human interactions and how we communicate with one another through our words and bodies - especially when it comes to two people in love. When I met Jenalle and Remco their passion for each other was electric. The way they look and touch one another, there are no words needed.
I love working with friends and pushing myself to do something a little bit different. I played with direct sunlight, angles and my editing style. Did I mention Dani just had a baby 5 months ago? Yup, babe show.
I loved everything about my session with Grace. We savoured the warmth of the setting sun with the rush of the ocean beneath our feet. Grace has lived in California her whole life. She is passionate about adventurous travels, and adores her cat, Mario (and it goes without saying, is absolutely beautiful).
I enjoyed every minute of this session knowing just how deserving this Mama is. Carolyn has the kindest heart and is embracing her incredible experience. Thank you for allowing me to document this crazy beautiful time in your life. It was an honour.
I feel fortunate to work with this sweet family a second time. Our first session took place in their home while Beth, Matt and Sacha eagerly awaited the arrival of their new family member. This time we explored Sunnidale Park in Barrie, where I met their darling addition, Eileen. The colours were still alive amongst the trees as we strolled and shared stories of parenting challenges and life aspirations.
I absolutely adored working with this sweet family. Upon my warm welcome into their home we realized this wasn't our first time crossing paths, as we went to the same high school and have a few mutual friends. We played around their lovely country home in Oro Medonte in the heart of Autumn.
I am so in love with this session. I am certainly in my happy place when I am outside and getting creative. Plus, I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful muse.
I have always dreamed of doing a shoot like this! Thank you to Samantha Vessios, my beautiful model and friend, who shares my adventurous spirit, you were amazing.
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.
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.
