Eleonora and Brian

Friday September 5, 2014

What an amazing day!  Anyone who believes that having rain on the day of a wedding is a sign of "Good Health, Good Luck, and Years of Happiness" would have loved to be a part of the wedding between Eleonora and Brian because we saw it all... from summer sun to roars of thunder.

We met at the Difino family home just before lunch and were welcomed by Eleonora's parents and Italian relatives.  As always, the Italian culture treats me like FAMILY.  They are warm, kind-hearted people who truly have embraced the meaning of tradition, family, and love.  Thank you to all of Eleonora and Brian's friends and family for their joy and humour in making their day so beautiful.

Eleonora and Brian chose to have their "first look" in the exquisite English Garden at Assiniboine Park.

I always love this moment.  Brian's smile is priceless as there were no words to describe Eleonora's radiance as she walked down the path towards him.  Eleonora wore a stunning gown and her hair was styled so elegant making her look flawless.  She is such a wonderful person from her compassion to her bubbling personality.  I always enjoy talking with her but today was even better as her laughter filled the park as we posed for photos.

Brian has such a quiet charm, almost mysterious which is why I thought it was so cute when Eleonora commented that she loved his tuxedo and it reminded her of James Bond.  Brian has an incredible style and he looked fabulous.

We spent over an hour walking through the park and photographing the couple.  The colours were vibrant and the scenery was like a painting, truly beautiful.  As their family started to arrive for photos so did the black rolling clouds.  Our bright and warm sun soon disappeared and within minutes we were hit with a down pour of rain.  Brian just smiled and took Eleonora by the hand and they hid inside as the rain came down.

The crazy rain didn't last long as we were still able to continue to photograph the families outside.

The rain was so funny as it went away, came back, went away……and came back again just as Eleonora started to walk down the aisle to officially marry Brian.  So……Brian and Eleonora were married in the  Leo Mol Garden in the pouring rain and as they sealed their vows with a kiss…..the sun came out.   It was spectacular at how even the weather wished them good health, love, and happiness.

The evening ended with a wonderful reception at the new Qualico Family Centre.  We were entertained with speeches, a wonderful slide show showing photos of Eleonora and Brian's travelling adventures, a delicious meal and who can forget the "Conga Line!"

Thank you Eleonora and Brian for asking me to be a part of your beautiful day…..rain or shine, it was amazing and I wish you many years of travelling, adventure and love.

Congratulations!

My Favourite Photo.

Jennifer and John

Saturday August 30, 2014

It was one of the last official weekends of summer and I had the pleasure of spending it with Jennifer,  John and their wonderful families.  We arrived at the couples home at 9:30am and were welcomed by hair, makeup, bridesmaids, and of course the couples adorable dogs.....Blue and Toby.  I think they were just as excited that the wedding day had finally arrived.

Jennifer is a girl who pays attention to detail.  She had everything from beautiful jewellery,  Peacock-themed accents, to 4 possible pairs of shoes to wear today.  We had so much fun photographing all of her tiny treasures.

One of my favourite treasures was Jennifer and John's vintage chair.  I couldn't wait to photograph it. Thank you for letting me borrow it for a day!  It was the perfect accent piece.

Jennifer looked breathtaking in her wedding gown.  I loved the elegant flow of the fabric and the style fit Jennifer perfectly.  The couples home was a perfect place for me to grab a few images before we headed for the ceremony.

Jennifer and John were married amongst family and friends in the Leo Mol Garden at Assiniboine Park.  This is such a beautiful venue, especially during this time of year.  The fragrant flowers were vibrant, the sun was shining, and the colours were spectacular.

John and his groomsmen looked fabulous all dressed up and smoking their cigars........thank you guys for being so wonderful to work with and for trying your best to give me smoke circles.

Our day just flew by.......after the gardens we went to Grant's Old Mill to photograph the bridal party. Thank you again for your fun, laughter, and sheer silliness.  I enjoyed spending time with you all.

Congratulations Jennifer and John.  I wish you both many years of happiness in your beautiful home with your adorable dogs.  Thank you again for asking me to capture such amazing moments on your wedding day.

Our evening ended with a great reception at the Victorian Inn.  It was decorated beautifully with a Peacock theme, family, and friends.

All the best!

My Favourite Photo.

Carolyn and Marc

Saturday August 16, 2014

Off we go to the gorgeous "Lake of the Woods."  It has been described as one of the most dramatic, mysterious, and surprising lakes in the world.  Known to many outdoor enthusiasts as a true "natural paradise".  For me, it was the breathtaking backdrop to Carolyn and Marc's wedding day.

I met Carolyn at the Timberline Urban Lodge just outside of Kenora, Ontario at 9:30am.  She sat in her bathrobe getting her hair done by her future sister-in-law and enjoying jokes between her mom and sister, Catherine.  She was calm, relaxed, and beautiful.  Carolyn has such an easy going personality and a fabulous sense of humour, her charisma and free spirit caused me to laugh out loud on more then one occasion.

I gushed the moment I saw her exquisite wedding gown.  Wow, Carolyn looked like royalty.  The gown was a perfect choice and I could not wait to photograph her.  Thank you Carolyn for being so wonderful to work with.  You are a true beauty, inside and out and a photographer's dream.

We met Marc at his family home just after 12:00pm.  What a perfect setting…it was like walking into a magazine.  The home has a breathtaking view overlooking the lake and lush floral gardens everywhere.  Thank you to all of Marc's family for allowing us to photograph in such an amazing place.  Your home is truly spectacular and I couldn't help myself from saying hello to one of the "Bears on Broadway!"

Marc looked great in his grey suit.  I loved how well his style complimented Carolyn's dress and the overall classic theme of their wedding day.  The couple saw each other for the first time in a very private moment beneath the trees, it was a perfect setting!

I had so much fun photographing Marc and Carolyn, I could have stayed here all day. Thank you to you both and to your attendants, Catherine and Ben for your energy and for making the day so special for the couple.  I felt so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful day.

Congratulations Marc and Carolyn!  I loved every moment of your wedding day, from your crazy sunglasses, your laughter, and for always smiling.  You both make such a terrific couple and I wish you many years of laughter together.

After we had photographed the families it was time to go to the historic Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club for the ceremony and reception.  I had never been to the yacht club before so a new venue is always exciting.  The fun part was when our driver, Simon-a family friend, showed up to drive us over.  Thank you Simon, for getting us their and back in one piece.

The Yacht club was officially founded in 1903 and the current building was built in 1908 on Yacht Club Island.  This place brought me back in time as I entered through the white french doors to see their dining area.  The walls are decorated with old photographs dating back 75-100 years.   I can see why Carolyn and Marc selected this venue.  The ambiance, food, and service were outstanding.

Marc and Carolyn were married just after 5:00pm overlooking the bell tower as guests watched wearing their new funky sunglasses that the couple had waiting for them as they approached the ceremony site.  They mingled with family and friends before entering the dining room for their reception.  It was a great evening full of hilarious speeches, heartfelt moments and a night of dancing.

Congratulations once again.

My Favourite Photo!