Wildflowers and Mason Jars…. Nicole and Mike Exchange Vows

When we first met with this couple, there were a few things that stood out. Number one, we knew that Nicole would not be a typical “Bride” by the many DIY ideas that she had in mind and her ‘at ease’ personality. Number two, We knew that everything involved in the decor of this wedding was an adaptation of their love, a symbol of who they really were; their roots!!! When we heard her say ” think wild flowers and mason jars” in response to us asking about her theme, we both grew immediately excited for the big day. The couple was to be married on their property that was flourishing with apple trees. We did their engagement session there during peak apple blossom season. SIGH!!!!! Beautiful setting!!!!!

The big day finally arrived and it was a scorcher! The couple exchanged vows in between two apple trees with a very intimate setting for their guests to gather. The heat and sun did not affect the vows or the romance one bit. I had a tear in my eye as the bride got a little choked up saying her vows. My favorite part of the ceremony was that the couple’s dog was present for it all…. and even posed for a few formal pictures afterwards. The essence of this couple’s love was so real and their ” down to earth” qualities just made everyone feel at home. It was an honor to capture the ceremony!

The majority of the formal pictures were done in a wildflower garden: a  hidden gem that the couple had found. It was just so true to this couple’s union! We had a lot of fun in ” the very hot sun”. After the formals we headed to the reception that was actually a DIY project all on its own. A “garage” was completely revamped into a rustic and elegant themed banquet hall. It took my breath away when I walked in the room. The property was of the Bride’s family and it was stunning as well. You could tell that it had been used for many family functions. It was equipped with all of the necessities needed to have a great family party!  Again so true to the values of this couple. I must mention that the wedding favors were mason jars filled with homemade jam!!!!!

Congrats Nicole and Mike…. It was so nice to witness your day unfold…and capture the moments as they passed… simply perfect for the two of you!

Saturday’s wedding was gorgeous!

Saturday’s wedding was gorgeous!
Congrats to Dana and Tyler, we were honored to be part of your day! Your friends and family are wonderful and it was a pleasure to meet you all. It was a fantastic wedding, beautiful venue and I can now add that I have shot a wedding from 35ft off the ground to the list of things I have done! Keep checking as we will have sneak peaks, and a blog coming soon!

Just an update: We did visit the hospital to check and make sure Jenn was doing ok after her fall, and the Dr. said she has a concussion and she needed 3 stitches. She needs a few days of rest. Thank you to everyone who was asking and checking on her. It is so kind of you. Our clients really are the kindest and greatest folks around! We are so blessed…Thank you!

Nicole & Dean Say I Do! – Ottawa Valley Photographers -Special Treasures Photography

“If I do not have love, I gain nothing.” 

A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians (12:31-13:8a)

Nicole and Dean have been together since high school.  They are high school sweethearts which is as adorable as they are so, we were honored that they asked us to be part of the day that they have both been waiting for…I also love heading to Wilno for a wedding! St Mary’s Church is really one of my favorite churches.   It is a beautiful church that sits at the top of the hill.  Father Blach is so nice to work with, and the folks from Wilno always make us feel so at home! Thank you so much Jackie, Lorraine, Raymond and Nancy for being so welcoming.

There was such attention to detail from the pew bows at the church to musician Krystal Jessup’s beautiful voice for the ceremony and the gorgeous decorations by Balloon’s of the Valley for the reception.  It was truly a beautiful day!

Ava the flower girl and Isaiah the ring bearer were just adorable…Ava even asked me to take a picture with her, I thought she was asking to have her picture taken so I stepped back to capture her smile when she said no get her (meaning Jenn) to do it, I want it with you.  What a cutie pie!

We also want to thank the lady in Barry’s Bay who allowed us to use her property for photos since the area we had in mind was so busy with folks enjoying the beautiful day on the water.

We had lots of fun with Nicole and Dean and their family and friends, thanks everyone especially Lisa, Sarah, Sharon, Tracy, Brad, Chris, Travis, and Jamie it was such a pleasure to work with you all!

To Nicole and Dean, you are both so much in love and we wish you a lifetime of happiness and blessings!

 

Introduction to Photography’s Photowalk in Eganville’s Beautiful Centennial Park with Ottawa Valley Photographers

Thank you for attending our Introduction to Photography class.

We just wanted to take a moment and say thank you because we had such a great time meeting so many people who shared our passion for photography and wanted to learn more about their cameras.  We honestly didn’t know what to expect from the class that we held at the Bonnechere Union Public Library during the month of June, but we were overwhelmed when we had 29 students arrive!  It was such a pleasure to meet you all and Jenn and I are very much looking forward to all the future plans we are making that you want to be involved with.  We really can’t thank you all enough for your feedback as it will help us improve the classes we offer, and it let us know what other types of photography you are interested in.

Many of you want to be involved in a photography club and we really LOVE the idea and we are working on the possibilities of a local photography club that could meet once a month.  Until we can get the details organized Jenn has set up a Photography Club hosted by Special Treasures Group Page on Facebook which you can find here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/580115972028968/ We would love to see your photos and feel free to ask questions, we want you to be involved!

We ended our classes with a photo walk to our beautiful Centennial Park in the heart of Eganville to practice what we had learned.  Don’t forget you can post your pictures from our Photo Walk on the Photography Club group page too!

Stay tuned as we are planning Photo Walks to the Geo Trail and to Shaw Woods, we will let you know the details.

We wanted our students to see things differently than the whole picture and pick out some details that would make beautiful photos from our Photo Walk

Don’t forget you can contact us anytime with questions and suggestions, and we are looking forward to our future Photo walks and will post the details as soon as we get them all sorted out.

Love the details and textures that are found in the bark on the trees in the park.

 

Happy Canada Day ~ Ottawa Valley Photographers Celebrate with Family

It is no secret Canada Day is my favorite holiday.  Canada Day has always meant the official kick off to summer celebration!  As a kid I always enjoyed my town’s Canada Day festivities, Morin Heights always had lots going on and as kids we always enjoyed the live bands and huge bonfire.  I have always enjoyed taking my kids to celebrate around our town.

My son really enjoys the bike parade every year, and spends a few days planning how he is going to decorate his bike in festive red and white.  This year was no different.  There were a few activities for the kids to enjoy at the youth centre.  They played games, some of the prizes at the games were mustaches which the kids had fun with…and these awful looking teeth, which are really funny for little boys!  The kids could have their faces painted, and who doesn’t love a dunk tank!  Is that wrong that we take so much pleasure in making someone fall into ice-cold water?

Summer Fun, and family is what Canada Day is all about!

What Canada Day celebration would be complete without fireworks?  Everyone loves fireworks and we always enjoy them from Nanny and Papa’s deck, we have a great view and avoid any crowds…it’s perfect.  This year Eganville and the Bonnechere Valley Township Fire Department did a fantastic job!

Thanks for a job well done, we can’t wait for next year!

Fireworks!
The Perfect end to our Canada Day Celebration