Tanya and Adam Wed- Ottawa Valley Photographers

Intimate ceremonies always touch our hearts!

Tanya and Adam were wed at Tanya’s Father’s home in Killaloe. The couple shared their vows and a sand ceremony with their family and friends. The waterfront property is GORGEOUS! The ceremony finished with a BANG as the couple set off a cannon that is on display at the home. Most of the formal pictures were done on this property and a few followed at the reception venue. We were happy to share in their day and Wish this couple a great future!

Vendor Love:

Hair: Trends Salon in Barry’s Bay

Bride’s Dress: Sinders

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Katherine Mullen Bridal

Suits: Moore’s clothing

Flowers: Killaloe Flowers

Decor: Ursula Jeffreys, Marie Dombroskie

Tent and Chairs: Valley Tent and Party Rentals

Caterer: Daryl Schroeder

DJ: Red Rock Music (Cam Gavin)

Katrinna and Ian’s Rustic Outdoor Wedding- Ottawa Valley Photographers

Katrinna and Ian are a perfect match! From their love of the outdoors, hunting, and fishing, to their absolute LOVE for one another, it is just so clear they are meant to be! They light up when they look at eachother and  share the same sense of humor.  Their Wedding took place along the Indian river and was breathtakingly serene. The ceremony was such a celebration of who they are as a couple.

The formal portraits were done at the Wedding venue (owned by Valley Tent and Party Rentals) and at a few other locations surrounding the area. Katrinna had found a perfect spot down some old train tracks that had a rustic old bridge . We were lucky enough to knock on the door of a resident in the area that hosted a waterfront property with a dock and a bridge near by. There was also a beautiful trail used for hiking and four-wheeling. All of the locations suited this couple and their super fun wedding party perfectly. We even got the couple in a passerby’s quad! How fun is that!

We wish Katrinna and Ian much Joy together in the future. Congrats Again Guys!

 

Vendor Love:

Officiant: Janice Epp

Venue: Owned by Valley Tent and Party Rentals

Hair: Hair Affairs by Ashley May-Paul

Make up: Natasha Lynn Beauty Services

Bride’s Dress: With Love Beauty Boutique in Kanata

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Flowers: Gerbers Nursery, Hand Picked Wild Flower’s by Bride and Bridesmaids, Assembled by Mother of the Groom

Suits: Frasers

Rings: Peoples Jewellers

Caterer: Valley Tent and Party Rentals, Joe’s Family Pizzeria for late lunch

Cake: Aimy Andrews

DJ: Ottawa Valley DJ

Genevieve and Mark Tie the Knot- Oaks of Cobden Golf Course-Ottawa Valley Photographers

Genevieve and Mark were Wed at the Oaks of Cobden Golf Course. It was a stunning location for the wedding to take place. In the hours leading up to the union the sky looked very dark. The chance of rain looked ever so likely. However, about 30 minutes before the ceremony, the sun came out! The outdoor ceremony took place in front of a beautifully staged arch that the Groom made himself. There was a sand ceremony to symbolize the union of this couple.

The formal pictures were taken on the golf course and at two farm locations near by. It was humid, but the couple and their wedding party carried on with smiles and laughter! The Wedding Party incorporated the couple’s best friends and family. We had so much fun with this Group! We were honored to be part of this special day. We know Gen and Mark’s future in love will be bright.

Congrats again to this Happy Couple!

 

Vendor Love:

Venue: Oaks Of Cobden Golf Course

Hair: Heidi Clarke

Make Up: Briana Kauffeldt … Makeup Artist and Esthetics

Flowers: The Flower Factory

Reception Venue: Cobden Agricultural Hall

Decor: Margaret Phillips from Creative Perspectives

Videographer: Dan Kirkness from Video Keepsakes

Caterer: Dreams Catering

DJ: Chris Cooper

Wedding Planner: Sarah Jane Leta Neadow from SJL Events

Cancer survivor contest winner! – Ottawa Valley Photographers

Since Lisa and I have both lost our Mothers to Cancer in the last few years we decided that we needed to do something to honor their lives.  We came up with a yearly contest for a free Photo Session. We asked that people nominate someone living with Cancer or a Survivor. This year was our first year and 22 people were nominated. I wrote out each name nominated by hand and put it into in a bowl. My son was excited to pick a name…

The winner is… Tristan … a 7 year old boy who survived! He is energetic, funny, and full of Joy!  What a blessing it was to work with him and his blended family. I asked his mom to give me a bit of a timeline of his journey and she replied “He was diagnosed in April 2013 (when he was 5) with stage 3 kidney cancer (Wilms tumour) and had his right kidney removed shortly after. He had radiation for a week and chemo until October 2013. He did amazingly well all through his treatments and all his scans have been clear since then.”

We wish Tristan and this family a lifetime full of great health and happiness.

 

Crystal and John ‘s Intimate Beach Wedding- Ottawa Valley Photographers

Crystal and John are such a wonderful couple. Their relationship highlights respect and kindness so well. During their engagement photos we noticed how attentive John was, and how sincere they were to one another. The other thing we loved about this couple is that their union is so family centered.

Crystal and John were wed at The Sands on Golden Lake. The officiant, Julie Keon, was so personal and centered the ceremony around this couple and their families. She included how they met and other different stories unique to the couple. She revealed that these two were a suggested match by a personal friend Andrew and after many texts and phone conversations the couple had their first date. She highlighted the many ways that this couple’s love was simply meant to be! Crystal and John’s marriage brings together two families. The Wedding party consisted of their children and a grandchild. Each person took a turn holding the couple’s rings in their hands before John and Crystal offered them to one another. As a symbol of their union, and the blending of two families, they also included a sand ceremony.  John’s Brother Tommy and his wife Pauline signed the registry.

The formal photo’s were taken both at the beach and across the road in a beautiful field also owned by the Sands. The sun was out and the sky was just gorgeous: Blue sky with the perfect amount of cloud coverage!

To Crystal and John: We were certainly honored to capture this day on camera! WE know your future holds much more LOVE, LIGHT, and JOY! Congrats!

 

As an added touch we are going to include a few excerpts from the couple’s vows to one another. We thank John’s Daughter Ashley for sending them our way.

Crystal: “My John, since the moment we met, I knew you were the one. I fell in love with your heart, your soul and your smile. I adore that you not only have deep love for your family but for mine as well. Not only have we found love but we have found trust, compassion and deep friendship. I love “us” and the way we live our lives with endless laughter…. I will trust you and honour you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst. I will always be there as I have given you my hand to hold so I give you my life to keep. ”

John:  “Crystal, I want you to know that when you came into my life it felt as if the sun had suddenly appeared from an eclipse. I could see clearer and the love you showered on me made me realize you are the one. You are so compassionate, caring and thoughtful. I feel blessed to have met you and humble to be standing with you here and now…You are all good things to me. I promise you my undying affection, support, respect and admiration. I promise you that I will lift you up, as you have lifted me. I promise that I will do my best and always try. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home.”

Vendor Love:

Make up: Just Add Makeup Studio – J.a.m studio

Officiant: Julie Keon

Location: Sands on Golden Lake

Highschool Sweethearts On Their Wedding Day – Ottawa Valley Photographers

Kaitlin and Jonathan met in High school and have been together for 13 Years. Their Engagement was 7 years long. However, after being with these two for only a few moments, it was as though they were still two young kids in love. The sparkle in Jonny’s eye when he looks at her is a clear sign of the love these two share. We have worked with this couple since last fall when we did their save the date pictures, and we had another chance this spring when we captured their Engagement session.

The Wedding Day was beautiful with clear skies and plenty of heat.  The couple was Married at The First Presbyterian Church In Pembroke Ontario. Formal Pictures were taken at a private residence in Rankin. The location offered beautiful rock cuts, trees, and fields. The Dinner and reception Followed at the Rankin Recreational Center. Where the Wedding Party, family, and many friends danced the night away.

Throughout the entire day these two never stopped smiling. Their Love was so radiant. The wedding Party was a great team and so much fun! Thanks for letting us be part of this milestone in your lives Kaitlin and Jonny! We wish you all the best in the future.

Vendor Love:

Hair: Chelsea Laporte

Make Up: Just Add Makeup: J.a.m studios

Dress and Bridesmaid’s dresses: Sinders Bridal House

Flowers: Kevin’s Flowers

Suits: Frasers

Shoes: Spring

Bride’s Ring and Necklace (Given by the Groom): Mappins Fine Jewellers

Groom’s Ring: Peoples Jewellers

Decor: Margaret Phillips

Videographer: Dan Kirkness – Video Keepsakes

Caterer: Good Enuf To Eat

Cake: Laura’s Sweet Themes

DJ: 2 Mics Mobile DJ Service

Sara and Jason’s Poolside Wedding

Sara and Jason are such a special Couple. They joined together with their closest family and friends around a beautiful pool side in Eganville Ontario. The Pool and stunning Tiki Bar area was located in a friends yard (Otherwise known as “Punta Canada”).  It was a gorgeous sunny day with plenty of heat. The Bride walked down the aisle with both of her parents at her side. Sara’s daughters were part of the wedding party. After the couples vows were read Jason had a surprise for the girls. Not only did he have vows and a ring for Sara, but also for them.

His vows:

“I know I wasn’t there for the first steps that you took, but I promise that from this day forward I will love and support you…”

The details of this wedding were centered around this great couple’s Love. Sara and Jason, with the help of the girls, even made their wedding cake from scratch. Formal pictures were taken just down the road at a huntcamp location with fields, rustic buildings, and even an old bus stop! LUCKY US…. the photo ops were endless!

Thank you for letting us share your special day with you… We wish Sara, Jason, the girls, and the new little bundle (coming this year) the best future possible.

 

Vendors:

Hair: Signature Styles by Tia

Make Up: Chantal Smith – Beauty Secrets

Dress: David’s Bridal – Florida

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal – Ottawa

Flowers: Handmade by Mother of the Bride

Men’s wear: Express

Rings: People’s Jewellers

Wedding Favors: Antique Key Bottle Openers- The Wedding Shop

Caterer: Leather Works

Wedding Cake: Made with Love buy Sara, Raya and Alyssa, lovingly supervised by Jason.

Katrinna and Ian’s Couple Session – Ottawa Valley Photography

Katrinna and Ian are a couple that love the outdoors. On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, we headed to their home on a beautiful property in Golden Lake Ontario. It is often referred to as the “back farm”. The property offers heavily wooded areas, fields, trees, rustic barns, and even a stunning pond. Such a  Beautiful piece of land and perfect for this couple’s photos. The bugs were out in full force but it did not stop Kat and Ian from letting us capture their intimate moments on camera.

Our second location was another piece of family waterfront property just a few minutes away.  We captured the couple in their Canoe and on the dock at waterfront.

You can see the LOVE and PASSION between these two so easily! We are very excited to capture their special day in late August. It is going to be such a FUN wedding!

Spring Flowers in Eganville

Enjoying the beauty of the spring flowers during a walk around town.

A 2014 Review

Hello Everyone, It is Lisa here with a recap of 2014.  We have not be blogging as much as we usually do and maybe a quick recap might help you all understand why.

2014 was one of the worst years of my life personally, We lost my wonderful mother-in-law (Jenn’s Mom) in January after a short but amazing battle with cancer, and we knew this year was going to be hard.  Sharon was the foundation of this family and her loss is felt every single day.  She was one of the most amazing selfless, hard working, loving woman I have ever had the privilege of knowing, but I didn’t just know her to me she was a second mom.

In February my Papa Valmond passed away and with the emotion still raw from Sharon’s passing and my own Mama not well enough to attend the funeral with us it was another difficult day.  I have so many fond memories of summers with my Papa and visiting Camp Robin Hood.  Papa taught me how to use a CB Radio when we would drive together, and our summers on Lake Simcoe and our walks to the Soviet Union. (It was actually a Salvation Army Camp down the road that when I was small I called the Soviet Union) It is difficult to say goodbye even when you know someone has not been well for so long, and the distance of miles make for a lot of guilt that I should have visited more often but now can not.

We then watched as my own Mom’s health declined once we were told we had exhausted all treatment options and there was nothing else they could do. Her 18 year battle with Cancer would soon be coming to an end.  You might think that when you expect it, it is easier but I disagree, it isn’t. I was truly blessed to have such strong, loving women in my life and to have lost them both was devastating. I still cry often and feel like I can not breath sometimes as the pain is overwhelming.  It sometimes feels very lonely not having my Mama to ask advice, or call with good news and sometimes, I have even forgotten and called my mom or Sharon to ask them a question and it is not until I have dialed the phone that I remember…and then cry.

You would think that would be as much loss as our family could handle but unfortunately we had to stand by as Jenn’s beautiful Granny lost her battle with cancer as well. Granny was also an amazing woman, I am proud to have know her and loved her and been part of her family, our son is named after her beloved Carson and I will always remember the way she teared up with pride when we told her we were having a boy and he would be named after Carson. She loved her grand children and great grandchildren very much the way only a Granny can. We miss her very much. I can’t imagine having to face the last year with out the one person who is my rock, my strength and my best friend my dear husband. Robert I could not have made it through without you, so thank you for being there and dealing with my crazy without complaining. I love you more than words!

In just one short year the entire dynamic of our family has changed, so you can see why I am personally glad to say goodbye to 2014…however professionally for Jenn and I 2014 was a very successful year at Special Treasures Photography and we had some amazing clients who not only let us be apart of their special days, and life events they made us feel like we were part of their families. Thank you for blessing us with so much success that we can continue to do what we love.

To Jenn, you have been my friend and more important my sister when I need one the most, thank you for everything you have done and the things you don’t even realize you do but I know I can always count on you! Yes Keith it is me on the phone…thanks for letting me have my sister when I needed her.  I am so blessed to not only do a job that I love but to share every step with you!

I hope that 2015 brings a much better year for my family especially my children who have been through so very much but have handled it amazingly…Darcey, Brooke and Carson, I am so very proud of you all.

To my other sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Steve, thank you being there through this crazy year, I can’t imagine how much worse it would have been without the amazing family that surrounds us so thank you for being amazing.

Happy New Year Everyone, I hope you are all blessed in 2015!

Mary And Kevin’s Wedding On The Hill…

Mary and Kevin said their vows on August 9, 2014 at one of our favorite locations: St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wilno, Ontario. It was a Gorgeous day that marked the beginning of this couple’s future. Their family and friends came together to celebrate this couple, travelling from near and very FAR! It was great to see how much love this couple had for one another.  We wish them the best future and are happy we could take part in capturing their day. We have included some of the photos from their wedding below. below. 

A Special Wedding Day For a Beautiful Couple…

Laura and Travis were an absolute delight to be around, and their special day was such a testament to the Love that they share.

We started off by capturing all of the details of the Bride and her girls getting ready at Brown’s Salon and the Bancroft Inn & Suites to follow. Then we headed to the ceremony at St. Paul’s Church. The sweetest little white church we may have ever seen. The couple shared their vows in a very intimate ceremony and marked their union with a sand ceremony as well. It was Beautiful.

It was scorching hot but the breeze was definitely a great addition to the day. After the ceremony the couple and the wedding party stopped at the Bancroft Eatery & Brew Pub  for a drink before we headed on to our formal location at the park. We ended formals and started the dinner and reception at the River’s Edge Golf Course.

We wish this couple the absolute best future together and had a great time being a part of their day. Congrats again!

    

Hiking for Hospice… Hiking for Mom…

Our family had the chance to give back to Hospice in a very big way! As many know, our mother/mother-in-law spent her last few months on earth in Hospice Renfrew. It truly is a home away from home. The staff and volunteers make everyday, no matter how hard or discouraging, a blessing for and with your dying loved one. It gave our family a chance to spend all of the quality time we could with mom (Sharon). It equally allowed mom the chance to have the respect and dignity she so deserved through the end of her disease and exhausting battle.  We were so honoured to be hiking for hospice, and very grateful to all of those who supported our team. On May 4th we took the hike for hospice and as a team raised  over 2,800 dollars. The entire event raised 65,000 dollars. Our team’s name was Nanny’s Ninjas, as mom so loved her grandkids. It was a rainy, windy, cool day but that did not stop anyone. We walked the 3km millennium trail in Renfrew On. Here are a collection of photos taken inside before and after the hike. If anyone is in need of end of life care Hospice Renfrew is an absolute blessing and I truly believe it is a little bit of heaven on earth. We look forward to hiking every year at this event in memory of Mom (Sharon).

Where have you been? Are you OK?

We have gotten these questions from our wonderful clients who have been concerned that we seem to have disappeared.

On behalf of Jenn and myself, we are sorry;  we are still here but recently needed to take some time to be with family.  For those who do not know Jenn and I are sister-in-laws (I am married to her brother Rob) Last summer Jenn’s mom Sharon was diagnosed with cancer.  When they found the cancer we were optimistic and tried be as positive as possible.  As the results from the first CT scan came back we knew very quickly this was going to be a difficult fight.  Cancer Sucks.  It just does.  There is nothing good I can say about cancer.  Some people will tell us it can make you strong, or bring your family closer, but I can assure you cancer does none of these things, Sharon was strong before she got cancer, our family was close before Sharon got cancer.  It is so difficult to write this as I can feel the tears welling up.  Jenn and I decided that family was a priority, we took a small step back from our photography and only took a few bookings as we did not know what to expect.

On January 15 2014 Sharon lost her battle with cancer.

It has truly been the most difficult loss we have ever experienced and we just needed some time.

We can not thank our clients enough for their patience, understanding, support and sticking with us during this time.  We are truly blessed and now we have an angel to watch over us.  We also would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Hospice Renfrew who cared for Sharon and for our entire family.

Jenn wrote the following and had posted it on her Facebook page, I thought it best captured the love, the strength and the loss we have all been experiencing.

Heavy on my heart were these words tonight ! Love you momma

In the last months of your life I held your hand and told you that everything would be alright
I prayed for and with you…
I prepared my heart for the worst but hoped for the best
I spent as much time as I could with you
I didn’t want to have any regrets if this indeed was the beginning of the end of your life here on earth

In the l…ast weeks of your life
I helped you take care of yourself
Maintaining dignity and respect
I read you your favorite bible verses
We talked about all of the life you had lived
Sometimes I just sat and watched you sleep …
Sometimes I just sat in silence while you told me all you had too.
Often I busied my hands to help you however I could,
I learned lessons, I gained the new ability to “hide” my own pain from you.
I know you must have saw through it…
but for both of us..
You did not acknowledge it..
We had to carry on!

I feel like I really found out what kind of a mother you had been all of those years… A gentle , helpful, selfless one..
And In the routine … Our roles changed so very much.
You taught me how to stand on my own two feet… And how to care in a way I could not have even imagined.
I know now it was the way that you cared for everyone…
I lost the ability to pray with words
I prayed in tears and song
I closed off the rest of my life
So I could try my best to hold up yours
I lived for you… I knew the end was near
It taught me how to make decisions without you
But… Still…
It did not teach me how to let you go.
I spent my quiet moments grieving a loss that had not yet occurred
I saw the sun … I felt the rain… But I was already mourning
Especially in the quiet …

In the last days of your life I plead your case aloud with God over and over.
But my heart had been prepared..
I never left your side,
And in the end I begged you to let go.
I told your wordless, barely responsive body that
I was tired, worn, and weak… That I might have to go home for awhile…

I couldn’t leave…

And then I was given the strength that you held onto your whole life ,
You grew weaker, your pained diseased body was failing, your heart was beating but you started to leave.

I waited with you… And my thoughts, actions , and words , were all consumed by waiting… You could not wake up, and we could not sleep…

And…
We all gathered around you,
In union we watched and waited.
Some read to you, some sang to you, some cried for you…

We took turns holding your hand
I know I kissed your face at least a dozen times that morning,
Your earthly body was changing,
And God was busy preparing your new body …
Your new home…

I could not do anything for you anymore,
I could not keep my hands busy to maintain or prolong your time with me…
So in those final moments I could no longer depend or be depended upon…

I was lost … I bowed my head and prayed the deepest prayer I had in so long… And then I lifted my head and knew it was time to say goodbye.

That miraculous moment when you opened your eyes,
And you cried for the life you were leaving behind,
We were all there to say goodbye,
And your eyes turned toward the light,
As the angels carried you to your new home…
That very moment is what sums it up for me…
That very moment where all of the joy and all of the pain in my heart met,
Where the deepest moans of mourning were heard
When We watched you leave,
In the way that you left…
You were “mother”, and you drew up an energy only God could give,
So you could mother us in your passing.

And all of the people who knew you tell stories of their blessings because of who you were.
But I could never express the blessings you passed on to me in this journey…
Picking up the pieces of my current life is refreshing, and beautiful…
However, it is fragile, and shaken, and frightening …

In the days after you died,
I have been filling my time with tasks
I have been loving my family
I have been yearning, longing, and grieving,
But I am doing fine, and I see the sun and I feel the rain,
And I have been living… Without you…
I know I am mothered by the legacy you left behind…
But when the grieving comes… I have to retreat, relive , and let go again….
Always in my heart momma!

Love Heats Up a Cold Day Outside… Stacey and Curtis’ Wedding Day.

It was a cold day outside, but love warmed the hearts of all who came to witness Stacey and Curtis wed. We had the honor of capturing the ceremony and formal pictures of this couple’s special day. Our local Eganville Legion was transformed into a very elegant venue and it was a very intimate ceremony. There was a sand ceremony that bonded the family together. The children in this family are absolutely priceless… beautiful inside and out. It was great to watch the day unfold and to be capturing the special moments during the ceremony.

The formal photos were taken at a family farm near Golden Lake. It was a beautiful location despite the freezing cold temperatures. The rustic setting made for some very timeless photographs. The wedding party, family, and couple all braved the cold to get as many formal shots as possible outside. We did spent sometime in the farmhouse warming up and taking photos as well.  I know it meant a lot to the couple to have this location for their memories of their big day.

It was a beautiful day and we wish this couple the best future together.

Kristy and Duane’s Fairytale Ending….

Kristy and Duane have such a moving story.

A story that brought me to tears when we  heard it on their special day.

We worked with this couple for their engagement session.  While we could see the Love between the two of them, we had no idea that their was such a wonderful story binding this couple.  The wedding is the perfect ending to this fate filled journey. When Kristy and Duane were very young they use to be great friends. They spent much time at Duane’s Grandmother’s house in the summer. It sounds like they were very close to one another.  Life happened and the great friends lost touch in their teenage years. However  years later they reconnected by chance and well… the rest is history! It was so moving to listen to the stories  being told of their childhood together and their very unique friendship.

There are many other pieces that make up the puzzle and have led to this fairytale ending… Including Landon. A sand ceremony was held to signify the union of this family. It was a perfect way to show how this family has come together. The ceremony was held in Augsburg and the little old church was so stunning to photograph. Kristy’s Son Landon and Mother walked her down the aisle to her Prince Charming.   It had all of the perfect elements of humour and seriousness. It was an intimate ceremony….  The couple’s Love filled the room.

Their were three formal locations. One was the family homestead that this couple hold dear to their hearts. We also used the Centennial Park in Eganville, and Fourth Chute Waterfalls.  The day was gorgeous from start to finish.  The wedding party, filled with closest friends and family, were so much fun to work with.

The Dinner and Reception were held at the Eganville legion. I can not say enough about the details of the decor. I love fall. I love leaves. I love the colours….. Kristy and the gang did a wonderful job bringing fall to life.  She even had a little table set up with crafts for the kids… I could tell that this couple really valued those they held dear. The are both very sensitive to the needs of others and their love for children warmed my heart. Lisa and I both agree the reception was a perfect elevation of their spirit as a couple.

To the happy couple:

We wish you the best future in Love.

Congrats again Guys!

Julie and Billy’s Intimate Wedding Left Us In Awe!

Julie and Billy were such a fun couple! From the moments before to the moments during their Wedding we were in absolute awe at their approach to being Wed. It was a unique wedding that was held at Spectacle Lake Lodge.  Both the Bride and Groom were always completely in the moment. I could see them taking mental images of their day and soaking up all of the Love and warmth that surrounded them via their family and friends.

There was much to love about this wedding, from the bouquets and boutonnieres to the ceremony set upon the beach… it was such a free-spirited event. The Bridesmaids wore their personal choice of a black dress and the Groomsmen wore their own suit with matching shirts and Skinny Ties… So So Awesome! You could tell that everyone who stood in the wedding party was chosen for their role in this couple’s life. They all meant so much to this couple.  Both the Bride and Groom’s family was equally as important to the union and while getting ready at the cabins by the water, I watched Billy share a hug  with almost everyone who walked by.  The couple’s dog Bear was even sporting a tie for the ceremony and later an evening tie that was just the type of special touch that this wedding presented. Everything was elegant yet very meaningful. They had soaps made as favors and even the soap was a custom scent! We were very sad when we got home and realized we left them behind at our seats!

Julie and Billy  gave one another thought out gifts before the wedding.  I delivered them both and felt honored to capture these special moments. Watching the expression on Billy’s face as he opened his was priceless! I think he truly enjoyed having a personal photographer that day. Although he did tease me A LOT he also let himself be open enough that I could capture who he is. It is always a challenge to get a Groom to let himself be captured in the moment, and when Billy was in the moments of his wedding day he was an open book.  I really enjoyed being able to see his friendships with his groomsmen too. Lisa says the same about working with Julie and her girls. It was like they were completely present for every part of this special day.  Again, It was an Honor to share in the getting ready portion of this day.

Saying “I DO” came next. The commissioner, Amber, was the perfect person to officiate this wedding.  This is the second time we have  had the chance to work with Amber and, just like the first time, she completely organized every part of the ceremony specifically for this couple.  She allowed the ceremony to bring their Love to life for all of their guests to witness. I would recommend her to any couple who are looking to have a custom-made ceremony.  I went searching and found her personal website. I just have to share it! http://www.algonquinweddings.com/  The ceremony was set on the beach and in every picture that I have that includes the wedding party, I can see the excitement and involvement in their faces. They were standing up for a couple who was meant to be together and they knew it.  Bear sat upfront with the Parents.

Formals followed shortly after the ceremony and that is when I really got a feel for where this couple gets their values. The family photographs were more candid than posed, even when we were posing them for traditional photos.  There was no staged moments to this wedding and it was very heart warming! There was a special moment that stands out for me as a photographer. Although I only include one picture of the bride with her grandmother in the blog, please note that there are so many more. I captured a connection between these two women that I have yet to capture at any wedding.  Two very connected souls had a special moment during their formal shot together. I still get teary just thinking about the moment.  I can’t even explain it in words but it was absolutely beautiful.

The couple and their entourage got their formal pictures taken on a little path that lined the water. It was a very tranquil setting with greenery that left openings for the waterfront to peek through… Just gorgeous. It was a fun experience for us and the group was easy to work with. They were just themselves as goes par with the rest of the day. Friendships as strong as these make for great photo ops!

The couple shared some special moments in front of the camera and even got in a canoe for a photo. It was amazing to see everyone on their toes ,worrying about the bride, as she headed out in the canoe. I know this was a dream come true for Lisa because she loves being out on the water herself. It was about capturing the couple as themselves and this beautiful bride felt herself out on the water. I almost forgot to mention that she wore moccasins as her wedding shoes. They were a perfect addition to her outfit and another statement to her individuality…  Another reminder of how much she wanted to be “herself” on the most important day of her life! LOVE IT!

Spectacle Lake Lodge was a great venue for an outdoor wedding, The dinner was held indoors and the staff put together a very intimate area for the couple to display their union. The meal was fabulous. The best Bison we have ever had. I believe all of the main course meats were cooked in a smoker… it was a meal that left you wanting more… no matter how full you became. During the dinner one of the Bridesmaids, Dasha, hosted games for the bride and groom. It was an absolute riot! The speeches were very moving and brought the couple’s personalities into the spotlight. Everyone who spoke seemed to speak about how this couple goes the extra  mile in friendship and in their own relationship with one another. That gives us so much happiness and excitement for them to share a future together.

Overall, this wedding was as down to earth as the couple. It reflected their past, present, and future together. It showed the importance on everything that is meaningful in life and, without sounding to corny, left us in AWE of LOVE itself. We wish them the best future together and know they are a perfect match for each other! Congrats … and Billy after reading this I hope you don’t think I was TOO CROSS (haha… he really liked poking fun at me) !

An Exchange of Vows at Waterfront… Jen and James’ Stunning Beach Wedding!

Jen and James are two people who we will always remember.  We have been absolutely in LOVE with them since the first day they met with us. Their engagement session was a really good indicator that this couple was full of youth, fun, and passion for one another!  We couldn’t wait to share in their special day and be witness to James’ sense of humour again. It seems like there is such balance in this couple’s relationship. There is so much laughing (I mean gut busting laughter) and joking around. Then in a second the couple is “on their own” in a huge crowd of family and friends in absolute LOVE with each other. The same goes for the entire day from a photographers perspective. We got the best of both funny and romantic with these two!!! The wedding party was amazing to work with as well and just complimented the couple perfectly.

It was easy to see that family was very important to this couple. The day was based around a union of two very impassioned souls and their family and friends. It was so nice to see the importance of  family throughout the day!

The Wedding took place at one of our favorite venues in the valley… The Sands on Golden Lake.  As always the team there did a spectacular job at making sure everything ran smoothly. The ceremony site was set up uniquely for this couple and I have to say it was breathtaking! The couple exchanged vows beachfront on the beautiful lawn. There was a sand ceremony that marked the day.  I saw many tears as I looked around the crowd in between shots. And you could feel everyone’s excitement the entire time.

Formal Pictures were done on the beach and across the road in a field that we have definitely made much use of this wedding season.  During the formal pictures the couple’s puppy posed for some shots with the Bride and Groom and was very happy when he saw the couple after getting out of the car. It is moments like those that make us love what we do even more… the moments that let us appreciate a couple for who they are at heart.  James was so funny as almost every serious pose called for a “blooper” or “goofy” one.  I included a few in the blog but please know that there are many more to be seen!

Overall the day was overcast with peeks of sun every now and again. It was very dark in the morning and it did look like rain was coming.  It was the first time this season that I was a bit panicked upon leaving the house and getting in Lisa’s car. The day before had delivered much rain but not this special day!!! The couple got to celebrate their outdoor union of marriage and pose for some wonderful photos with us! THANK YOU MOTHER NATURE!

To Jen and James: We are so glad that you choose us as your photographers! I think we really had a great working relationship and we got to see and appreciate your Love story so deeply.  I think my cheeks were sore all the way home from laughing so hard!  Your day was a little peek at your real life relationship and we definitely are excited for you to have a wonderful future together. Congrats!!!

Jason & Melissa Say I Do…A Family Affair!

I am going to start off this blog with a quote from Lisa:

“Jenn and I love what we do…we say that all the time!  We think every wedding we shoot is special, and we are really so honoured that we have been invited to be a part of a couples most special day.  However, being part of Jason and Melissa’s wedding was even more special since it was a family wedding!  Not only did Jenn and I get a front row seat for this amazing day but we are so lucky to welcome Jason’s beautiful bride Melissa into the family! ”

This day was clearly so abundantly special. Both of my brothers were groomsmen in this wedding, one being Lisa’s hubby. The entire day had such a high energy feel as we took photo’s. I have to say that Melissa and Jason are two of the most laid back people I have ever met. Their LOVE for one another is so real and present in every conversation, picture, and memory of the day. There was never any need to be stressed or worried about anything… One part of the day just flowed into the next as wedding day unfolded.

The girl’s got ready at Melissa’s Parent’s home, which also was where the ceremony was later held. I stayed with Lisa and took photo’s for awhile and then headed off to grab some pre- wedding shots of the groomsmen in Eganville at the couple’s home.  I think at many times I was holding my camera “snapping away” with one hand and doing up buttons, fixing ties, collars, suspenders etc. with the other! I definitely witnessed some laugh’s as the boys had a few beer to celebrate the occasion. And this may be the only time of the entire day when I could see some “nerves” present. Jason was definitely feeling a few nerves for a couple brief moments during the “getting ready”.   It was such an honour for both of us to be so involved in the pre- ceremony events.

When returning to the ceremony site, I remember feeling butterflies thinking about what Melissa would look like… and honestly when I saw her come around the corner…. I was speechless. She was even more breathtakingly beautiful then I had thought she would be. And I already had high expectations!!!!  The dress was so perfect for her!  The couple shared their vows in front of their closest family and friends.  Melissa even had some tears during hers!!!! It was beautiful! Their was a sand ceremony to mark the couple’s union. Pastor Annette did an amazing job at describing the love these two had for each other and all other parts of the ceremony.

After the ceremony formals took place on the same property. It was full of rustic gardens and had a waterfront view. We also did some formals at a property close by that was an open field in front of a beautiful landscape of water and rolling hills.  The ring bearer and flower girl were so full of personality and were very cooperative with all of the business of the day. The little ring bearer was absolutely a riot and always made us work very hard to get the perfect shot. What he didn’t realize was that all of the little faces he was making were  wonderfully cute memories to have as well.

The Bride’s parents were so accommodating throughout the day, and I know they put so much work into the ceremony and  cocktail hour(s) to follow. Melissa’s dad was even mowing grass the morning of the wedding to make sure everything looked perfect.. and that it did!!! Great Job to both families and all of the friends that helped bring the day together!

The reception was held at the Eganville arena, and was quite a sight to see. The lime green and raspberry colours transformed the hall. There were (what seemed like)  an infinite number of trees lit up with twinkling lights. During the first dance we could really see the intimate bond between these two individuals.  We often tell the bride and groom at every wedding that they need to look at each other during the first dance so we can get some shots using different lighting techniques etc. When I told Jason this he said ” I won’t be looking anywhere else because that is the only place I want to look”.  This couple was perfectly matched for one another.

We would like to note that Sidewinder was the entertainment for the evening and did an amazing job!

To the Bride and Groom:  We wish you the best future filled with as much Love as we witnessed on your Special Wedding Day. Lisa and I  are very lucky that in this case we get to watch your future unfold. CONGRATS!

Retreat, Relax, Restore at Sands Spa at Sands on Golden Lake

Recently while shooting Julie and Jody’s wedding at the Sands on Golden Lake we arrived a little early because Jeff had asked us to come and take some pictures of the new spa that he could use for promotion.  We love weddings at Sands on Golden Lake, it is a wonderful venue with so much beautiful scenery and the staff is fantastic.  So, we were delighted and honoured to be asked to help promote a venue we love!

When we arrived and entered the spa the first thing I noticed is it smells divine!  I’m not sure what the scent is but it is wonderful, the next thing you notice is a feeling of calm.  The colours that were chosen are truly reflective of the “Retreat, Relax and Restore” slogan of the spa.  It is a beautiful and tranquil setting, and the view overlooking Golden Lake is nothing less than spectacular.

Treat your body, Reward your soul.

Experience the difference of a world class spa. We offer massage, body treatments, facial treatments, pedicures, manicures and spa packages.

Our team of professionals will surpass your expectations. Rejuvenate your body and soul.  The atmosphere is designed to promote wellness and tranquility.   (Quoted from Sands Spa web page…link below)

Day Getaways, Spa Parties, and Rejuvenation Getaways packages are available and a perfect way to treat yourself and maybe have a fun getaway with your girlfriends.  You won’t be disappointed.

 

Visit the sands on Golden Lake Website: http://www.sandsongoldenlake.com/index.php

For more information about the spa and the packages available: http://www.sandsongoldenlake.com/spa.php