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!

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!!!

LOVE is in the AIR

This busy wedding season has gotten off to a great start. Love is certainly in the air. We have kicked it off with Colleen and Eugene’s gorgeous church ceremony and  formal photographs. The couple was a delight to work with. Eugene has to be one of the most down to earth men that we have ever met and Colleen was radiant both inside and out on their special day.  We have also chosen to include a few different images from two recent engagement sessions. Both of these couple’s are getting married later this summer and we can not wait to be a part of their special moments!  Three very different couples who are all so deeply in LOVE!  It is very inspiring to us to be so close to the True love that makes the world go round. It is our hope, always, that we capture the essence of each couple individually…

What Should I Wear for my Portrait Session?

We get asked this question often so I thought I would take a minute and give you a few hints to help you look your best for your photographs.  For family and individual portrait sessions try to find outfits that you are comfortable in, if you are comfortable you will feel more relaxed during the session this will result in better photographs.

Remember to choose your clothing that reflects the location and the season you have chosen.

For families, co-ordinating colours and out fits work well.  Try and avoid wearing all the same colour or matching everyone’s outfit. A peek at our Pinterest Board “What to Wear – Ideas for Sessions” will help.

Here are a few other tips:

• Wear pants that hang long.  It will make you look taller and more slender.  Your pants will also look better if they start at your hip line.
• Avoid shorts and capris pants; these make you look much shorter than you are.
• No prints or patterns.  The prints and patterns that are considered very stylish today may be out of style in 6 months from now. By wearing solid colours you are less likely to look back on your      photos and say “Why did I wear that?”
• Avoid clothes with logos and/or writing.
• Blouses that end at the hip; this give a nice definition to your shape.
• Men may tuck in their shirts, but women should avoid blouses and shirts that tuck in.
• Wear tightly woven garments.  Sweaters and other loose knit fabrics will become see-through in      flash lighting, which will show your under garments.  This does not make for a flattering      photograph.
• Avoid dresses and blouses with high waist lines like the Empire style or tops and dresses with belts or gathers as they flair out.
• Dresses should be a straight cut without a defined waistline this will give you a slimmer look.
• Try and avoid white, it can make your skin look pale and washed out.
• Have a look on our Special Treasures Pinterest Board for a few ideas.  We have an entire board with lots of ideas for the entire family. Click Here.

If you still have questions feel free to contact us: specialtreasuresphotography@gmail.com

Wedding Planning with a Wedding Website- Planning tools from Ottawa Valley Wedding Photographers

In this digital age we can accomplish so much on-line.  Wedding Planning is no different.  As a follow-up to our last blog about wedding planning and the apps that are available (To re-read that post click here) there are also wedding websites that can help you to keep track of all those details and ideas for your special day.  Wedding websites can turn the daunting task of wedding planning from a scary and sometimes overwhelming challenge into an interactive piece of cake!  Wedding Websites can be personalized, and customized to suit both you and your wedding theme.  They can help you keep your guests informed and up-to-date with scheduled events like your Bridal Shower, Stag and Doe, or Bachelor and Bachelorette parties. You can provide information about accommodations and directions for out of town guest and much more.  They are also full of planning tools like seating charts and budget trackers.

You can search the web and see both paid and free wedding websites.  Here are a few free Wedding Websites we have found with some great tools to keep you organized and your guests informed.

The Knot: (Free)

http://uw.theknot.com/admin/choosedesign

The Knot offers a free wedding websites, you need to register but it is quick and easy and The Knot Wedding Website works with The Knot Wedding App we covered in last week’s blog so you will always be able to access your planning info no matter where you are.  Your account is automatically updated weather you use the app or the website so you will be able to keep track of all the details that will make your dream day a reality. The Knot also offers several other interactive planning tools that are all designed to work together.  Once you register on their site you will have access to all these tools no need to register over and over.

The Knot is a must to check out for anyone planning a wedding!

In the top left corner you will see My Knot, click on this to go to a page full of thier “Planning tools”.

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planner.aspx

MyWedding.com: (Free)

http://www.mywedding.com/free-wedding-websites

Offers free wedding websites with over 600 designs that suit any wedding theme and style. Our simple, yet elegant themes make your free wedding website easy to navigate and beautiful to look at.  Organize wedding details on your free wedding website. Sort your important information easily on each page. Share how you met on your “Our Story” page. Share photos in your gallery. Prepare the “Accommodations” and “Attractions” page for your out-of-town guests.  Make their trip as worry-free and as enjoyable as possible! Invite your guests to pre-wedding and post wedding events on your “Wedding Events” page.  Simple and easy to set up and use

WeddingWire: (Free)

http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-websites.html

At WeddingWire.com, the entire process has been laid out for you… you are guided through each step of the set up and can create a beautiful site with over 100 designs to give you site that perfect touch.  Once created your site will automatically providing you with a list of helpful reminders such as tasks, timelines, upcoming events and more. You can easily add tools to help your guests book flights, check the weather, get directions and more.

Do you have a site that you would recommend? Please feel free to leave a comment with your suggestions.  Happy Planning!

Fall in Love ~ C & E’s Fall E-session ~ Ottawa Valley Photographer

Even though we had an over cast cool morning that was threatening rain, this couple was awesome, you could just feel the love and happiness, and we are so excited about shooting their wedding next May!  Their adorable daughter is already so cute she just might steal the show and she will melt hearts for sure!

Rustic E-session, with a fantastic couple! Ottawa Valley Engagement Photographers

Monday was an over cast partly sunny day that threatened rain all day. We were lucky and it didn’t rain and the heat was not as unbearable as what will be upon us over the next couple of days. We were delighted to work with this fantastic couple for their engagement session, I have always wondered what it must be like to be on the other side of the camera (thankfully I’m not) but it must be difficult to smile, laugh and kiss on command but these two let the love shine and it really shows in their photos!

Thanks Jenna and Jordan we are really looking forward to the wedding in August! You were both such a pleasure to work with…which is just a reminder that we really do have the best job on earth!

We can’t possibly do a photo session at “The Good Farm” without a very special Thank You to “The Good Family” Thanks for the hospitality and letting us take over your home for a few hours, it is one of our favorite locations to shoot as it is such a beautiful place!