Celebrate Our River – The Bonnechere- June 6 2015

On Saturday June 6th Jenn and I had the pleasure of celebrating our beautiful Bonnechere River!

I participate in a mass paddle from Wilber Lake to Eganville, and Jenn was waiting on shore to capture some great photos of the group as we arrived back and of all the events on shore.  The event was organized by Mark Jones and he did a tremendous job organizing such a great day!

After registering in the morning canoes and kayaks were transport to Wilber Lake, Paddlers boarded the bus at the Eganville Arena where the paddlers met to start our day.  The group outing was blessed with a few words and song by Mr. Ross and then it was time to take to the water.  According to Mr. Jones this was the best attended paddle to date.

Jean Brereton`s Drumming Circle greeted the paddlers as they arrived back at the public beach in Eganville.  Once on shore everyone was able to enjoy some great local music and some fresh, locally produced food was available from the Ottawa Valley Food Co-operative.

There are several more Celebrate Our River Events and Paddles planned for spring and summer 2015.

Sat. June 13, 9:30am – Renfrew to Ottawa River Paddle and Clean up – $10. Organized by BRWP and the Ottawa River Institute. Rendezvous: Renfrew wastewater treatment plant. Register by email to: info@bonnechereriver.ca

Sat. June 20, 9:00am – Round Lake to Golden Lake Paddle – $10. Organized by BRWP and the Ottawa River Institute. Rendezvous: End of John Foy Lane. Register by email to: info@ottawariverinstitute.caSaturday June 27 – 10am

Sat. June 27, 8:30am registration. 9:30 departure -Sand Point to Red Pine Bay Paddle as part of Ottawa Riverfest, Braeside. $10. Rendezvous: Red Pine Bay. Drop off canoes/kayaks in advance at Sand Point Wharf.

Register by email to: recreation@mcnabbraeside.com

JULY 2015

Sat. July 18 – 1pm -Eganville to Fourth Chute Paddle/ Fiddle/Music – $10. Followed by Bonnechere Caves BBQ ($5) and Music ($10). Organized by BRWP, Bonnechere Caves. Rendezvous: Bonnechere Caves. Register: info@bonnechereriver.ca

AUGUST 2015

Sat. Aug. 8, 1pm – Madawaska River- Cherry Point Park to Burnstown Beach Paddle– $10. Optional BBQ to follow at Neat Coffee Shop ($12). Organized by BRWP and MacNab Braeside Township. Rendezvous: Burnstown Beach.

Register: recreation@mcnabbraeside.com

If you would like more information please visit the website: http://www.bonnechereriver.ca/brwp-events.

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.

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!

Update Your Headshots!

There has never been a better time to update your headshots for your business or marketing.  Why not try something a little different…instead of the boring traditional plain background pictures lets step outside the box and actually go outside!  Let’s put you in a more natural setting which can help make you look more approachable, more friendly, and more relaxed.  You can still achieve that professional look with a more natural and pleasant background.  We have such beautiful scenery in the Ottawa Valley, let’s use it!Call us to schedule your head shots for your personal business.  Office packages are also available.

Call us to schedule your head shots for your personal business.  Office packages are also available.

Visit our website for more detailed information.

http://www.specialtreasuresphotography.ca/business-head-shots.html

Please call us with any questions we are happy to help you pick a package that best suits your needs and budget.

Life’s a beach… Julie and Jody’s Wedding

This Wedding was a very memorable one…. right from the night of the rehearsal I could see an absolute excitement about the Groom.  Even though the Wedding day was very HOT, and Jody (like most men) , would rather have been not taking a zillion pictures… His love for his Bride was shining through. He was an absolute gentleman and I loved watching him pick up her dress, shoes, or flowers, without even asking. His concern was her comfort and happiness and it melted our hearts.  He got very emotional during the ceremony and it was honestly the highlight to my day… We just knew this couple’s journey was so dear and close to his heart.

When we met this couple their Daughter was just a baby…. and on the big day… we realized how much she had grown. It was so great to see how their love was also expressed through her. What a wonderful unity to capture!

The day itself, was HOT HOT HOT, and sunny. But it was a perfect day for a beach Wedding! The couple was married at The Sands on Golden Lake, one of our personal favorite venues in this area, and their formal pictures were done along the shoreline and across the road in a field that belongs to The Sands as well.  Before we started shooting the wedding we took some beautiful pictures of the Spa ( which we will include in a blog at a later time), and after we were done it really struck me that this location was so perfect for this couple. It is so intimate and serene…. peaceful and fulfilling. It feels like a perfect place to start the rest of your life together.

Before the Ceremony began, we captured a few images of the bride and her ladies getting ready.  Lisa and I fell in love with the Bride’s shoes and the Dress immediately….  Then the Bride and Groom’s little 2-year-old princess showed up and the excitement in Julie’s face when she saw her daughter made me want to cry. It was beautiful.  We realized shortly after that the flower girls would be 3 little 2-year-old princess’ and fishy crackers were being passed around frequently as they awaited the Ceremony to start.

The ceremony was very personal and intimate. It highlighted all that we love about our couple. It was an emotional ceremony and it was great to be a part of. I love watching and capturing the couple’s daughter walk up to her mommy and daddy several times throughout the ceremony. I loved that she was just left to be a part of the union! Beautiful!

The formal pictures were  very easy to accomplish because of so much love, friendship, and cooperation from the entire Wedding party. Such a great group to work with! During the private couple photos, again in the heat of the day, you could almost feel this couple’s energy. It was truly like time stopped in those moments and they just felt the Love they needed to feel for these photos to be real.

Julie and Jody we were honored to be there capturing your moments and we wish you a lifetime full of many great memories and much love!

Busy Little Bees are We – A few session to show off!

As I mentioned in the last post we have been really busy this summer and while we have kept up with blogging the weddings we have done we haven’t blogged about the other sessions we have had that have also been lots of fun to do.  Jenn and I are so lucky to be doing this job that we love!  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying find something you love and you will never work a day in your life…it really is true!

A Fabulous Family!

We love meeting new people but we also love working with people we already know.  We were honoured that the Phillip’s Family contacted us to do a family session while the whole family was visiting over the summer.  It was great working with such a large and fun group!

Cake Smash!

Everyone like cake and how much fun would it be to just jump in a devour one!  We were so excited to see one our newborn clients return for a 1st Birthday Cake Smash.  Wow has he grown!

We did a few family photos around the farm before just giving him a cake that his Mama had made…at first he didn’t really know what to do with it…and then he just leaned forward and stuck his face in!

How adorable!  We look forward to watching this handsome little boy grow!

A Baby on the Way!

Expecting a baby is such an exciting time and we had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful Mamma to be Michelle, and her family.  Michelle is just stunning and we loved meeting her and her daughter and husband for a family and maternity session.  Pregnancy passes so quickly, maternity sessions are a perfect way to capture this exciting time and the beautiful glow of pregnancy.

Good Luck with the birth of your new addition, we can’t wait to meet him or her!

Sigh…How beautiful is this Mama to be

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

DeRailed Band Photo Shoot ~ Ottawa Valley Photographers

It is no secret that our family and music go hand in hand,  so it probably comes as no surprise that Steve and close friend Chris are working on recording a CD!  It is a long process to get a CD ready for recording and Steve and Chris have been writing their own music, and lyrics…I have been lucky enough to hear some of the songs they are working on and so far I am loving it.  I am probably the one family member with the least amount of musical talent, but I take pictures and band promo shots were needed, so this is where I could help…Jenn has more musical talent than I do but we still rock the photos better than we would rock the recording studio so this was our way of doing our part and being able to help out.

The band is called DeRailed…so, we wanted to do the pictures on old railway tracks but finding them in Renfrew County is really hard to do. (If you have any suggestions where we can find some please leave us a comment or email us: specialtreasuresphotography@gmail.com) We luckily have a great piece of land where we hunt every year and there used to be rail tracks that ran right along the edge over an iron bridge (It is actually an OLD wooden bridge so I have no idea why we call it the Iron Bridge!) It made a great location for pictures.

Thanks boys we had a great time helping get your promo shots done and are so honoured to be a part of this awesome adventure!!  Can’t wait to hear the finished CD!

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…

Under the Sea – Friends of the Library host annual fundraising Dinner for the BUPL

The Friends of the Library hosted their annual fundraising Dinner for the BUPL (Bonnechere Union Public Library) on April 27 2013. This year’s theme was “Under the Sea”

This is the first time we were asked to participate and the evening was really fun! The Legion was transformed in to an under water oasis  and looked fantastic. Some of the attendees wore costumes and the decorations which was the work of a team of helpers were really AMAZING!

The Greek God Poseidon who was portrayed by Chris Hinsperger owner of the Bonnechere Caves made and appearance and presided over the evening…(Great Job Chris!)

The decorations were AMAZING!

George from Frisco’s was on hand serving freshly sautéed shrimp along with a selection of dishes and salads that were made by the Friend of the Library Volunteers.  It was obvious the food was enjoyed by all!

The annual fundraising dinner hosted by The Friends of the Library to support the Bonnechere Union Public Library was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

Bonnechere Valley Township Mayor Jennifer Murphy (whose costume was an adorable tiara with the letter “C” …get it?) presented Judy Sauvé with a volunteer award for all her hard work with the many local organizations she is proud to be part of.  Judy accepted the award to a standing ovation!  Now that is Valley Pride!

The evening entertainment was provided by The Red Shoes.

Both wearing their cool Red Shoes, they performed a great selection of Under the Sea music.

 There were games to entertain guests with prizes, and a silent auction.  We enjoyed ourselves and so did everyone we spoke with.  If you have not attended the annual dinner before we recommend you plan on attending next year.  It is not only a fun evening it is really a great cause  to support our local library

I know we can’t wait to see the decorations next year, we are told they get better every year.

Drawing with Light: An HDR Experience in Our 2nd Photography Class

As a follow up to Lisa’s blog last week, I thought I would blog once again about our Photography course. When I initially read the course outline and realized our second class was going to be on HDR photography (High-Dynamic-Range) I was slightly disappointed. As a photographer I love to learn but I also tend to put myself in a box from time to time. Learning HDR was outside of that box. I had decided it wasn’t for me  after  learning about what it was and seeing other photographer’s work. I always enjoyed the images and respected them creatively but I had decided it wasn’t something I was going to learn. Now  what happens when you cut yourself off creatively as a photographer?  You do not realize what you are missing!!!!! I made a conscious decision to listen and learn the HDR for the “only reason” that it was in the course curriculum. I was absolutely inspired by the end of the class. I LOVED IT! I see what Lisa had been excited about in the past when she would create these beautiful HDR photos. The technique really does allow you to have more control then I originally thought and clearly takes skill to master. In the photo’s below you will see that we used the trial version of Photomatix pro (due to the watermarks). I have a feeling I will be indulging in the full version at sometime in the near future. We also used CS6 to process  HDR images and I practiced using CS5 when I got home.

The weather was beautiful and because Algonquin is beside Pembroke’s gorgeous Marina, we had a chance to get some really great shots. Again, Angie Wren was very helpful and informative while teaching HDR in an understandable, inspiring way. Overall this class surpassed my personal expectation! It Got me thinking outside of my box again!

A Winter Family Session in Ottawa Valley

I love family sessions!  I love the challenge of capturing kids.  Kids are busy little people, who often don’t want to just sit and smile, the younger they are the more of a challenge they are, but I love it.  Kids are fun, and the truth is I get to act silly for a couple of hours making funny faces and telling silly jokes or stories to get their attention.  Getting adorable shots makes it all worth while.  A special thanks to A & P and the entire L family, we had fun with both of you and your children are just adorable!

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!

A Tale as Old as Time…Kelsey and Tavis’ Big Day! Ottawa Valley Wedding Photographer

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This wedding was so enchanted! The bride and groom put a lot of thought into how their love would be presented. I can honestly say that after meeting with these two theatre students last year, I would not have expected any less from them. However, it was a true fairytale that unfolded in front of our lens’. The day started off with rain and while I shot the pre-wedding with the men in Eganville, Lisa was with the girls in Pembroke. Unfortunately the rain seemed to follow them everywhere. She was lucky enough to capture some amazing pre-wedding formals of the girls between downpours.

The ceremony was moving… to say the least. The bride and groom exchanged vows and then SANG “From this Moment” to one another in front of the very full church. It was the most passionate exchange of vows I have ever seen. The father of the bride and a very dear friend (and groomsmen) also sang throughout the ceremony. It wasn’t untill I looked back on the images while editing, that I realized how many people had tears in their eyes, and how many people were completely shocked by this grand expression of love. After the couple was announced as husband and wife, bagpipes lead the couple out of the church. This was a gift from Kelsey to Tavis and it was also very touching. The entire day was filled with so many gestures, too many to mention, that just showed how caring this couple is. They really are perfect for each other. The ceremony was followed with formal pictures near the Bonnechere caves in Eganville and at a very scenic property that belonged to a family friend of the bride.

And…just when we thought things couldn’t get any more amazing, the dinner and reception happened!!!!!!! WOW! Bagpipes lead in the couple and the dinner begin. Speeches were told and it was very apparent how much this couple meant to their family and friends. It was a clear view of how much they cared about others and how much they wanted to help in any way life would let them. As a wedding favor Kelsey and Tavis donated to Katie Bears- An organization that is built around putting a smile on people’s faces. The money raised by the couple went to fund a school in Jamaica. The organization was founded by Kelsey’s late friend Katie and it is so worth checking out. For more information on the charity please visit www.katiebears.ca

The decor….oh the decor. Every table was titled as the name of a play, the colours were of deep red and purple, the little accents were so theatrical and yet very elegant. The bride and groom gave a CD to all of their guests that had a collection of their favorite music and I must admit, I often listen to it while driving in my car. A friend of the couple had a separate “photobooth”set up and guests could get their pictures taken in costume. IT WAS SUCH A FUN WEDDING!

The first dances… oh the first dances. As the bride and groom did a fully choreographed dance to Greases famous “You’re the one that I want” and “A Tale as Old as Time”.  And as the entire wedding party started their dance the music stopped and everyone watched as “Thriller” was performed by this group. Truth be told, It felt like we were front row and center at a musical! HOW AMAZING.

We wish this couple the life of passion that they so deserve and the best future.

To Kelsey and Tavis: thanks for letting us be a part of your day. There was no acting needed to see the true love that was present. But the performances really helped highlight the essence of your love.

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!

Elizabeth & Kevin Say I Do in beautiful Algonquin Park ~ Ottawa Valley Wedding Photographer

I honestly believe that Algonquin park is a little piece of heaven on earth.  So what better place to tie the knot?

Elizabeth and Kevin have been a couple for a long time and have a beautiful teenage daughter, they decided to tie the knot after many years together and choose a spot that was special to their family.  Spruce Bog Boardwalk in Algonquin Park.  The family visits this spot often and thought it was a perfect place to share their love with family and friends looking on.

We walked about half way through the trail and came to a large rock just off the path.  Elizabeth and Kevin stood atop the rock while the sun shone through the trees in a magical way while they exchanged vows, and rings.  Their family and friends looked on and it really was a very special day.  While it was a small group you could feel the bonds of love and friendship shared by everyone in attendance.  We truly appreciate being part of this wonderful day!

Bonnechere Babes ~ Ladies Night

The 1st Annual Bonnechere Babes, Ladies Night was a great sucess!
What a great evening out for the ladies of Bonnechere Valley Township!
Attendees were treated to a bridal fashion show, and had the chance to see some great products and services by local vendors. It was a pleasure to meet and chat with so many great ladies during the evening! Thank you to everyone who came out to support the event.

Congratulations goes to Tracy Keller and Crystal Edwards for planning such a great evening, and Dana Crozier Jennings the Community Development Officer at Township of Bonnechere Valley for all your hard work.  It is nice to see so many new things happening in town!  We are looking forward to next year’s event already!