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)

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!

    

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!

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!

It’s Wedding Weekend at White Tail Golf Club – Ottawa Valley Wedding by Special Treasures Photography

Well the weekend is almost here, the first long weekend of we love the think of as the summer season.  Affectionately know to Ontarians as May 2-4.  For two friends it is their wedding weekend, and they have been busy planning their Special Day!

Jenn and I went to do a walk through of the venue they have chosen for their formal portraits with the wedding party and we are thrilled to be shooting at White Tail Golf Club in Eganville.  It is such a beautiful location.  So Mother Nature please take note…sunny skies would be appreciated this weekend as we capture some beautiful images of this wonderful couple.  Colleen and Eugene, we are really looking forward to spending the day with you and are just so thrilled with this gorgeous location you have picked.  Thank you to White Tail we appreciate you making room for our group.

About White Tail:

Whitetail Golf Club is one of the finest golf courses in the Ottawa Valley.  They offer an exciting golf experience matched with friendly service in a beautiful, full-service clubhouse.

The golf course includes 18 challenging holes, measuring 6500 yards, carved into the rolling hills of the Ottawa Valley, just outside the town of Eganville, near Renfrew and Pembroke. The scenic view from our licensed clubhouse and patio is breathtaking and refreshing – The perfect spot to relax after a great round of golf.

White Tail Golf Club has won the Flag Staff Reader choice award for the third year in a row!

Visit their website for more information: http://www.whitetailgolfclub.ca/welcome.php

See you on the course!

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!

Wedding Planning Tools- There is an App for That! Ottawa Valley Photographers

You’ve all heard the phrase there’s an app for that and for tech savvy brides that couldn’t more true.

While taking some time to set up my new tablet that Santa brought me I have been spending a lot of time searching for useful apps, widgets, and cool stuff to use on my new toy.   I came across several Wedding planning apps that some of our 2013 and 2014 brides can use to help the planning process.

There are several free apps available and a search of your apps store whether you have an iPhone or android device will generate several available apps.  Here are a few that we have taken a look at that just might help you plan your dream wedding!

Our Wedding Planner (Free – For Android Devices)

Our wedding is a simple app to help you plan the perfect wedding.  Manage your guest list, to-do list, budget and vendors all in one place.

Putting together your guest list is easy with this wedding planner. You can import all your guests directly from your phone contacts and manage the invitations that have been sent, received and pending as well as assign tables for guests to sit. This app is also a great way to keep tabs on those plus ones (or twos , or threes)

If you import vendors from your contacts into the application you can quickly reach them to make sure everything is on track.

With so many things that need to be done, the app is pre-populated a task list so that nothing is left out. You can add to the task list as well as set reminders for the extra important stuff. This app even sets due dates based on your wedding date so that your schedule is evenly spaced

Our wedding also helps give you an idea of how your budget should be allocated across the different categories. Get estimates based on your total wedding budget and time estimates relative to your big day.

There is even a countdown to the time left till you walk down the aisle with our customizable countdown widget.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wepala.weddingplan&hl=en

The Knot – Ultimate Wedding Planner! (Free for a limited time for iPhone and iPad)

If you are already using The Knot’s wedding website then this app is a perfect fit for you.  Your iPhone planner will automatically synch up with your tools and account on TheKnot.com.  You will need to sign up to use all the tools available but signing up is free.

The knot app allows you to count down the days to your wedding, keep on task with their ultimate wedding checklist which is personalized just for you and get your budget and track payments with their easy-to-use budget tool and much more!

http://wedding.theknot.com/special-wedding-features/wedding-planner-app.aspx

The Knot currently does not have a planning app for Android users but they do offer checklist for your cell or smartphone called My Mobile Checklist. It is also free.

It’s the exact same checklist that you use on TheKnot.com — now in a new mobile phone format.

Use your mobile to view your reminders and check off wedding-planning tasks while you’re out and about. No matter where you log in to your wedding checklist it will already be up-to-date. Easy!

http://wedding.theknot.com/special-wedding-features/the-knot-mobile-checklist.aspx

You can get a free The Knot wedding website here: http://uw.theknot.com/admin/choosedesign

I promise for our next blog will talk all about wedding websites which can help keep brides (and grooms too!) organized

Wedding Planning Complete (Free- iPhone and iPad a “Plus” version also available for $ 3.99)

This app offers a countdown, detailed budget guides and tracker, seating charts you can customize, guest lists to manage with an RSVP tracker and detailed checklists.  It keeps all your essential planning tools right in the palm of your hand.

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/wedding-planning-complete/id460302797?mt=8

The plus version can be found here and will cost $3.99:

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/wedding-planning-complete/id537977538?mt=8

iWedding Deluxe ($5.99 for iPhone and iPad)

iWedding Deluxe is a wedding planner and organizer app. It will organize, guide and inspire you, while keeping all the vital information at your fingertips. Feature packed with To-do Lists, Budgeting, Guest List organization and much much more.

If you’re looking for an app that includes everything in one, then iWedding Deluxe is a great option. The app offers guest list organization, multiple to-do lists, easy budgeting tools, gift trackers, and a seating plan chart — a one-stop shop for all the details you need to juggle.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iwedding-deluxe/id336602601?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D6

We all know how much planning, organization and hard work goes into planning your dream day, having tools to help keep you organized can really help the planning process and make it less stressful so you are able to enjoy your special day!

And don’t forget we are also here to help if you have any questions!

Please Note: all the above images are screen shoots taken from the web to show you the apps features.  We did not design or photograph any of the images or apps above.