Photography Blog

Last week my family took a mini vacation to Bayfield, ON, which is situated around Lake Huron.  This was the first time I’ve taken a vacation (mini or otherwise) in the middle of ‘wedding season’ in about 6 years and it was nice to get away!  I couldn’t believe how turquoise the water was or how warm it was for that matter.  The sunsets on Lake Huron are apparently world famous as well.  Who knew we had Caribbean-like beaches just 2 1/2 hours away from Toronto?!

This is my 2 and a half year old enjoying the water with my dad.  It’s hard to believe that last year she had a water phobia!

We rented a cottage at Deer Park Lodge.  Julia really enjoyed the play structures!

Red sky at night, sailor’s delight.

I’m not even sure what to say about this sunset.  Wow!

I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email from Rob that he was getting married this year and inquiring about our photo services.  I hadn’t heard from Rob in a long time.  I had the pleasure of meeting Tomoko shortly after that, where I got to hear about their trip to Japan; the one where Rob went over to ask her parents if he could have her hand in marriage.

It came up in the speeches that Tomoko worked very hard, put in many hours as a music therapist at the hospital, and volunteered at many places.

Their wedding took  place at the Brant Rod and Gun Club , in Brantford, ON, where they recently bought a house together.

Tomoko and Rob’s vows were definitely among the funniest I have ever heard, which such gems as “I promise not to buy new toys but to enjoy the ones we have.”  Their ceremony was performed by Bob Tees, a colleague of Tomoko’s.  They incorporated a Japanese wine drinking tradition into their ceremony. Apparenlty, they took this tradition from various Japanese ceremonies (ie. Shinto, Buddhist) and made it their own.  I believe they each drank from 3 different glasses of wine.

One thing is for sure though, Rob and Tomoko certainly make each other laugh!

Congratulations, Rob and Tomoko!

Blog by Sarah.

This was the second wedding in the Parton family I had the pleasure of photographing (Leanne and John’s being the first).  I also had the pleasure of photographing grandma Jack’s 100th birthday!

The Partons are always a fun and wonderful group of people to work with.

J and Terri’s 1930s themed wedding took place on top of a hill in Sudbury, though they came all the way from Fort McMurray, Alberta.  In spite of not being from Sudbury, they couldn’t have picked  a nicer spot!

During the ceremony the wedding party danced up the aisle. Terri and J exchanged the most beautiful vows that they wrote themselves. When they walked down the aisle, they were suprised by the groomsmen shooting at them with nerf balls!

The reception had a mystery game where the guest were asked to solve the case of the missing necklace.

It’s very clear from being with them that this family has a lot of love for each other. I was so glad they invited us to be a part of their day and hope we can celebrate another event with them in the future!

Congratulations, Terrie and J!

Dave and I met in the first semester of grade 9.  He went from being a nice, somewhat quiet, polite boy to being a good listener with a dry sense of humour.   When Dave introduced my husband and I to Claire, we took an immediate liking to her. From the start, we hoped Claire would be the one for Dave and we were not surprised when they announced their engagement.  I love happy endings…or should I say beginnings?

Before the wedding started, large pellets of rain started coming down.  The rain stopped before we went outside.  It started again later, but fortunately, only as we were finishing up the photo session at Adamson Estates.  The Bentley driver came out with a large golf umbrella so Dave and Claire could get to the car without getting wet.  They say rain is good luck if it happens on your wedding day, but I think it’s even better luck if it happens at opportune times.

I was very impressed with the beauty of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church . The minister’s ceremony definitely held everyone’s attention with humour and good advice from his own marriage.  One thing that stands out in my mind is when he said, “If your husband has the remote control, it’s not a good time to talk to him…at least not if you want him to hear what you’re saying,” (or something along those lines).

By the time we arrived at Piper’s Heath Golf Club, the sun was shining again. We were even able to get outside during the ‘golden hour’ for a few more photos, like the one of Dave holding Claire, which is something he likes to do regularly, since she is super light and a lot more interesting than the weights he lifts on a regular basis.

Claire’s older sister and Dave’s older brother both got married last year.  There was lots of talk about how they followed in the footsteps of their older siblings, whom both are close to.  You can see from the reactions to the speeches that their siblings went the funny route.

Dave and Claire’s speech was quite humourous as well, with Dave telling us about how the first time he met Claire’s parents (who hail from Northern Ireland), her dad said, “Why don’t you sit on the couch with me and have some crack?”  Dave of course, did not know how to react to what would be his future father-in-law’s strange request, until he learned that “Have some crack,” is an Irish expression for “Tell some jokes.”

Claire’s mom made sure everyone got on the dance floor, even going to the tables, grabbing hands and pulling people up!

The DJ had a great salt vs. pepper dance-off competition, which helped as well.

For their first dance, Claire and Dave learned how to waltz-a skill, that should last a lifetime.

Congratulations again, Claire and Dave!!! We were so happy to be part of your special day.

Other involved parties:

Total Eclipse Limousine | Just For U Entertainment (DJ)| Rainflower Company | St. Andrew’s Church co-ordinator-Margo Da Sie | Piper’s Heath Wedding co-ordinator-Lindsay Gruehl

Stephanie and Mike were real troopers as it was 38 degrees celsius the day of this shoot!  It was hard to nail down a time, because Mike is a pilot and often out of town, so we’re glad they went for it on that hot, hot day!

In spite of the heat, they still managed to look fabulous!  If they can look this good when it’s 38 degrees out, I can’t wait to see how good they’ll look on their wedding day in September.

Congrats on your engagement and upcoming wedding!

Recently, I was looking at the contest galleries on the ISPWP website and I noticed that my associate, Janette Rojas placed  in the Kids Will Be Kids category! Neither of us knew until we were trying to get inspired for the next contest! The ISPWP has very stringent guidelines as to who can be accepted as a member, so this is a huge accomplishment.  Janette was the only Canadian photographer to place in that category.  Incidentally, for those of you who are photo geeks, this image was also straight out her camera (no photoshop!).

https://www.ispwp.com/contests/ispwp-wedding-photography-contest-gallery-spring-2010-kids-will-be-kids

Way to go, Janette!

Jennifer and James b0th love the great outdoors and fell in love with the Island Yacht Club.

They are both have PHDs and have been living in different cities since their engagement due to their studies (Jennifer has been living in Vancouver and Jamie has been living in Montreal).

This sign greeted the guests as they arrived at the docks.  Jamie waits patiently.

Jennifer was the most casually dressed as she took the ferry to her wedding (of course, she would be changing into her stunning Grecian gown soon!).  Her hair is pinned up in a similar Grecian/Aegian silhouette.

Here is a detail of said gown.

There was a casual atmosphere as Jennifer changed into her dress in this locker room!

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Their ceremony took place under this stunning tree canopy.

Love the boat in the background of this silhouette. Jamie sailed from a young age and they both love boats and water.

I wonder if the geese took note of the happy couple.

Yes, they are in love!

Look at those beautiful blue eyes they both have!

Congratulations, Jennifer and James!

Traci received a special text message.

Something blue. Isn’t it pretty?

The ringbearer warming up with music.

Lawrence waiting for Traci’s arrival outside of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception in Sutton, and Traci looking stunning in her old front yard.

The groomsmen and the bridesmaids just before the ceremony.

Awww.  The flower girls smile as they walk up the aisle.

I love how Traci’s matron of honour is proudly watching her come down the aisle.

Traci and Lawrence enjoying the ceremony.

Traci looks pretty happy after the ring exchange!

Toasting the marriage wtih some champagne.  Yes, they did get some in their glasses!

The wedding party takes a little walk at Silver Lakes Golf Club in Newmarket.

Some romantic post-wedding moments.

She pulls him in for a kiss!

First dance.

This was one of the most delicious appetizers I’ve ever had.

Father-daughter dance.

Congratulations, Traci and Lawrence! We hope you are having an amazing time in The Bahamas!

Check out this band on Sunday if you can! They have their CD release for “You are Found,” at the Holy Oak Cafe at 1241 Bloor St. from 9-11:30PM.
If you like most of what’s played on CBC Radio 3, you will like them! Very original, independent Canadian music. They are Montreal based. I went to high school with Erin Lang and she is a talent, as are all of the musicians she plays with.   I made another great musical discovery at her last show, when I heard David Simard for the first time.

The band.  Don’t you love that this band features a french horn?

I love when musicians have fun on stage.

David Simard and Erin Lang.