When Danielle reached out to us to do a family session, we were ecstatic. Not only is her little family adorable, but her sister married our brother and we love having opportunities to serve those in our immediate communities. We love being able to offer tangible and lasting memories to those we care about. It’s more than photography, it’s about creating memories for us! We’ve done our brother’s engagement, our sister’s engagement, our sister’s wedding, and now we can add this one to the list!

Danielle and Rafi married in 2013 and now have two little ones. They initially lived in the Newmarket area for a while, before moving a little further away. Now, no matter where they go, they have a memory of the town where they started out.

Toddler boy enjoyed his cone a little too much, he decided to wear it.

We decided to take them a little off the beaten path when it comes to Main Street Newmarket. Sunday afternoons are pretty busy in the area, so for the second half of the shoot, we ducked into a little park area that allowed toddler boy a chance to run around and be himself. And of course, it had to end with ice cream at Bene Bene where toddler boy enjoyed his cone so much, he decided to wear it.

Danielle and Rafi, we had so much fun taking pictures of you guys! Family sessions with little kids can be difficult, but you guys handled it like pros. We love how you guys knew when to step back and let your little guy just be himself. These are the photos that you’re going to look back on and remember just how sweet and hilarious he is; kids are small for such a short time! We hope these photos bring you joy you as you continue watching your little ones grow up!

When Danielle reached out to us to do a family session, we were ecstatic. Not only is her little family adorable, but her sister married our brother and we love having opportunities to serve those in our immediate communities. We love being able to offer tangible and lasting memories to those we care about. It’s more than photography, it’s about creating memories for us! We’ve done our brother’s engagement, our sister’s engagement, our sister’s wedding, and now we can add this one to the list!

Danielle and Rafi married in 2013 and now have two little ones. They initially lived in the Newmarket area for a while, before moving a little further away. Now, no matter where they go, they have a memory of the town where they started out.

Toddler boy enjoyed his cone a little too much, he decided to wear it.

We decided to take them a little off the beaten path when it comes to Main Street Newmarket. Sunday afternoons are pretty busy in the area, so for the second half of the shoot, we ducked into a little park area that allowed toddler boy a chance to run around and be himself. And of course, it had to end with ice cream at Bene Bene where toddler boy enjoyed his cone so much, he decided to wear it.

Danielle and Rafi, we had so much fun taking pictures of you guys! Family sessions with little kids can be difficult, but you guys handled it like pros. We love how you guys knew when to step back and let your little guy just be himself. These are the photos that you’re going to look back on and remember just how sweet and hilarious he is; kids are small for such a short time! We hope these photos bring you joy you as you continue watching your little ones grow up!

Danielle and Kevin’s gorgeous day was our first full wedding of the year! After months of engagement sessions and two-hour ceremonies, it felt amazing to be behind the camera for the entire day. We had Danielle and Kevin’s engagement session only a few weeks before, and it was such a treat to see them again so soon!

Danielle and Kevin are both such attentive and thoughtful people and together they are a power-house of serving others. Throughout the day, we watched Danielle and Kevin care for their relatives and be considerate towards their vendors. Multiple times we were approached by them to make sure we had something to eat and drink and were doing alright. It’s this type of other-centeredness that makes us excited for how they’ll use their marriage to love and serve others!

…we could taste the love and sorrow intermingling in such a bittersweet moment.

Already, we could see how their union was bringing such joy and encouragement to their families and friends. One moment in particular stood out to us: the father of the bride’s speech. We had seen Danielle’s father throughout the day, in little moments. He seemed reserved and calm. But when he got up to speak, there wasn’t a single dry eye. His pride and love for his daughter was palpable. At the end of this speech, they hugged. For a moment, we were witnesses to a special scene: daughter holding father, father with a sadness in his eyes that could only be for the loss of one of his most precious gifts. They held each other, and we could taste the love and sorrow intermingling in such a bittersweet moment.

It is a memory that we will appreciate forever. It’s moments like these that make us feel so honoured to be wedding photographers.

Danielle and Kevin, thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us. Thank you for how well you encouraged us through your words and your wedding! You truly know how to make people feel seen and care for. We hope you love seeing yourselves through our cameras, and re-living your wedding through our eyes! Congratulations again, and may God bless you as you begin this next chapter of life!

CREATIVE TEAM

Gown: David’s Bridal

Venue: Crystal Fountain

MUA: AJ Villafranca Beauty Glam

Hair Artist: Gretchen Cruz

Danielle and Kevin’s gorgeous day was our first full wedding of the year! After months of engagement sessions and two-hour ceremonies, it felt amazing to be behind the camera for the entire day. We had Danielle and Kevin’s engagement session only a few weeks before, and it was such a treat to see them again so soon!

Danielle and Kevin are both such attentive and thoughtful people and together they are a power-house of serving others. Throughout the day, we watched Danielle and Kevin care for their relatives and be considerate towards their vendors. Multiple times we were approached by them to make sure we had something to eat and drink and were doing alright. It’s this type of other-centeredness that makes us excited for how they’ll use their marriage to love and serve others!

…we could taste the love and sorrow intermingling in such a bittersweet moment.

Already, we could see how their union was bringing such joy and encouragement to their families and friends. One moment in particular stood out to us: the father of the bride’s speech. We had seen Danielle’s father throughout the day, in little moments. He seemed reserved and calm. But when he got up to speak, there wasn’t a single dry eye. His pride and love for his daughter was palpable. At the end of this speech, they hugged. For a moment, we were witnesses to a special scene: daughter holding father, father with a sadness in his eyes that could only be for the loss of one of his most precious gifts. They held each other, and we could taste the love and sorrow intermingling in such a bittersweet moment.

It is a memory that we will appreciate forever. It’s moments like these that make us feel so honoured to be wedding photographers.

Danielle and Kevin, thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us. Thank you for how well you encouraged us through your words and your wedding! You truly know how to make people feel seen and care for. We hope you love seeing yourselves through our cameras, and re-living your wedding through our eyes! Congratulations again, and may God bless you as you begin this next chapter of life!

CREATIVE TEAM

Gown: David’s Bridal

Venue: Crystal Fountain

MUA: AJ Villafranca Beauty Glam

Hair Artist: Gretchen Cruz

Jessica and Wesley sat across from each other at a group lunch. Jessica was new at Wesley’s church, and Wesley wanted to make her feel at home. He introduced himself and said, “Tell me about yourself.” How was he to know she didn’t like open-ended questions? After that conversation, they didn’t really speak for three years.

Jessica and Wesley reconnected when they found themselves on the same softball league, but on opposing teams. They told us that their relationship was a low-key one and they seemed slightly unsure as to how Wes asked Jessica to be his girlfriend in the first place. From what we could gather, it went something like this:

“Do you want to be my girlfriend?”

“Okay.”

Their proposal was more eventful, but true to form. Wesley spent six months designing a beautiful custom ring and carried it with him for two months. It was around Christmastime that he found the perfect circumstance to pop the question.

When Jessica turned back around, he was gone.

Wesley took Jessica on a date to the Aurora Winter Festival, held at the CNE. Wesley had obtained the help of two friends to take photos of the proposal, and every few minutes, he would peak at his phone to know when they’d be in position. And then he got the text. Wesley led Jessica out into the skating rink and into place. There were people skating and milling about; lots of movement and joy. Wesley distracted Jessica for a moment and, as she looked away, he lowered to a kneel. When Jessica turned back around, he was gone.

It took a moment for her to realize where he was and what was happening. For that singular moment, no skaters passed by them. It was a sliver of peace in an otherwise crowded night. And in that moment, one of their friends captured THE photo. The one they’ll show their children and grandchildren whenever they tell the story.

Jessica and Wesley, we had such an amazing time getting to know you guys better at your engagement session. We’re so honoured that you let us in enough to see just how much you love and encourage one another. You make each other laugh so fully and you are very much at home in each other’s presence. We are so in love with your photos, and we hope you are too! Let them be a sweet reminder of your love for one another!

Jessica and Wesley sat across from each other at a group lunch. Jessica was new at Wesley’s church, and Wesley wanted to make her feel at home. He introduced himself and said, “Tell me about yourself.” How was he to know she didn’t like open-ended questions? After that conversation, they didn’t really speak for three years.

Jessica and Wesley reconnected when they found themselves on the same softball league, but on opposing teams. They told us that their relationship was a low-key one and they seemed slightly unsure as to how Wes asked Jessica to be his girlfriend in the first place. From what we could gather, it went something like this:

“Do you want to be my girlfriend?”

“Okay.”

Their proposal was more eventful, but true to form. Wesley spent six months designing a beautiful custom ring and carried it with him for two months. It was around Christmastime that he found the perfect circumstance to pop the question.

When Jessica turned back around, he was gone.

Wesley took Jessica on a date to the Aurora Winter Festival, held at the CNE. Wesley had obtained the help of two friends to take photos of the proposal, and every few minutes, he would peak at his phone to know when they’d be in position. And then he got the text. Wesley led Jessica out into the skating rink and into place. There were people skating and milling about; lots of movement and joy. Wesley distracted Jessica for a moment and, as she looked away, he lowered to a kneel. When Jessica turned back around, he was gone.

It took a moment for her to realize where he was and what was happening. For that singular moment, no skaters passed by them. It was a sliver of peace in an otherwise crowded night. And in that moment, one of their friends captured THE photo. The one they’ll show their children and grandchildren whenever they tell the story.

Jessica and Wesley, we had such an amazing time getting to know you guys better at your engagement session. We’re so honoured that you let us in enough to see just how much you love and encourage one another. You make each other laugh so fully and you are very much at home in each other’s presence. We are so in love with your photos, and we hope you are too! Let them be a sweet reminder of your love for one another!

Florence was in her first year of university at Tyndale. For one of her classes, she needed to get the book “Foolishness to the Greeks”. Not the most romantic title or book, I’ll grant you, but it became the first step on her journey to the altar.

Lloyd was looking to sell some old school books he no longer needed. He posted them online and waited for a response. He had no idea he was waiting for a message from his future wife.

Lloyd and Florence connected online and decided to meet at a classroom for the trade. Florence took the book, and took a seat in the classroom, ready for class. And there was Lloyd, also taking a seat in the class. Not long after, they realized they were both in the same prayer group as well. They decided they should probably be friends.

He had no idea he was waiting for a message from his future wife.

Over the next two years, their friendship grew and something deeper developed. As the end of their degrees approached, Lloyd realized that Florence would most likely return to the UK. He knew he had to act.

Florence & Lloyd decided to have their engagement session on a small stretch of the East Don Parkland trail. It was a path that Florence had walked before and had loved. As we walked along the trail, we came across an off-shoot that led down to a break in the trees, where the ground turned to pebbles and sand. A beach paradise in the middle of the city. It was romantic and quiet, and it set the tone for a beautiful engagement session.

Florence and Lloyd, thank you so much for entrusting us with capturing this sweet and meaningful season of your relationship! We loved hearing your story and we’re excited to see how this time of engagement builds on the beautiful foundation you guys have set! We hope these images are a constant reminder of your love for one another in the years to come!

Florence was in her first year of university at Tyndale. For one of her classes, she needed to get the book “Foolishness to the Greeks”. Not the most romantic title or book, I’ll grant you, but it became the first step on her journey to the altar.

Lloyd was looking to sell some old school books he no longer needed. He posted them online and waited for a response. He had no idea he was waiting for a message from his future wife.

Lloyd and Florence connected online and decided to meet at a classroom for the trade. Florence took the book, and took a seat in the classroom, ready for class. And there was Lloyd, also taking a seat in the class. Not long after, they realized they were both in the same prayer group as well. They decided they should probably be friends.

He had no idea he was waiting for a message from his future wife.

Over the next two years, their friendship grew and something deeper developed. As the end of their degrees approached, Lloyd realized that Florence would most likely return to the UK. He knew he had to act.

Florence & Lloyd decided to have their engagement session on a small stretch of the East Don Parkland trail. It was a path that Florence had walked before and had loved. As we walked along the trail, we came across an off-shoot that led down to a break in the trees, where the ground turned to pebbles and sand. A beach paradise in the middle of the city. It was romantic and quiet, and it set the tone for a beautiful engagement session.

Florence and Lloyd, thank you so much for entrusting us with capturing this sweet and meaningful season of your relationship! We loved hearing your story and we’re excited to see how this time of engagement builds on the beautiful foundation you guys have set! We hope these images are a constant reminder of your love for one another in the years to come!

Marianne and Andrew have one of those proposal stories that makes us so excited for their marriage. Not because it’s super adventurous, but because it showcases just how the most ordinary events can be extraordinary when they’re with the person we love.

It was an all-day date: it started in the morning with breakfast together and continued with spending the day hiking at Elora Gorge, alongside the banks of the Grand River. It ended with a dinner and a farewell at the steps to the front door. It’s one of those classic romantic scenes: the end of a date, saying goodnight at the porch. But this time, instead of a just a kiss, Andrew and Marianne to marry him. It was the culmination of seven years of dating.

The most ordinary events can be extraordinary when they’re with the person we love.

Marianne and Andrew chose Osgoode hall for their engagement session. In some situations, it can be difficult using your creativity to find new ways to shoot at a location that you’ve used numerous times before or recently, but we’ve discovered that if you follow the light, every session will be spectacularly unique and special. The right light has a way of turning a scene into a romantic story, and this was especially true for Marianne and Andrew’s session (as you’ll see below!). It also helps when your bride-to-be and her future husband look like they’ve stepped out of a fairy-tale!

Marianne and Andrew, we had so much fun with you at your engagement session! You guys are sweet, warm, and real. We could feel it at our meetings, in person, and through the camera lens! We’re so excited to spend more time with your guys virtually over the coming months and again in person at your wedding next year! We hope you love these photos as much as we loved taking them and that they serve as an encouragement in the next months and years!

Marianne and Andrew have one of those proposal stories that makes us so excited for their marriage. Not because it’s super adventurous, but because it showcases just how the most ordinary events can be extraordinary when they’re with the person we love.

It was an all-day date: it started in the morning with breakfast together and continued with spending the day hiking at Elora Gorge, alongside the banks of the Grand River. It ended with a dinner and a farewell at the steps to the front door. It’s one of those classic romantic scenes: the end of a date, saying goodnight at the porch. But this time, instead of a just a kiss, Andrew and Marianne to marry him. It was the culmination of seven years of dating.

The most ordinary events can be extraordinary when they’re with the person we love.

Marianne and Andrew chose Osgoode hall for their engagement session. In some situations, it can be difficult using your creativity to find new ways to shoot at a location that you’ve used numerous times before or recently, but we’ve discovered that if you follow the light, every session will be spectacularly unique and special. The right light has a way of turning a scene into a romantic story, and this was especially true for Marianne and Andrew’s session (as you’ll see below!). It also helps when your bride-to-be and her future husband look like they’ve stepped out of a fairy-tale!

Marianne and Andrew, we had so much fun with you at your engagement session! You guys are sweet, warm, and real. We could feel it at our meetings, in person, and through the camera lens! We’re so excited to spend more time with your guys virtually over the coming months and again in person at your wedding next year! We hope you love these photos as much as we loved taking them and that they serve as an encouragement in the next months and years!

We’ve always loved Osgoode Hall. Samantha even had her wedding photos here! It’s one of those buildings that you can walk by and not notice at first since it’s surrounded by some of Toronto’s iconic landmarks. Osgoode Hall is partly hidden behind tall, wrought-iron fencing and probably the largest trees you’ll find downtown. But when you step onto the grounds, it’s like being transported to a different land. There are couples picnicking on the grass, students reading against a tree, and dog-owners strolling along the cobblestone walkway.

They fell into romantic movements and poses effortlessly, as if that’s just what they do on any regular Sunday.

We loved that Danielle and Kevin chose Osgoode Hall for their engagement session. The location is a great mixture of romantic and elegant, but without being stuffy. And Danielle and Kevin seemed right at home on the grounds. They fell into romantic movements and poses effortlessly, as if that’s just what they do on any regular Sunday. Danielle has an incredible smile when Kevin makes her laugh, and he has such a softness in his eyes when he looks at Danielle. Plus, they definitely have a silly side. Case in point, I may have caught Danielle out of the corner of my eye, making silly faces and shooting finger guns trying to make Kevin laugh. And very successfully!

Danielle and Kevin, thank you so much for entrusting us to document this special season of your life! We loved getting to know you guys better and seeing your relationship at action. We are so thankful for your trust and and your enthusiasm! Being a COVID couple is difficult to navigate, but you guys make the compromise and sacrifice look easy. Being engaged is so amazing, but being married is even more so! We can’t wait to celebrate you guys in a couple weeks!

We’ve always loved Osgoode Hall. Samantha even had her wedding photos here! It’s one of those buildings that you can walk by and not notice at first since it’s surrounded by some of Toronto’s iconic landmarks. Osgoode Hall is partly hidden behind tall, wrought-iron fencing and probably the largest trees you’ll find downtown. But when you step onto the grounds, it’s like being transported to a different land. There are couples picnicking on the grass, students reading against a tree, and dog-owners strolling along the cobblestone walkway.

They fell into romantic movements and poses effortlessly, as if that’s just what they do on any regular Sunday.

We loved that Danielle and Kevin chose Osgoode Hall for their engagement session. The location is a great mixture of romantic and elegant, but without being stuffy. And Danielle and Kevin seemed right at home on the grounds. They fell into romantic movements and poses effortlessly, as if that’s just what they do on any regular Sunday. Danielle has an incredible smile when Kevin makes her laugh, and he has such a softness in his eyes when he looks at Danielle. Plus, they definitely have a silly side. Case in point, I may have caught Danielle out of the corner of my eye, making silly faces and shooting finger guns trying to make Kevin laugh. And very successfully!

Danielle and Kevin, thank you so much for entrusting us to document this special season of your life! We loved getting to know you guys better and seeing your relationship at action. We are so thankful for your trust and and your enthusiasm! Being a COVID couple is difficult to navigate, but you guys make the compromise and sacrifice look easy. Being engaged is so amazing, but being married is even more so! We can’t wait to celebrate you guys in a couple weeks!

We absolutely love building friendships with our brides and grooms, both before and after their wedding. We’ve gone out for brunches, hung out at events, and kept up over social media with many of our couples! But one of our favourite ways to keep in touch with our past brides and grooms is when they invite us to document new and exciting seasons of their lives.

Shauna and Garrett are one of those couples, and we had an amazing evening photographing their first anniversary. But this wasn’t a regular anniversary session: they brought along the newest addition to their family, sheltie puppy Finlay!

At Shauna and Garrett’s wedding last year, it was clear that these two were each other’s best friends. At their anniversary session, they were happy, comfortable, and they spoke to each other so fondly. Together, even in the couple hours we spent with them, they looked so in sync with how they handled their adorable little puppy. The combination of Shauna’s warmth and Garrett’s gentleness was so beautiful to see as they worked together to get their little guy wrangled and looking cute for photos!

…you wonder if you’ve known any other couple that fits together as well.

Shauna is a marketing and media manager and her desire for real human connection is so beautiful! It drips from her words and her smile. She would be that teacher in grade school that every student loved! Garrett is a former wrestler, and, when you find out, you’re both surprised and not surprised. Garrett is well-spoken and unpretentious. He moves and speaks with intentionality. He is reserved, but not quiet. Garrett complements Shauna’s social personality perfectly and you wonder if you’ve known any other couple that fits together as well. We saw glimpses of this at their wedding, but got a fuller effect at their anniversary session. And we’re so honoured to have been given a small peak into their lives as a couple!

Shauna and Garrett, we are so happy we got to spend time with you guys and celebrate your first anniversary! You were clearly over-the-moon happy at your wedding, but there was a depth to your joy this year that made us so excited for your relationship! We love how you deeply care for each other and how your love for your new family has spilled over onto a little puppy. He’s so lucky to have you guys as his paw-rents! We had such a blast taking these photos, and we’re so honoured to have documented this amazing milestone in your marriage. We hope you love these images and that they will always remind you of this sweet season of life. Congratulations on your first year!

We absolutely love building friendships with our brides and grooms, both before and after their wedding. We’ve gone out for brunches, hung out at events, and kept up over social media with many of our couples! But one of our favourite ways to keep in touch with our past brides and grooms is when they invite us to document new and exciting seasons of their lives.

Shauna and Garrett are one of those couples, and we had an amazing evening photographing their first anniversary. But this wasn’t a regular anniversary session: they brought along the newest addition to their family, sheltie puppy Finlay!

At Shauna and Garrett’s wedding last year, it was clear that these two were each other’s best friends. At their anniversary session, they were happy, comfortable, and they spoke to each other so fondly. Together, even in the couple hours we spent with them, they looked so in sync with how they handled their adorable little puppy. The combination of Shauna’s warmth and Garrett’s gentleness was so beautiful to see as they worked together to get their little guy wrangled and looking cute for photos!

…you wonder if you’ve known any other couple that fits together as well.

Shauna is a marketing and media manager and her desire for real human connection is so beautiful! It drips from her words and her smile. She would be that teacher in grade school that every student loved! Garrett is a former wrestler, and, when you find out, you’re both surprised and not surprised. Garrett is well-spoken and unpretentious. He moves and speaks with intentionality. He is reserved, but not quiet. Garrett complements Shauna’s social personality perfectly and you wonder if you’ve known any other couple that fits together as well. We saw glimpses of this at their wedding, but got a fuller effect at their anniversary session. And we’re so honoured to have been given a small peak into their lives as a couple!

Shauna and Garrett, we are so happy we got to spend time with you guys and celebrate your first anniversary! You were clearly over-the-moon happy at your wedding, but there was a depth to your joy this year that made us so excited for your relationship! We love how you deeply care for each other and how your love for your new family has spilled over onto a little puppy. He’s so lucky to have you guys as his paw-rents! We had such a blast taking these photos, and we’re so honoured to have documented this amazing milestone in your marriage. We hope you love these images and that they will always remind you of this sweet season of life. Congratulations on your first year!

Back in November, Samantha and I had the chance to flip our wedding day roles! Our brother John got married to our new sister-in-law, Naomi, and Sam and I were both in the wedding party. We’ve shot countless weddings, but this was only our second time being bridesmaids! We were able to photograph Naomi and John’s engagement during the summer, but on their big day, we got to spend approximately 15 hours by their side as part of their official entourage.

Being a part of the bridal party allowed us to experience issues and tips we’ve always known about, but we hadn’t necessarily personally experienced. Here are 5 things we’ve always known, but finally experienced first-hand, about being bridesmaids.

 

1) Getting ready takes way longer than you think.

This is almost always the case when it comes to females getting ready for an event. But with weddings, it almost becomes a law of nature! Whether you go to a salon, have a professional come to your prep location, or do it yourself, getting your hair and makeup done seems to take at least three times as long as any other day! Especially if everyone is helping one another! This is why we always tell our couples to book in extra buffer time! Adding an extra 20-30 min for every activity during the day will help account for things that are hard to plan for like touch-ups, misbehaving hair, and traffic!

Annet and Brad

 

2) Adrenaline will only take you so far when it comes to heels.

Heels are almost unquestionable when it comes to a wedding day, for brides and bridesmaids. But they aren’t the most comfortable shoe to spend the day in. As a bridesmaid, I found the most difficult part wasn’t walking around for photos, but standing at the front of the church. Putting pressure on the balls of your feet without rest for over half an hour is an unexpectedly painful activity.

The first of two things we found incredibly helpful was using Solemates! Not only did they help spread out some of the weight by creating a wider base, but they helped protect our heels from the dirt and mud at the portrait location, and helped us not sink into the grass!

Secondly, I brought an extra pair of flat shoes! Strutting around on 4″ heels while helping to clean up isn’t the most practical. So although we wore our heels for the ceremony and most of the reception, our slip-ons were perfect for packing-up and walking between locations! Not only did they give our feet a break, but we were able to be faster and more efficient in our work!

Jackie & David

 

3) There is no right size of bridal party.

Both normal-sized and large bridal parties have their advantages! And though I’ve only been in two wedding parties, I’ve experienced the vastly different realities of both!

Samantha and Logan had a fairly average bridal party size: 5 girls and 5 guys. It was a more intimate and cozy experience. Everyone had time to interact and talk with the bride and groom, and bridal party photos were quick and easy! Small parties make for a more intimate experience, where everyone gets to spend some time with the bride and groom.

Naomi and John, on the other hand, had a large wedding party: 17 in all! (Can you believe 12 of us were siblings?) It was a day-long party; there was a real sense of celebration! Plus, there were plenty of hands to help clean up and greet guests.

Truth: You should never pick your bridal party size based on how it will look in photos! There are only two factors you want to consider:

• How large the wedding is. A 20-person party can be hard to coordinate in a small wedding with a 50-person guest list.
• Who you want beside you on your wedding day! What relationships mean the most to you and will mean the most to you in 30, 40, 50 years.

Carrie & Steve

 

4) The bride doesn’t have to know about everything.

This point is all about teamwork. The bridal party is there to serve the bride and groom! And a lot of times, that means taking care of problems they will never even know about. No matter how much planning is done prior to the wedding day, something usually doesn’t go as expected! Maybe the florist sent over the wrong greenery, or the flower girl refuses to put on her dress, or a bridesmaid’s dress rips. We call these no-know problems: the bride doesn’t need to know about it before, during, or after the issue is solved!

This is where the bridal party, planner, and coordinator can step up and solve these problems! Photographers are also great people to ask! They’re there the whole day, and they’ve seen pretty much every problem that can come up. As photographers, we’ve always maintained that our aim is to be a source of information and reassurance during the planning period and on the wedding day!

Stacie & Alex

 

5) Photos aren’t everything.

Yes, we’re photographers, but we’re also human beings. The whole point of what we do as photographers is to help our couples remember the joy they carry into this new season of life and the love that will sustain the beautiful promises they are making to each other. Those vows are what are most important! Photos help you remember those promises; they point you to the purpose of your marriage. Sometimes, you’ll have to choose between relationships and photography…between being present in the moment and being able to relive the moment in the future by looking at your images.

You’ll want a photographer you can trust to capture these memories, while prioritizing your relationships on your wedding day. This isn’t us trying to convince you to hire us. We don’t want you to have Into the Aisle at your wedding if we’re not the right fit for you. But we do want you to have meaningful priorities! Sometimes beautiful photos will help you remember relational moments- and you’ll want to make sure you have those gorgeous images! Other times you’ll want to be present in the moment, creating the actual memories your images will help call to mind.

We were so grateful to have this reminder as bridesmaids. We were thinking like photographers on the day of John and Naomi’s wedding – we can’t help it – but we also saw that it was the relational moments that made the whole day a celebration!

 

Back in November, Samantha and I had the chance to flip our wedding day roles! Our brother John got married to our new sister-in-law, Naomi, and Sam and I were both in the wedding party. We’ve shot countless weddings, but this was only our second time being bridesmaids! We were able to photograph Naomi and John’s engagement during the summer, but on their big day, we got to spend approximately 15 hours by their side as part of their official entourage.

Being a part of the bridal party allowed us to experience issues and tips we’ve always known about, but we hadn’t necessarily personally experienced. Here are 5 things we’ve always known, but finally experienced first-hand, about being bridesmaids.

 

1) Getting ready takes way longer than you think.

This is almost always the case when it comes to females getting ready for an event. But with weddings, it almost becomes a law of nature! Whether you go to a salon, have a professional come to your prep location, or do it yourself, getting your hair and makeup done seems to take at least three times as long as any other day! Especially if everyone is helping one another! This is why we always tell our couples to book in extra buffer time! Adding an extra 20-30 min for every activity during the day will help account for things that are hard to plan for like touch-ups, misbehaving hair, and traffic!

Annet and Brad

 

2) Adrenaline will only take you so far when it comes to heels.

Heels are almost unquestionable when it comes to a wedding day, for brides and bridesmaids. But they aren’t the most comfortable shoe to spend the day in. As a bridesmaid, I found the most difficult part wasn’t walking around for photos, but standing at the front of the church. Putting pressure on the balls of your feet without rest for over half an hour is an unexpectedly painful activity.

The first of two things we found incredibly helpful was using Solemates! Not only did they help spread out some of the weight by creating a wider base, but they helped protect our heels from the dirt and mud at the portrait location, and helped us not sink into the grass!

Secondly, I brought an extra pair of flat shoes! Strutting around on 4″ heels while helping to clean up isn’t the most practical. So although we wore our heels for the ceremony and most of the reception, our slip-ons were perfect for packing-up and walking between locations! Not only did they give our feet a break, but we were able to be faster and more efficient in our work!

Jackie & David

 

3) There is no right size of bridal party.

Both normal-sized and large bridal parties have their advantages! And though I’ve only been in two wedding parties, I’ve experienced the vastly different realities of both!

Samantha and Logan had a fairly average bridal party size: 5 girls and 5 guys. It was a more intimate and cozy experience. Everyone had time to interact and talk with the bride and groom, and bridal party photos were quick and easy! Small parties make for a more intimate experience, where everyone gets to spend some time with the bride and groom.

Naomi and John, on the other hand, had a large wedding party: 17 in all! (Can you believe 12 of us were siblings?) It was a day-long party; there was a real sense of celebration! Plus, there were plenty of hands to help clean up and greet guests.

Truth: You should never pick your bridal party size based on how it will look in photos! There are only two factors you want to consider:

• How large the wedding is. A 20-person party can be hard to coordinate in a small wedding with a 50-person guest list.
• Who you want beside you on your wedding day! What relationships mean the most to you and will mean the most to you in 30, 40, 50 years.

Carrie & Steve

 

4) The bride doesn’t have to know about everything.

This point is all about teamwork. The bridal party is there to serve the bride and groom! And a lot of times, that means taking care of problems they will never even know about. No matter how much planning is done prior to the wedding day, something usually doesn’t go as expected! Maybe the florist sent over the wrong greenery, or the flower girl refuses to put on her dress, or a bridesmaid’s dress rips. We call these no-know problems: the bride doesn’t need to know about it before, during, or after the issue is solved!

This is where the bridal party, planner, and coordinator can step up and solve these problems! Photographers are also great people to ask! They’re there the whole day, and they’ve seen pretty much every problem that can come up. As photographers, we’ve always maintained that our aim is to be a source of information and reassurance during the planning period and on the wedding day!

Stacie & Alex

 

5) Photos aren’t everything.

Yes, we’re photographers, but we’re also human beings. The whole point of what we do as photographers is to help our couples remember the joy they carry into this new season of life and the love that will sustain the beautiful promises they are making to each other. Those vows are what are most important! Photos help you remember those promises; they point you to the purpose of your marriage. Sometimes, you’ll have to choose between relationships and photography…between being present in the moment and being able to relive the moment in the future by looking at your images.

You’ll want a photographer you can trust to capture these memories, while prioritizing your relationships on your wedding day. This isn’t us trying to convince you to hire us. We don’t want you to have Into the Aisle at your wedding if we’re not the right fit for you. But we do want you to have meaningful priorities! Sometimes beautiful photos will help you remember relational moments- and you’ll want to make sure you have those gorgeous images! Other times you’ll want to be present in the moment, creating the actual memories your images will help call to mind.

We were so grateful to have this reminder as bridesmaids. We were thinking like photographers on the day of John and Naomi’s wedding – we can’t help it – but we also saw that it was the relational moments that made the whole day a celebration!

 

We’re back at the R.C. Harris Treatment Plant with another amazing session! We love kind couples with sweet stories, and Jenny and Derrick fit the bill!

Jenny and Derrick first met at a cottage getaway, where friends hoped they’d connect. Derrick tried to talk to Jenny, but Jenny has no recollection of it. Over the weekend, they barely spoke and essentially ignored each other. 

The following spring, one of their friends decided to become a little more obvious and suggested Jenny and Derrick go out to dinner. They went out on a single date, but nothing came of it when they both got busy and lost touch. A few months later, over the summer, Derrick came to Jenny’s mind a couple of times and, soon after, they were magically matched on Coffee Meets Bagel. 

Derrick asked Jenny to marry him with a ring pop.

Earlier this year, Derrick decided to propose. Unfortunately, COVID temporarily shut down the jeweller from whom he had purchased the engagement ring. Instead of delaying the proposal, Derrick asked Jenny to marry him with a ring pop (and the promise of a real ring). 

Jenny and Derrick chose to have their engagement photos at the R.C. Harris Treatment Plant (where we also did Jen and Paul’s session this past winter). The warmth of the stone buildings and the calmness of the water suited Jenny and Derrick well. While many of their plans have been postponed, they both come across as hopeful and peaceful in their relationship. Their priority isn’t having the most lavish wedding, but spending time with each other (they compliment each other so very well) and with their families. 

Jenny and Derrick, you guys were not only a joy to photograph, but get to know as well! The short conversations we had walking between locations were definitely a highlight for us and we can’t wait to get to know you better! We love how you guys are facing the changes and compromises of this season of life together, as a team. We hope these photos continually remind you of this beautiful season of life! Can’t wait to get you in front of our cameras again!

We’re back at the R.C. Harris Treatment Plant with another amazing session! We love kind couples with sweet stories, and Jenny and Derrick fit the bill!

Jenny and Derrick first met at a cottage getaway, where friends hoped they’d connect. Derrick tried to talk to Jenny, but Jenny has no recollection of it. Over the weekend, they barely spoke and essentially ignored each other. 

The following spring, one of their friends decided to become a little more obvious and suggested Jenny and Derrick go out to dinner. They went out on a single date, but nothing came of it when they both got busy and lost touch. A few months later, over the summer, Derrick came to Jenny’s mind a couple of times and, soon after, they were magically matched on Coffee Meets Bagel. 

Derrick asked Jenny to marry him with a ring pop.

Earlier this year, Derrick decided to propose. Unfortunately, COVID temporarily shut down the jeweller from whom he had purchased the engagement ring. Instead of delaying the proposal, Derrick asked Jenny to marry him with a ring pop (and the promise of a real ring). 

Jenny and Derrick chose to have their engagement photos at the R.C. Harris Treatment Plant (where we also did Jen and Paul’s session this past winter). The warmth of the stone buildings and the calmness of the water suited Jenny and Derrick well. While many of their plans have been postponed, they both come across as hopeful and peaceful in their relationship. Their priority isn’t having the most lavish wedding, but spending time with each other (they compliment each other so very well) and with their families. 

Jenny and Derrick, you guys were not only a joy to photograph, but get to know as well! The short conversations we had walking between locations were definitely a highlight for us and we can’t wait to get to know you better! We love how you guys are facing the changes and compromises of this season of life together, as a team. We hope these photos continually remind you of this beautiful season of life! Can’t wait to get you in front of our cameras again!

Last week, we got a taste of our regular wedding season! And it was amazing. It was so nice to get back out into the field, spend time with our lovely couples, and take beautiful photos of people in love.

We didn’t get to meet Mena & Matt in person before their engagement session, but already, we’re excited for their wedding day! And their sweet story serves as a great example of how you never know how great a role a person will play in your life.

It’s your first year at university and you’re constantly meeting new people and forming connections. You meet your first friend at orientation and you either become best friends for the rest of your degree, or you drift apart as you form stronger connections with others you meet. Your dorm-mates could become like family, or you could be looking for your own apartment…or you could find yourself falling in love.

You never know how great a role a person will play in your life.

Mena and Matt met in their first year at university. They both went to McMaster in Hamilton, where they stayed in the same dorm. In their second year, they started dating, and eight years later, they’re planning for an October wedding (COVID regulations permitting). They’re relaxed, personable, and so sweet together. They’re the couple you’d love to go to brunch with. But they also have a spontaneous side: they were such good sports when we asked last minute if they’d mind stepping in the water for a few final shots. Absolute troopers!

Mena and Matt, thank you so much for entrusting us with capturing your most meaningful moments! You guys are so sweet and kind, and we love how you embraced last-minute ideas like adventurers. We hope you love these images and we can’t wait for your big day!

Last week, we got a taste of our regular wedding season! And it was amazing. It was so nice to get back out into the field, spend time with our lovely couples, and take beautiful photos of people in love.

We didn’t get to meet Mena & Matt in person before their engagement session, but already, we’re excited for their wedding day! And their sweet story serves as a great example of how you never know how great a role a person will play in your life.

It’s your first year at university and you’re constantly meeting new people and forming connections. You meet your first friend at orientation and you either become best friends for the rest of your degree, or you drift apart as you form stronger connections with others you meet. Your dorm-mates could become like family, or you could be looking for your own apartment…or you could find yourself falling in love.

You never know how great a role a person will play in your life.

Mena and Matt met in their first year at university. They both went to McMaster in Hamilton, where they stayed in the same dorm. In their second year, they started dating, and eight years later, they’re planning for an October wedding (COVID regulations permitting). They’re relaxed, personable, and so sweet together. They’re the couple you’d love to go to brunch with. But they also have a spontaneous side: they were such good sports when we asked last minute if they’d mind stepping in the water for a few final shots. Absolute troopers!

Mena and Matt, thank you so much for entrusting us with capturing your most meaningful moments! You guys are so sweet and kind, and we love how you embraced last-minute ideas like adventurers. We hope you love these images and we can’t wait for your big day!