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Today, Logan and I celebrate 3 years of marriage! In some ways it’s gone by so fast… in other ways, I can’t even remember what life was like beforehand. 

Marriage has been amazing. No more saying goodbye at the end of the day. A built-in travel buddy. Knowing someone is committed to the relationship for the rest of our lives.

Wedding Photos by Hannah Belvedere Photography

But even with very similar family backgrounds (does anyone else watch It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve?), Logan and I realized we can be pretty different. 

I’m an ultra-planner, even on our days off work. I can be extreme with my habits, working out like crazy and then not working out for months on end. I get really excited about random small things (I still get excited every time we buy chocolate at the grocery store).

Logan, on the other hand, is the most balanced person I’ve ever met. He has gone on a run almost every second day for over a decade. Logan rests by not having plans. He enjoys running, and surfing, and having good conversations, but doesn’t get crazy excited about them.

So we’re different. We had done premarital counselling, so when we got married we knew we had the same deep values on faith, family, friends, and finances.


How you apply your values can look very different


But how you apply the same values can look very different! What does it mean to value family? How much time do you spend with each other’s families? How often? For how long? Does it count if you go visit and a family member isn’t there? Is going for a meal enough? Or do you want to spend a whole weekend with them every month? Even if you have the same expectations, what happens when you go through a busy season, or one of you can’t commit to once a month?

Once you’re having a good, solid conversation about something you disagree on, at what point do you say that having someone else’s thoughts might be valuable? Doesn’t that make the situation feel so much more serious? 

One of the best pieces of marriage advice Logan and I received I want to pass on to you.  Here it is:


Don’t stop the counselling once you’re married.


Having a few counselling sessions already booked in for after your wedding normalizes the fact that you’ll want to talk through how you live out your values as a married couple! 

This way, if you’re having a heated conversation, instead of having to escalate the problem by introducing the idea of sharing the problem with a counsellor, you can instead say “this is clearly very important to the both of us; maybe we can talk about it at our next counselling session and see how we can resolve it in a better way.” 

Then you make a short list of things that have come up and discuss it at your next session! We had 3-4 sessions within our first year of marriage, and they were incredibly helpful. With time, we’ve had fewer sessions, but now if we’re having a hard time working through a problem, it’s so much easier to say “let’s bring this up next time we have a session.” 

Before you’re married, you’re talking about your backgrounds and how you think about values, but you haven’t yet had the opportunity to see how each other lives out your values.

A Few Photos from our Sister’s Backyard Wedding


Marriage Advice for Engaged Couples


If you haven’t planned for premarital counselling sessions, maybe ask yourself “why not?” It’s such a great way to bring up conversations, values, and habits that may may otherwise not come up!

I can say having a clean kitchen table is important to me… but what does that mean? Do I need to spend 15 minutes cleaning it each day? Or can I have stacks of books indefinitely on it as long as the stack is nice and organized? 

This may seem like a silly example, but we’re so used to our own habits that we often don’t even realize how they play into our values!

It’s so much easier to build in a habit of creating a predetermined space and time to talk through harder issues without having to make a big deal of the fact that we disagree.

Marriage Advice for Engaged Couples

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May 12, 2021

Today, Logan and I celebrate 3 years of marriage! In some ways it’s gone by so fast… in other ways, I can’t even remember what life was like beforehand. 

Marriage has been amazing. No more saying goodbye at the end of the day. A built-in travel buddy. Knowing someone is committed to the relationship for the rest of our lives.

Wedding Photos by Hannah Belvedere Photography

But even with very similar family backgrounds (does anyone else watch It’s a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve?), Logan and I realized we can be pretty different. 

I’m an ultra-planner, even on our days off work. I can be extreme with my habits, working out like crazy and then not working out for months on end. I get really excited about random small things (I still get excited every time we buy chocolate at the grocery store).

Logan, on the other hand, is the most balanced person I’ve ever met. He has gone on a run almost every second day for over a decade. Logan rests by not having plans. He enjoys running, and surfing, and having good conversations, but doesn’t get crazy excited about them.

So we’re different. We had done premarital counselling, so when we got married we knew we had the same deep values on faith, family, friends, and finances.


How you apply your values can look very different


But how you apply the same values can look very different! What does it mean to value family? How much time do you spend with each other’s families? How often? For how long? Does it count if you go visit and a family member isn’t there? Is going for a meal enough? Or do you want to spend a whole weekend with them every month? Even if you have the same expectations, what happens when you go through a busy season, or one of you can’t commit to once a month?

Once you’re having a good, solid conversation about something you disagree on, at what point do you say that having someone else’s thoughts might be valuable? Doesn’t that make the situation feel so much more serious? 

One of the best pieces of marriage advice Logan and I received I want to pass on to you.  Here it is:


Don’t stop the counselling once you’re married.


Having a few counselling sessions already booked in for after your wedding normalizes the fact that you’ll want to talk through how you live out your values as a married couple! 

This way, if you’re having a heated conversation, instead of having to escalate the problem by introducing the idea of sharing the problem with a counsellor, you can instead say “this is clearly very important to the both of us; maybe we can talk about it at our next counselling session and see how we can resolve it in a better way.” 

Then you make a short list of things that have come up and discuss it at your next session! We had 3-4 sessions within our first year of marriage, and they were incredibly helpful. With time, we’ve had fewer sessions, but now if we’re having a hard time working through a problem, it’s so much easier to say “let’s bring this up next time we have a session.” 

Before you’re married, you’re talking about your backgrounds and how you think about values, but you haven’t yet had the opportunity to see how each other lives out your values.

A Few Photos from our Sister’s Backyard Wedding


Marriage Advice for Engaged Couples


If you haven’t planned for premarital counselling sessions, maybe ask yourself “why not?” It’s such a great way to bring up conversations, values, and habits that may may otherwise not come up!

I can say having a clean kitchen table is important to me… but what does that mean? Do I need to spend 15 minutes cleaning it each day? Or can I have stacks of books indefinitely on it as long as the stack is nice and organized? 

This may seem like a silly example, but we’re so used to our own habits that we often don’t even realize how they play into our values!

It’s so much easier to build in a habit of creating a predetermined space and time to talk through harder issues without having to make a big deal of the fact that we disagree.

Marriage Advice for Engaged Couples

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May 12, 2021

To end 2020, we decided to look back on all our blogged sessions and share our favourite images and why we love them! We love seeing where our preferences unite and where they diverge, and how we each have something a little different perspective to every session and every couple!

One thing that we’re are constantly aware of and thankful for is how incredible our job is. Not only do we get to take beautiful images, but we are humbled to be chosen by our couples to capture their most precious moments and memories. As this year closes out, we wanted to look back on all the beautiful sessions we had despite the restrictions, lockdowns, and postponements. Whether we have a full season or zero sessions, we are so grateful that we get to work with and support amazing couples!

And with that, enjoy our favourite images from 2020, and let us know which photo YOU guys prefer!


2020 FAVOURITE IMAGES 


 

Jen and Paul’s Engagement

“Jen and Paul’s engagement session was COLD. We loved this cozy moment they had while trying to warm up (and if you know me, you know I love cozy moments).”          – Samantha

“It’s hard to tell because Jen & Paul have such good poker faces, but it was so cold at this session. In these cases, we love it when couples use each other for warmth. Not only is it a good survival tactic, but it’s so intimate and cozy. Plus, pocket squares…”          – Veronica

Sofia and Jérémie’s Engagement

“Sofia and Jé’s engagement session took place on our parents’ property during lockdown. Though it may not have usually been our first choice, I loved how it turned out with the darkness of their outfits contrasted with the softly lit background.”          – Samantha

“This image captures so much of what I love. Two of my all-time favourite people in my favourite place on earth. I love how Sofia and Jérémie’s dark clothing stands out agains the background, but we still get to appreciate the golden fields.”          – Veronica

 

Eden and Sam’s Wedding

Eden and Sam got married in Eden’s backyard! A tiny intimate wedding meant that there wasn’t anywhere else to go for portraits, so we found a corner of the backyard and were able to get gorgeously intimate and romantic photos of the newly married couple. This is one of my all-time favourite images from this wedding!”          – Samantha

“Not only is this photo so intimate and quiet, but the cut of Eden’s dress leading into Sam’s clasped hands, creates one of the most flattering shapes.”          – Veronica

 

Sofia and Jérémie’s Wedding

This image is especially beautiful to me because it’s of my sister! I love that the focus is on the bouquet, but your eye is also drawn up to Sofia’s laughing smile. Maybe it’s the fact that there’s a colour pattern of green and white and eases your eye around the image to another focal point.”          – Samantha

“The fact that Sam and I both chose a portrait of Sofia shows just how much we adore our younger sister. Seeing her so joyful on her wedding day, despite having to sacrifice so many plans and expectations due to COVID, made me admire her so much.”          – Veronica

 

Mena and Matt’s Engagement

The juxtaposition between the buildings and the greenery gave something different to this image that I really love! Mena and Matt’s chill but classy vibe was another contrast that I felt made this image really work well.”          – Samantha

“This moment between Mena and Matt is so quiet and sweet. I love how the lines of their arms mirror each other and how the grass and Mena’s hair both catch the sunlight and turn gold.”          – Veronica

 

Jenny and Derrick’s Engagement

I love this image because, at the time, we were wanting to find new ways to capture this location. We love these stairs, but more than that, we loved how it created lines that draw you right into the moment of Jenny brushing hair away from her face, Derrick whispering “sweet nothings” in her ear.”          – Samantha

“The July sunset at Jenny and Derrick’s session turned this industrial location into a creamy paradise. Still can’t get over how amazing Jenny looks mid-stride.”          – Veronica

 

Shauna and Garrett’s Anniversary

We loved this spot for Shauna and Garrett’s anniversary session. Finding greenery without it overcrowding the image is always something I get excited about! I particularly love how the greenery encompasses the family in the middle, drawing our attention to the centre.”          – Samantha

“I love dogs. And I love puppies even more. This photo of Finlay, with his proud parents looking on, makes me so so happy.”          – Veronica

 

Danielle and Kevin’s Engagement

“I love the natural movement that comes with twirling. I love that this photo of Danielle and Kevin is soft in its movement, light, and expressions.”          – Samantha

“Another photo, that Samantha and I equally love. Maybe it’s the gorgeous light. Or how Kevin and Danielle look at each other. All we know is we adore this photo.”          – Veronica

 

Marianne and Andrew’s Engagement

We love finding where the light meets the shade, and when it’s combined with gorgeous architecture and outfits, we feel we’ve struck gold. The wind blowing through Marianne’s dress elevates this image even more in my eyes. It’s so full of romance.”          – Samantha

“One thing that Marianne and Andrew’s session really exemplifies is how each couple is so incredibly unique in how they photograph. You can have two couples in the same location, at the same time of day, both dressed to the nines, and yet, because of who they are as a couple, the entire feel of the session is different. For me, Marianne and Andrew’s session shined when it came to black and white movement. There were so many gorgeous moments we captured, that I had the hardest time choosing just one.”          – Veronica

 

Florence and Lloyd’s Engagement

We love when couples include additional romantic touches to their engagement sessions. When Florence and Lloyd brought out a gorgeous bouquet of daisies, we were thrilled to include them for more of an editorial feel!”          – Samantha

“Sam and I have very similar favourite images for Florence and Lloyd’s session. It’s the little differences in detail that tugs us in different directions. Two features in this photo made it my favourite of the session. A slight arch in Florence’s back creates such a flattering line, and the leaves floating on the water behind adds a touch of magic.”          – Veronica

 

Danielle and Kevin’s Wedding

I just love the classic feel to this image, from the black and white frames on the wall, to Danielle smiling at her groom as she comes down the staircase to join him. You almost feel like this image could join the ones hanging on the wall.”          – Samantha

“Another photo that grabs both our hearts! All the lines and angles make this image so clean and modern, but the black and white photo gallery and cathedral veil add such romance. Plus, Danielle’s warm smile steals the show.”          – Veronica

 

Jessica and Wesley’s Engagement

I have a hard time describing this photo.I love the softness of the colours, of the background, of Jess leaning her head on Wes. Every time I look at it, it just makes me so happy. I love this photo.”          – Samantha

“This session was an absolute goldmine of romance. I can’t even say that this photo was my absolute favourite, because I had so many favourite images! From the bridge, to the willow, to the little smiles on Jess and Wes’s face as they lean in for a kiss, everything about this photo makes me want to turn it into a stock photo so it can be enjoyed by more people.”          – Veronica

 

The Ashamalla’s Family Session

I love how you get the movement of a family, contrasted with an engagement session. Even though everyone in the family is looking at little guy doing his own thing, we’re drawn to the whole family as a unit, and to their joy.”          – Samantha

“I’ll admit it, I’m cheating. Sam’s favourite is probably mine as well. But since she shared it, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring these two absolute munchies to the show. I get cute aggression just looking at these photos.”          – Veronica

 

Stephanie & Alec’s Maternity

When Veronica and I took this image, our mouths dropped open. Steph and Alec are clearly models, and we loved the editorial feel to this maternity session.”          – Samantha

“Again, I’m cheating. But since I’m putting this post together, I can do whatever I want lol. Sam’s choice is my favourite as well, but I couldn’t help sharing this photo as well. Willow trees are instantaneous magic.”          Veronica

 

Cecilia & Josh’s Engagement

I love when an image feels intimate without being obvious. Although we do love to capture a romantic kiss, little details like how Josh is holding Cecilia and how they’re softly smiling, draws you into the moment.”         – Samantha

“Not only is this photo so gorgeous, but it was so much fun capturing it. Cecilia and Josh were absolute rockstars, willing to dip their toes in the *freezing* cold water (Lake Ontario in the autumn?). And then I realized that I had forgotten to bring a towel, and so gave them my scarf to dry their feet off. A bonding moment, and one that made me seriously admire them.”          – Veronica

 

Andrea & Michael’s Engagement

When you don’t see a couple’s eyes, you’re drawn to other elements of the photo, such as Andrea’s beautiful smile, or the flow of her skirt, or the pop of her foot. In this particular photo, the simple and clean colours bring out these elements even more, highlighting the romance of the details.”          – Samantha

“Formal portraits are always at the top of my list when it comes to favourite images. These photos are the ones that will be passed down and shared around. For Andrea and Michael’s portrait, I love how the clean yet sophisticated surroundings brings attention to the couple.”          – Veronica

open post 

Filed in:

Date:

December 31, 2020

To end 2020, we decided to look back on all our blogged sessions and share our favourite images and why we love them! We love seeing where our preferences unite and where they diverge, and how we each have something a little different perspective to every session and every couple!

One thing that we’re are constantly aware of and thankful for is how incredible our job is. Not only do we get to take beautiful images, but we are humbled to be chosen by our couples to capture their most precious moments and memories. As this year closes out, we wanted to look back on all the beautiful sessions we had despite the restrictions, lockdowns, and postponements. Whether we have a full season or zero sessions, we are so grateful that we get to work with and support amazing couples!

And with that, enjoy our favourite images from 2020, and let us know which photo YOU guys prefer!


2020 FAVOURITE IMAGES 


 

Jen and Paul’s Engagement

“Jen and Paul’s engagement session was COLD. We loved this cozy moment they had while trying to warm up (and if you know me, you know I love cozy moments).”          – Samantha

“It’s hard to tell because Jen & Paul have such good poker faces, but it was so cold at this session. In these cases, we love it when couples use each other for warmth. Not only is it a good survival tactic, but it’s so intimate and cozy. Plus, pocket squares…”          – Veronica

Sofia and Jérémie’s Engagement

“Sofia and Jé’s engagement session took place on our parents’ property during lockdown. Though it may not have usually been our first choice, I loved how it turned out with the darkness of their outfits contrasted with the softly lit background.”          – Samantha

“This image captures so much of what I love. Two of my all-time favourite people in my favourite place on earth. I love how Sofia and Jérémie’s dark clothing stands out agains the background, but we still get to appreciate the golden fields.”          – Veronica

 

Eden and Sam’s Wedding

Eden and Sam got married in Eden’s backyard! A tiny intimate wedding meant that there wasn’t anywhere else to go for portraits, so we found a corner of the backyard and were able to get gorgeously intimate and romantic photos of the newly married couple. This is one of my all-time favourite images from this wedding!”          – Samantha

“Not only is this photo so intimate and quiet, but the cut of Eden’s dress leading into Sam’s clasped hands, creates one of the most flattering shapes.”          – Veronica

 

Sofia and Jérémie’s Wedding

This image is especially beautiful to me because it’s of my sister! I love that the focus is on the bouquet, but your eye is also drawn up to Sofia’s laughing smile. Maybe it’s the fact that there’s a colour pattern of green and white and eases your eye around the image to another focal point.”          – Samantha

“The fact that Sam and I both chose a portrait of Sofia shows just how much we adore our younger sister. Seeing her so joyful on her wedding day, despite having to sacrifice so many plans and expectations due to COVID, made me admire her so much.”          – Veronica

 

Mena and Matt’s Engagement

The juxtaposition between the buildings and the greenery gave something different to this image that I really love! Mena and Matt’s chill but classy vibe was another contrast that I felt made this image really work well.”          – Samantha

“This moment between Mena and Matt is so quiet and sweet. I love how the lines of their arms mirror each other and how the grass and Mena’s hair both catch the sunlight and turn gold.”          – Veronica

 

Jenny and Derrick’s Engagement

I love this image because, at the time, we were wanting to find new ways to capture this location. We love these stairs, but more than that, we loved how it created lines that draw you right into the moment of Jenny brushing hair away from her face, Derrick whispering “sweet nothings” in her ear.”          – Samantha

“The July sunset at Jenny and Derrick’s session turned this industrial location into a creamy paradise. Still can’t get over how amazing Jenny looks mid-stride.”          – Veronica

 

Shauna and Garrett’s Anniversary

We loved this spot for Shauna and Garrett’s anniversary session. Finding greenery without it overcrowding the image is always something I get excited about! I particularly love how the greenery encompasses the family in the middle, drawing our attention to the centre.”          – Samantha

“I love dogs. And I love puppies even more. This photo of Finlay, with his proud parents looking on, makes me so so happy.”          – Veronica

 

Danielle and Kevin’s Engagement

“I love the natural movement that comes with twirling. I love that this photo of Danielle and Kevin is soft in its movement, light, and expressions.”          – Samantha

“Another photo, that Samantha and I equally love. Maybe it’s the gorgeous light. Or how Kevin and Danielle look at each other. All we know is we adore this photo.”          – Veronica

 

Marianne and Andrew’s Engagement

We love finding where the light meets the shade, and when it’s combined with gorgeous architecture and outfits, we feel we’ve struck gold. The wind blowing through Marianne’s dress elevates this image even more in my eyes. It’s so full of romance.”          – Samantha

“One thing that Marianne and Andrew’s session really exemplifies is how each couple is so incredibly unique in how they photograph. You can have two couples in the same location, at the same time of day, both dressed to the nines, and yet, because of who they are as a couple, the entire feel of the session is different. For me, Marianne and Andrew’s session shined when it came to black and white movement. There were so many gorgeous moments we captured, that I had the hardest time choosing just one.”          – Veronica

 

Florence and Lloyd’s Engagement

We love when couples include additional romantic touches to their engagement sessions. When Florence and Lloyd brought out a gorgeous bouquet of daisies, we were thrilled to include them for more of an editorial feel!”          – Samantha

“Sam and I have very similar favourite images for Florence and Lloyd’s session. It’s the little differences in detail that tugs us in different directions. Two features in this photo made it my favourite of the session. A slight arch in Florence’s back creates such a flattering line, and the leaves floating on the water behind adds a touch of magic.”          – Veronica

 

Danielle and Kevin’s Wedding

I just love the classic feel to this image, from the black and white frames on the wall, to Danielle smiling at her groom as she comes down the staircase to join him. You almost feel like this image could join the ones hanging on the wall.”          – Samantha

“Another photo that grabs both our hearts! All the lines and angles make this image so clean and modern, but the black and white photo gallery and cathedral veil add such romance. Plus, Danielle’s warm smile steals the show.”          – Veronica

 

Jessica and Wesley’s Engagement

I have a hard time describing this photo.I love the softness of the colours, of the background, of Jess leaning her head on Wes. Every time I look at it, it just makes me so happy. I love this photo.”          – Samantha

“This session was an absolute goldmine of romance. I can’t even say that this photo was my absolute favourite, because I had so many favourite images! From the bridge, to the willow, to the little smiles on Jess and Wes’s face as they lean in for a kiss, everything about this photo makes me want to turn it into a stock photo so it can be enjoyed by more people.”          – Veronica

 

The Ashamalla’s Family Session

I love how you get the movement of a family, contrasted with an engagement session. Even though everyone in the family is looking at little guy doing his own thing, we’re drawn to the whole family as a unit, and to their joy.”          – Samantha

“I’ll admit it, I’m cheating. Sam’s favourite is probably mine as well. But since she shared it, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring these two absolute munchies to the show. I get cute aggression just looking at these photos.”          – Veronica

 

Stephanie & Alec’s Maternity

When Veronica and I took this image, our mouths dropped open. Steph and Alec are clearly models, and we loved the editorial feel to this maternity session.”          – Samantha

“Again, I’m cheating. But since I’m putting this post together, I can do whatever I want lol. Sam’s choice is my favourite as well, but I couldn’t help sharing this photo as well. Willow trees are instantaneous magic.”          Veronica

 

Cecilia & Josh’s Engagement

I love when an image feels intimate without being obvious. Although we do love to capture a romantic kiss, little details like how Josh is holding Cecilia and how they’re softly smiling, draws you into the moment.”         – Samantha

“Not only is this photo so gorgeous, but it was so much fun capturing it. Cecilia and Josh were absolute rockstars, willing to dip their toes in the *freezing* cold water (Lake Ontario in the autumn?). And then I realized that I had forgotten to bring a towel, and so gave them my scarf to dry their feet off. A bonding moment, and one that made me seriously admire them.”          – Veronica

 

Andrea & Michael’s Engagement

When you don’t see a couple’s eyes, you’re drawn to other elements of the photo, such as Andrea’s beautiful smile, or the flow of her skirt, or the pop of her foot. In this particular photo, the simple and clean colours bring out these elements even more, highlighting the romance of the details.”          – Samantha

“Formal portraits are always at the top of my list when it comes to favourite images. These photos are the ones that will be passed down and shared around. For Andrea and Michael’s portrait, I love how the clean yet sophisticated surroundings brings attention to the couple.”          – Veronica

open post

Filed in:

Date:

December 31, 2020

Welcome to the blog!

This is where we share recent weddings & sessions, as well as informative articles, wedding planning tips, and a little bit about my life!

When I'm not shooting beautiful people in beautiful places, you're most likely to find me reading, taking walks along the beach, or trying out new restaurants with my husband!



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