Kingston Ontario Engagement Shoot-Peter & Tammy

Mom truly does know best.

Before Peter and Tammy met, Peter first met Tammy’s mom. He left such a good impression that she was soon telling Tammy all about him. But, when Tammy and Peter finally met, it was by coincidence, attending a wedding.

Now that I’ve had the privilege of spending time with these two fun, easy going and sweet people, I have to say that mom really had the right idea. Tammy and Peter could not be more perfectly suited for each other, or more in love.

Peter adores Tammy, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does she have the most beautiful and stunning eyes ever, she has the kindest heart and an absolutely radiant soul…a perfect match for a true gentleman like Peter, who not only won Tammy’s heart, but her whole family too.

Their romance was definitely in the air as we walked through lake Ontario park and also shot in downtown Kingston in Springer Square. Walking by lake Ontario they told me about how Peter had proposed to Tammy in the Bahama’s with their feet in the ocean (swoon!!!).

I could not be more privileged or excited to be shooting this amazing pair’s wedding. I will be counting the hours until then, and as I told them my finger will be very trigger happy for the big event 😀

Kingston, Ontario Engagement Shoot ~ Matt & Corin

If someone were to write a modern day fairy tale, I believe it would start something like Corin and Matt’s love story:

A man walks into a Starbucks and behind the counter is a beautiful brown eyed barista. Matt was one of Corin’s regulars and they became friends. They were both already taken at the time but eventually (proving that all good things truly do come to those who wait) they were both single and they were meeting up as friends which turned into so much more. Almost 7 years later they are together and ready to make a lifetime of memories.

The day we were set to have their engagement shoot it was expected to rain, but the weather Gods smiled upon the happy couple and decided instead to let us enjoy a perfect day on the Queen’s Campus. We walked, talked and joked our way around the limestone buildings. Adorable Corin who plans to bring flats for her big day, was soon walking around barefooted with heels in hand. Matt offered to give his bride to be a piggy back ride. Matt confided he was not a fan of having his picture taken and I assured him most grooms are not. It was ok though, because I knew we had the secret weapon with us to get natural awesome smiles out of him, and that was Corin. Every time I would ask him to look at her it was easy to see she made him smile. Some of my favorite shots were the ones where I felt like a fly on the wall just witnessing two beautiful people looking in each other’s eyes, so devoted to each other.

We ended the shoot on the waterfront where we braved an onslaught of Mayflies for water shots. At one point I was waving my hands like a maniac and doing a dance of some sort. Proving that chivalry isn’t dead, our modern day hero offered to go back to campus to get the car for Corin who’s feet were definitely done.

I’m so grateful I got to spend an afternoon with these two very real, down to earth and special people. I can’t wait for their big day!

Kingston, Ontario Engagement Shoot~Jo & Brad

When a bride-to-be cries happy tears twice during an engagement shoot the joy is tremendously infectious. Jo and Brad met online and then had their first date at Starbucks. They fell in love and eventually that love created one of the cutest little gingers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His name is fittingly Benny.

Jo and Brad share a love of things vintage and coca-cola so our shoot had that theme in mind. We started the beautiful, sunny spring morning with Benny at a park the family frequents. Seeing these three together and the happiness they have found is like looking at a perfectly fitting puzzle. All the pieces for joy are present. We then went on to the Star Diner in downtown Kingston where we were welcomed so kindly by owner Ida Mae. The perfect backdrop for all things fifties era inspired. Jo and Brad enjoyed cokes from vintage bottles, holding hands and snuggles. Jo felt the moment was perfect and even the songs playing were favorites of hers.

Then we headed out to Kingston’s City park to finish off our shoot with the couple in the lush greenery of spring. We had a lot of laughs and I learned some of the surprises to come on the big day (perks of being the photographer, no i wont tell you). Needless to say I am very excited for this adorable little family’s big day and I plan to bring plenty of kleenex. For me and the bride.

On Best Laid Plans

This week I had a lot of editing to get to and as I have said before fast turn around time is something I really aim for. I even stayed up one day this week until 5am just editing so I could get pictures to my client that much sooner because I know that waiting isn’t fun. Unfortunately in today’s culture we live in a society that watches people do editing sped up and usually on super fast computers which gives people the idea that editing is a fast and quick en devour. In truth it really can be very fast just not necessarily done right. Things like removing objects and making composites takes time. Factor in the artistic side of the equation and it all adds up. Especially if your a perfectionist like me. I had given myself enough time to have all my edits from shoots earlier in the week done by yesterday early evening and scheduled my time just so. Then I got a phone call. The secretary from my sons school had called to tell me my son had fallen and hit his head. Of course as a mom you dread seeing the schools number on your phones screen because you just know it can’t be good. She said he had a large bump on his head and they wanted to notify me. She said he seemed fine but of course I had to see for myself so I instantly got my purse and keys and went out the door. Once there I saw the large red bump on my poor guys head and winced. The teachers aid said she heard the sound of his head hitting the concrete floor and it was terrible. He did really seem fine but I still wanted to be sure (which the aid and teacher totally understood) so I decided to take him to be checked down at the KGH. Many hours later he saw a doctor and relieved that my son was in good spirits and health I took him home. He is still doing great and his bump is healing right up. I’m so grateful it was all fine. Editing flew out the window when my babies health was in question. Fortunately I am all caught up now (or I would not be blogging!) I am so lucky that I always have wonderful clients that understand and never rush me. I rush myself. I think I may have to loosen up my expectations on myself for turn around in future. Life always has a way of telling you it doesn’t like schedules.

These shots are from my recent shoots that I love and leave you with. Hope your all having a wonderful day. xx

When Alex and Andrew met they both had dogs named Lily. How perfect is that? I like to call them Lily squared. I had so much fun on this shoot with them and their doggies and buddy Justin. We shot at Babcock mill in Odessa which is a gorgeous location and moved on to a private residence and hunting grounds. I got to ride in a “mule” with my own driver (thank goodness!!) and the lovebirds rode out on a three wheeler. Like I said it was FUN! We got to shoot in golden fields. The best part about it was that I got to visit this secluded spot where Alex and Andrew spent a lot of time together while falling in love. I love it when shoots are very personal to the couple and unique because every love story is just that. Special and unique and these two are no exception.

 

 

 

The next images are from a doggie shoot I did with a wonderful family. Susan and Fraser are truly wonderful people who take the time to give back to the community. I met Susan volunteering my services for the Kingston Humane Society. She is a wonderful woman who volunteers and adopts older animals. I had the joy of photographing her doggies in the past who have since passed away. These are her new adopted doggie’s Mr. Muggs and Lucky. They both have wonderful personalities. Lucky is quite the protector and is ready to face off any doggy who comes near his family but “luckily” he gets along great with Muggsy. It was such a lovely way to spend a morning. Their eyes just melt my heart!