Melanie + Charlie | Ancaster Mill Wedding | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

Melanie + Charlie got married on what turned out to be a gloriously sunny Friday evening in April, after the weather forecast called for snow and rain all week long.  They had their wedding at the spectacular Ancaster Mill, a stunning venue with a waterfall, old stone buildings and a new, light-filled chapel. I met Mel and her ladies in the bridal suite and took a few before heading up to the chapel for the ceremony.  Their families looked on as they exchanged vows and rings, tears in their eyes (and mine too, as usual). As they signed the registry, their niece serenaded them and then they sealed it all with a kiss before walking back down the aisle as husband and wife!  After a toast with their wedding party and a few family photos, we adventured around the mill property and photographed them as a couple, taking advantage of all the cute little nooks and crannies.  As the sun sank lower, we took some wedding party photos before they joined their now-united family for a fantastic meal.

Thank you Charlie + Mel for having me there to photograph your sweet and simple day, it was such a pleasure!

M xo

Moraa + Tyler | Waterloo Wedding Photographer

Moraa + Tyler got married on a sunny fall day on Thanksgiving weekend.  After meeting Moraa at their house to take some pictures of her getting ready, I met Tyler at Waterloo Park with his group.  I love the moment that he read the note from his love, always such a sweet way to remind each other why you are there together to celebrate your love.  The other cool thing about this gang is that the bride had her brother as one of her wedding party and he had his closest gal pal in his, such a fun twist!

After taking some group shots, we snuck over to the church to get ready before the ceremony.  Pizza was ordered and everyone refuelled for the big event.  The guest started to arrive and lots of hugging and chatter filled the space before people took their seats (just so you know, Kenyan Aunties and Uncles are a BIG group and love to chat The sweetest people!).

They shared their vows and absorbed the love and prayers of their friends and family and then were danced and sung out the door over a beautiful carpet of silk, a Kenyan tradition.  We made our way over to the Perimetre Institute to take a few more photos of them as a couple before the horse and carriage picked them up.  After a short (and chilly) ride, they arrive at their reception in the Delta Hotels Waterloo for some good food and lots of dancing.

Thank you Tyler + Moraa for trusting me to document your beautiful day!

M xo

PS Special thanks to my awesome assistant for this day, Rochelle Barber from AboutFace Photography!

Will + Heather | Victoria Park Pavilion Wedding | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

Will + Heather were married on a wet and grey day that was not exactly in the plans.  We all anxiously watched the forecast, fingers crossed that the rain would hold, and by some miracle, not one drop fell while we took photos - amen!

The day started in Heather's childhood home, where she dressed for the day with help from her mom and sister while the rest of her family busied themselves taking care of last-minute details and getting ready themselves.  I loved seeing her Grandmother's dress hanging among photos of the couple and special momentos of their relationship, a kind of vision board of their love to set the mood for the day.

Then I zipped over to the Victoria Park Pavilion, the almost-secret venue in the heart of the city's busy downtown park, where Will and his best man were waiting, greeting guests and making sure their boutonieres were on securely.  The ceremony was full of unique moments and special readings, including a broom jumping!  I love when couples bring bits of their story and personalities into the ceremony, so fun!

After we took some portraits around the park, playing with the (thankfully unnecessary) umbrellas and skirting around mud puddles, we joined their guests for a kickass reception, including the fab Dan Howler Band, who had everyone on the dance floor from song 1.  I have to admit, I have never been to a wedding with a live band but since Will is a local music producer/engineer, it was fitting that the music was off-the-charts awesome. So much so that after my time had officially ended, I packed up my gear and hit the floor to cut the rug for a few more songs before heading home.

Thank you Will + Heather for trusting me to document your love and your day, it was damn fun!

M xo

2016 | Kitchener Family + Wedding Photographer

There is so much to say and yet it is so hard to put into words what this year has been.  2016 was the year that I realized that the kind of family photography that moves my heart is less about posing and more about telling the story of a family through photographs.  It was also the year that I (sort of accidentally) became a wedding photographer. I say accidentally I had no real intention of doing more than a handful of weddings, just like the last couple of years.  But I soon discovered that uniquely personal, intimate weddings + elopements were totally my jam and that vibe went out into the world and I was booked for more weddings than ever before! Each and every one of you went on this journey with me.  You trusted me to capture your family or your wedding day, with an open mind and caring hearts.  You laughed with me and played  in the mud and water with me and ignored my sappy tears during your vows.  You let me into your lives for a few moments and for that I am truly grateful.  I do not take it for granted and as cheesy as it may sound, I really do feel honoured and priviledged to have that opportunity.

Looking back over this year, I see so many happy faces and joyful moments and that is exactly what I love.  I love happiness and it is a big reason why I am moved to photograph these moments for you all.  It is what I hope to see shining through every photo I take, even the serious ones. Because happiness isn't always laughter; sometimes it is feeling safe with the love of your life, or looking at your spouse as a parent and knowing that he or she is doing the best they can for your family.  Or it is seeing your child having fun and relaxing in front of my lens, when you were worried there might be a meltdown.  Happiness is in all of these little things.

More than anything else, I want to say THANK YOU.  Thank you to my clients for trusting me to be there with you in these special moments of your lives. Thank you to my friends and fellow photographers for your never-ending support, giving me great advice and making sure I am giving my very best.  Special shout out to Scribsy, who rides on the rocket ship with me and never lets me fall off.  An enormous thank you to my family, who hold down the fort while I am off doing what I love - I couldn't do this without you.

Here's to an amazing 2017, I can't wait to feel all of the happiness that we will share this year!

M xo

Intimate At-Home Wedding | Kevin + Anwyn | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

When I think about Anwyn + Kevin. I can't help but smile.  These two people are the most genuine, caring and hilarious people I have met in a long time and I am pretty lucky to now consider them friends.  It all started at their engagement session, when we roamed Toronto and laughed hysterically, creating more inside jokes together in two hours than I thought possible with two people I had only just met.  I knew from that day that I was in for a hell of a lot of fun at their wedding.  I was right.

Their wedding was held in the home where Anwyn grew up, full of treasured memories and lovingly converted to a beautiful ceremony space for the day by her parents.  I arrived to find her getting ready with her awesome posse of gals, singing to Celine Dion and keeping the mood light with her easy laugh and smile.  Her mom was on hand too, cracking us all up (I see where Anwyn gets it) and bustling around to make sure all the final touches were done.  She maybe also suggested that Priscilla be rescued from the boys in the basement. Who is Priscilla?  Well if you guessed a fire-damaged, missing-limbed mannequin, you would be absolutely correct!  And there just happened to be an extra wedding dress lying around from Anwyn's days working in a bridal shop, so suddenly Priscilla was decked out and ready to try and steal the show.  I don't think I have ever laughed so hard in my life during the bride getting ready.  Also, so many happy tears.  The bride recorded a beautiful song to share with her mom as she finished doing up her dress that was so moving that the tissue box needed to be passed around several times.  And when she descended the stairs for her father to see her for the first time, I actually prayed that I even got a few frames, such was the level of I-can't-even-hold-myself-together-right-now.

After finding Kevin putting the on the last bits of his nuptial apparel, I led him outside to standby for the first look.  I love doing a first look, the reactions are always so real and candid when a couple first sees one another and has time to really soak it in.  There may or may not have been a very loud "holy s**t" expressed by the groom when he saw his gorgeous bride.

Now normally, I don't really share too many wedding party/group photos in these posts, but when you have a group of actors around, not to mention parents and family who take themselves not-too-seriously, there are too many awesome moments to leave them out!  Then the star of the show, DRAGON (yes his name needs to be in caps, he is that awesome) the cutest dog ever, made his appearance and doggy kisses abounded.  Having been bathed in canine love, we took some time around the beautiful property to capture the couple together in the fall sunshine.

We took a break to have some supper and thaw out before the guests arrived.  They were escorted to the living room, all set for the ceremony, awash in candlelight and so intimate.  Kevin + Anwyn bound sticks together in a Welsh tradition before exchanging emotional vows.  And as if I wasn't already a hot mess of tears, two of their friends serenaded them with "Make You Feel My Love", with Anwyn taking over to sing the last verse to her new husband.  Pick me up off the floor.

The recessional led right to the front hall for a touching speech from her dad and a champagne toast.  After making their rounds to gather hugs and warm wishes, they loaded into their car Gary and were off to dance the night away with even more friends and family. Best day.

Thank you, Anwyn + Kevin for making me always welcome, for trusting me to be there for every moment of your day and for making me laugh.  A LOT.

M xo

Avon Trail Elopement | Blair + Phil | Kitchener Elopement Photographer

When Blair first reached out to me, it wasn't for wedding photos, but rather engagement photos.  Me, being the ever-so-subtle person that I am, asked her if she was planning a wedding sometime soon.  Turns out, it was VERY soon.  Like the week after we had planned the engagment photos.  As soon as she told me what she and Phil were planning though, I knew I had to photograph their wedding too. They had chosen a beautiful spot for their nuptials, a quiet piece of the Avon Trail outside of Stratford, where the leaves were falling thickly on the path and the bubbling of a little stream was the only sound other than bird songs.  The small group of us picked our way on the muddy trail into the woods, where they tied the knot (literally) before exchanging their vows and rings in front of their parents, children and a dear friend. The boys were gifted a toy lion after a reading from "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", a special token of remembrance for the day and the source of much wild roaring and general silliness afterwards.

After the witnesses departed, we spent some time exploring the woods as the sun began to shine.  This is my favourite part of any wedding day, the adventure of photographing the couple together in the first moments after their marriage.  The joy is so pure and the love so strong, I do my best just to capture the moments that pass between them as they soak it all in.  After wading through an ice cold creek with pant legs rolled up (okay, only I did that, because I will do almost anything to get the shot), climbing slippery, leaf-covered hills and generally having more fun than we should have, we emerged to find that most perfect beam of sun bursting through the tree tops.  A few more frames and we said our goodbyes.  The perfect little elopement.

Thank you Blair + Phil for trusting me to take this adventure with you and for welcoming into your lives.  And to my two favourite little buddies, you make me smile and I loved my time with you too!

M xo

Cambridge Mill Wedding | Chris + Cheyne | Kitchener Wedding Photography

Sometimes, you don't get to meet a couple before the wedding day.  It is always a bit nerve-wracking to walk in having no idea what or whom to expect on such an important day.  But as soon as I met Chris & Cheyne, all of my worries were put completely to rest.  They were open, genuine, kind and so in love that I knew we would have an amazing day celebrating their commitment to one another. Having travelled from Australia to be married, they had put their trust in friends and family here in Ontario to pull together the details of their day and they were right to do so - the venue, decor and atmosphere were perfection!  But the real feeling of the day, permeating through every act, word and moment was LOVE.  Between the sweet moments of laughter as they exchanged rings and the tear-jerking speeches, you could just tell that the love they shared for one another, as well as for their families and friends, was something so strong and special.

Thank you both for trusting me to capture the moments that matter and for welcoming me into your hearts for the day.  And an extra special thank you to Chris' mom Fran and  to his whole family, who kept me in the loop and made sure I knew all the plans!

M xo

Ellis Chapel Wedding | Lorinda + Joe | Cambridge Wedding Photographer

When I first met Lorinda, I knew that we were going to be the perfect match.  We hit it off right away, chatting and sharing stories, she showed me her (FAB) wedding shoes and pictures of her family.  And of course, photos of her wonderful Joe.  We decided it was fate that brought us together (well, fate and Hilary), as I had had three previous requests for the same date but they had each fallen through. Joe + Lorinda's day dawned sunny but cloudy and we all scanned the forecast, fingers crossed for no rain.  I met her at her adorable home, enjoying the fun and relaxed atmosphere, typical of the home of a transplanted Newfoundlander. As I photographed her dress, I noticed there was another dress hanging in the living room, which I soon found out belonged to her mom.  She had worn it on her own wedding day over 50 years before, but as it happened had no photos taken that day in the dress.  So a few helping hands got them both in their dresses and we took a few moments to take those long-ago missed pictures before heading out for the chapel.

I met Joe and his guys at gorgeous Ellis Chapel in Puslinch, an historic and magical place that seemed absolutely fairy-tale like with the simple flower touches and rich wood.  Once their near and dear were seated, the doors were thrown wide and Lorinda's son proudly walked her down the aisle.  Their ceremony was so full of looks of love and bursts of laughter, I was just trying to keep photographing through my tears.

After they received their guests and we photographed all of their wonderful family and friends, we spent a few minutes together taking some portraits of the two of them. Then we headed to the nearby Old Marina Restaurant, where their wedding party awaited on a cool pontoon boat to be carried over Puslinch Lake to the restaurant dock.

They had a sweet first dance, enjoyed a phenomenal meal, hysterical speeches and a little cake cutting.  I took my leave as they were just settling in for a night of dancing and celebration.  I went home with a sense of such rightness of the love between these two special people and I feel so blessed to have been a small part of their day.

Thanks Lorinda + Joe for being so welcoming and generous - can't wait for our next tea and muffin date!

M xo

Chicopee Pine Forest Wedding | Ben + Christie | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

When Christie first reached out to me to see if I would be willing to photograph her and Ben's Ontario reception, she had me hooked right away with their lovely story.  After meeting through work in Hawaii and falling in love, they married in a small civil ceremony this past spring and were coming back to her hometown of KW to have a celebration with friends and family on the east coast.  When she told me that it was only going to be the people to whom "you say 'I love you' at the end of a phone call and mean it",  I knew we were going to get along fabulously.  Her grandfather was going to be the officiant, his dad the best man, her sister the maid-of-honour and Ben's son was the ring bearer.  Honestly, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding. Another huge bonus was the fact that the ceremony was being held in the pine forest at Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort, a stunningly beautiful clearing with soaring pines and sweeping green lushness.  Count. Me. In.

The day of the wedding, we started with a first look, with both Ben and little man waiting for the gorgeous bride to arrive.  It was so sweet to see how this family just radiates love and connection.  Right afterward, Christie and Ben said their vows, in private and just for each other - my new MOST favourite thing.  They wanted so much to say the words with deep feeling and sincere honesty, right to each other's hearts.  How I managed to get any shots through my tears is still a little surprising, good grief it was amazing.

Then we prepared for the ceremony, flower petals being laid on the path to the altar and Grandpa taking his spot in front of the guests.  They said their vows again and finally exchanged real rings, after wearing place-holder rings since their elopement.  They greeted all of their guests, many coming from Conneticut to support Ben and people from all over Ontario to celebrate with Christie, who then went to enjoy nibblies while we took our time doing portraits on the stunning Chicopee property.  Big shout out to Mother Nature who gave us the most perfectly-filtered overcast light to fill the forest.  You ROCK.

Thank you Ben and Christie for trusting me to share this special day with you and your wonderful friends and family.  I truly enjoyed each and every minute.

M xo

Ball's Falls Barn Wedding | Alex & Krista | Ontario Wedding Photographer

Alex & Krista are two of the sweetest, kindest and caring people I have ever met and I was so honoured to be photographing their wedding!  Set at beautiful Ball's Fall Conservation Area in Lincoln, Ontario, their combination of rustic charm with warm elegance was the perfect compliment for the historic buildings and natural landscape.  As their closest friends and loving families looked on, they celebrated their nearly 8 years together with tear-inducing vows and darling affection. After we wandered around together taking portraits, we headed back to the charming barn to eat some amazing food from The Dirty South Food Truck - oh my word, it was SO good!  After we were all stuffed to the brim with deliciouness, we danced under the string lights, the crickets filling in the brief pauses between booty shaking.  Finally, the groom pulled his vintage BMW up to the gate and they said their farewells in the glow of sparklers under the night sky.  A pretty epic day, if you ask me.

A special thank you to my assistant and sidekick for this awesome day, Rochelle of AboutFace Photography.  The best voice-activated flash stand and fellow Shep Rep a gal could ask for. Love you, Ro!

Thank you Alex & Krista for trusting me to capture your day just as it was - simple, sweet and so perfect.

M xo

Steckle Heritage Farm | Styled Wedding Session | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

I am so pleased to finally share the images from the styled wedding session that I photographed at Steckle Heritage Farm this past June!  I am fortunate enough to be on their list of preferred photographers and their fab Events Coordinator, Linnea Knight, reached out to me to see if we could plan a session together to show off the farm and its many gorgeous nooks and crannies.  I was absolutely on-board and we were lucky enough to bring in the phenomenally talented Nikki Seltner from NLS Creative Designs to help add some rustic touches of decor and design to the day. Valentina Bridal & Couture was generous enough to lend us a stunning wedding dress for the day and our models Christine and Trevor brought their A-game.  We were set! We lucked out with the most gorgeous (hot, but gorgeous) evening, with streaming light and lush greens.  I just love the way the light filters in through the trees in the orchard and the slits in the barn board, creating a dreamy rustic atmosphere that is Steckle's specialty.  The property has so many little spots that just lend so well to photography too, from the centuries-old stone work on the outbuildings to the winter wheat field and jumbled woodpile.  The string lights hanging in the barn are perfect for a romantic dance and Nikki's lace stretchers around the old haywagon were a perfect touch. And did I mention the spectacular sunset that drops in over the orchard's horizon, bathing the upper reaches of the farm's overlook hill in warm oranges and pinks?  Spectacular.

If you are planning a wedding and are looking for a venue that can bring elements of both the rustic and elegant, then Steckle Heritage Farm is your ultimate location.  Let Nikki add some of her simple yet gorgeous decor whimsy, find the perfect gown at Valentina and you will have the most glorious wedding day. (See what I did there?  Seriously people, these are the vendors that can help you make your wedding day a DREAM.)  And hey, if you want some photography, you know who to call...

Without further ado, enjoy the images and let your imagination explore the possibilities!

M xo

Location: Steckle Heritage Farm, Kitchener

Decor& Cake: NLS Creative Designs

Dress: Valentina Bridal & Couture, Waterloo

Hair: Michelle Kreller

Models: Christine Watson & Trevor Middleton

Carri + Graham | Doon Wedding Chapel | Kitchener Elopement Photographer

Carri & Graham had the most simple and lovely elopement at Doon Wedding Chapel in Kitchener on what happened to be the HOTTEST day of the year so far.  You would never know though, the way these two smiled, snuggled and loved their way through our time together.  The best part about a really small wedding like this is the chance to really focus on photographing the couple and their connection, which is absolutely my favourite part of any wedding day. The bride had the most beautiful knee-length dress that showed off her hourglass figure and killer pink pumps.  The groom looked dapper in his deep blue suit and brown wing-tips, with a matching watch and a white rose boutonniere.  We hit the trails along nearby Schneider's Creek to make the most of the lush green trees, trailing vines and blooming phlox.  We even found a cool, rusty, arched gateway and serene bench, which was much needed to get off our feet and out of the sun for a few moments.

Thank you Carri + Graham for asking me to be there to capture all of the moments of your day, enjoy your time in Texas!

M xo

Matt + Lauren | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

Matt + Lauren had the most perfect summer day for their wedding.  Not too hot but not cold either, a miracle for early August.  I started out at Matt's parents' house to capture him getting ready, his sweet Grandma helping him follow the directions for a tricky full Winsdor tie knot and him looking dapper in his custom suit.  I then made my way to Lauren's parents' house, where Lauren was getting into her seriously gorgeous blush princess dress.  With help from her sisters and mom (as well as a well-wishing neighbour), she strapped on her yellow pumps and she was ready to go! The ceremony and reception were held at the quaint and lovely Detwiler Meeting House just outside of Roseville. where we did their engagement photos the year before, but now it was surrounded by tall corn fields and streaming with summer light.  Their ceremony was simple, heartfelt and full of love.  After we worked our way around the property, capturing them in the bliss of newlywed love, playing some lawn Jenga along the way, they headed inside the tent to celebrate with their friends and family with a mashed potato bar and lots of other awesome nosh.  The selfie booth was a big hit and when the S'mores bar got set up, I knew it was going to be a great night.  I made my exit (mouth full of S'mores) and left them to dance the night away.

Thank you Matt + Lauren for making me a small part of your day and for being so welcoming and kind.

M xo

Carolyn & Craig | KW Wedding Photographer

Carolyn + Craig could not have chosen a better day to get married at the Elm Hurst Inn - blue skies, sunshine and temperatures that were not totally freezing all made for a beautiful backdrop for their union.  Having met at work, this sweet, loving couple chose to share their day with just their family in a small, really intimate ceremony full of love and emotion that had me tearing up. With lovely personal touches, from the simply beautiful flowers,  and the rings made by Carolyn's dad, it was all just perfect. We spent lots of time wandering the grounds, enjoying the sunshine and staying as warm as we could, and their quiet love and devotion to one another was evident as they cuddled and laughed together to ward off the chill.  These are the kinds of weddings that I just adore, where we get to spend time just photographing the love between the couple and focus on what brought them together.  If you haven't heard me say it before, I LOVE small weddings.  Like, the tinier the better.  I enjoy bigger weddings too, but there is something about a day with just a handful of guests and lots and lots of love and laughter that gets me every time.

Thank you both for laughing at my lame jokes and for braving the cool spring air to get these images with me.  Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and togetherness.

M xo

Carl + Carla | At-Home Wedding | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

Sometimes I book a wedding having never met the couple in person.  Though I had chatted on the phone with Carla prior to the day, I still wasn't sure exactly what to expect, besides a small wedding taking place at her sister and brother-in-law's home just outside of Guelph. What I walked into was a warm, exceptionally welcoming family who came together to pull off a spectacular, intimate and beautifully-detailed wedding.  I met Carl and Carla's handsome little men, who brought laughter and a touch of rambunctious energy to the proceedings. Both of their families were kind and full of love and support and I knew that this was going to be a really amazing day.  Boy, was I right!

First of all, it is pretty hard to go wrong in a stunning home like this.  A really cool, dark bar, a brand new and unoccupied horse barn as well as elegantly appointed rooms throught the home made my job pretty easy.  Even their carport woodpile made for a simple and cool backdrop!

Of course, the bride in her blush pink gown and the groom in his crushed velvet smoking jacket were blowing the place up with how damn good they looked and their boys in bow ties and skinny jeans with converse were beyond adorable.  I also loved that they asked their guests to wear black, lending a really elegant touch and giving the whole day a real feeling of togetherness.  Despite the frigid January temperatures, we got some really lovely images and everyone was happy to be wrapped up in their furs and blankets for the outdoor fireside ceremony.  I was laughing and crying behind the camera, always a sign of a truly beautiful day.

Thank you Carl, Carla and boys for welcoming me into your wedding day and into your hearts, I look forward to many years of photographing you all!  Cottage this summer?

M xo

2015 Year in Review | Kitchener Family Photographer

I can hardly believe that 2015 is coming to an end. What a year! I don't know what else to say to you all but THANK YOU.  Truly, I feel so blessed to have been a part of so many beautiful moments of love, connection, laughter and fun.  Between simple, heartfelt weddings full of love and high-energy, laughter-filled family sessions, I hardly know how to count my blessings. This coming year promises to be another one full of great memories, moments of love and joy, and watching people let their happy shine.  The weddings I have this year make me giddy with excitement and I simply can't wait to see all of my favourite families, another year older but with the some love and laughter that holds them together. This year I want to explore those places and moments that make a family or a couple who they are.  You backyard, a favourite park, going for ice cream, a day at the beach - whatever it is that defines your life and love.  Because those every day moments are where some of the best memories lurk, just waiting to be captured.

So if you want to continue on this adventure with me, I can't wait to find adventure with you and those you love the most.  Let your happy shine and I will find a way to catch it for you.

See you all in 2016!

M xo

Brittany + Elroy | iPhone Wedding Photography

You know I love my iPhone.  I take so many images on it and have such a blast breaking boundaries and trying new things with it, since it allows me to just be creative without a ton of technical settings to fiddle with each time.  I have been considering photographing a wedding with my iPhone for a little while and in September I decided to throw the idea out into the world to see what would fly back to me. What flew back to me were two of the sweetest, most fun and relaxed people I could have ever imagined.  Brittany connected with me over the Labour Day weekend in response to my call out, basically open to whatever I had in mind, including the wedding date! So we selected a date that worked for all of us, which happened to be about two weeks after our first chat and she and Elroy started planning the day.  For my part, I knew that I wanted to make the most of this for them, checking out different iPhone shooting techniques online and pre-scouting the location they chose for the best little spots to capture the moments.

Finally the big day arrived and I knew as soon as we all met in person that they were the perfect couple for this little whimsy of mine.  They laughed at my jokes, didn't take themselves too seriously and had a loving supportive family to witness their simple, lovely ceremony.

Once they were wed, they gave me free rein to take them wherever my heart desired, so we hit downtown Kitchener to check out various parking lots and back alleys and just have a damn good time.  They playfully ran together, let me flash them in the bushes and braved darkened warehouses.  In short, they were PHENOMENAL.

I asked them to tell their story for the blog, so that they could share in their own words why they decided to participate in this project with me.  Here is what they had to say:

"We have known each other through friends of friends for a long time. We started dating in 2010. Three months into our relationship we went to Cuba for a week.. something Elroy’s friends asked him if he was sure about it... they asked, “This soon?” That was a big step in our relationship.

After a year, we both knew we wanted to buy a house. After we had been in the house for a while, we knew we wanted a baby. Baby before marriage, not a route most people would prefer. At the time we weren’t too big on marriage, starting a family was our priority.

We eventually came around to the idea of tying the knot. We knew there can be a lot of stress surrounding a big wedding – that was what we wanted to avoid. Our families knew we wanted something small and simple. Not everyone was happy about it, but this was the way we wanted to celebrate our love.

We kept talking about getting married, we took a trip to Asia and even thought about doing it there, but we didn’t... (Brittany thinks Elroy was still nervous!)  Labour day weekend, Elroy says “I think we should get married in September”. Brittany’s priority was making sure she got her hair done. Luckily Brittany’s hair stylist, Hollie, is also her friend and was more than willing to squeeze her in for the special event. Hollie also happens to follow Mandy on social media and she put us in touch when Mandy’s status said she was looking for a laid-back wedding to shoot with her iPhone.

We checked out Mandy’s portfolio… we felt her work was so genuine and candid, like she was a professional at freezing special moments in time. We got in touch with Mandy and told her we were so laid back that we didn’t even have a date yet. She chose September 25 (good choice Mandy, the weather was great!). We had 2 weeks to make arrangements : get rings, a dress, a marriage licence and an officiant. We invited our parents.

By talking to Mandy on the phone, we got to know her sense of humor.  Brittany laughed the day of when everyone was there but Elroy & Mandy jokingly asked if the groom was coming. We had a beautiful and brief ceremony at Rockway Gardens in Kitchener. After that we went with Mandy to take pictures. She had us laughing the entire time! Elroy doesn’t usually like getting his picture taken, but he said everything with Mandy was so natural – it didn’t feel like a photoshoot!"

I felt the exact same way you guys - just like hanging out with firends and taking some pictures.  Pretty darn awesome.

Thank you so much Brittany + Elroy for being so open, genuine and willing to go on this adventure with me!

M xo

(All images taken with an iPhone 6 and edited using the VSCOcam app.)

Kim + James | Backyard Wedding | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

When I met Kim + James for the first time in person at their engagement session, I knew immediately that I was going to have a blast photographing their wedding.  And I was right. Held in their gorgoues country backyard in lovely Orillia, it was a laid-back but beautifully-detailed affair, with their amazing friends pitching in to get the last minute decorations and plans completed before the ceremony, scurrying in and out of the tent, watching the skies carefully, fingers-crossed against the rain.

I loved watching the tender moments of this day unfold, Kim's dad seeing her in her dress for the first time and her friends presenting a hilarious and touching scrapbook of their adventures together.  James arrived with his gang of groomsmen in tow, looking nervous but ready.  The boys quickly found themselves put to work, wiping damp seats and finding extra umbrellas, as the rain began to fall shortly before the ceremony was due to begin.

But right when Kim was going to make her walk down the forest aisle, the rain let up and the skies cleared.  After they exchanged their vows (sealed with a kiss and a high-five), we gathered for a group photo, a few family photos and a speech by Kim's bestie before driving just up the road to begin the bridal party photos.  Beer and canapes made this go smoothly, with their great group of friends joking and laughing and just having a blast.  It is always such a relief as a wedding photographer to have a group that is willing to be relaxed and go-with-the-flow, much easier than stiff and nervous.

After we finished with the big group, we took a few minutes to capture the bride & groom on the beautiful old farm property (directly across from the famous Webers, a popular stop on the way to the Muskokas).  We hit the reception for a little while and then snuck out quickly to get the sunset shots the bride was dying for and the string-lights shot that I wanted.  Overall, it was a simply phenomenal day. One that I smiled about all the way home to Kitchener.

Thank you, Goose & Gander for your trust, your warm welcome and for just being plain awesome.

M xo

Emily + Todd | Wedding | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

When Emily first connected with me, we clicked right away.  A fellow photographer, she is warm and friendly and she had some pretty huge plans for the day she and Todd would exchange their vows.  She was crafting busily, making backdrops, props and just generally glitter-bombing their apartment in preparation, while her parents readied their lovely property near Breslau and her future mother- and sister-in-law were whipping up not one but FIVE cakes! And then... it rained.  Not a little bit, but poured buckets and the wind howled.  Well, crap.  There was so much beauty in the carefully-made and colourful decor that it was a terrible disappointment, but everyone rallied and my second photographer Kayla and I did our best to capture as many of the details as we could for posterity.  And we did manage to nab the one shot that the bride had planned as a surprise for her groom and wedding party - smoke bombs!

Fortunately, we had a back-up plan for the photos - a colourful paper-flower backdrop for the bridal party (including 9 kids!) and Belgian Nursery's cactus room and greenhouse for some portraits of the bride and groom.  Phew!  Once the ceremony was over and the delicious tapas-style dinner of comfort food was served, everyone hunkered down in the soggy tent to listen to heartfelt, hilarious speeches and watch the multiple cake cuttings.  We snuck outside for one final shot in the (literal) dark, where Emily & Todd gamely mimicked blowing away with their balloons in a humourous nod to the weather demons. I can only speculate about how much fun everyone had stomping on the wet dance floor in their high rubber boots after I left, but it sounds like the party was pretty good.

Thank you both for being such good sports and for letting me have some chocolate ice cream from that awesome ice cream truck.  Best day ever when you get free ice cream and photograph a spectacular wedding.

M xo

Nikki + Matteo | Wedding | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

Nikki + Matteo had the sweetest, most intimate little backyard wedding in August.  Despite the extreme humidity and beaming sun, those gathered on her parents' lawn to witness their love become a lifelong commitment barely took notice.  And as you can see, the animals had no problem joining the proceedings as well, with Willie the cat eventually finding a spot to lounge behind the platform and Enzo the dog lazily yawning through the vows. After a champagne toast with their newly joined family, we braved brief moments in the heat to forever encapsulate the memory of the day that they made their vows to each other through photography.  We were fortunate to have the oasis of a riverside home with beautiful trees and a lovely bee meadow so we could stay nearby and pop back into the house for air conditioning breaks!

Thank you both for being so welcoming and patient and for bearing with a steamy August afternoon!

M xo