John & Michelle | wedding

I met Michelle nearly a year ago and she has changed my life dramatically. I soon came to realize how awesome she is. I met her (then) soon-to-be husband John and their children just recently and instantly connected. She has two children and he has one from previous marriages and they are the coolest kids. Her kids are quirky and his son is more laid back (and plays a great guitar). Their story is made all the more amazing by that fact that in all means, John died. He suffered cardiac arrest back in November and if it wasn't for Michelle, he never would've been revived. She stayed strong with him through his recovery and he fought. And since then, he's run the Ottawa half marathon with her. True survival.

When she asked me a few months ago to photograph their wedding, I wanted to say yes right away but Michelle wanted me to think on it to make sure I felt *good* about it. Why do something you don't want to, right? :) So I thought on it and absolutely said yes. It really felt like a privilege to capture their love and wanting to be one family. The whole day was to just be about them beginning together as one. Everything was incredibly relaxed and non-stressful. At their rehearsal the night before the wedding, Michelle turned to me and told me about how she just remembered a few days prior to order her flowers. I wasn't kidding when I said relaxed :) Another bride would (a) never have forgotten but also (b) panicked a little at the thought of having to order them so late. Michelle merely shrugged her shoulder and walked away.

All in all, it was a gorgeous day as the weather cooperated and gave them sunshine and warm temperatures. Everything took place at the home of Michelle's mother. She had amazing gardens which had my creative thoughts flowing the moment I saw them. She cried very happy tears, especially any time "sickness" or "sorrow" was said because of their journey so far. He welled up more than a few times, including when he saw her at the end of the aisle. The ceremony had me in tears because it was so beautiful and personal. Each person in attendance was given a river rock to hold throughout the ceremony. Then the rocks--full of the energy from the day--would be placed in a vase in their home. And during the ceremony, after the ring exchange, the children were given antique stamped necklaces. Beautiful tokens from their parents to bring the family together. The food was amazing and, like everything else, casual. There wasn't even a wedding cake! They also weren't doing *tradtional* wedding dances, but I talked them into one as the sun was setting over the house. I think those are some of my favorite images of the day because their love is so evident. Her smile is contagious and he couldn't take his eyes off her. Beautiful day.






















Best of luck John and Michelle! Blessings,Samantha

Laura & Kevin | prom portraits

Laura's mom Nanci and my mom Wendy met while in the hospital having my little sister and Laura's oldest sister and have been friends since (22 years). I did the middle sister's prom photos a few years back so Nanci and Laura asked me to do hers this year, which I more than gladly accepted! :) Her date Kevin has been long time friends of the family as well because Laura's parents and Kevin's parents went to school together :) Both kids looked great. It definitely brings back memories of my prom and just imagining what lay ahead. I'm really glad they had fun and here are just some of the images I took during their session.

New Logo & onTic photos | portraits & site | personal

As you can see, I have finally decided on a logo! Woo hoo! It's been really hard for me because I could never think of anything that suited *me*. Long story short, that is the symbol for eternity and giving. In the life-coaching I've been taking and the reading I've done, everything in the universe is about giving and receiving. What you put out into the universe, you get back. If you think of something you would wish most for yourself, you wish it for everyone else as well. This paradigm has changed my life dramatically in even a few short months of study. I can let go easier and find myself not as critical and judgemental (which was sooo exhausting physcially, emotionally, and spiritually). I even wear that symbol on my wrist on a bracelet to remind myself every day to give and find the God in people. I am finding that life is simple--it's about being human and connecting to other human beings. To take a moment out of your day to have a connection with a stranger, like in the grocery store check out line, is an incredible thing. You are just *being*.

So I think that logo suits me just perfect :)

Also, I did a shoot a few weeks back with onTic, a local band with incredible talent! Here are a few shots from their promo shoot:




Lead Singer Dereck


Drummer Rich


Bassist Ray


Guitarist Marcel

Open! | storefront | personal

Proudly introducing my online storefront that I have been working on for just a few weeks getting it ready! It will allow me to put up some fine art work available for purchase but also a place for client galleries. I am super excited to share this! And my favorite part? It's all Canadian! Woo hoo! So just for my faithful clients and new ones to come, until July 31 2009 enter "openpromo" into the promo code box upon checkout and receive 10% off your total order! All the prints in the Fine Art galleries come mounted on 1/4 inch fiber board and laminated with a UV protective coat.

Also, check back in a couple of days, I will be posting photos I did recently for a band onTic. They are promotional photos for the new website which launches tomorrow! Check them out, they are really great! They have a list of upcoming shows on their site.

Besides their post, I won't be posting again until after next week as my baby sister is getting married on Saturday! I will be sure to post about their day and any photos I can sneak in while I am not doing my duty as maid of honour :)

Blessings,
Samantha