The Fall is a very popular time for family portraits. The light is lovely and the colourful leaves, of course, beautiful. The issue with the Fall; however, is that the weather can be unpredictable and it is sometimes hard to schedule a session when the leaves are optimal and it isn’t raining. I tell you this so you understand why on Monday I was panicking. All week, in fact, I worried about the weather. It was nasty right up until Saturday morning. (In fact, Friday was so icky that it was a “hard to be happy” kind-of-day!) I was worried for all of my clients, but especially the Harder’s. Carol and John’s granddaughter was visiting from Banff and this weekend was the only opportunity to get family photos done.

So it was with great relief on Saturday morning, when I woke up to perhaps the most perfect day for family photos. It was warm; the light was perfect. My first stop was the Osprey Museum Car Rally. (You can read more about the on my 365 Blog.) At around 1:00 I headed over to the Harder’s. The Harder’s live in Priceville. Carol and John’s place is no exception. As soon as I drove up the lane, I saw so many picture opportunities.

I had chatted briefly on the phone with Carol about what she wanted for the day, and it was no surprise that the rest of the family was as nice and as accommodating as her. The Harder’s have two girls, each with children of their own (five children between the two families.) The grand kids were the best; they were so excited and into the idea of getting family pictures done. I spent a lot of time laughing on this shoot as it was easy to get caught up in their energy!

Now, I am not saying I have favourites (the whole Harder clan is pretty awesome!), but little Alex certainly kept me laughing the entire time I was photographing.

He was full of ideas. I should rephrase that; he was full of great ideas! In fact, with no guidance this was the shoot that he came up with. I take no credit. I merely snapped the photo. Come see me in a few years when you need summer employment!

Over course, I did take a couple pictures myself. My favourite being this one of the five grandchildren.

Thanks again to Carol and John. I truly enjoyed my time with you all.

Dani

Tanya is a bride who knows what she wants. And this isn’t to say that she is bossy and “bridezilla-ish”. (It’s my blog; I can make up words if I like!) She isn’t high maintenance at all! In fact, she is one of the sweetest people you’d ever meet. She is just so excited about planning her wedding to Mark; it is hard not to get caught up in all the excitement.

Tanya and Mark enjoy going to Hoggs Falls in Flesherton, Ontario, and so they wanted to get some photographs done there. It is a beautiful spot, and I thought this was a great idea, but after chatting with the two of them I had another idea, as well. Tanya and Mark’s first date was at Mrs Mitchell’s Restaurant. Mrs Mitchell’s is located in Violet Hill in an old home that is surrounded by a near-perfect garden. Mark proposed to Tanya over dinner here, and because of the location’s special importance, I thought it might be well worth our while to head over to Violet Hill for some pictures. (Special thanks to Mrs Mitchell’s owner, Heidi, for lettings us do this!)

I am so glad that we added this to the engagement shoot. The simple elegance of the garden along with the warmth of the wood inside the restaurant made for stunning photographs.

And as requested, we headed out to Hoggs Falls. I love the falls, and have spent many shoots here lying on my belly on the river bed. Tanya and Mark were troopers and braved the slightly chilly September water. It isn’t an easy shoot, but it is well worth it.

I can’t wait for this wedding next summer.

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Tanya is so great–even her emails are bursting with energy!. I recieved this one right after the shoot.

Hi Danielle,

THAT photo shoot was AWESOME!!! you rock and I’m going to tell everyone about how awesome of a photographer you are!!!!

Can’t wait to see the pics!

Tanya and Mark

After her and Mark received proofs, she wrote me this.

THEY ARE AWESOME!!!! I can’t wait to talk to Mark after work tonight about the pics. I already picked my favourites!!! Can’t wait to share them with family and friends.

Tanya

Lacey purchased a family shoot for her mother last Mother’s Day. It had been way too long since the family had been photographed (sound like yours?). Often family’s don’t know where to do the family shoot, but the Van Alstine’s own a lovely property in Dundalk, so it was a no brainer that we would take the photos there. As an aside, I always recommend a family shoot taking place at a location that means something to the family. This is often at the family home, but can also be somewhere the family hikes, picnics or spends time. For some families, there isn’t always a place that comes to mind, and I do have some in my back pocket, but don’t over think the background requirements. It’s you and not the backdrop that is the star!

When I first arrived, Lacey showed me around and introduced me to the family dogs, horses, and two adorable barn cats. Usually cats are not too interested in why I am there, but these two were complete divas and followed us around the entire shoot. They were everywhere I pointed my camera!

The horses are important to Lacey and her family (well, maybe not Shelby ).  It did take them a few minutes for the horses to warm up to me (unlike my new feline friends), but after a few sniffs of my camera they were a joy to photograph.

I also took some photos of Lacey with her “boy” Trent. They were too cute together not to snap a couple pictures of. As soon as I saw his area, I knew that this is where I would photography Lacey and Trent. It has a young hip feel, as well as a nice country vibe. Just like the couple!

And of course, there is Lacey’s younger brother, Shelby. I gave Shelby some “grief” during the shoot. Nothing serious, just the odd ribbing to keep us all laughing and in a light mood. Thanks for putting up with me, Shelby! You are a good sport.

Thanks again to the Van Alstine’s! I hope you enjoyed your gift.

I just received the BEST email from Cathi Van Alstine…

Andie and Chris contacted me late in the wedding season, but (because of a cancellation) I was able to shoot their September wedding. I was immediately drawn to Andie’s sense of humour and sharp wit. They were going to have a small ceremony at a cottage in Miller Lake. Miller Lake is south of Tobermory–the very tip of the Grey-Bruce area. The drive from Priceville is about two and half hours, but it is stunning, and a great example of this beautiful area. I wasn’t required until three, so the drive to the wedding venue was both relaxing and rejuvenating. (I spent much of the time singing away to country tunes.)

When I arrived at the cottage I was blown away. The view was breath taking.

Andie and Chris got married on the edge of the water on the rocks. It was pretty magical, but my favourite part of this wedding was how Andie and Chris (along with the maid of honour  and best man) put their hearts and souls into their decorations. A DYI wedding is not only a great way to save money, but it is also a great way to showcase your personalities. Andie and Chris spent hours creating their flowers, signs and decor for their day. It was one of the elements that Andie expressed she wanted to have lots of photos of.

When I spoke with Andie about the day’s photography requirements, she also mentioned that the sunsets were glorious on the lake and they would really like to get a sunset silhouette. Both Andie and Chris were so gracious and humoured me throughout the evening as the lighting conditions changed and I once again called them down to the water’s edge for yet another shoot. Not long after the six o’clock ceremony finished, I asked the couple to stand in the location they got married in. The light was starting to set and was the most beautiful-warm, orange colour. This is one of my favourite shots from the day.

Later once the sun began to get much lower in the sky, the three of us went down to the water’s edge to get some pictures with the sun setting and some silhouettes. Silhouettes are fun to photograph and often put your subject at ease, as they know that it isn’t about every detail. Andie and Chris were a joy to photograph and seemed to have a great time coming up with shapes for me to photograph.

As the sun went down so did my light. Instead of using a flash and ruining the ambiance Andie and Chris had created with all of their candles, I shot using available light (mainly from the candles and porch lights). The pictures are more true to the evening then they would be if the stark-light of a camera flash was thrown on everyone.

Andie and Chris were also kind enough to let me turn my camera to Abbey (their Great Dane). Anybody who knows me knows that I am a dog lover. I adore them, and Abbey was a real gem to photograph. She had a fantastic time frolicking through the water.

Thanks again to Andie and Chris for letting me part of their intimate affair.

It is almost the one year anniversary of my family moving to the Grey Bruce area.  It took us a while to figure out an old manse in the tiny town of Priceville was our home, but we haven’t regretted one moment of our repair-prone venture north. One of the properties that I fell in love with during our quest to find our current home, was the Pepper Mill property. It has numerous outbuildings, beautiful grounds and a tennis court. In a word, stunning.  But, there is very little that needs to be done at the Pepper Mill, and we were looking for a project (which we found in our manse, by-the-way).

When I got the call from Charlene, I was excited to meet the family. On her message, she explained that she’d like pictures that captured this moment in their lives; Charlene and Grants children Luke and Bronwyn are five months and 11 years old. She also mentioned that they were looking for something not too posey-posey.

Once I arrived, it was clear Charlene knew what she wanted, but was also very open to hearing my input. It always nice to collaborate with a willing partner. We chatted about light, as well as the areas of the property that the family really liked.

Did I mention the property is stunning? We had so much fun walking around and stumbling upon beautifully lit spaces.

I caught Bronwyn during a quick break when Charlene and Grant went to grab Luke’s soother. I could take pictures all day of this girl. She has a matureness to her you don’t alway see in an eleven year old.

I have favourite trees; the way most people have a favourite colour or meal. (Just so you know, orange and toasted tomato sandwiches on white bread with mayo–for more formal events grilled salmon.) A favourite tree of mine belongs to the neighbour behind us. Much like Grant and Charlene’s tree it is a larger-than-life Willow tree. (Click here to read more about my neighbours tree.) There are numerous willow trees on the property.

Thanks so much to the McGlaughlin’s for sharing the Pepper Mill with me.

I love when the bride and groom have little surprises planned for one another, but I especially love when both the bride and the groom have surprises planned for each other and the surprises have some sort of similar theme. And I’m the only one who knows!

Katrina and Steve are high school sweethearts. And they are just that, very sweet. I met Katrina, her mother and Steve (who was one of the few grooms) at the Owen Sound bridal show. Over the next few months, the planning for the big day continued. I shot the couple’s engagement pictures at the Murray’s Tree farm.

Katrina and Steve also decided that like a lot of couple now a days, they would see each other before the ceremony; we would do the formals at this time.

It was on the day of the rehearsal that I heard about what Katrina and Steve had planned for each other. Steve’s family are farmers and they also owned a John Deere dealership in the past. Now, one of the things I have learned about my community in the last year is that their love of the yellow and green grows deep. (The only comparison I can think of is Toronto’s love of the blue and white; if you don’t know what I mean, you must not be Canadian.) I thought it was cute that their surprises for one another all played on the Deere theme. As for her surprise, Katrina had a John Deere garter specially made.

As I mentioned, Steve’s family are, well, country folk. And it’s not (be any means) that Katrina is a princess or even a girly-girl, but she is a her new mother-in-law called her a “townie”. (And, this is really funny if you know how close Steve’s farm is from the busting metropolis of Mt Forest. So, please keep in mind I use the word “townie” with a grain of salt.) In their speeches, many people touched on the fact that Katrina brought rubber boots to the farm on her first visit.  These boots where more fashion than functional.

So we have a country guy who likes tractors marrying an “urban” princess. This might be why when Steve pulled up with his surprise for Katrina, in my head I was singing Jason Aldean’s I can Take you for a Ride on my Big Green Tractor:

And I can take you for a ride on my big green tractor,
We can go slow or make it go faster,
Down through the woods and out to the pasture,
Long as I’m with you it really don’t matter,
Climb up in my lap and drive if you want to,
Girl you know you got me to hold on to,
We can go to town but baby if you’d rather,
I’ll take you for a ride on my big green tractor,

Despite my love for my new found rural life, I know very little about tractors. I know there are green and yellow ones, and I know there are some by other colours. That’s it. Therefore, what I say here I learned later. This is an old tractor that the Corley family owns. It’s a collector item that up until recently looked like it had seen gentler days. The tractor was restored, so that Steve could drive up on it when him and Katrina saw each other for the first time.

I still get a kick out of Katrina’s face when she realizes this is the old tractor and not a new one.

Here’s some pictures of Steve finding out about his surprise.

Thanks Katrina and Steve for letting me part of your day AND for sharing your secrets and surprises with me!

Here are some more pics from the day.

I really loved this wedding, especially Katrina’s awesome, purple flowers. Stay tuned for a post on painted roses!

Having a second photographer isn’t a frivolous expense. In fact, most photographers are like me and don’t make any money by having a second photographer at your wedding. The couple hundred dollars it costs you to have a photographer at the groom’s place, and a second photographer at the wedding goes right to the hired second photographer.

So why do I like to have my couples to have two photographers?  Truth, it’s no longer all about the bride. That’s right ladies, the eighties are over and we now have to share our wedding day with our guy. (And, though I occasionally have a hankering for fluorescent t-shirts, the wedding dresses of the 80′s were just a little much and are thankfully over.)

Pictures of the groom getting ready too tells the whole story
The right second photographer will be able to make the guys comfortable, as well as capture those moments that happen at his “getting ready” spot. Just as there are corsages to pin and hair to primp where the girls are getting ready, the boys too do their own thing. Perhaps there’s a golf game or a road hockey game. (And, hopefully no one gets hurt!) Most likely, the groom’s parents will be at this location. Mom’s get just as emotional when their boys get married as they do when it’s their girls turn to walk down the aisle.

The point is, without a second photographer the first portion of the album will be all about you, and the girls in your wedding party.

At the ceremony
Now, I’m not saying the a ceremony can’t be covered by one photographer, but having another there provides additional coverage. If you are getting married at a church with a balcony then while one photographer gets the “ground level” action, the other can run up to the balcony for an additional point of view.

The two points of view also provide for exceptional album layouts.

For one wedding I shot, the couple had a helicopter fly over the ceremony and grab a couple wide shots. Now, I’m not suggesting everyone hires a helicopter, but you have to admit it’s pretty cool.

A Different view for the formals
Sometimes that other view really contributes to the overall story. While I was shooting this…
This is what Kyle shot.

Kind of cool, don’t you think?

The dinner and reception
Usually, the primary photographer can field the reception, but if you’re worried that something might be missed a second photographer ensures that there is full coverage.

Better candids
I just can’t be in all places at once. A second photographer can get the different angles. Here are two candids that my second Kyle caught these two gems while I was getting close-ups of the bouquet.

At the end of the day, we are all constrained by the reality of our wedding budget, but if you can swing it a second wedding photographer contributes greatly to the overall telling of your wedding day story.

Happy planning,

Dani

I could make this blog post really short and answer why you should get married at Beaver Valley Ski Club in one sentence: Because it’s not what you think a private club is. But I truly believe that it would be robbing the BVSC of the character and depth I have come to know over the last week. The BVSC has a problem: First it is known by an acronym–and doesn’t that just make it sound snotty and cold? The thing is the Beaver Valley Ski Club is none of these things. It is warm and inviting. It is the kind of place that anyone can feel relaxed and welcomed in. From the moment I walked into the club, I felt, well, not like I was in a exclusive, private club.

Before I tell you more why you should consider the BVSC, let’s flash back to earlier in the week. On Wednesday we did an incredibly fun shoot with Frazer and Jesse. Jesse really seems to radiate the “Beaver Valley Bride”; she is warm and fun. Don’t get me wrong she likes nice things (I mean come on when pressed who doesn’t?), but she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. Jesse is outdoorsy, likes sports and she would probably kill me if I told you what she scored on her LSATs. Oh and did I mention drop-dead gorgeous?

And I do have to let you know that Frazer is no slouch either. That smile!

Many of my clients get married at home. And I don’t want to discourage ALL of them from doing this as there is something romantic and family-oriented about getting married at home or on the family farm. I love it! This said, I have heard many a home owner say that if they had only known the work and the cost involved, they would have just had the wedding elsewhere. Now I am not getting paid a cent to say this, but  I think Beaver Valley is the answer. It provides a natural setting with stunning photographic opportunities.

Here’s a bit more from out shoot…

1 Communicate with your wedding photographer.

Your wedding is a big deal; it might be the first time you’ve ever hired a professional photographer. What you need to know is that for this to be successful you need to have open communication. Tell me what you expect. Don’t assume that I’m going to do something the same way your sister’s wedding photographer did things. Each photographer has their own process. It might be different than what you envision.

Tell me anything you might think is important. Don’t worry about coming off like a control freak. I get it! What do I want to know? Let me know if there are any rifts in your family. Tell me if you have an aunt that is going to be bossy because she thinks she’s a photographer. Maybe you have a special relationship with a cousin or uncle. Is the ribbon around your bouquet your deceased grandmother’s? I want to know this! Were you married in the same church as your parents and you want to recreate a shot from their wedding album? Tell me! Don’t be afraid to send pictures that you like and don’t like to me. A photographer should not get offended that you want to help. I want to make sure that you are happy.

2 Have a game plan.

Discuss with me what photos are “must haves”. I often ask my clients if I could take only one photo today what would it be of? Also, know how long you want to take formal pictures for. Do you want to do 15 minutes of formals or 45 minutes of formals? If formal shots are really important to you then take longer; if you want nothing but candid shots of you at the reception, then let’s head off to the party. This goes to the whole communication thing. I can’t stress how important it is to have a relationship with your photographer!

3 Have an engagement shoot.

Wherever you do your engagement shoot make sure you do one! I know not everyone likes getting their pictures done. (Trust me, I prefer the side of the camera I am usually on!) But sometimes this is the only time that I have to get to know you and your fiancé before the day of your wedding. The more time we spend together the more comfortable we will be together, and; therefore, the more comfortable you will look in your photographs.

As a side note, pick an area for the engagement shoot that is special to you. This isn’t always possible with the wedding, so make sure that you do something really cool for an engagement shoot. Maybe you both love winter time or there is a park where you go together for hikes. Think out of the box! Maybe you meet in a martini bar; do the shoot there.

4 Know how you like to smile.

You’ll be smiling a lot on your wedding day. A lot! Not everyone has a preference about how they like to smile, but many do. Practice in the mirror. Do you like your full toothy grin or your demure closed mouth smile. We almost all have a big ol’l smile when we belly laugh. It’s genuine and open, but formal pictures are more contrived.

You and your groom should practice at least smiling if not posing. I guarantee you’ll feel goofy when you do it, but practicing how to smile in the mirror and looking directly into it pretending it’s the camera will payoff. Did I mention you’ll feel goofy?

5 Clean up the area where the bride is getting ready.

If you have a make up artist come to the house, you will want to set her up in an area where she can put her supplies out, where she has enough room to move and where she has sufficient light. This is often the kitchen or the dining room. If you are getting ready in a hotel room then she will be set up somewhere in the room/suite that is big enough to accommodate her, her chair and her supplies. Give the make-up artist her space, but make sure the space around her is free of clutter.

You have spent all this time getting ready; you’ve hired a professional to capture all the beautiful moments, so make sure that the background is as beautiful as you are. The setting matters. It is a shame to look at the photos and not like them because the background is filled with dirty dishes or grocery bags. Throw this stuff in the sink or a closet. Better yet, if it is to go with you to the next stop then put it in the car so it will not be forgotten.

6 Have the invites and other details associated with the wedding available on the wedding day.

These include things like the invitation, flowers, keep the date cards, shower invites, rings… Anything that you want to remember about your day should be photographed.

7 Have a professional makeup artist do you and your bridal parties make up.

I know, I know since Kate Middleton did her own makeup everybody thinks they can do their own too. I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. I’m sorry! I’m not normally harsh, but this is your wedding day and um well, you’re not Kate Middleton. (But could you imagine? Let’s for a moment.)

8 Make sure the mother-of-the-bride and the bridesmaids are ready before the bride.

Think about if you want the picture of you getting your dress on. I love the picture of the mother or maid-of-honour tying or zipping up the back of her daughter’s wedding dress. It is a special moment. (Be prepared for some moms to cry here.) Now, think about that picture with your mom in her lounge wear. Not really the same picture is it?

Have everyone dressed before the bride, this way when you get your dress on everyone is in their best.

9 Let him have a cold one.

One if this things I often hear is the bride tell the groom to make sure he is ready for the photographer when he/she shows up (he won’t be) and “don’t drink any beer!”. Now by no means am I saying that your groom should be two sheets to the wind before the ceremony, but a beer or two will loosen him up. Especially if he is a little stiff for pictures. Again, I am not saying he should hide a mickey in his tux, but just something to take the edge off is he needs it.

10 Kiss classy during the ceremony.

Even if you feel like you and your soul mate are the only people up there with you and the officiant, remember that the “now you may kiss the bride” kiss is being witnessed by all you friends and family.

So what I’m trying to say is be classy. You have a whole life ahead of you of full-on smooching. Just save it for the two of you. You want a nice memorable kiss, but leave any tongue action for later when you are alone. The good news though is the kiss too can be practiced.

Parting Words

The best advice given to me on my wedding day was by my friend Jill. She said that after you’ve walked down the aisle (or across the field or down the beach) take a minute to look around and breathe it all in. This is a big day, but relax as everyone you love and care about is there with you to celebrate. It’s amazing; take a moment to feel the love. I know it’s cheesy, but it’s one of the rare moments in life when all we love is right there laid out before us. Take advantage of it. And then go have an awesome party!