Happy labour day! | Toronto maternity photographer

Hopefully for this couple, it isn't too much longer before they are in labour! This is their last pre -due date weekend together and I hear they are making the most of it by heading up to the cottage. Hopefully a relaxing weekend at the lake will be just what they need to bring on labour. I want to meet this little one! Amanda loves being pregnant and it shows! After recently moving into their new condo, I was super impressed by how organized they already have it. It's going to be a great spot to start their family. Baden and Amanda were fantastic during their photo session. They were relaxed, clearly in love, and so ready for this next adventure!

Looking forward to hearing the news of baby's arrival. Have a great long weekend! xx

 

Ted | Toronto Newborn Photographer

July and August have been such amazing months to shoot newborns! It has been so stinking hot and humid – perfect to keep a newbie content and sleepy. Ted's entire newborn session was shot on his parents back deck and yard on a hazy Monday morning of a long weekend. Grandparents and family watched from inside while Ted and his parents relaxed together and let me do my thing. Ted is such a handsome little guy with fantastic red hair and he's already on board with his daddy's favourite team!

 My grandmother would have loved this shoot. She was obsessed with hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs (she even subscribed to Leafs TV) so I know that she really would have got a kick out of seeing this cute little guy sporting his team's logo.

Congratulations you three! xx

The S Family | Toronto Family Photographer

My adorable neighbors :-) How lucky did we feel when we found out that we had moved across the street from these two!?! Shortly after Robin was born, they showed up at our front door with some freshly baked ginger cookies (which just happen to be my favourite) and after spending the night chatting and enjoying some wine (I think I spent most of the time vigorously bouncing Robin), it was easy to see we'd be friends. At the time, Lesley and Naveen had probably just found out that they were expecting. And now here we are, approximately 9 months later, and Robin has a lovely new friend, Luke, and we have another set of "new-parent friends" that we can spend hours discussing feeding schedules and sleep training with.

I am so excited to watch this family grow. xx

 

 

Zahra | Toronto newborn photographer

Meet Zahra. An absolute dream to work with. The heat wave in July made for a lovely newborn shoot with the AC turned off and the warm sun streaming through the large windows in her parent's apartment. Zahra snoozed away blissfully throughout the session and seemed to be happiest snuggling with mom and dad.

I'm in love with those precious little lips. xx

Tyler & Ashley | Engaged | Toronto engagement photographer

I've been dying to get these beautiful engagement photos of Tyler and Ashley up onto the blog and I have only a few minutes before Robin is going to wake up from her afternoon nap. It's amazing to spend time with a couple that is so wonderfully in love. I found that with these two I didn't even really have to give them any ideas or instructions on how to pose – they were naturals in front of the camera as we walked through High Park; chatting, holding hands and stopping for a kiss or two (okay, I may have encouraged some kissing!). Ashley is super-duper organized and already has all the details of their wedding planned. So now they can relax and enjoy life as an engaged couple over the winter while looking forward to their spring wedding.

So excited for you two! xx

The G Family | Toronto Family Photographer

I posted on FB earlier this week that this family makes it look easy, "it" being parenthood. Life with a baby is hectic and often quite loud. Gone are the days of sleeping in, relaxing on a Saturday with a book, and enjoying long leisurely dinners. Replaced by a stream of never-ending diapers, feedings and crying (for no apparent reason!?!) when they first arrive. Which is followed with babbling (high-pierced yelling in our case), the start of solid food, the clean-up of solid food, diaper changes that are more like wrestling matches, and crawling (followed by panic baby-proofing). Life certainly changes with a new baby. But it's all worth it when you have moments like these – deliciously sweet cuddles with your little one  (seriously, you feel like you could eat them) and the joy of watching them grow and discover the world around them.

See!?! I told you they make it look easy... and wonderful and dreamy, pretty much perfect. xx

Marissa | Toronto newborn photographer

This post makes me happy. Marissa is the tiniest newborn I have worked with and she is so beautiful with the most delicate, perfect features. Her mom just happens to be BFF's with my sister-in-law (there is actually a group of 5 of them) and as a group they decided to purchase a photo session for Becky (the first in the group to have a baby) and her husband Mario, to use when their new baby arrived. A pretty fantastic gift if you ask me! Becky and Mario are absolute naturals holding their baby girl and they seem to be adjusting to life as new parents quite well – the house was tidy, they had both showered, and they were very relaxed as we chatted about parenthood as they held Marissa. Looking at their photos today reminds me of the bleary-eyed exhaustion that is miraculously overpowered by the sheer bliss of staring at your tiny newborn... giving life a whole new meaning. Congratulations to Becky and Mario! What a joy it is to raise a baby girl. xx

Cooper | Toronto Family Photographer

I LOVE this family... and their love for one another. Other than my niece and nephews, I think Cooper was the first little guy that I started taking photos of (his mom graciously offered him up as a model for me to practice). Since then, we've done photos each year and it's amazing to see how much Cooper is growing and changing. He loves his hat, trucks, mom & dad, and on this particularly warm evening, his socks and shoes (he could not be convinced to wear sandals). It's obvious that Cooper's parents adore him (and it's easy to see why!) but what's more endearing is the way Cooper adores them right back. After a long day, the family was so happy to be hanging out and spending time together, and unless I instructed them to look at me, it was as if I wasn't there at all. They started the evening off with some football and it ended with some cuddles. Perfect.

This one makes me melt.My favourite shot of the evening. Golden hair in the golden grass.

Who doesn't love (and isn't fascinated by) their belly button?

Did I mention that I love this family!?! xx

Matt & Shannon | Niagara Wedding Photographer

 

A few weeks ago, I had the joy of photographing Shannon and Matt's vineyard wedding. Shannon and I go way back (read that story and see their engagement photos here) so I was very honoured when she asked me if I would be interested in being their wedding photographer.

Shannon and Matt spent the past year or so planning this day and I think it was everything they dreamed of. Simple and casual, yet romantic and very beautiful, surrounded by their closest friends and family. The ceremony was in the early evening in the midst of grapevines, followed by cocktails on the lawn, and dinner and dancing as the sun set. It couldn't have been a more perfect day.

 

The wedding took place at Ravine Vineyard, in St. David's.

Shannon and Matt opted for a "first look", so they could have their portraits taken before the ceremony, leaving them free to enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests.

The tent had a beautiful, rustic feel to it, with wild flowers, mason jars, and many personal touches.

The ceremony took place far away from the main building in the vineyard. Guests made the journey through the vines, following giant white pom-poms to the site.

Once everyone was settled, Shannon made a beautiful grand entrance, walking down the hill between the vines with her mom at her side and two flower girls and ring bearer running ahead.

As dinner was underway, the sun began to set. The perfect backdrop.

And a quick shot of me with the bride. What a fantastic day! Not only did I witness a dear friend marry the love of her life, I was able to document the day for her. I am so blessed to be doing what I love!

Congratulations Shannon and Matt! xx