Reconnecting with wedding clients after their wedding is one of the most special parts of my job. When I found out that Christina and Justin were expecting, I was so thrilled to see them again and photograph their early days in this new phase. Documenting new families at home is my favourite way to capture newborns, and I'm so glad to be sharing some favourites from this session on the blog today.
Today I'm reminiscing about that rainy, gloomy October day when Evan and Elissa said "I Do" at the beautiful Elsie Perrin Williams Estate. I love it when couples make their wedding day theirs, and these two planned a day that was totally unique. A first look followed by dinner, all before the candlelit outdoor ceremony that Elissa had her heart set on. I've already mentioned the rain, and rain it did. A lot. We got through most of our portraits before it really started coming down, and as dinner and speeches got started, we all kept an eye on the weather forecast as the rain kept falling. I cannot praise the staff at Elsie Perrin enough for doing everything they could to make Elissa's dream for an evening candlelit ceremony come true. From wiping down every single seat repeatedly to lighting every single tea light candle in the rain - not an easy task. As often happens, things went later than expected, and it was completely dark outside by the time we all got out for the ceremony. But everyone came together to make it happen. Guests sat on semi-wet chairs with huge smiles on their faces, not a single complaint. The officiant took out a reading light to read in the dark, and the live musicians took shelter in the gazebo. Despite it being a candlelit ceremony, there was very little light for us to work with as the only candles were on the ground. Big thanks to my second shooter, Melissa Pushelberg, for holding my video light and somehow following my signals (in the dark, no less) as I tried to direct her on where to point it while shooting is very tricky conditions (both the lack of lighting and the slippery mud!). It was truly a team effort, but seeing Elissa's huge smile made it all worth it. She got her outdoor candlelit ceremony, and everyone came away with a heartwarming story about a truly unique wedding. :)
I had a blast photographing this beautiful family a couple of Summers ago (Yes, I'm behind on my blogging... but I'm getting there!). It was a quiet day on the beach and we had so much fun playing and going between sweet snuggles and complete silliness. They even managed to coordinate an outfit change halfway through, which is amazing to me as someone who can barely manage to get my own crew organized with one set of outfits for family photos! So glad to finally be sharing my favourites from this session. P.S.: If you've ever wondered what the difference is between a full family session and a mini, this is it. We had so much time - time for outfit changes, time to be silly and playful, time to try different parts of the location, time to get lots of different combos and candids. Minis are wonderful, but if you're looking to really capture your family's spirit, have time to relax in front of the camera and just capture your interactions organically without feeling rushed and have waaayyyyyyy more than 10 photos to show for it, consider a full shoot for your next family photos! :)
We kicked off Chris and Christy's downtown engagement in their charming backyard at the start of golden hour before heading out to explore the alleys, brick walls and eclectic nooks that make downtown London, ON such a fun spot for engagement photos. Here are a few favourites from their shoot.
Tonight the booking for this year's Spring Minis opens up to the advance notice list, so I thought it would be the perfect time to reminisce about last year's blossom sessions. Many clients hope for the Magnolia blossoms when mini session time rolls around, but these tricky, fragile blooms are very hard to predict. I've seen them start blooming as early as the last week of April, and as late as mid-May. Beyond that, how long they last depends on how much rain and wind we get while they are blooming. I always try to reassure my clients that whether or not the Magnolias are blooming, we will have lots of gorgeous blossoms to work with. We have so many varieties of beautiful blooming trees here, and you'll see in the photos below that all of them provide a stunning backdrop! If you'd like to get on the advance notice list in time for the next round of minis, you can email me at sophie@rawfootagephotos.com, subject line "advance notice list".
Jacque and Corey's family farm wedding was an absolute dream to photograph. It's no secret that I love relaxed backyard/farm weddings, and this one did not disappoint. It threatened to rain all day, but Jacque and Corey's outdoor ceremony plans prevailed, and the stormy clouds provided a breathtaking backdrop for their vows. There were so many perfect moments, from Jacque and Corey's beautiful first look in the field to their epic first dance in the barn. I have such fond memories of this day. Here are a few of my favourites images!
Venue: Jenkins Family Farm, Clinton Ontario
Florist: The Backyard Flower Shop, Clinton Ontario
Hair/Makeup: Total Image Two, Seaforth Ontario
Dress: Maggie Sottero, Bridal Desires Inc., Ajax Ontario
Tux: Michael Kors, Andrews Formal Wear, Toronto Ontario
Second Shooter/Assistant: Ruth Kivilahti
Emily and Mike first connected through local theatre, and it is on stage that Mike proposed. It was only fitting, then, to return to their beloved theatre in Woodstock for a few engagement photos before heading out to the woods to take advantage of the beautiful colours and golden hour light. These two have such a fun energy, with smiles that light up the room. Here are a few favourites from their Fall engagement session.
Last Fall I had the pleasure of meeting Kasia and Kiarash and photographing their beautiful engagement session on the Western University campus. Kasia came prepared with everything needed for a romantic picnic, and we had fun shooting some styled portraits in addition to the more natural captures that make up most of my sessions. Here are some of my favourites!
As I prepare to book this year's tree farm minis, I thought it would be the perfect time to reminisce about last year's event. What a wonderful day I had photographing families in their furs and plaids against the beautiful backdrop of Pedde Tree Farm, where my own family cuts a tree down every year. Here are some favourites!
Allison and Shawn's Portuguese Club wedding was exactly 1 year and 3 days ago, which tells me that I am way behind on my blogging. Oops! My blogging always takes a hit between May and October, but I'm trying to get back on the wagon, so to speak. So here we go! Allison and Shawn said "I do" at Holy Cross Parish before heading to Fanshawe Pioneer Village for portraits and then ending off the evening at the Portuguese Club. Here are some favourites from their special day!
Photographer: Raw Footage Photography
Second Shooter: Lea Legg
Venues: Holy Cross Parish, Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Portuguese Club
Florist: Patzees Floral Scapes
Hair: Salon Entrenous
Makeup: Esteem (Catherine Krahn)
Dress: Nicholas & Elizabeth
Suit: Bud Gowan
Cake: Melrose Bakery
DJ: DJ Alpha