Compass Rose Wedding in Prince Edward County, Ontario

Prince Edward County is one of my favorite spots in Canada, with sprawling vineyards, outdoor wood fired pizzas, microbreweries, and a waterfront that often feels like you’re standing by the ocean instead of a great lake. I’ve vacationed there several times with my family (sometimes camping, sometimes cottaging) and never stops in holding a magical quality to it.

So when Sara & Mat phoned me up to ask me to join them for a small ceremony at Compass Rose, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.

We lucked out with a mix of weather, in the midst of a very rainy few days we got enough breaks in between to get some photos, private vows, dancing and a spectacular sunset.

This all took place in September of 2022 - a week later - after a larger celebration back in Ottawa with their friends - Sara & Mat moved to Ethiopia to start their newly married lives.

I still keep in touch with them and it’s so wonderful to see where they have gone since this moment in time below — I love looking back for these reasons. Photos really start to take on new meaning over time.

Vendors

Venue Compass Rose Suites | HMUA Kita Beauty Lounge | Officiant Weddings By Karin | Catering Hawley Crescent

Gare Viger Wedding in Montreal, Quebec

It has been a STACKED two years, but I am coming out on the other side of it and am soooo looking forward to sharing some of the weddings I have had the pleasure photographing.

Today, I’’m going way back to September 2022, to Julia & Alexandre’s wedding that took place at the St Germain Church in Outremont and their reception that followed at Espace Gare Viger.

Julia & Alexandre’s wedding is a standout because of where they focused their energy: aesthetics that built an ambience that was dramatic, welcoming, and celebratory; their time prioritized their family and friends; and building in so much light. All those disco balls! Candles! Made for extraordinary compositions and framing.

What was also a great challenge for me (as well as I think the start of a sea change for me in how I approach photographing couples on their wedding day) was that they spent little to no time on having “couple portraits”. Perhaps all of ten minutes dedicated to it during their day.

But the party? I bet every person at that wedding will never ever forget it. Or maybe… they do… but only in the best way when you’re having that much fun.

VENDORS

Wedding Venue St Germain Catholic Church | Reception Venue Espace Gare Viger - Gentile Venues | Associate Photographer Shawn Kerr Photography | Dress Maison Ariane Carle | Suit Suit Supply | Entertainment Soul Station Orchestra | Florals Yves Chenier Floriste | Rings Shop Julria

Rangefinder 30 Rising Stars Nomination

In the wedding photography industry, getting a Rangefinder 30 Rising Stars nomination is a secretive and elusive process, you can’t just apply to be considered for it. From what I hear, nominations are made by past winners of the 30 Rising Stars and those who work closely with RF Magazine. It’s a very special moment to receive a Nomination Email in your inbox… and then you can’t tell anyone… for months.

The win is the nomination, and while I would have loved to have been one of the 30 this year, I am so very proud of the portfolio of work I have been building and am trying to now set about showcasing here before my 2023 season kicks off.

The portfolio I submitted heavily focuses on photographs that feel painterly. I like photographs that transport you a little, maybe they feel a little timeless and evocative of something deeper beyond documentation. My favorite photographs feel sculptural in some way. I know that sounds strange, but they take on a shape that makes me pause and look again.

Looking back, there are things I would change about my submission but I won’t digress much further. That’s par for the course when it comes to looking at my own work.

And if you are a photographer reading this, there is so much value in taking some time to review and assemble your work into a portfolio. So often I am blazing ahead trying to get through my edits, that I don’t have time to see how my eye has been developing and that’s an important thing to consider, to be more mindful about as I continue to grow, create and be at my job. Stasis is a place I never want to arrive at.

Ok, enough rambling, enjoy!