“Even in times when all feels helpless or scary, there are still opportunities to laugh and smile. ”
The Thank You Project is a group of local Peterborough Photographers photographing our PRHC heroes. Their smiles make us smile.
Read More
“I’m just very thankful. And I say that a lot because that’s the most important message.”
I am very thankful to have to have CJ in my life- one of the first people I met when I was just a city gal who moved into the tiny town of Millbrook all those years ago. I am thankful that she gave me her trust in capturing these sweet moments of her and her family. Because let’s face it, when you’re a photographer (like CJ is), it’s not often you get to be in front of the camera. And like the season, things are always changing, her amazing kiddos are growing taller and older, and sometimes we have to slow down these moments to fully appreciate them and revel in being truly thankful! :) <3
With Canadian Thanksgiving just behind us, I think the quote above should be read over and over again. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in everything else going on in life and forget the trivial things, but most importantly, forget to really appreciate. I can tell you I am incredibly thankful for who I get the pleasure of surrounding myself with and for being allowed to photograph such beautiful moments.
Thanksgiving Session, Family Portrait, Millbrook, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Bobcaygeon, Ontario, Wedding Photographer, Engagement Photographer, Family Photographer.
“Porch: from Old French porche, from Latin porticus “colonnade”, from porta “passage””
It may have been long ago that a porch was meant to be a gateway to the house- a place to take off dirty work clothes so as to keep the house clean. Somewhere along the way it may have acted as a passage way home, where perhaps you could leave all of your worries at the door. But I adore this concept here; a place to sit, relax, and gossip. There’s nothing like kicking your feet up with your favourite people, in your coziest place, with warm smiles, and gorgeous fall colours. <3
I met Lou through friends ages ago, and there were a few things that stuck out the most when I did. She is fierce. Like a deep rooted loyalty to her closest family and friends that is hard to find now a days; a lioness if you will. She’s super genuine, and the connection she shares with her people is everything- this is something I value so, so much… and is how I knew I really liked her from the get go. And last but not least, she is a Jeep junkie… seriously, this woman knows her stuff and is super bad-ass! Meeting the rest of her fam jam was truly an honour- they are so very loving and like-minded! I had such an amazing time photographing them! We even snuck away for some romantic shots of Mom and Dad… and of course we incorporated Fiona, the Jeep ;).
Lou, thank you for trusting me with taking the first real family photos you’ve had in yeeeeaaaaaars <3
“From the moment we met, he had the biggest heart. He brought me into his group of friends and made it his mission to show me around my new city. Almost 4 years later, two dogs, an engagement, and a fixer-upper house, I have never been happier.”
With the world ever expanding, it hard to find those things that people strive for- especially when you have to up root yourself for your career. You study your butt off, perhaps eat 10,479 pounds of ramen noodles to get by, make few wrong turns, and then you finally graduate and find the job of your dreams… but it’s in another city. It’s the right choice to make the leap and accept the job, but a little scary at the same time. Little did you know it would lead to the man of your dreams.
I had the incredible pleasure of meeting Kat in July, and oddly enough we have some friends in common! Small town, eh ;). But it was through the power of the internet that we met. Kayoh Photography held it’s very first contest for newly engaged couples. Kat’s entry was so excited, earnest, and genuine (maaaaybe a touch quirky too, just like me! Haha!). She told me how she had met Zak by chance and from that moment started their whirlwind romance. How they most enjoy the trivial things like grocery shopping or lounging in PJ’s- as long as it’s together. But it was Zak’s proposal that had me both awing and chuckling.
“He proposed in the shed of our last house, both of us in our work clothes and I had just got home from work not even 5 minutes prior. He was looking at me with the biggest smirk and told me I would be mad at him for spending lots of money on a fishing rod. We had bought a house 3 days before and were hella broke. But of course he asks me if I want to see said expensive fishing rod and I say yes. I'm looking at it like a regular fishing rod, he tells me three times to look at it… I'm going "I am!!". I'm thinking it's a normal fishing rod, no big deal, he actually stops and POINTS at the ring hanging on the end of it and just simply says "You wanna get married?". I ask him about 161936 times if he's joking before I realize he's serious.He still wont take me fishing though 😂” What a comedy of errors and a beautifully romantic gesture!!!
For a couple that isn’t in front of the camera often (apparently they only had 10 photographs of themselves together???) I think they knocked it out of the park! Check out our session below and the magic of a sunset, sand, doggos, and pure love. <3
Natasha + Mark
Engagement Session | Toronto, ON.
Toronto, my hometown; Full of energy, creativity, and love…. oh and Raptors fans!! Woot, woot!!! It’s not uncommon to find some incredible places to photograph- or amazing couples. So it was fitting when Natasha and Mark booked the Ballroom at Mint Room Studios in Toronto. The room, so beautiful and elegant let in so much light to capture both romance and a little playfulness. Seriously though, this room is stunning and really sets the mood up front, but as you’ll see we weren’t confined to just dress up- casual works just as well too :)
This year has been an absolute whirlwind for me in so many ways. Not only have I been able to spend so much time with some amazing people, all the while documenting their love story. But I’ve also been so blessed to be able to watch these stories unfold to some of the most deserving humans. This year I’ve witness so many from my childhood walk down the aisle, say yes, and jump for pure joy. It has been nothing short of an honour.
Natasha and I actually went to elementary school together, sat in the same classes at points, and even learned our distaste for running together- holla Corpus Christi Cross Country team that we both ‘subbed’ for one season hahahahaha! So to be able to witness this new chapter in her life is such an amazing moment for me! Not only has she built an incredible life for herself since those grade school years, but the man she is marrying is an amazing dude and beyond talented working in the kitchen…. seriously, he sends me photographs of meals he crafts during a busy meal session and I’m immediately drooling. Oh, and you may also remember Natasha from a previous wedding shot in Toronto a couple of years ago, where she was the Maid of Honour!! :)
Check out the room, the vibe, the sweet kicks, and the even sweeter couple.
Toronto Engagement, Couple Session, Downtown Toronto Engagement shoot, Mint Room Studios Engagement, Toronto Wedding Photographer, Toronto Engagement Photographer, Peterborough Wedding Photographer, Millbrook Wedding Photographer, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Durham, Toronto, Northumberland.
“I honestly never knew what love was until I met you.”
Documenting your love story is so important. This even applies to you married couples out there! Just because you’ve been married a while, doesn’t mean you don’t have to celebrate you!
Taking the time to ground yourself, take dates nights, and even take some new couple photographs is a great way to celebrate your love. It’s even a good way to reconnect and, if you’re a parent, even get some much needed alone time to spend with one another!
I was so lucky to meet Hillary and Kyle. Two young professionals out of Kawartha Lakes raising two beautiful daughters. And can I take a minute here to say how amazing that is, because these two are incredible and thoughtful humans- which we can always use more of in this world :). They’re love is pure, deep, and sprinkled with a little bit of humour. Just being around them is uplifting- seeing how much of a solid team they are.
“From the time we first met we felt chemistry. I can’t recall an exact moment where we both realized we loved each other but from our first date at my apartment, we knew it would be a relationship meant to last. I guess you could say “love at first sight”. Kyle proposed to me the following year on Christmas Eve and I knew I would say yes and love him forever!” -Hillary
To make this cute session even more memorable, I asked them for married advice. I’m hoping that some of these things ring true for you, inspire you, or maybe even add to your list! If you' have more advice, please drop it below!! :)
The secret to a happy marriage is definitely communication and humour. Communication is huge as you are in the relationship together and everything you do and how you feel may affect the other person. We’ve learned that through expressing our feelings and trying to understand each other even when we don’t always want to, we can reach a consensus and work through things! If you don’t talk, you can’t resolve things and they build up inside! Humour always ends things on a softer level and we both love to laugh and joke!
In Kyle, I admire his dedication to marriage. We e certainly been through ups and downs but he continues to show me love and devotion in our marriage. - Hillary
These two were definitely made for one another! Check out the amazing adventure we took at sunset in Jackson Park below and say hi in the comments (or drop your relationship advice!!).
Celine and Taylor’s Sunset Couple’s Session in Millbrook, Ontario. We took a stroll thtough downtown Millbrook for a few shots on King Street before heading up to Jail Hill for some beautiful sunset colours and views overlooking the sleepy town. Millbrook’s Jail Hill continues to be one of my favourite spots for portraits because of the view, the greenery, tall grasses, and hidden moments that seem to come alive there! :)
Read MoreOn a gorgeous Canadian Summer’s day, Scottish couple Sarah + Greg marry in the stunning gardens of her parent’s backyard in Bobcaygeon. Come and see a sneak peek into their amazing day and relish in all of the heartfelt moments.
Read More“We would be the most awesome and hilarious couple... Just saying.”
Scottish couple’s engagement in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. Sarah and Greg at Birch Cove Campgrounds.
Read MoreBeautiful people deserve beautiful images.
These two get me every time with the love they share.
It’s subtle yet fierce.
It’s true and burning with passion.
The way they look at each is something out of a novel.
Millbrook’s gorgeous summer sky provided the best backdrop for this evening.
The colour palette emphasizing the golden moments shared.
I love this series so much and I hope you do too!
