Engaged

I've done a few engagement sessions over the last few months and would love to share some of the photos and introduce the couples before their big day.

STEPHANIE & MICHAEL - Vancouver, BC
Wedding in Lake Louise, Banff National Park this August

AMY & EDWIN - Toronto, Ontario
Wedding at the Royal York in Toronto this July

DENISE & DAN - Vancouver, BC
Wedding in Belize this August

INSPIRATION - LET IT RAIN, LET IT RAIN, LET IT RAIN

"Find some fun rain boots, colorful umbrellas, and show the rain who’s boss". Those were our words of wisdom in our last post should you be faced with rain on your wedding day. Now here's a little inspiration to help you do just that!







Photo Credits: Odd Sundays, Odd Sundays, Erin Hearts Court, Greg Gibson, Susan Stripling

WEDDING DRESS WEDNESDAY

This month's Wedding Dress Wednesday was an easy one. Viva loves RIVINI gowns and it just so happens that Ashton Station Bridal in Carleton Place is hosting a RIVINI trunk show this weekend. Selections from Rita's Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 collections will be in house. Don't miss it!

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY??

There are a few things brides dread on their wedding day and rain is definitely one of them.

Most pray for sun allowing for beautiful images outdoors with their new hubby, family and close friends. And if they’re planning for an outdoor ceremony and reception their prayers for a sunny day are even greater. Unfortunately when it comes to weather, there’s no guarantee.

With all the rain we’ve seen over the past few weeks it got us to thinking... Is rain on your wedding day really such a bad thing? Of course it never hurts to have a Plan B, such as a tent or alternate indoor venue when your Plan A is an open air outdoor space in case the clouds appear, but when it comes to your pictures rain can make for some fun and really unique photos if you’re willing.

Chicago based photographer Kenny Kim had this to say about photographing couples in the rain -

There is an old saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." At every wedding, there is going to be a surprise waiting us around the corner. Regardless of what that surprise might be, we as wedding photographers try to make the best of all the situations. Inevitably, we are going to have days where Mother Nature will try to hinder the day. Instead of being discouraged by the situation, I think of it as an opportunity to get creative with photos. A wedding day is not about the weather but it is a celebration of a couple's commitment to spend the rest of their lives together. Capturing their emotion is more important than having nice weather. When humans lose one of their senses, the other senses heighten. As a photographer, when we are faced with limited options, our creativity gets heightened and often times we tend to see things that we did not notice before. Some of my favorite photos from weddings have come from days when it rained.

So why not go with it? Don’t let the rain ruin your wedding day! Find some fun rain boots, colorful umbrellas, and show the rain who’s boss. And last but not least, remember the Italian saying “Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata” which literally translates to “Wet Bride, Lucky Bride”. Traditionally, if it rains on your wedding day you will have a very fortunate marriage. The rain symbolizes abundance and good luck which will spill over onto the new family.

Photo Credits: Braedon Photography

Amy & Mark

AMY & MARK'S WEDDING IN ARUBA

Amy & Mark were married on the beautiful island of Aruba surrounded by a tight-knit and extremely friendly group of family and friends. Amy's excitement was infectious and I had an ear-to-ear grin the entire day. I think their charisma and charm come out in pictures (plus they're both pretty damned good looking too!). Amy & Mark - a huge congratulations and thank you for including me as part of your day.

SLIDESHOW

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Fearless Award

I'm a member of a really close-knit online community of photographers - photographers I admire like crazy. It was all started by one of my favorites, Huy Nguyen (check out his Foundation Workshop and Conferences). This year Huy started a new award program called Fearless, which rewards gutsy photography. I was honored to have one of my images chosen and I'm excited to see that my friends Jenna & Tristan won a couple as well. There's a "people's choice" contest on right now on the Fearless Facebook fan page (you have to click "like" on the fan page to vote). Be prepared to see some lose-your-breath creative images by photographers from all over the world. Vote for your favorite images here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=184162551631474&set=a.184161971631532.44404.152718641442532&type=1&theater#!/media/set/fbx/?set=a.184161971631532.44404.152718641442532

MEGHANN & WILL GET MARRIED!!

While spending a rainy May afternoon working on the details of one of Viva's upcoming weddings at the Museum of Nature, we got to thinking about our very first wedding at this fantastic venue. Viva was lucky to coordinate only the second wedding to take place at the Museum after the extensive renovations were completed last year and could not have been happier with the outcome. The event space is spectacular and the staff are truly top notch.

You'd think coordinating a wedding for a couple getting married in Ottawa but living in New York would be somewhat of a challenge but thanks to Meghann's wonderfully supportive family here in town and the wonders of email, the planning process was not only a breeze but so much fun!

The perfect Ottawa venue + an amazing New York couple = a really fabulous day. Here are a few detail images of Meghann & Will's wedding captured by the award winning Photolux.