Hosting my first styled shoot was such an incredible time. Not only did I get to connect with some AMAZING women owned businesses, but I got to bring this vision I had to life that helps represent my brand!!
Seeing as green is my favorite color, I obviously had to include it. you will notice this not only in the details, but across my editing, I like to include a bit more of a green tone, not only to tie myself into my work, but to help make the photo FEEL. I had my beautiful friends Alex and Ken "model" for me. I put model in quotations because while yes they are my models, they are also MADLY in love and are soon to be wed them selves <3
I planned an all day elopement style shoot with everyone to help showcase you can truly do whatever you want. They spent the morning writing love notes to each other, which we later read as vows, then they helped each other get dressed and ready for the day. It truly felt so intimiste and intentional to have them take that extra time together , helping her put on her dress, and typing his tie. Spending the full day with the one you love is absolutely special.
When I am photographing a wedding or any shoot in general there are a few ways that I love to help tell the story. One of those ways is details, I absolutely adore detail shots. whether it is flat lays or a random vintage lamp, it all adds to the story. Having a beautiful building, such as the Gate Lodge at Quebec place at Fairmount, makes is soo easy to capture those details and sew the story together.
I wanted to use this shoot as a way to show off my wedding photography style. I like to describe myself as a docu-editorial photographer , especially when it comes to a wedding day. I love the little details and capturing those in between moments that naturally unfold on a wedding day, but I also love being able to get creative with fun editorial portraits. While for the most part I specialize in natural lighting and editing true to the atmosphere and vibes, I do sometimes like to bring in a flash for those super fun flashy portraits (or on the dance floor)! There were many many moments from the day to capture naturally such as the random lady bug on Alex's veil ( aka her grandma). it is the little moments like that, that you will want to look back on and remember.
I also got to spend the whole day shooting on 35mm film as well! I am still learning , but shot manual all day and could not be happier with the results. I am truly in love photographing on film, it ads such a beautiful element to your gallery, and highly recommend adding film to every shoot ( BUT i am biased lol, I LOVE IT!!) I truly hope to shoot mor film, as often as possible. it is such a thrill!!
A major part of the day I was looking forward to was the florals!! I KNOWWW everyone says chartreuse and wine are "2026 trendy" BUT can you blame us. they are absolutely stunning!! Jacqueline with Rue and Pear flowers absolutely killed it! I sent her a couple inspo photos , and she MORE than delivered. Not only were the florals beautiful, her expertise and knowledge of them were absolutely amazing. she had all the best tips and tricks on how to lay them or hold them, when to keep them in water etc. It Definity helps that she is her own farmer and knows about every single detail that goes into her florals. ONTOP OF THAT, she helped tremendously throughout the day setting up and just overall being so kind. I would highly recommend her for any event!! https://rueandpear.com
Before the day even truly started, we headed downtown to get Alex and romantic updo for the day! Julie was not only professional, but also fun to work with!! I showed her one inspo photo and just let her know the vibes were romantic but to do whatever she really wanted, and she killed it to say the least. The hair had to withstand going in and out of a veil for 8 hours, wind, car rides, and a lot of fun shenanigans, but nonetheless, it withheld! You can find Julie on Instagram @hmua.byjulie
Now, If you want to talk about HYPE GIRL, let me tell you. Kaylyn with sage and sunflowers socials knows ALL about hype. She spent the day filming content creation not only for BTS for vendors, but mainly for our couple to have those moments to look back on and cherish!! of course that was not all she did though. Honestly Kalyn was wonderful just to have as emotional support haha. She was not only reassuring in all aspects, but continuously complimenting the couple, fixing the hair, adjusting the dress and veil, all of those little details that really do matter. If I could put her into my pocket and take her to every wedding with me I genuinely would!! You can find her on Instagram @sageandsunflowerssocials
A little while before the shoot, we actually had this amazing opportunity to go try on dressed and meet with Lucky Charm Bridal! Their CEO Kate is the sweetest ever ( and her boss Pookie of course). They allowed to come into their new store ( which is so cute btw you have to go see it!!) and meet with their team and try on some dresses!! each one was beautiful but the last one we tried on, was like a light bulb lit up! it fit Alex like a glove, and had that perfect mis of vintage and modern, with the cutest rose design. I knew it was the perfect dress for the shoot, and they were so kind as to let us borrow it for a day. On top of this, the experience in their shop itself was so magical. they make you feel seen, included and beautiful!! they know exactly what you need and how to get you it. Alex even was asking about add ons for her real wedding dress, and possible reception dress options. If you need a dress I highly recommend checking them out!! ( we had dress Catherine from the Maison Boone chance Collection!!) https://www.luckycharmbridal.com/
I know I briefly mentioned the venue , Quebec place at Fairmount, Where we started the day, but I wanted to touch on n it a little more. I had worked with Karna before at Quebec place for an engagement session, and she was an absolute joy to work with. She knew all about the grounds, the history, the best spots and more. She was with us while we were there all day and again, just the most professional and kind person ever. The Gate lodge is set to open soon for events, tell me a tea party there would not be so cute?! But also it made for a perfect getting ready space. They have multiple places on site to hold a ceremony , but getting ready in this historic building was truly so beautiful. and Yes , technically this is a cemetery, but nonetheless it is beautiful https://www.quebecplaceatfairmount.com/
And of course I have to shout out Rilee with watermelon sugar film and events. she was there all day taking photos as well, but she set up the cutest little lakeside picnic during sunset, and it was absolutely the best way to end the evening. she had a vision and made it come true!! I have worked with Rilee countless times and she always knocks it out of the park!! If you are looking for a wedding videographer with an elevated home style video style, or a more bright colored photographer, she is your girl!! https://www.watermelonsugarfilmandevents.com/
Overall I had an amazing day, and can not wait to host my next styled shoot ( or shoot your wedding ;))
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