Toronto Wedding and Portrait Photographer: Samantha Clarke Photography

New Blog!

2011-08-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

Please click here to check out my brand spanking new blog!

Toronto Wedding Photographer: Michael + Villet

2011-07-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

I had such an amazing day with this couple and their family and friends. This was surely a summer wedding to remember. Mike and Villet are high-school sweet hearts that made an absolutely stunning married couple on their wedding day! This will be a rather lengthy post with lots of photos so I'll keep my prose short. Congratulations once again to you both! I hope you had a blast on your honeymoon in Italy!!! Many thanks to John Tran for being an amazing assistant for the day!

This wedding day was made possible with the help of some amazing wedding vendors! Special thanks to you all! It was a pleasure to work with you!

Coordination/Decor: Bimera Events
Reception Venue: Paradise Banquet Hall
Florist: Petal Productions
Assistant Photographer: John Tran
Photography: Samantha Clarke Photography

Candice + Gustavo

2011-07-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

I believe that life is a gift from God, so when Candice contacted me to photograph her maternity session, I couldn't resist the precious opportunity. This loving pair is expecting their baby girl any day now and she will be the light of their life. At nine months, they have so much to be thankful for. It's a blessing to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends that are just as excited as they are to welcome a new life into the world! After spending some time with them, I could feel their anticipation and excitement as they eagerly await the day they can hold their little girl. Isn't Candice just radiant?! We shot these at a lookout near the Scarborough Bluffs. The mother-to-be has quite the eye for scouting the perfect location! Thanks again you two! :-)

What's to come...

2011-07-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Afrofest

2011-07-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

I have yet to travel the world, but it is safe to say that I love Toronto. I love my home town.

Shot at Afrofest 2011, Queens Park, Toronto.

Heintzman House Wedding: David + Samantha

2011-07-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

July is my favorite month of the year. Not only is it my birthday month, but we can expect awesome weather. I'll admit it gets sweltering, muggy, and stormy at times, but I still love it. According to Samantha, she made a special request to God to keep the sun out all day. We were blessed to have had a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Heintzman House. Praise the Lord! Samantha and David's wedding was also video-taped for TLC's show, "Four Weddings". Their producers and camera men filmed the whole day and it should be airing in January 2012! I'm hoping my elbows make a cameo appearance.

Despite the lights and many cameras, Sam and David's love for each other is certainly the real deal. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. The day was filled with so much love and positivity that at the end of the night, I didn't want to leave! I was lucky to be joined by the amazingly talented, Charles Leonio. We enjoyed every minute of their day, but I have to admit the surprise ice cream truck made it a perfect night!

Working alongside absolutely amazing vendors made my job that much easier. Special thanks to you all!

Coordination/Decor: Malvina Chevolleau of Sweet Beginnings Wedding and Event Planners
Venue: Heintzman House
Catering: Cibo Technica Catering
Officiant: Rev. Wendell Brereton
Bride's Dress: Ritché Bridal
Groom's Tux: Moores
Cake: Jackie Henry-Harewood from Rum N’ Spice Baked the cake and Christina
Wong from Truffle Cake and Pastry decorated it
Hair: Kaydian Jeanty from Trilogy Studio
DJ: Mike Lupo As You Like It DJ Entertainment and Event Planning
Florist: Eleganza Floral Designs
Makeup: Nicole Richards from Peach Gloss
Assistant Photographer: Charles Leonio
Videography: Remember When
Photography: Samantha Clarke Photography

Last Saturday...

2011-07-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

The beautiful Samantha married David! More will follow shortly.

A Wedding Album

2011-07-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love how Katie and Jason's album turned out!

4 years ago today...

2011-07-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

We decided to be together.

Andre,

You're my partner, my friend, my confidant.

I appreciate your loyalty, your patience, and your love.

I still remember our 4th of July, four years ago, like it was yesterday.

The road trip, the roller-coasters, and the fireworks!

My life hasn't been the same since.

I`ve been unbelievably blessed with this gift.

I love you.

Sam

Joelle

2011-06-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

Dance is Art

2011-06-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

Dance, especially ballet, is an art form I admire. After following the Ballerina Project for some time, I was inspired to try something similar in the city of Windsor. When my two fearless dancers, Caroline and Heather, agreed to get their ballet shoes dirty in the Windsor streets, I couldn't control my excitement. The day of the shoot our grand Canadian weather was not particularly disagreeable. Winds were gusty, but we had a system that went something like this: (1) drive up to the location, (2) discuss the game plan, (3) sprint to the spot, (4) shoot for a 30 secs to 2 mins, (5) sprint back to the car, and (6) repeat. It was too cold to do it any other way. My mind was working a mile a minute, but the ladies held their poses like champs! Luckily, we got a few really lovely shots of around town with these two stunning artists expressing themselves through dance.

Ed + Janice's Toronto Engagement

2011-06-22T11:44:00.001-07:00

It is officially summer in these parts and it couldn't have started with a more fun engagement session. Ed and Janice have been extremely busy preparing for their upcoming wedding, but it was nothing but excitement when we got together to shoot. Rouge park was full of people fishing, biking, and avoiding poison ivy but these two were able to totally tune out the noise and focus on each-other. The love reflected in each of these frames is a true representation of the real thing. Together they are very warm, so sincere, and a real pleasure to hand out with. I can't wait for their wedding next month!

One from yesterday...

2011-06-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

Toronto City Hall Wedding: Deborah + Wesley

2011-06-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

Last month I spent a few hours with this sweet couple capturing their intimate wedding at Toronto's City Hall among close family and friends. Deborah and Wesley were absolutely stunning in white! The combination of gorgeous light and their sunny smiles made the day absolute perfection. Their wedding truly reflected the most important things in a marriage: love and happiness. Their vibrant expressions really show it! It is a pleasure to share some of my favorite images from their wedding here on the blog!

Stephanie + Matthew

2011-05-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

I enjoy extraordinary circumstances. They allow us to grow by showing how much we are capable of. On the morning of Stephanie and Matthew's engagement shoot, it was pouring rain and almost pitch black outside! I was worried. I didn't want to have to reschedule, but the weather was not pleasant at all. Luckily, I gave Stephanie a call and she was so energetic and ready to go! Her excitement gave me a huge boost. We ended up having a blast shooting at High Park that afternoon despite the weather which actually wasn't so bad after all. They were so much fun and didn't mind getting a little wet for the occasion. 2012 can not come soon enough because I can't wait to shoot their wedding! And of course, a special thanks goes to my brother, who joined us and kept me dry behind the scenes!

Toronto Wedding Photography: Reyhan + Sasha

2011-05-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

The month of April ended with this wedding and it was truly one to remember. The joyous occasion turned around a trend of dismal weather here in Toronto. Plus, it brought out lots of guests from as far as Australia! As the groom mentioned in his speech, Reyhan and Sasha's wedding had a lot of competition, from the Royal Wedding to the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in Toronto. Despite everything going on, all of their friends and families were in attendance to witness them say "I do"!

Reyhan and Sasha are both fun with warm and welcoming personalities. They make the perfect couple! It was a pleasure to get to know them over a short period of time. And now, it's an amazing honor to share some of my favorite photos from their special day right here on the blog! Rey and Sash, you guys rock! Thank you, thank you, thank you for having me!!! And a special thank you to the talented Charles Leonio for shooting by my side that beautiful afternoon!

Last, but certainly not least, the awesome vendors that helped make it happen!

Photography: Samantha Clarke Photography
Venue: Spirale Banquet Hall
Catering: Spirale Banquet Hall
Florist: MW Floral Design
Bridesmaid Dresses: Mori Lee
Groom’s Tux: Tuxedo Royale
Groomsmen Suits: Tuxedo Royale
Officiant: Kettle Creek Weddings
Limo Company: Best Limo
Hair: Cindy Luke
Wedding Cake: Just Temptations
Makeup: Cindy Luke
Assistant Photographer: Charles Leonio

Master of Arts

2011-05-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

I'm actually bursting with joy right now! I have completed the final, and the hardest part, of my masters degree. I feel so blessed yet totally undeserving of my friends and family. They're so fantastic and believed in me and gave me the courage to keep going when I felt like I wanted to give up. Despite the fact that I didn't have to make any revisions to my final paper, I think the best part was when my mom said she was proud of me!

Now, I can devote more time to taking some awesome photos, this spring and summer, of my amazing clients and organize some creative projects for fun! I promise more regular updates on the blog! Following my defense today, my mom and I had a lunch date and a mini shoot by the Detroit River in Windsor. I'm really going to miss that place and the awesome people that I met there.

Preview

2011-05-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

We had sun and then we had rain. Here are two frames of two happy couples from this past weekend! More on the way...

Luca, 5 months

2011-05-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

Luca has eyes that light up the room and a smile that melts your heart! At 5 months old he's managed to steal my heart.

Have a great week everyone!

My Marilyn: A Tribute

2011-04-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

It is my pleasure to share the vision and inspiration for a Marilyn Monroe inspired shoot I did with the beautiful and talented Samora Smallwood. She is a go-getter in every sense of the word. Since this shoot was based on her deep-seated desires, I have asked her to guest blog about the process here with the lovely images mixed in. Without further ado, let's hear from Samora herself!

Since I was a very young girl I have loved Marilyn Monroe. It came to me quite naturally the way a child knows she loves strawberries but does not like brussel sprouts. My mother had a veritable library of biographies & autobiographies including those of Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall, Simone de Beauvoir, Shelley Winters, all manner of royalty, Elizabeth Taylor, W.E.B DuBois, and of course the legendary Marilyn Monroe. While I read (and often re-read) every single tome she owned I was strangely drawn to the life of the girl born Norma Jeane Mortenson. While the books about Liz Taylor & Debbie Reynolds told stories of beautiful children raised up to stardom in a nurturing studio system all of the stories about Marilyn chronicled the hard-scrabble childhood of a Los Angeles orphan girl who ended up as the most famous woman to have ever lived. This mesmerized & impressed me. I wanted, nay, needed to know more about this person. I would fill up Christmas wish lists & later save up my baby-sitting money to buy very expensive coffee table books about her.

The first great picture book I was given was called “Marilyn: Mon Amour” by Andre de Dienes a photographer who worked with Marilyn in 1945 when she was on the cusp of stardom. I spent that entire Christmas morning & afternoon in 1996, ignoring my toys and poring over the black & white images in the book. The pictures were not of the coiffed, blonde sex symbol we think of as “Marilyn Monroe”. They showed a strawberry blonde, curly (somewhat frizzy) haired girl, still called Norma Jeane, with a mega-watt smile, sparkling eyes, and chipped red nail polish. Even as a young girl I could see the raw magnetism she had. The pure goodness of an ambitious girl who played the best game with the worst hand. From then onward I considered MM a friend. I defended her because I felt oddly protective of her. This is a phenomena I have discussed with other true Marilyn fans. I think it speaks to her soul & her humanity that she can make people feel this way without them ever having met her. It’s the classic story of a big dream that came true through determination & guile.

When misogynistic studio heads would refuse to give her a shot at non-Cheesecake roles what did our Marilyn do? Why, she moved to New York to study at the prolific Actor’s Studio under Lee Strasberg to hone her craft. Then she proved her talent (and how) in the film “Bus Stop”. Marilyn Monroe doesn’t often get the respect she deserves. There were actresses & starlets who almost met her beauty. And there were ones who won awards that she didn’t get the chance to. But I can certainly say there was no one as special as Marilyn Monroe. Nearly fifty years after her untimely death the world is still enamoured of the woman who needs only one name: Marilyn. Movies are still being made to examine different aspects of a very public persona with a tumultuous & often tragic private life.

This brings me to the tribute to Marilyn I had wanted to do for years. I wanted to take photos of myself as Marilyn that were not an imitation but an acknowledgment to the woman through my eyes. Slowly I collected the images I wanted to use. I would go through my Marilyn books (at this point I have a great many) and attach post-its to the photos I wanted to use. Then last year I crossed paths with a photographer named Samantha Clarke. She took my head shot photos and her passion & natural ease with her craft really impressed me. Then when I saw the crisp, beautiful images that somehow captured the best & most truthful version of myself I knew I had found the woman who was going to shoot my Marilyn tribute photos with me. So two busy women plotted & planned to shoot a very ambitious series of photos.

We spent time discussing locations, props, costumes, etc. As a professional in the beauty industry I knew I’d have no trouble with the hair & make-up. What I was most worried about was shaming my girl. I wanted to do justice to that magic Marilyn always had even when photographed during low points in her life. I put together an inspiration booklet of images of Marilyn to make sure she was always there in spirit. Our focus on shoot day was to not to emulate or impersonate the legend. This never works. No one can ever be as good as Marilyn was. We were focused on bringing the affection & respect I feel for Marilyn to life via some well-known and lesser known images taken of the star throughout her life. I could not, and would not have done this with a different photographer. Samantha has not been obsessed with all things Marilyn Monroe as I have been so her devotion to the passion I felt for the project was amazing. She became as dedicated as I, to getting the best images as possible. My heart warmed when she would stop to adjust a jar on the boudoir, or muss the bed linens just so to ensure verisimilitude.

Please enjoy the images taken on the frosty day in February as much as we enjoyed taking them. I think we captured the spirit beautifully & I am so proud to have been a part of it. Thank you, Sam!

THANK YOU SAMORA!!! You are truly a phenomenal woman and it was a pleasure to help with this tribute!

Hair/Makeup/Styling by: Samora Smallwood
Photography: Samantha Clarke

Waiting on Spring

2011-04-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Resurrection Day!

Dance is Art

2011-04-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

I posted a preview from my ballerina project inspired shoot this past week on my facebook page and got incredible feedback about the piece. Well my friends, there are plenty more where that came from! In the meantime, I'll post a few more previews here before I get the opportunity to share the full post. I can't wait!

Bright Eyes

2011-04-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

I had to share this adorable preview from Luca's shoot this week. More to come!

Through Her Eyes

2011-04-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

I had an eventful Friday evening this past week! I was able to shoot at the Well-Come Centre's Through Her Eyes fundraiser event to celebrate local female artists and raise funds for the women's shelter. The event was held at the Boom Boom Room in Windsor and was a huge success. The evening was filled with an inspiring display of artists, of all ages, coming together to bring awareness to the many issues facing women. It was amazing to see so many people get involved and show their support for such a great cause!

Press play to watch the slideshow below or click here.

Osgoode Hall Engagement

2011-03-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Look at this gorgeous couple! Sasha and Reyhan both have such fun and easy going personalities. Last fall, when I first met them, it totally blew me away when they booked me for their spring wedding right on the spot! That was one of the biggest compliments ever! The shoot took place this past weekend on a beautiful and bright afternoon in downtown Toronto. I had so much fun taking photos of them goofing around and having some really special moments. I can hardly wait to shoot their wedding at the end of the month and share more photos of this amazing couple! We're hoping for some real spring weather by then!

A preview!

2011-03-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today's sunny engagement shoot topped off the exceptional week I've had! There are plenty more where this came from, but for now just peek! More of this fun pair coming to the blog soon!!!

London Wedding Photography: Jason and Katie

2011-03-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

You might remember these two from their fun engagement session in Hamilton. Katie and Jason are so much fun and totally in love. I can't think of a better wedding for me to begin the year with! They had a beautiful winter wedding at West Haven in London, Ontario a couple weeks ago. It was such a beautiful day, despite the chilly weather. I absolutely adored the simplicity of everything and their family and friends were just as kind and welcoming as the couple themselves.

Also, thank you once again to John Tran for all your help as my second shooter!

Click HERE to view the fully story in a PHOTOSHOOT SLIDESHOW!

Vendors:

Venue: West Haven
Catering: West Haven
Florist: Design's In Bloom
Bride’s Dress Dress: David's Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: David's Bridal
Veil: David's Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Groom’s Tux: Collins Formal Wear
Groomsmen Suits: Collins Formal Wear
Officiant: Moira Bell
Limo Company: Abe from A Universal Limosine
Hair: Ilmoda Salon
Wedding Cake: Melrose Bakery
Makeup: Diana from Clinique
Assistant Photographer: John Tran

Atlanta Maternity Photography: Adrian and John

2011-02-26T17:37:00.000-08:00

Adrian is like a sister to me. She was my first room-mate in college and a true friend in every sense of the word. So, when she told me that she was expecting, it was only natural for me to start thinking and planning about when I could shoot with her, John, and the baby bump!

A couple weeks ago, I was able to spend some time with them and had an amazing time shooting my heart out. The weather was gorgeous too! First, we did some of Adrian in Atlanta and then some with both of them in Birmingham. These two are like peas in a pod. Both of them are extremely comical in their own right, so when we were all together it was non-stop fun! A good time for us all. John and Adrian are expecting their baby girl in about two weeks and I am so excited to meet her!!

A Preview in Black and White

2011-02-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

Just a sneak peek from Jason and Katie's fabulous winter wedding for now, but more on the way in a few! Have a great weekend!!

We spent our family day...

2011-02-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

Together. There's nothing better.

Little Felix!

2011-02-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

I got to hang out with Felix for a mini-reunion amongst friends in Georgia this past weekend. He is the sweetest toddler around!! I'm so glad I bring my camera everywhere I go, you never know when opportunities like these will arise. Felix has the brightest eyes and is growing so quickly. It was my pleasure to capture these precious moments.

And then he had a friend!

A Preview

2011-02-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

Here's one of my favorite images from this weekend's maternity shoot with my dear friends.
I'm really looking forward to meeting their baby girl!!!

Ward's Island Engagement

2011-02-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

Samantha and David were not only willing to shoot in our city's wintery weather, but they braved the elements with me and jumped on the ferry across to Ward Island for their engagement session. This couple got engaged last February on Valentine's day and their engagement session was scheduled just a week shy of the on year mark of their engagement! It was pure fun shooting with these two. We laughed almost the whole time despite our frozen fingers and toes. They are a perfect match and I can't wait to shoot their wedding this summer! Congratulations you two!!

One Frame

2011-02-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

These two are absolute TROOPERS! Let's just say we were a little cold today, but it was well worth it! More coming soon.

Zach

2011-02-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

Last night, I had the strongest urge to take someone's photograph. Lucky for me, I have a very sweet and flexible brother that agreed to shooting with me for ten minutes this morning (which turned into thirty) in the snow. Love you Zach!

1920s-Inspired Bridal Session

2011-01-31T20:31:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to share this fun session with you! Some of you may have seen a sneak peek photo here on the blog and on my Facebook page last month. It's been pretty hectic for me, but I've been determined to get these on the blog because I just LOVE THEM!

I had the idea of doing a unique bridal session with a 1920s feel for a long time now. It was in the middle of a long and completely unrelated work session along side my friend and model, Diana, that the idea actually came to life! We did some more research and made it happen in a couple of weeks. Can you imagine that this was my beautiful friend's first time modeling?! She certainly did an amazing job.

This shoot would not have been possible without some amazing and talented women from Windsor, Ontario who helped make this shoot a reality. We met with Daniela from Daniela's Bridal Boutique. She was incredible and helped us choose the perfect gown for the concept. I also got to work alongside Nadia, a talented makeup artist from Glow Makeup Studios who's vision matched mine exactly.

The shoot location was a dream come true. We shot at the Windsor Inn on the River Bed and Breakfast where they have the most amazing staff! Thanks again to Maria for allowing us to shoot there!

The venue was at the Windsor Inn on the River Bed and Breakfast
The Dress was an original from Daniela's Bridal Boutique
Makeup by Nadia from Glow Makeup Studios

Laughter Yoga

2011-01-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

They say laughter is the best medicine and that it is tied to our overall health and well-being. I don't know all the scientific details, but I LOVE to laugh. It's part of the reason why I refuse to watch horror movies. The other part is that I am a scaredy-cat. Ha! I learned a whole lot more when I shot a laughter yoga class a few weeks ago. Laughter yoga is a series of fun moving and breathing exercises that invite laughter so it was an absolute no-brainer when John contacted me to shoot his group. I checked laughteryoga.ca and found that it's not only fun but the benefits to the exercises are it:

Boosts the immune system
Decreases blood pressure
Relieves muscular tension and emotional and mental stress
Helps with pain management
Provides aerobic exercise for the whole body
Improves breathing
Stimulates digestion and internal organs
Oxygenates blood and brain making one feel alert and energetic

Pretty impressive! John is an amazing certified Laughter Yoga Leader in Windsor, Ontario. He led the hour long session with ease and hardly any pauses between the knee-slapping, bent-over, belly-clenching laughter. I'm serious! There were no pauses in the guffaws and as a result I could barely contain my own laughter as the group carried out their exercises.

Click HERE to check out more from John's Laughter Yoga class!

Baby Luca, 3 weeks old

2011-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to shoot with this kind and generous family right before the new year. It was Luca's first photo shoot and I couldn't be happier to be the first person to capture the beginning of his life. Once again congratulations to Jelena and Franco on your new bundle of joy! Your baby boy is so precious.

Happy Sunday to each and every one!

Remember...

2011-01-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

Despite the horrendous weather and scarily icy roads on the east coast, I've made it; by the grace of God, no doubt. It may seem like a small feat, but I will remember to give God thanks for everything, all the time.

Photo taken with my iPhone via instagram.

Love him

2011-01-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

Just before I left, he said:

"Is it too soon to start missing you?"

O Snow Day.

2011-01-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

Upstate South Carolina is in a state of emergency. Words like extremely hazardous and treacherous have been used to describe what the winter storm has left behind. Schools and roads are closed again tomorrow. Airlines phone lines are busy. Although my flight is scheduled for Wednesday morning, I refuse to panic. How can I? The snow looks absolutely beautiful and I'd rather be safe than sorry. A little more time with my love couldn't hurt. In fact it won't hurt one bit.

Have a wonderful one!

Be safe.

Goodbye 2010

2011-01-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

From me, To you

2010-12-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

Toronto Childrens Photography: James' 1st Birthday!

2010-12-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

Do you remember your first birthday? After I went to James' party on Saturday, it got me thinking about what my first one was like. According to my mom, it wasn't too much different from the one Joanne and Chris threw for James. Just replace Winter with Summer and Big Bird with a huge backyard swimming pool! Ha-ha!

I feel like James has grown right before my eyes. I was lucky to take Joanne's maternity photos here, James' newborn portraits here, and his Baptism here! And now he's 1! Time surely has flown by.

Thanks Joanne and Chris for having me again! And Happy Birthday James!

Click HERE to view the full story in a photoshoot slideshow!

Just a peek...

2010-12-05T16:04:00.000-08:00

TODAY. WAS. EPIC.

More to come. In the meantime, have a great week!

Philosopher's Walk Engagement Session

2010-12-03T00:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome Paul and the lovely Lauren's engagement session to the blog! I was a little worried about how frigid it might be, but luckily on the day of the shoot we had soft sunlight and winds that were a little less gusty than the day before. Paul and Lauren chose this lovely location at Trinity College on the University of Toronto's campus. Philosopher's walk and the college itself brought back some sweet memories for them and I was so happy to be there to catch them reminisce.

This one is a gem! Ha-ha!!

Congrats on your engagement! I'm so excited for the wedding, I literally can't wait!

CLICK HERE to view the full story in a slideshow!

Lauren and Paul. Preview.

2010-11-28T14:39:00.000-08:00

Here is one fabulous frame from Lauren and Paul's engagement shoot today. I have fallen in love with this one in particular.

Stay tuned for more from their engagement session soon!

Happy Birthday Cheryse!

2010-11-27T22:26:00.000-08:00

The snow finally caught up with me. Today was chilly, cold, and windy but my first taste of what Winter has in store only inspired me to shoot! It seemed fitting to grab my cousin for the adventure because today is her Sweet 16th Birthday! What better time for me to capture her smiling face then during this special occasion.

Have a great birthday Cheryse! Love ya! xoxo

Once upon an L.A. weekend I...

2010-11-25T16:35:00.000-08:00

Windsor Engagement Photographer: Adam and Kyra

2010-11-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

We visited some of my favorite spots in Windsor, Ontario for this sweet engagement shoot. Our first stop was The Book Room, a charming new and used bookstore that I fell in love with several months ago. Then we headed to the Sculpture Park and Old Walkerville. Adam and Kyra were a dream come true. A couple that was completely easy going and open to try a series of fun things for their engagement shoot. For this I am eternally grateful to share in this splendid occasion and to capture a glimpse into their love.

I enjoyed every minute of our time together and wish you both all the best! CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL STORY!

The Getty

2010-11-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

Beauty captured in Los Angeles, CA
November 2010

In the Air!

2010-11-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

Today I'm up, up, and away! Emails and other correspondence may take a little while for me to respond to, but keep them coming! In the meantime, how about a few fun airport shots?! Don't mind if I do!

These images were produced with my laptop's webcam.

Gorgeous Details

2010-11-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

Weddings take months and months of preparation and my dear friend's wedding was no different. Her incredibly detailed dress was sent all the way from Pakistan for the occasion; not to mention, she looked absolutely stunning in it! Here are a few closeups of the beautiful details of her wedding dress. One of my favorite parts of a wedding. Especially this one!

Have a great week!

Toronto Engagement Photographer: Villet + Michael

2010-11-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hello friendly Internet! It is time to say "goodbye" to October and "hello there, good looking" to November!

I don't think there is any better way to welcome the month than providing some Fall love on the blog. Villet and Michael met up with me on Saturday to shoot their engagement session at Whittamore's Farm in Markham, Ontario. The farm was a really popular spot this past weekend, but these two managed to make it seem as though there was no one else there. I've decided that I prefer to shoot the pumpkins than carve them!

They were a blast to shoot with and I am so excited to shoot at their wedding next year. They are easy-going and really fun to hang out with. There isn't much more I can tell you, these pictures truly speak for themselves.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL STORY!

And happy November!

London Event Photographer: Laura's Convocation

2010-10-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

This blog post is to congratulate Ms. Laura Wilson, MSc! Laura, you have achieved such great things, yet I know that this is only the beginning of what you'll accomplish.

Last night she walked across the stage to receive her Masters of Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. It was an exciting evening convocation ceremony that was incredibly inspiring to me. Laura's distinguished degree is in Medical Biophysics and the UWO presented it to her in style at Alumni Hall. It was an amazing sight to see and capture. She was accompanied by her mother, father, and her bestie too!

CONGRATULATIONS LAURA!

Click here to view the full story!

Toronto Baptism Photographer: Baby Makyla

2010-10-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! I'm so happy to have a weekend to myself so that I can get a chance to catch up on my editing and other work.

Today, I'd like to share this beautiful baptismal ceremony that I shot last weekend at Prince of Peace Parish in Scarborough. Baby Makyla and her family gathered for the special event and I was so lucky to have been invited. She is such an adorable baby girl!

Click here to view the full story.

Have a great weekend!

Wedding Albums

2010-10-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

It feels absolutely amazing to share something with someone else. Whether it's a smile or a box of chocolates, to me there's nothing better. In my case, I share images with people. I get to freeze special moments in time forever and then share them with the world (well maybe not the whole world, but just the few that read the blog!). It feels great to get to do that on a regular basis. It may be my soul purpose in life.

Today, I got to share. Wedding albums are so special as they can be shared over time with children and grand-children! What a pleasure it was to deliver Robin and Melissa's album to them today. Portrait sessions are also great for coffee table albums. I design them and provide a preview to my clients before getting them printed and professionally bound. I personally love them and always have a hard time giving them away!

Feel free to contact me for more information on my customizable coffee table albums when booking your session with me. They come in all shapes and sizes and are great as gifts and wedding guest-books too!

Princess London: Windsor Childrens Photographer

2010-10-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed all the gorgeous children on my blog lately? How I love them so! Children are so honest and sweet. I can't explain how excited I get when parents contact me to set up a portrait session for their little ones.

This shoot in particular is one I've been dying to share. A couple weeks ago, I got together with little London and her mom for her portrait session at Malden Park in Windsor. It's always a pleasure to shoot and London in particular has so much personality. She really knew how to work the camera at only 2 years old without even trying. Her natural self is camera-ready! She's so bright and really made her her mom proud that morning. I can only suggest you check out a few of my favorites from the session. Her energy and personality are evident.

To see more of London's portrait session at Malden Park Click Here for the Full Story!

Giving Thanks

2010-10-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

Today, I was reminded to take the time to thank God for my long list of blessings.

First on the list, my little cousins who are too sweet, too cute, and too much fun!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Glamour with Cindy Luke

2010-10-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, I got the opportunity to shoot four gorgeous models for makeup and hair artist, Cindy Luke. She is a makeup and hair artist based out of Toronto and she makes magic with her brushes and heated utensils! I'm a huge advocate of hiring a professional for makeup and hair on portraits and engagements sessions and I highly recommend Cindy to all my clients. You can check her out at www.cindyluke.com.

Have a great weekend!

Almost Sister Time!

2010-10-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

I've been traveling a whole lot these days. Mainly for weddings and portrait sessions, but this weekend I'm going to cheer on the Redhawks at my sister's soccer game! She is a starting defender at Miami U and her team is currently 11-0 this season. This picture was taken at her game against Depaul University a few weeks ago. Go Redhawks!

Katie + Jason: Hamilton Engagement Photographer

2010-09-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

I've been anticipating Katie and Jason's engagement session long before it took place last Friday. I met these two a while ago thanks to my childhood friend, Mikey. By the way, Jason and Mikey are both pilots. No, like real pilots. Don't you get it!? They fly planes!! I'm sorry, I just think that flying has to be one of the coolest things - EVER.

Like I was saying, when I met with this couple I immediately proposed an engagement session that involved a plane and some tarmac. They were so awesome to agree with my vision and totally made it happen. We met up last week at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton. The place had planes EVERYWHERE. Some of them were used by Canada's military in World War II. It was wasily the most educational session I've shot so far. After the museum we headed to the Royal Botanical Gardens for some more fun. The afternoon has me pumped for their wedding! Katie and Jason will be celebrating six years together at their wedding next year and I can't wait!

Weekend Update and Sneak Peeks!

2010-09-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how thankful I am for all the amazing comments I've been receiving on my blog and Facebook page! Each and every comment means so much and encourages me to continue to work hard and keep my blog and website up to date. THANKS everyone!

This past weekend was another fun filled one with back-to-back shoots. I can't believe I managed to complete three shoots while traveling roughly 3 to 4 hours for each one! I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I LOVE to travel. Whether it's near or far, I love to shoot weddings and portrait sessions in new places. It allows me to keep growing as a photographer and keeps me focused on nailing it each time. No comfort zones here! Like the post title promises, here are a few previews from the weekend.

First up is a preview from Katie and Jason's fun engagement session!

Then one from London's adorable portrait session

and one of my favorite's from the beauty shoot I did for the amazing Cindy Luke!

Full posts from each of these shoots will follow in a few!

Bellvue Manor Wedding: Nicole + Brandon

2010-09-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or did Friday sort of show up out of nowhere? This week was abnormally fast, but I've managed to slow it down for a moment long enough to share my faves from this amazing wedding. Shooting Nicole and Brandon's engagement session really got me pumped about their special day. And I'm sure I'm not the first to say that they surely did not disappoint. My cousin and her brand new husband definitely know how to throw a party!

The wedding ceremony and reception were both held at the beautiful Bellvue Manor in Vaughn, Ontario and the weather was beyond perfect. Warmth with a bit of overcast makes for a happy photographer, in addition to a gorgeous couple and their adorable daughter. Nicole and Brandon's love story began back in high school which made the wedding day that much more endearing. My family and I were invited guests, but luckily Nicole and Brandon were more than happy to have me shoot as well! It was more than a pleasure.

Congratulations to you both, I really enjoyed every minute of it.

Yvette + Dave: Toronto Engagement Photographer

2010-09-21T19:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy week and it's only Tuesday! Luckily, blogging keeps me somewhat content. I always look forward to sharing my recent stuff with the blogosphere. I do my daily ritual of meetings and other day job things, then come home to my true love - my editing, shoot planning, blogging, and all that good stuff.

This shoot in particular was an absolute pleasure. A little over a week ago, I hooked up with my friend Judith's sister, Yvette, and her fiancee, Dave, for their engagement shoot in Burlington, Ontario. I don't think it's possible for me to ever get tired of love, or sharing the love that others share for one another. So here it is again. The love of Yvette and Dave!

Two More Weddings

2010-09-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

I am very tired, but so thankful for the amazing first time experiences I had this weekend. I shot at a traditional Pakistani wedding on Friday and Sunday, and a traditional Chinese wedding on Saturday. This is one of the benefits of living and shooting in such a multicultural region. I don't think I would've been able to experience two cultures first hand the way I did in too many other places. I'm just so thankful for the opportunity. It's amazing to see how love and happiness is celebrated across cultural lines. My week will be extremely hectic, but I promise to post more soon! Have a great week.

Taylor: Toronto Children's Photographer

2010-09-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

It's hard to describe what it's like to shoot with a child - a 2 year old to be specific. There is no compromising. They are who they are no matter what and although it is a challenge, I still love that about them. Children have no idea what it means to have a "good side" or what it means to plaster a smile on when it's convenient. They laugh, walk, run, sit, stand, roll, or cry at random. And Taylor was no different. She called the shots and I just rolled with it. Luckily, her Mama and God-Mama joined us because I wouldn't have been able to get such awesomeness alone. And not to mention their amazing styling capabilities. I would love to have a fall wardrobe like Taylor's, in my size of course!

Two Sessions and a Wedding Sneak Peek!

2010-09-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what can be done with a little self-motivation and lots of medicine. Through my sniffles, sneezing, and itchy/scratchy eyes, I was able to shoot ALL weekend. Yes, I mean it. ALL WEEKEND! And it was an absolute joy. My goal for this week is to overcome my cold symptons (I refuse to give in!), but in the meantime, I'll provide a little preview from each shoot.

First up is a preview from Taylor's adorable portrait session:

Then a sneak peek from Yvette and Dave's romantic engagement shoot:

And last, but certainly not least, is a frame from Nicole and Brandon's wedding yesterday!:

Congratulations to the happy couple! Your wedding was AMAZING!!

These images make me feel so incredibly blessed to have such an awesome job! I get to work with wonderful people and catch unique moments that will remain for a lifetime. I feel super lucky!

The complete blog posts from each shoot will be on the blog soon.

Nicole and Brandon: Toronto Engagement Photographer

2010-09-09T04:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I got the opportunity to shoot with my gorgeous cousin, her fiancee, and their beautiful little girl for their engagement. This couple's wedding is this weekend in Toronto and I am really excited to celebrate their special day with them. The engagement session images are a mixture of family and engagement portraits, which I thought would have been challenging, but turned out to be PERFECT. Luckily, I was able to recruit a great assistant at the last minute! Thanks Zach!

Have a happy Thursday!

Back to School

2010-09-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year! NOT. Well to some it is, I think this time of year is bitterweet. I'm always looking forward to campus life and all it has to offer. The stuff that makes school, school; back-to-school shopping, coffee, deep intellectual conversations over coffee, reading and paper writing with coffee... It is safe to say that there is a correlation between school and my coffee intake. Either way, this season is one that I will tackle with all I've got. Although the summer months were busy, extremely restful, and fun they are officially (and sadly) OVER.

So I am writing this post to publicly challenge myself. Not only will I be in the 'complete my masters paper' zone, but I will be teaching undergrads, and working at my day job as President of the grad student body. Meanwhile, I'll be shooting and blogging in every piece of free time I have! Last but not least, I'll be completing applications for the next possible BIG step in my academic career. So yeah, there it is, right here for the world to see. I know it's a lot, and that it won't be easy, but I'm going to seriously pray about it. I know it's possible with lots of prayer, my daily planner, and my support team - maybe a little coffee here and there. Let's make a deal, if you pray for me, I promise I'll pray for you. : )

I'd like to leave you with some images from my recent visit to a local book store. You'll see that it's quite charming and the pictures quite fitting considering all the reading I'll be doing. The owner recommended I read the following book - she was hilarious.

Have a great Labor Day!

A Little Cuteness: Windsor Family Photographer

2010-09-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my friend Beth had the cutest visitor stay over at our place. It was her darling nephew, Aaron. He is 2 years old, adorable, amazingly polite, and full of energy. Something about having kids around makes me so happy. Capturing his expressions, his tiny face and hands made me even happier. We took him to the park for some evening play time. And since then my roomie and I have been going non-stop with no time for me to share these adorable pics with her. So these are for you B! xo

This one is my fave!

I've been incredibly blessed with HowJoyful's design of my new blog! I'm in love with it! Unfortunately, my website isn't so hot. It's down for the time being, but will be back up and running with a new layout plus new additions to my portfolio soon!

For Zach - My Brother

2010-08-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

It seems like almost yesterday my brother was a little one. He was the most adorable kid with the cutest laugh. I would tickle him just to get it out. My brother turned nineteen today and I'm still dealing with the fact that he's not a little kid anymore. I so wish time didn't go by so quickly. I think when time slows down I'll be much happier. Either way, I feel like this picture brings back really great memories from back then. I'm looking forward to spending time together again soon.

Happy Birthday Z!

Heintzman House Wedding: Robin and Melissa

2010-08-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

My experience with this couple and their family was one that I'll never forget. The wedding day started bright and early for Robin and Melissa's big day, but it was a rainy Friday morning in Toronto. The overcast that came along with the rain made amazing pictures, but horrible traffic and lots-o-nerves. It was a good thing I was able to find a new route with my mom's trusty GPS.

I arrived at Heintzman House little damp and frizzy, but right on time to meet the mother and aunt of the bride getting their makeup done. My nerves were relieved with conversation and laughter. Thank God! The two ladies were so great, we talked about the weather, traveling, and "young people" today. Great conversation helped me chill out a bit. Then along came my amazing second shooter Mr. Charles Leonio. Another nerve reliever. The day went on without a hitch and I loved and truly enjoyed every minute of it. I can not thank the newlywed couple enough for their kindness. I felt like invited friends of the family and the couple, rather than just "the photographer". I don't think there is anything else I could have asked for.

This post is a combination of my favorites from the day. You'll see very quickly how easy it was for me to fall in love with this couple. Melissa has the smile of an angel and Robin is so kind - they make a perfect pair.

Vendors

Ceremony Venue: Heintzman House
Reception Venue: Fuzion Banquet Hall
Makeup: Cindy Luke
Coordination: Palma Weddings
Florist: Best Wishes with Roses
Cake: Irresistible Cakes
Decor: LK Wedding Decor
Second-Shooter: Charles Leonio

A special thank you goes out to Charles for second-shooting during the day. His assistance and creativity was a blessing. Now for Robin and Melissa's wedding pictures. Enjoy!

Simple Pleasure.

2010-08-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

The end of summer draws near in these parts. Thank God for simple pleasures like these!

Windsor Maternity Photography: Savoeuth and Sara.

2010-08-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

I love this sweet couple and once you scroll down you'll see why. You may remember them from the preview I posted a few weeks ago. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to shoot their maternity portraits for them. A special thanks to the lovely Samora for hooking us up last month. Sara and Savoeuth are expecting their first little one very soon and these pictures only scratch the surface of this playful and loving family. They even brought along matching black Converse Chuck Taylors for themselves and tiny pink ones for their baby girl! Adorable!!

Congratulations again to you two and thank you for choosing me to capture this special time in your life. I can't wait to meet the little one!

Millwood Farm, SC

2010-08-16T23:55:00.000-07:00

An evening of pretty light and several pesky flies.

Super. Wonderful.

2010-08-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

Those two words really sum up the weekend I've had. I'll describe briefly...

-magic carpet
-amazing jazz bar
-late night walk
-pita pit!
-tall, dreamily handsome date! (BEST PART!!!)
-And last but not least, the BEACH!

And here's the magic carpet!

Plus the water was divine!

Enjoy the rest of the summer my friends! I believe we have 5 weeks left!!

Evening Out with Rocky.

2010-08-08T16:10:00.000-07:00

I will unapologetically admit that my vacation has become extremely relaxing and restful. Several days ago, we were able to pull ourselves away from the movie projector long enough to take a drive out in the county and get some Thai food afterward. A perfect combination for a beautifully lit summer evening. Just the two of us!

Happy Sunday!

Pretty.

2010-08-02T23:53:00.000-07:00

Summer Ride.

2010-08-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Despite a couple of accidents, I can't seem to stop my love for riding my bike. Luckily, I haven't been hurt badly and have been able to get back on and ride again. Isn't that the story of life? Isn't there a saying that puts emphasis on dusting yourself off and trying again? Well, I guess that would be more than fitting for this post.

My vacay has felt incomplete without a 2-wheel vehicle, so I quickly made a purchase and voila - a few details from our rides. Keep in mind that the weather was upward of 90 degrees!

Have a happy Sunday!

Heintzman House Wedding Preview.

2010-08-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations once again to Robin and Melissa! Here is a little preview of what's to come.

More on the way soon!

I'm 25!

2010-07-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

YES, it's true, I turned 25 one week ago! Renting cars has been a breeze ever since. Ha-ha!

Besides that everything, has remained pretty much the same. I was lucky to have lunch with my fam and homemade cupcakes from the sweetest girls in the world. We hit the town and spent our time laughing and eating like we usually do. Then I hopped on a plane into my sweetie's arms. I've learned that 97 degree weather can be enjoyable with a bike and a HUGE jug of water!

Great times... 25 is looking pretty good so far! :)

Chicago Streetscapes.

2010-07-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

My visit to the city of Chicago was the perfect opportunity to try my hand at Streetscape photography. I've always admired the work of Monica L. Shulman because she has the incredible ability to make any street look full of life. Here is my attempt at the street style genre. Chicago had a myriad of pretty sights, but I've managed to choose a few of my faves for this post. Enjoy!

Maternity Sneak Peek!

2010-07-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

I'm shooting at a wedding in the morning, but I couldn't sleep without sharing a preview from a shoot I did this past week. It won’t be long before this little baby bump makes a mommy and daddy out of this sweet couple!

Can’t wait to show you the rest S&S! Thanks again. I had a blast with you two!

Summer Update + Ten Years!

2010-06-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

It is officially summer! And I may be one of the happiest people because to me summer is synonymous with my birthday! Summer also means I'll be traveling and I. Am. Super. Excited!!! I could be in or near your neighborhood this summer, so shoot me an [Email] if you'd like to set up a photo session!

So since summer is here, it is now an official 10 years of best friendship with my bff. My logic is that if it was 10 years with my boyfriend, I know for sure I'd have a blog post and a HUGE party, so why not honor the friendship I've had with my bestie!? A drama free and all around awesome friendship between two females is pretty amazing and has been super easy and fun! We've shared nothing more than a love for volleyball at first and that's how we met 10 summers ago. Now we share families, friends, and tonnes of memories. Love you Lexi, see you again soon!

On Her Mark | Events.

2010-06-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my cousin Cheryse for her outstanding performance at the 2010 OFSAA West Regional finals held in Windsor a couple of weeks ago. You were fantastic!

Samora | Headshots.

2010-06-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

I was extremely honored to have the opportunity to shoot this beautiful young woman's headshots this week. After careful consideration, research, and a great referral from my friend Judith we were able to hook up for her headshots just in time!

Samora is moving the New York City to pursue a career on stage and in film. She is also a fantastic make-up artist. Way to go girl! Moving can be hard, but like I mentioned to her you'll never know what you're capable of unless you try. Judging from her great personality and these incredible headshots, I think it's safe to say that she is on her way!

It was such a pleasure to work with you Samora! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors in the Big Apple!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

2010-06-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you for everything.
We are forever in your debt.

Love,
Us 3

Phoebe's Graduation Preview! | Events.

2010-05-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my sweet cousin Phoebe who received her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree with distinction today!

We are so proud of you!

More to come from her convocation and reception soon.

Natalie's Bridal Shower | Events.

2010-05-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

I was invited to Natalie's bridal shower last Sunday in Woodbridge, Ontario by her Mum, Donna. They both are like family to me as the Maid-of-Honor and my best friend, Lexi, is the little sis of the bride-to-be. They are some of the sweetest people I know and I was so excited about shooting at the all ladies event.

When I arrived at the banquet hall, I was blown away by the beautiful set up. There were amazing flowers, great music, and fabulous guests that poured in by the dozen. The real fun began when the games started and at that point it was extremely difficult to contain my laughter and shoot at the same time. Soon after, we heard a message from Lexi via satellite and a few remarks from Natalie thanking the girls for their hard work. The special afternoon was one of laughter and a few tears.

Overall, the day was full of excitement. From the moment I got there, all the girls were so welcoming and sweet which made everything so much easier! Natalie has a great group of bridesmaids, friends, and family which will make the big day a huge success. It was so nice to meet them all before the wedding. I can't wait! Natalie's definitely going to make one beautiful bride on her wedding day. Here are some of my favorite photos of the fabulous details. Enjoy!

Judith and Jon. | Portraits.

2010-05-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

I really feel like these next few favorites from my most recent love shoot are self-explanatory. The love these two share is clear as the pretty sunset we were lucky to catch on this gorgeous evening.

Aren't they such a lovely couple!?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

I'd like to wish all mothers a very Happy Mother's Day!

To be completely honest, I don't know what I would do without my mom. She's extremely smart, really funny, and would do anything for the people she cares about.

I love and appreciate you Mom!

James Carlo's Baptism | Events.

2010-05-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at how fast babies can grow! I am telling you the truth when I say that if feels like I took Joanne's [maternity] and then [newborn baby] portraits yesterday.

James' baptism was a very special day as his family came out to share in the sacrament of baptism. But what made it even more special was the fact that he was baptized in the same church that I was baptized in. I don't think I have been inside St. Barnabas since then and it was a pleasure to return for this special occasion. Here are a few of the highlights from the day.

And James' cake was amazing!

Have a great weekend!

Sneak Peek! | Portraits.

2010-05-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Take a peek at these two. More to come soon!

Fun in Athletics Ontario Final | Events.

2010-05-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

It was an absolute pleasure to see kids having fun and playing sports at this athletic event I attended a few weeks ago. I remember my athletic endeavors in elementary and high school being the most fun I had back then. It was even more interesting to see the kids competing indoors on the [Eveque Leisure Equipment]. There were a couple instances where I wanted to join in the fun!

The meet was for elementary aged children to compete in indoor track events. Not only did the kids have fun, but they were competing for the Ontario Finals title. There were six schools in attendance who each won their regional competitions in order to qualify for the event. Some notable attendees included Minister of Heath Promotion, Honorable Margaret Best; top Canadian athletes acted as team leaders for each school, Track stars Tony Sharp, Desi Williams, Ben Johnson, Nikkita Holder, and Tabia Charles with CFL Argos stars Samuel Joseph and Obed Cétoute helped encourage the students success.

Congrats to the school out of Hamilton for their big win!

Thanks again to [Juan] for helping me cover this event!

Earth Day 2010 | Personal

2010-04-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah, that's me. It's a self-portrait. Although I could have posted a more earth-y picture with this post I decided to use this for reasons I will explain.

When you really get down to it, who else is going to save the Earth? And no, I don't mean I will save the Earth, but I realize that it can be really overwhelming and discouraging thinking about how huge the world is, how tiny we are, and just how bad it is. But one thing that [Bill Clinton] said the other night that strongly resonates with me was that, it's about doing what you can, when you can. Often we think that small scale action won't make a difference, but I think collectively it can! So I've decided I'm going to do the little things, that will make a small difference, to join in. If you're not sure what you can do to get involved, [click here] for an exhaustive list or check out your local paper to take part in this weekend's Earth Day events.

Happy Earth Day!

President Bill Clinton in Windsor for Enviro Expo 2010 | Events.

2010-04-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

I got the opportunity to attend former US President Bill Clinton's opening speech at the Enviro Expo 2010 held at Caesars in Windsor, Ontario. The event was organized by the Essex Region Conservation Foundation who dedicates its funds to protect and improve the local environment.

Prior to this event, I didn't realize the amount of work that Clinton has done to combat climate change and increase kids and families dedication to healthy living and activity. His speech was lengthy but fairly engaging as he discussed globalization, environmental stewardship, and protecting the region's natural heritage. Apparently Windsor needs as much help as possible in this department and hopefully Clinton's address will inspire all of us to take action and find solutions.

He Did It For You and I!

2010-04-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

~ John 3:16 ~

Have a Happy Easter Weekend!

Fuze Presents The Red Carpet Room's Spring Trend Report | Events.

2010-03-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

My trusty associate, [Juanito Aguil], headed to the The Red Carpet Room's Spring Trend Report hosted by [Fuze] and organized by Shannae Ingleton of [What Women Want] and Yvonne Kai of [Hey Do You]. What a fabulous event it was, I'm so upset that I wasn't able to attend but I'm rather glad that my media pass didn't go to waste!

[The Red Carpet Room], Canada's exclusive showroom displayed a combination of Canadian accessory designers pieces topped off with a fashion show of the season's upcoming trends. The event shared a portion of its proceeds with [Look Good Feel Better] - "Helping Women With Cancer". To my delight, Juanito did a fabulous job of capturing the event for all of us that couldn't make it to see and drool over!

Take a look at the the hottest Canadian designers during the Runway Show featuring both Menswwear and Womenswear including mini collections from these clothing and accessory designers: Clothing - [Jessica Biffi], [Mulcair], [Brazen Hussy], [Coccolily], [Paris Li], [Lizares], [Hillberg & Berk], [Psalms 91:1], [Blair Nadeau], [Miss Niya]; Accessories - [Jenny Grecco Jewelry], [Laura Ford Designs] [Oh Dina Hair Fascinations], [Ola Finesse Jewelry], [MEYA'TEYES AUTHENTIKS], [Roxx Jewels], and [Damn Heels].

Thanks again [Juanito] for providing these fabulous images for [SCP] readers, you did an awesome job! You can catch this gentleman's website and blog launch coming soon! :)

Have a great weekend y'all!
xoxo

Before & After | Photography.

2010-03-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

I hope you don't mind me taking a breather from my work to share this short, but sweet blog post with you, my friends.

I'm still in love with the photos I took of my 5-yr old cousin [Joelle] at the park last week. Can you blame me!? She's adorable and she's growing so fast. So after looking through them for the 50th time, I decided to do some post processing that has made them even dreamy-er.

I used a combination of Totally Rad [Actions] and Jessica Drossin's [textures]to make this image pop. It's too much fun to add some life to pictures SOOC (straight out of the camera). Check out one of my favorites!

Like night and day don't you think!? It's gotten sharper and warmer with a faint texture to it. I love it!

Well like I said, this is a short one. Just wanted to say 'hey' and give my brain a short break. Have a super Friday y'all!