We got back from a wonderful and much needed family vacation in Jamaica this winter and had to share this with you all. Our week-long stay at Valley High Villas was amazing in so many ways, but I'm sure the photos will better show you than any description we can write.

The breath-taking views and fantastic accommodations coupled with a friendly staff make this a perfect getaway.  Situated high on a hill, we caught these beautiful sunsets almost every evening.

We loved the rich forests and trees of Jamaica and you can hear the parrots and all kinds of birds living nearby. 

You can see the ocean in the distance from the villas and it is only a short walk before you arrive at a private beach which we enjoyed every day when we were not swimming in the pool. 

There are actually two villas you can rent.  These first few photos are from the original Valley High villa, which has 7 bedrooms.

This is the newly built second villa, called La Palmeras, a 6-bedroom villa with 3 floors of living space and a 4th floor upper terrace. We stayed here with our group of 16 (including kids).

We all dined outside every meal in this covered dining area. The cooks provided were friendly and catered the meals perfectly for us, with a mix of local foods (oxtail was superb as was the jerk chicken!) as well as some customized meals we requested.

Brides, if you are looking for a unique, non-resort destination wedding paradise, we know you and your guests are going to love being catered to at Valley High. Larger parties of 30-50 can rent both the villas, but the newly built La Palmeras villa is the one with the outdoor wedding ceremony and reception venue onsite, as well as the 6 bedrooms.

This is the upper terrace and outdoor ceremonies of up to 100 people can be held here. The pergola structure overlooks amazing panoramic views. We could have stayed and enjoyed the views from up here every day! 

There is a larger dining area upstairs equipped with a bar and lounge area for larger groups or perfect wedding reception.

La Palmeras with the pool at night.

If you are looking for an adventure and would like to experience local culture in Jamaica, just thought we'd share this fabulous villa we found for family vacations and/or the perfect destination wedding. You can find more information on their website at www.valleyhighjamaica.com and contact the owner, Helena, as she is quick to respond to emails and is really fun and easy to work with. For brides, there is a wedding planner onsite that can help you plan your perfect destination wedding!
 
Valley High and La Palmeras villas are definitely high on our "Must Visit Again!" list.

Much love,
Sam and Mary

A couple weeks ago, Jen and Dennis invited me out to their home in Cobden to photograph them and their family.  It's not often I get a chance to meander through the Ottawa valley but after this experience, I think I'll be heading out more often.  The scenery is gorgeous with it's rolling hills, swaying grass and rustic buildings.  Throw in a beautiful family and an old vintage VW Beetle and you have the makings of sweet photo session.

Jen and Dennis, thanks for showing me around your neck of the woods and you're right, life is definitely better by the lake!  Congrats to you both as you tie the knot, we wish you lots and lots of married bliss!

Hugs,
Sam.

I remember the conversation with Karen and Andrew as we were finalizing the details of their wedding.  Saturday alone would be packed: hair, makeup, ceremony, portraits and a full reception out of town at Temple's Sugar Camp.  But on top of that, Sunday followed up with a massive 10 course Chinese banquet at Yangtze for their 150 closest family and friends!!! :) Karen smiles and says "When this is all done, we're going to be good friends, Sam".  She couldn't have been further from the truth.  Their warmth and openness had me feeling like family in no time, we couldn't have been more lucky.

Here's a quick one we stole between courses 8 and 9.  Stay tuned, many more will follow!

Karen and Andrew, thank you for inviting us into your celebration and your lives. Your hearts are bigger than you know and we wish tons of blessings on you both!

Lots of Love,
Sam and Mary

The love affair started years ago.  That is, my love affair with this old motel not too far from my home.  It's the kind of place where lonely travelers would crash for the night, or down and out country band would make it's last stand. What a perfect spot for a photo shoot!  It took 3 years to find our perfect couple for this location but when Vanessa and Eli walked through our door, we knew our wait was over.

But a funny thing happened.  When the shoot was over and I gazed at the collection of images we had created that afternoon, I realized that this location, with it's vintage paint, and charming retro character, became just that: the location.  All my visions or grungy moodiness and artistic lines faded as I was struck by the love and tenderness of the two people in front of me.

Vanessa and Eli, thanks for showing me how love can outshine even the most salmon walls.  You guys are beautiful and I'm so looking forward to photographing you on your wedding!

Hugs,
Sam.

Okay, so it's better late than never, but we've finally gotten around to a photographing our little baby girl! (Let me clarify that... we have tons of point-and-shoot photos of her, but none with our pro cameras.) Baby Teagan is three months old now and fitting right into our busy family. We worked her hard like we do all our clients :) ha ha, but she was such a good sport.

Here are a few of our favourite images.

This one was taken in our new portrait studio. We love working with the light and the clean backgrounds which is a fresh change from our on-location work.
 

Lots of luv,
Sam and Mary