I am first to admit, it's been slow here on the blog as we head into our last stretch of wedding season (is it October, already!?!).  Of course, thanks to emails from our faithful blog readers for calling us on that and for asking for more updates!  You guys are awesome and so great to know you're out there and interested in our work and everyday life...

The summer has really been packed with scoping out locations, prepping, shooting and it's been insanely busy.  But, back to our scheduled blogging... Here's a location that you'll really dig!

Lago is Ottawa's NEW bar and grill restaurant with a view at the Dow's Lake Pavillion along the Rideau Canal. If you haven't been here yet, you must go check it out! We love the decor, colours, and vibe of the place.

Even the restrooms are well designed and we LOVE the concrete sinks!

This is one of the lounge areas. I just love this photo that shows the quiet side of Sam that I get to see once in a while : )

We get so excited to see new cool places and venues, so we'll definitely be coming here again. It looks awesome in the evening too as the ambience changes to more of a nightclub. Lago also offers a large private 140-seating banquet facility (it was unfinished at the time we were there, so no pictures yet!) that is a great idea for weddings and events, so if you're a bride looking for something different, give them a shout as we'd love to shoot here!

Have a great weekend!

It's hard to believe that fall is already around the corner as we've been busy with weddings all summer, but I wanted to catch up with some blogging this week and to share the lives of some of the cool couples we've gotten to meet along the way...

Nadia and Mike are a gracious couple, and I love their genuine heart and love for each other. They have been together for a long time and it shows in the way they are so comfortable with one another. What's amazing is that they look and talk with one another like they are newly in love!

For their session, we started off doing what they love doing together almost daily... walking their dog, Maggie.

Today was the Labour Day holiday before school starts, and closes out the summer. Somehow, I doubt that's going to stop us from having fun! Apparently, the weather agreed and this week is suppose to give us all sun and the hot summer-like weather we've all been waiting for.

Sam and I had planned to work to get caught up, but thanks to Deanna and John who invited us for a swim at their place, the choice was obvious, we couldn't say no! (especially living in a house with two little fishes!)

It was also the perfect chance to try out our new underwater waterproof case we purchased for our point and shoot camera... errr...for work, of course. We intend on traveling and hitting the beaches more for destination weddings in the coming year, so we needed some practice. So, if you're thinking of getting married someplace warm in the winters, email us for more details!

You'll meet Deanna and John at a later post as we'll be shooting their engagement session this Saturday and upcoming wedding at the Riu Cancun, in Mexico, this fall!

Here are some shots we took today as our girls were up for being our test subjects:

This is Farrah who is Deanna's best friend and Maid of Honour, with the girls.

For more underwater goodness, CLICK HERE for a little video!

Happy Labour Day!

We are so lucky to have clients that we meet and instantly know we're going to get along and enjoy working with. Nathalie and Pierre was no exception and it's been so much fun exploring and creating these images with them.

They are a couple in love, who have a fun energy and life! It's great to watch Pierre allow Nathalie to be herself as he watches her with such admiration and respect.

Their love is infectious...

Of course, it helps that they were really comfortable in front of our cameras, can you tell?

I love the crazy light in this one.

You never know who's going to drop by on our photo sessions...

A classic ring shot... Pierre, we won't post the one where you give us the finger!

There's something about this moment that I just love...

The gorgeous, Nathalie...

From the Urban Dictionary:

Booyah:
"an exclamatory statement, often said when someone is extremely overjoyed. Often people do a hand movement simultaneously as they say 'Booyah'(clinching fist and thrusting their elbow downward vertically)

I got an A on my chem final. Booyah!"

N&P: Thanks so much for going along with our crazy ideas and for your adventurous spirit. Your smiles and laughter is contagious! We can't wait to show you images from your wedding and trash the dress! You guys are going to love them!

Also, special thanks to Derrick Rice, for recommending them to us.

Nathalie & Pierre's super fun wedding was held in July at the Ottawa Congress Centre, so stay tuned for more!

Much lovin',

Mary (& Sam)

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending Foundation's 3rd Anniversary Bash with some clients and friends of ours. As the champagne and red bull is starting to wear off, we thought we'd share some photos of the fun party and evening!

Claude is one of the owners of Foundation and we would totally recommend you check out this hot spot! We loved the layout and decor, of course, the food and wine was excellent! If you're looking to host an event or wedding that is unique and has a modern, funky feel, this is another great venue to "eat, drink, lounge".

These photos are taken with my newest Canon SD790 point and shoot camera which I was so thrilled to get this week (maybe my early 34th birthday present?? : ) ! I've been asking Sam for one since foreeeeever and although this is not our "work" camera, I was so excited that I could fit it in my purse!

This is me with Trevor and Sara, who are getting married next August! They are so fun, warm, and one of the nicest couples you'll meet and know you're going to be friends with!  Not to mention, they are totally IN LOVE...

It was a great night, cause we also bumped into Peggy and Don, whose daughter's wedding we will be shooting next Saturday at their beautiful home. It's going to be fabulous! They were having a great time and I can only hope that I can be as relaxed at they are when my daughters get married!

The drinks were flowing at the Grey Goose ice block, where they served Grey Goose Vodka with blueberries.

Catherine, Lindsay and Sara... the ever beautiful and talented "shimmy zone" contenders.

There was live entertainment all night and we loved the soulful voice of Cris Quammie. He had the ladies swooning over him with his smile and voice (not that I was looking, of course! wink! : ). Highly recommended if you're looking for someone who can work that dancefloor and get people moving!

Of course, the night couldn't end without Sara showing off her new Sam and Mary Photography tank top to all her friends!

We later headed to the Black Tomato for more food, wine and great company!

Trevor and Sara, thanks so much for inviting us, introducing us to your awesome friends and for the conversations about life, work, weddings and everything in between! You guys are super fun and we can't wait to shoot your engagement in September and upcoming wedding next year! Congrats again!

Much love,

Mary (& Sam)