The thing with learning something new is that it's almost never too late.  I say that because, as a child, I secretly longed to be able to play the piano.  Not like playing for concerts or anything like that, but mainly just for the personal joy of creating music.  Whenever I hear a song played on those black and white keys, I am mesmerized.  It is just amazing to me that such beautiful sounds can all come together so effortlessly. 

Having come from a big family, my parents couldn't afford to send us all to all kinds of lessons, including music, but on one special occasion, they did save up and buy us a small Casio digital keyboard that I had been wishing for.  I still remember that keyboard fondly even though I was never able play it beyond plunking around and imagining myself making beautiful music.  It's the imagining that keeps dreams going.

Well, I'm in my 30s now and here is my first piece of music I have ever written.  It's like going back to kindergarten and learning to write again.  I fretted posting this, but Sam has encouraged me to share it.  I wrote it in a rough draft as an exercise thinking I will just put it in a folder, but he took my song, listened to me play it and worked it by helping me put on the finishing touches.  You know the person who sees something in you, and can't wait to share it with the world?  Yes, that would be him. 

Here is my song that Sam has produced together with some video I shot earlier this week.  He loves creating, even on his day off.  Creating something for yourself to enjoy whether it be trying out a new recipe for a dish you've been dreaming of, or that craft that you're excited about, or whatever your passion may be, is important.  We need to do it more daily. 
 

 

The challenge is conquering our fears of trying that something new.  Once you get your feet wet, it's not all that scary, really.  Really, don't panic. 


Have a great weekend!

Much love,
Mary :)

If you've seen Part I, here is Part II to Joanne and Lawrence's Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard wedding. Enjoy!

One of my favourites all-time bridal party images.  This one just makes me smile.

Love this bride and MOB shot just before the ceremony at St. Marks Anglican Church

Their beautiful outdoor reception at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery simply reflects the elegant and classic style that they love.   You couldn't help but feel so welcomed and be drawn to the beauty and calm of this place.

The super-talented tv-star and celebrity chef, Anna Olson of Olson Foods provided these sweet cupcakes!  She and her team also catered the food which was delicious as it was beautiful.  

Picturesque.  It was soo hard to leave after taking this all in.  The bride and groom walked down to this, their family, friends, and all that mattered to them.

Location: Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
Ceremony location: St. Marks Anglican Church
Reception location: Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

Bridal gown: Custom tailoring by The Wedding Present
Hair: Allure Hair and Makeup (Mandy Wilson)
Makeup: Allure Hair and Makeup (Teresa Hoogendam)
Flowers: My Bouquet Floral Design (Pauline Vanderkuip)
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Tiered Cupcakes: Anna Olson of Olson Foods @ Ravine)
Caterer: Olson Foods @ Ravine
Tent, Tables & Party Equipment: Robson Tents
Honeymoon: Mexico

J&L: Happy bliss.  Even these words can't describe what an amazing experience this day must have been for you, because all of us at the wedding felt that for you.  Thanks for sharing this important day with us.  What a wonderful way to enter into your life together.  Many congratulations and love.

Love ya,
Mary (& Sam)

We had an fabulous time with Joanne and Lawrence as they tied the knot, kicked back and celebrated in style at the Ravine Vineyard Estates Winery, located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  Their love for each other and for their family and friends, really made this day memorable for all.  Their day was perfect, the weather cooperated, their guests enjoyed themselves, the venue, food and details were amazing - we couldn't have asked for more. 

As I couldn't possibly narrow down my favourites to share with you from their beautiful outdoor wedding, it will have to come in two parts! :)

Here are some favourite details. I love this gorgeous bouquet by My Bouquet Floral Design and the colours that were coordinated for their wedding!

The bride's beautiful dress, custom tailored by The Wedding Present:

Joanne, getting pampered by the fabulous Mandy Wilson (Hair) and Teresa Hoogendam (Make-up) of Allure Hair and Make-up. 

I love the anticipation in the room as the bride dons her french netted veil.  LOVE these bird cage veils! :)

There's just something about a bride and groom seeing each other for the first time that makes it truly one of my favourite parts of the day.

Chillin' with their long-time best sibling/friends who were a part of their uber cool bridal party.  Lookin' amazing! 

Up next: Joanne and Lawrence's wedding ceremony at  St. Marks Anglican Church and their beautiful outdoor reception at the Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.

Stay tuned!
Mary (& Sam)

2010 is off to an exciting start!  We've happily received a new addition to our lens family namely, the Canon 24-70 F2.8L.  A sort of bittersweet occasion, this lens will replace our well loved, but aging 28-70 F2.8L - one of my fave lenses in our lineup.

First impressions:

The lens is slightly longer and bulkier, but when you're actually using the lens, you'd never be able to tell.  Autofocus is accurate, fast and quiet - moreso than the 28-70, but that could be because of age.  While the 28-70 was beautiful and sharp at the long end (70mm) the 24-70 seems to really shine on at the wide end where images seem crisper and sharper.

For those of you who are wondering: Should I upgrade my 28-70 to the 24-70?  My advice would be that if your old 28-70 still works, keep it and use it.  It's still a fantastic lens and can produce amazing images.  To upgrade just for the extra 4mm is just pure extravagance in my books :)

So what will become of our trusty old 28-70?  Since the AF is not what it used to be, and in the spirit of reusing and recycling, we'll probably re-purpose it as a video lens and use it entirely in manual focus mode.

Happy shooting!
Sam

In the coming weeks, we are really excited to be sharing more images from our 2009 weddings. To start off, if you've seen this post, we've given a sneak peek of Nawshaba and Azaid's gorgeous wedding.  Their wedding took place at the Crown Plaza in Ottawa, where wedding planners, Liz and Rose from Bridal Solutions, did a fantastic job of pulling together all the elements to make the day so beautiful.  

Here are more images from their wedding that was absolutely so full of amazing colour, culture, and richness.

Ceremony & Reception Location: Crowne Plaza
Cake: Denis Clement
Caterer: Haveli
Event Planner: Bridal Solutions
Hair: Studio New York
Makeup: Yelena Perunov
Videographer: John Lagrois
Music: 7 Swaras

N&A: Thanks for inviting us into your world and sharing your culture with us!  Some day you'll have to visit that old farm and see if your flowers are still there. :) May you enjoy this amazing journey together.  p.s. Sam will never forget the "paan" experience, of which I'm sure he'll want to thank you for! All the best!

Much love,
Mary (& Sam)