This past weekend, Sam and I had the opportunity to participate in a fundraiser charity event, Something White for Something Right, held at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa, Ontario.  Hosted and presented by Stacey Price and her team at Marry Me Productions, this fabulous sold-out event provided an evening of exquisite dining and live entertainment, which brought 160+ people wearing their wedding dresses or something white to support a worthy cause.  Proceeds went to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation while raising awareness on discovering and fighting breast cancer. 

Here are some of our favourite images from the unforgettable evening!

It was absolutely amazing to see all the ladies coming in their wedding dresses and to see the guys in their white suits! Thanks to all of you for making the event so fun for us to capture.  Of course, one couldn't help checking out all the different styles of dresses all in one room worn by beautiful women - totally breathtaking! You all looked gorgeous!
 

Cocktail hour wouldn't be the same without the one and only, Mellow Dee, whose music set the perfect mood for the evening.
 

Bel Fiore and Flowers Talk collaborated to provide these bouquets as well as the stunning centrepieces for the tables above.  These were on auction to raise money for the cause.  Love the use of feathers - so chic!
 

Sweets by The Candy Store and The Flour Shoppe added the perfect amount of sugar and spice and all things nice!
 

The main entertainment for the night was put on by the incredible Sway Orchestra, who rocked the house throughout the dining and dancin'!  Thanks guys, for your amazing talent!
 

The successful event was brought together by so many people. Here is Stacey Price and some of her team from Marry Me Productions.  I love the sea of white dresses that represents all the ladies (and their men) standing together to support one another in finding a cure for breast cancer.
 

Thanks, Stacey, for your vision in pulling this event together and pouring your heart into this.  Your talent is so obvious and energy contagious!  It was so worth it to squeeze myself back into my dress (I'm sure some of you ladies can relate?! :) for the cause, and we are honoured to have been a part of it!

Much Luv,
Mary (& Sam)
Ottawa Wedding + Lifestyle + Event Photographers

Celebrity MC's:
Angie Poirier (A Channel Morning)
Sandra & Carter (KISS FM)

Special Thanks to:
SWAY Orchestra

The fall is a time we really look forward to, not only for its colours, but it is also a favourite because it is the time of year for many of our client's family sessions!  We are truly blessed to meet warm loving families whom we are able to share a connection with and always learn so much from each of them. 

Here is a session we did of Lili who just turned one!  Despite the uncertain weather (yes, we had everything from a burst of freezing rain/hail, to wind, clouds and finally sun --typical of Sam and Mary weather!), Lili was a star!  She gave us her biggest warmest smiles, quirkiest looks and although running around trying to capture a 1 yr old kid never is, she made our session look too easy!   And, as all professions comes with its' own set of occupational hazards, we thought we'd share one of ours with you.

Occupational Hazard #142: Falling in love with other people's kids.

For more awesome cuteness, click on the image below!

This time of year, we are immersed in our work, so if you do manage to peek into our homes at off hours, you'll find half a dozen of our favourite take-out food menus lying on our kitchen counter and our office littered with gear and equipment ready for the next shoot.  Yes, we're the ones with the lights on in our office into the wee hours of the morning editing.  These are the tell-tale signs of a happy photographer in need a vacation, non? :)

Here is a favourite series we thought we'd share from a recent wedding that help us remember to always see the lighter side of life.  After all, this is a big part of what we're all about.  Having fun.  Keeping a sense of humour.  Creating priceless images.

SISTER OF THE BRIDE SHOT! PHOTOGRAPHERS FOUND NOT GUILTY.

Yes, people do get shot at our weddings, so be forewarned! :) 

Happy August!

Much luv,
Mary (& Sam)

It is not everyday one gets to attend a black tie soiree event in Ottawa, but we were honoured to be welcomed by French ambassador Francois Delattre and his wife, Sophie L'Helias-Delattre, into their grand home to capture the celebration of the night before Bastille day, or La Fete Nationale.  We were immediately impressed by the generosity and warm hospitality of the Ambassador of France and his wife, to have hosted such an elaborate fun evening of wining and dining - and building bridges as a result.

The reception rooms were expansive with a view overlooking the beautiful Ottawa River.  Among the 350 invited guests were ambassadors, members of Parliament, and diplomats who were treated to amazing french cuisine by executive chef, Patrice Moh-Elloh and pastry chef, Gilles Gourdet.

Here are some of our highlights from a spectacular evening!

Both the French and Canadian national anthems were sung by mezzo-soprano, Julie Nesrallah, accompanied by Jean Desmarais on piano, as the whole room stood still.

We LOVE the exquisite and unique floral pieces arranged by amazing florist Joel Marc Frappier.  They are truly stunning works of art and adds so much to the charm and elegance of the evening.
 

Another highlight of the night was music performed by the handsome French crooner, Antoine Bleck.  If you are ever in New York, definitely check him out live where he plays at Opia bar and lounge or you can find his music on itunes!
  

Some of the wonderful people who laughed and danced the night away... what could be a more perfect way to exchange smiles and friendship!

This unforgettable event was a first of it's kind in the city and certainly a breath of fresh air for Ottawa.  Special thanks to Francois and Sophie for their amazing character and example in bringing everyone together for this celebration. To all those, we've met and shared a smile with - thank you! 

Stay tuned for more pics from the next day's celebration of Bastille Day, which is the French national day on the 14th of July!

Much luv,
Mary (& Sam)

  

Summer is finally here and my favourite season for many reasons, one of which is that we get to celebrate weddings with each of our brides and grooms!  We are so blessed to work with some of the most awesome and fun-loving couples and this alone makes it all worth it.  There is nothing like arriving home after a wedding and pouring over the thousands of images (yes, there are thousands! :)  Amongst them lies these treasures: memories captured, the story revealed, and each one lets you into the lives of the people who love and those they've shared it with.

We have been running full steam, but just thought we'd take a moment to catch our breath and to share with you an image from a recent wedding we shot earlier this month.  This one is from Nawshaba and Azaid's wedding and we can't wait to share more.

N&A: Your wedding was absolutely stunning, so rich in LOVE!
Happy anticipation to all our couples this year!

To Love,
Mary (& Sam)