We were the papparazzi photographers that caught some of these famous guests that arrived. Thanks to everyone for working it in front of our cameras! It was so much fun to meet all of you that showed us your style and flair! :)
Getting ready for the show! Behind the scenes with stylist, Alison Hughes of HUSH clothes, and talented make-up artists and hair stylists from Holtz Spa. This room was buzzing with excitement as the models got dolled up for the runway. What an amazing group!
Cointreaupolitan, anyone? These girls kept the drinks flowing all night long! For a delicious drink, check out this recipe.
Guests also received spa-inspired appetizers while pampered with hand treatments from Christine and her team from Holtz Spa.
The culinary treats were exquisite and prepared by the talented chefs at Le Cordon Bleu. Not only were they amazing to eat, but a treat to the eyes too! Of course, we had to capture lots of the food that made this event so fabulous!
The event could not be the same without my favourite modiste and milliner, Madeleine of Chapeux de Madeleine (bottom right photo). I just adore these hats on the girls and each one is so well suited and instantly makes a statement. LOVE it!
In the big tent, the evening entertainment began with a performance by French rapper, Najib Le Noble.
A sneak peek at parisian fashion show featuring some of the beautiful dresses from Boutique Agathe de St. Amour in Gatineau, Quebec. We'll be sharing more images from the fashion show next week, so stay tuned!
Some of the people that helped to make this fabulous event happen!
The French Ambassador to Canada, Mr. Francois Delattre, pictured here with Samantha Moonsammy of Starfish Events, Pamela Balkalian of Le Cordon Bleu, Guy St Cyr of Voyage Guertin, Jean Sebastien Malouin, and Fouzia Dine of the French Embassy.
And of course, what evening would be complete without some deep grooves and dancing.
Sponsors:
Ambassade De France Au Canada
Bacardi Canada
Ogier
Remy Pannier
La Roche Bobois
Kronenbourg 1664
Les Chapeaux De Madeleine
Boutique Agathe De St Amour
Hush Clothes
Holtz Spa
Fleurs signees Joel Marc Frappier
Voyages Guertin
Cointreaupolitan
Special thanks to Samantha and Pamela for asking us to be a part of this celebration! We are honoured to capture this worldwide exploration and sharing of French food culture. It was amazing to see this part of Ottawa come alive for this event, which is what this city needs more of! The Aperitif a la Francaise has infused excitement in Ottawa, and has certainly brought out the potential of what this city is really is about: community, people, art, fine food and definitely a place that loves an excuse for a good party!
A HUGE thanks to Mr Andre Cointreau President and CEO of Cordon Bleu International, Sopexa Canada and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisherie for making this successful event possible.
Looking forward to next year's event!
Much love,
Mary (& Sam)
We will be there along with Samantha and her team from Starfish events, whom sent us this invitation to pass along! More information on what this worldwide event is about can be found here. Come and join us or check back for photos from the event coming soon...
This is the hottest event this spring! Celebrate under the stars with culinary treats by Le Cordon Bleu; a Parisian Fashion Show; DJ and a glamorous atmosphere inspired by the terraces along the Promenade de la Croisette at Cannes and an all-chocolate buffet and cocktails to deliciously round off the evening. The event begins at 5:30 pm. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster. Also, for each ticket sold, $10 will be donated to the For the Love of the Bloom event in support of breast cancer research. What could be better!
Hope some of you could join us at this fun event.
We'd love to see you there!
Love,
Mary (& Sam)
This process is always exciting for us as we know this will be enjoyed by the family for years to come -- which is also why it takes time, thought, and requires both our eyes and attention. There is no set formula, but just like an artist, we are not satisfied until it we are both completely happy with the final finished product.
We recently photographed a 1yr old baby girl from a past wedding client and it's always such a pleasure to be asked to capture their family's photos! It just hit us what an awesome privilege we have to build relationships with our couples and not only to get see them grow as a family, but to continue to photograph them.
Here is a spread from their family album that we wanted to share: sort of a sneak peek to their session. We don't always work with a theme for a lifestyle or family session, but in this case, when her parents told us that Alyssa loves to shop for clothes, we knew we had to include shopping as part of her session!
This moment was too cute not to have it's own page! :)
Happy friday, everyone!
Much love,
Mary (& Sam)
Hey Sam and Mary!
LOVE the shot -- can't wait to see the rest. After the great job you did with our wedding, how could we not go back to you for shots of our daughter? Again, we had a great time with you during the session. Wasn't it scary how she kept pointing to the 30% off sale? Only a year old too.... we're in trouble! :D
You know how we feel about you.... we love ya lots!
Jamile (and Angel and Alyssa)
(06.01.09 @ 09:43 AM)Awww. Thanks for the luv and for trusting us to photograph your beautiful family. We are thrilled with the images and can't wait to show you the rest! You're right, you are both in big trouble...she definitely knows what she likes! Look out! xoxoxo :)
(06.02.09 @ 12:24 PM)It was an amazing experience to see their love for each other and be amongst their fabulous group of friends and family.
The gorgeous bride on the morning of her big day....
The equally matched groom looking stunning in his suit and with his best man. We love the light-coloured suits on them!
Some of our favourites from their time together before the ceremony.
D&J: Congrats! The day could not have been more perfect. We are so happy to see you both begin your lives together as man and wife! Thank you for the honour of being a part of your day and treating us so well. We've shared a wonderful week with you and are blessed to have become your friends. Keep on lovin'!
Love always,
Mary ( & Sam)
Wow, what a sick wedding! All the photos are spectacular! Love it!!!!
(05.23.09 @ 03:28 PM)Hi everyone, if you’re readying this, you’ve most likely saw our wedding picture and the beautiful work Sam & Mary do.
Here’s something every one should think about when planning a wedding. My wife’s view was, everyone wants to have the ‘picture perfect’ wedding as seen in magazines, However not everyone gets a chance to make it happen. We started planning this event months before, assuming we would be the only couple tracking south, eloping was the plan.
As time past, we decided to throw the idea around with our family and friends wondering if others wanted to join us. By the time it was said and done, we had 24 close friends and family making the trip with us. It felt good to think others would invest their time and money to be with us while we made our life long commitment to each other.
Over time, Deanna began to show interest to have our own photographers venture with us to ensure this marvelous day was captured, to cherish for years to come. I’ll admit at first, I wasn’t to keen on the idea. But over time I realized she was right and it was the right thing to do.
Well, here I sit looking at our pictures on Sam & Mary’s website, remembering each moment, cherishing the time we had and to enjoy it with others. I wish I was there again. It was a time to remember for ever.
Sam & Mary, thank you for capturing this precious moment in our lives. Your ways, your ideas, were truly amazing, we never would have thought of them. You made it simple and fun, but yet looking at our pictures, you made it beautiful. Thank you so much for all that you did, you are truly great photographers, amazing people.
Signed, John (and Deanna)
Johnny: Thanks for dropping by and for your comment! Sick is always good!
J&D: Wow. Thank you for such a lovely heartfelt note! You both are so welcome... we are the ones who are blessed! Luv ya right back! :)
Thanks for the luv, brianna!
(06.07.09 @ 08:02 PM)Beautiful shots as always !
(06.11.09 @ 08:58 AM)Here are some photos from the event that people will be remembering and talking about for sure :) Entertainment was provided by Amanada Rheaume and DJ Karyen dished up some great grooves!
The event was pulled together by Greta Bloskie, Marketing Director at Billings Bridge, as
well as, Samantha Moonsammy and her fantastic team at Starfish Events. Stylist Alison Hughes (along with Angie Russell of Hush) put on a fabulous fashion seminar! We were thrilled to work with these awesome ladies and all the
wonderful people that were a part of this crazy fun day.
The Rideau Valley Roller Girls made a guest appearance and turned heads while serving up coffee shots and treats from the candy bar -- what could be more fun!
Live on location was the girls from HOT 89.9 FM hamming it up in our photo booth!
More action in our photo booth as hundreds of people came by to experience dressing as a star and getting themselves on the cover of a magazine. It was exciting to be a part of such a big event and the best was seeing all the smiles from people all over the community! Thanks to all the beautiful people we've met, talked with and for allowing us to capture you as you are.
Samantha also took this photo of us: is there anything this girl does not do! :)
Thanks so much to Greta, Samantha and Aaron Deane for being so much fun to work with. You guys did an incredible job! We are so grateful to be invited to be a part this community event which brought so many smiles to so many people.
Love,
Mary ( & Sam)
Amazing shots ( Posing , light, color ...... ) !
(05.08.09 @ 11:16 AM)you guys look so badass and sweet at the same time. is that even possible?
(06.03.09 @ 01:46 AM)Thanks, Wei!....I'd like to think i'm the sweet one.. ;) Let us know if you guys ever head out East!
(06.07.09 @ 08:01 PM)
It was WONDERFUL to have had both of you be intimately apart of the event on Friday - I LOVED your ENERGY!!! It was a true honor to be in the presence of two very talented individuals who live their passion to the fullest - it shows! All the BEST to you!
Love,
(06.09.09 @ 10:17 AM)Anandi
Thanks, Anandi! You're too sweet! It was a pleasure to meet you too and hope to see you again soon! :)
(06.18.09 @ 08:19 AM)