Here is a super fun session we did with Alania & Brett, mainly because they are so much fun themselves! They chose the outfits and allowed us to choose the location.  We knew they wanted a more urban feel to their engagement session -- and a little bit of graffiti couldn't hurt.  So, we took them out and had a blast!   We had a great time just talking about their relationship and upcoming wedding plans while they brought it on... 
 
We always are so blessed to meet the nicest people -- and Alania and Brett are no exception. Hanging out with them was like hanging out with old friends.  We love their chemistry and how supportive they are of each other despite all they have been through.

Here are some faves from their session:

Sam took this shot of me intently working...

Here is the shot from my camera:

A&B: It was totally worth getting up early!  Thanks for hanging out with us and keeping it cool. You two make it look too easy and we couldn't be happier to see you begin this next chapter together.

Lots'a lovin',
Mary ( & Sam)

Working from home has it's advantages, but sometimes it's good to step outside of the home office and soak in a new environment.  For us, that means packing up (no, we don't travel light anymore!) and head to the local coffee shop. It's a good chance to meet new friends, listen to good music, and have a hot drink --all the while working on stuff that we've been putting off. It's amazing all the small tasks that can be completed in a couple of hours. Of course, it makes them all the more fun and enjoyable.

This is us at Starbucks:
(Here I am fiercely concentrating... not sure where I inherited my furrowed brow! :)

Happy Tuesday!

Stephanie and Travis flew in from Boston and were married at Restaurant Ei8gteen in downtown Ottawa.  Their wedding was beautiful and elegant with Stephanie absolutely glowing as she prepared for her big day.  They celebrated in style with their closest family and friends with good food and dancing.  It was one of the hottest days, but that didn't stop them from having a great time! 

Here are some pics from their wedding.

Elizabeth from Flowers Talk did an amazing job in putting together an arrangement of white Cala Lilies for Steph's bouquet.

And we love the guys ties from Thomas Pink!

Of course,the bride had to have a 'little bit of pink' with shoes from Ann Taylor!

Kisses, anyone?

Location/Caterer: Restaurant Ei8hteen
Gown: Memories, by Maggie Sottero
Flowers: Flowers Talk
Cake: The Cake Shop
Music/DJ: Prime Time Entertainment

Congratulations, Steph & Travis!  Thank you for inviting us to be a part of your day and for treating us like one of your family and friends.  We will always remember the fun day and reception!  We hope you enjoyed your honeymoon in New Hampshire and have an amazing journey together!

Much love,
Sam and Mary

Hey, everyone!  We are so very excited to officially announce our **newly launched** Sam and Mary Photography blog and website.  It was time to update both with a fresh new look featuring larger images and a cleaner design. 

We have lots of wedding and engagements sessions which we will be posting in the coming weeks, so it will be an all new start to our blog!  As well, we will have to start over with all the comments as we were unable to move them over to this new blog along with the past year's posts.  Believe me, we tried! 

Thank you to all of you --our blog readers, friends (whether online or in person) and clients, who read and follow us here on our blog.  Thanks for the comments and words of encouragement you have left with us over the past few years.  It means a lot to us.  We are totally grateful for the chance to share our work and lives with all of you!

Thanks again for checking us out and while you're here, please let us know you've stopped in by leaving us a comment.  We'd love to hear from you, don't be shy!

Here's to happy bloggin'!
Sam and Mary

...and your one-arm-bandits crashin'

Whew what a rush.  4 days in Las Vegas at the WPPI convention and I managed to make it home alive and up $10!  The annual gathering of wedding and portrait photographers is a great place to talk shop, share ideas and just plain party.  It was awesome to meet up with old friends and make new ones.  Of course, it wasn't all wild parties, high stakes poker and go-go girls.  I did manage to do some "work" at the DQ Quikeys Booth with Dave and Quin Cheung.

Some pics from my trip!

We stayed on the 27th floor of the MGM Grand with a view of New York New York and enjoyed a splendid Japanese dinner at Shibuya right in the MGM Grand.  Beef sashimi and mushrooms laced in truffle oil.  Absolutely devine!

This was taken while goofin' off at Becker's party.  His parties are always a hit during WPPI.

Later at the Rouge, I ran into the crew from Colorati who were buying the drinks! By the end of the evening, their calling cards could be found all over the casino.

WPPI would not be complete without the much anticipated Bludomain party - featuring the Mammoth Men

On the very last day, we treated ourselves to a ride on the rollercoaster at New York New York.  This is also where I got busted for pulling out my camera!

Among the many, here are just a few of the friends and fellow photographers I ran into while in vegas: Dane Sanders, Britney Gardner and Joe Rumore, Ken and Stan and the crew from Renaissance Albums, Leon Sandoval from Colorati, of course Dave and Quin, Harold Jankowiak, Matt Sloan, Jasmine Star, The Becker, Joe Photo and Spiderman,  and Mel Barlow.  Oh, and guess who I bumped into at the Washington airport! My good friend, Barack Obama.

To all the folks I bumped into at WPPI - thanks for a fantastic time, for inspiring and for the cool friendships and connections.  I'm already looking forward to next year's show!

Big hugs all around, Sam.