Engagement sessions are best done several months before your wedding. We like that it allows you to choose a different season than your wedding to give you more variety in your images. Doing your engagement session early also allows you to focus on your wedding plans closer to your date. Choose a location that expresses your personality and sense of style. It's a great chance to get creative and most of all, have some fun!

We've always wanted to shoot a session in an old junk yard. So, when Krista and Steven came to us looking for something unique for their engagement session, we knew they'd be perfect for this! Besides being a super sweet couple, what struck us about them was their love for life, travel and adventure. Having reached their dream of traveling to every continent, we can't wait to see what's in store for them next!

Krista and Steven just recently tied the knot at the lovely Juniper Kitchen and Wine Bar. Here are a few of the many images we love from their engagement session (stay tuned for their wedding images!).

K&S, you guys are awesome! If I ever need someone to fix my jeep, I'll give Steven a shout. ;)

Hugs,
Sam and Mary

Joanne had her undergrad in Economics & Biology.  Lawrence finished up his MBA.  They met while he was volunteering during his business school internship for a nonprofit in Singapore where she was also an intern.  They both ended up falling in love, living and working in the New York City/New Jersey area.  And that was the beginning. 

She went back to Singapore where her family is and he later moved to Dallas, Texas, continuing their relationship via email and phone calls.  Despite the many miles and countries apart, it was a love worth fighting for.  Their hearts just knew and the hard work paid off! :)  Seldom do we celebrate the courageous act that it takes to risk, uproot and start anew - but Sam and I truly admire this about them.

Not only that, we love their generous and warm hearts - always blessing and encouraging those around them.  We just happen to be that lucky! :) 

Their destination wedding was held at the beautiful Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and we were fortunate to also capture their pre-wedding session.  We love destination sessions that allows us to draw from a fresh creative experience and this one was no exception.

This was one of our last lifestyle sessions for the year and we were blessed to hang out with an amazing couple.  Afshan and Ali are two people who in and out of their careers are so devoted to helping others, always putting others first and we love that about them.  We couldn't be happier to shoot their 2-day wedding celebration and later, their "engagement" session.  They wanted something different than on their wedding day, and we were thrilled that they came to us for an extra session to capture them in their element: relaxed, carefree and so in love.

Here is one favourite image that really connects with us and stirs us each time we see it.  This is always a good sign for us - when it hits close to our hearts.   As photographers, we never want to let it just be about the image - but we hope that through it, you see the people in it, who they are, and in some strange way feel a connectedness to the love and life they share.  

Click below for more teaser images from their lifestyle session:

A&A: Thank you for your trust that allows us to capture the beautiful people you are.  We hope you enjoy these and can't wait to show you more. :)

Much love always,
Mary (& Sam)

With the warm weather hitting over 25 degrees, Sam and I were out shooting a recent engagement over the past weekend.  Ashima and Dravya are two of the nicest people you'll meet - yes, they belong in that camp!  Not only that, they are sincere, loving and you can't help but be drawn by their warm personalities.  We had such a great time getting to know them and to share in this part of their journey together.

We started out at the car wash and ironically ended up with a second wash (after being caught in the thunderstorm!).  It could not have been more perfect for this adventurous couple (I think they secretly wanted it to rain! :)

We'll be posting more pics, but here is a sneak preview to their super fun and fabulous engagement session:

Happy Monday!

Much love,
Mary ( & Sam)

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)