Well, this is a nice surprise!  We recently received a phone call from the Kanata Kourier Standard informing us that Sam and Mary Photography won the Reader's Choice Diamond Award for best wedding photographer.   

We'd like to send out a special "Thank You" to all who voted for us.  We're thrilled and honoured to contribute to the success of our community and look forward to serving you with excellence again next year.

Winners are published in this week's issue so pick up your copy today! :)

Hugs,
Sam and Mary

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

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)

  

If you've already checked out our blog post on the L'Aperitif a la Francaise event hosted by Le Cordon Bleu last month, we hinted at the AMAZING parisian fashion show that took place that night.  Here are some more pics to showcase the beautiful dresses donned that evening by the fabulous models.  Ladies, take a look and get inspired this summer!  Dresses provided by Boutique Agathe St. Amour.

Of course, leading up to the finale and highlight of the night.... the Chocolate Dress created by the chefs at Le Cordon Bleu.  (for all you chocolate lovers...yes, that is all real chocolate!)
 

I just love the designs and dresses that were chosen and the way they were presented - so fresh, feminine and elegant!  Now that I've picked a few favourites, I just need a place to wear these to! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!
Mary

The spectacular 2009 Aperitif a la Francaise event was held at Le Cordon Bleu this past Friday and was indeed the hottest event in Ottawa this spring! If you've missed it, here is a sneak peek of the amazing party and collaboration that showcases the best in French culture, food and wine. Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute also features the 5-diamond Signatures restaurant which we will have to come back for!  This was the perfect venue with a beautiful building, rooms and property that was transformed to host this event.

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)