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

Last night, Mary and I joined the rest of the world in witnessing the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Though we've lived in Canada since we were kids, and have thoroughly experienced true Canadian living (cold weather and all), it was nice to be reminded of some of the symbols and imagery that represent us, and our nation. The mountains, the snow, the prairies, the Natives with their elaborate costumes, what a beautiful country we live in!

We also enjoyed the Celtic fiddlers and dancers featuring Ashley MacIsaac playing insanely energetic "Devil in the Kitchen" and who could refuse K D Lang's brilliant performance of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" which left us breathless!

One of the most memorable parts of the celebration for me was the passionate performance of his poem "We are More" by Shane Koyczan. Now I'm not a poetry buff by any means, but his words resonated with me and painted a picture of Canadians that goes far beyond our frozen pond ice rinks and quirky colloquialism (eh?).

We'll leave you with the poem below.  Leave a comment and let me know what you think.  More can be found about Shane and his work at: House of Parlance Media

Thanks, Shane for bravely sharing this with us.

GO CANADA!!!!!

Sam

ps. Anyone for some Tim Hortons? :)
 

We Are More by Shane Koyczan
   
When defining Canada
you might list some statistics
you might mention our tallest building
or biggest lake
you might shake a tree in the fall
and call a red leaf Canada
you might rattle off some celebrities
might mention Buffy Sainte-Marie
might even mention the fact that we've got a few
Barenaked Ladies
or that we made these crazy things
like zippers
electric cars
and washing machines
when defining Canada
it seems the world's anthem has been
" been there done that"
and maybe that's where we used to be at
it's true
we've done and we've been
we've seen
all the great themes get swallowed up by the machine
and turned into theme parks
but when defining Canada
don't forget to mention that we have set sparks

we are not just fishing stories
about the one that got away
we do more than sit around and say "eh?"
and yes

we are the home of the Rocket and the Great One
who inspired little number nines
and little number ninety-nines
but we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
and some say what defines us
is something as simple as please and thank you
and as for you're welcome
well we say that too
but we are more
than genteel or civilized
we are an idea in the process
of being realized
we are young
we are cultures strung together
then woven into a tapestry
and the design
is what makes us more
than the sum total of our history
we are an experiment going right for a change
with influences that range from a to zed
and yes we say zed instead of zee
we are the colours of Chinatown and the coffee of Little Italy
we dream so big that there are those
who would call our ambition an industry
because we are more than sticky maple syrup and clean snow
we do more than grow wheat and brew beer
we are vineyards of good year after good year
we reforest what we clear
because we believe in generations beyond our own
knowing now that so many of us
have grown past what used to be
we can stand here today

filled with all the hope people have
when they say things like "someday"

someday we'll be great
someday we'll be this
or that
someday we'll be at a point
when someday was yesterday
and all of our aspirations will pay the way
for those who on that day
look towards tomorrow
and still they say someday

we will reach the goals we set
and we will get interest on our inspiration
because we are more than a nation of whale watchers and lumberjacks
more than backpacks and hiking trails
we are hammers and nails building bridges
towards those who are willing to walk across
we are the lost-and-found for all those who might find themselves at a loss
we are not the see-through gloss or glamour
of those who clamour for the failings of others
we are fathers brothers sisters and mothers
uncles and nephews aunts and nieces
we are cousins
we are found missing puzzle pieces
we are families with room at the table for newcomers
we are more than summers and winters
more than on and off seasons
we are the reasons people have for wanting to stay
because we are more than what we say or do
we live to get past what we go through

and learn who we are
we are students
students who study the studiousness of studying
so we know what as well as why
we don't have all the answers
but we try
and the effort is what makes us more
we don't all know what it is in life we're looking for
so keep exploring
go far and wide
or go inside but go deep
go deep
as if James Cameron was filming a sequel to The Abyss
and suddenly there was this location scout
trying to figure some way out
to get inside you
because you've been through hell and high water
and you went deep
keep exploring
because we are more
than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
we are more than hills to ski
or countryside ponds to skate
we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
we are first-rate greasy-spoon diners and healthy-living cafes
a country that is all the ways you choose to live
a land that can give you variety
because we are choices
we are millions upon millions of voices shouting
" keep exploring... we are more"
we are the surprise the world has in store for you
it's true

Canada is the "what" in "what's new?"
so don't say "been there done that"
unless you've sat on the sidewalk
while chalk artists draw still lifes
on the concrete of a kid in the street
beatboxing to Neil Young for fun
don't say you've been there done that
unless you've been here doing it
let this country be your first-aid kit
for all the times you get sick of the same old same old
let us be the story told to your friends
and when that story ends
leave chapters for the next time you'll come back
next time pack for all the things
you didn't pack for the first time
but don't let your luggage define your travels
each life unravels differently
and experiences are what make up
the colours of our tapestry
we are the true north
strong and free
and what's more
is that we didn't just say it
we made it be.

The thing with learning something new is that it's almost never too late.  I say that because, as a child, I secretly longed to be able to play the piano.  Not like playing for concerts or anything like that, but mainly just for the personal joy of creating music.  Whenever I hear a song played on those black and white keys, I am mesmerized.  It is just amazing to me that such beautiful sounds can all come together so effortlessly. 

Having come from a big family, my parents couldn't afford to send us all to all kinds of lessons, including music, but on one special occasion, they did save up and buy us a small Casio digital keyboard that I had been wishing for.  I still remember that keyboard fondly even though I was never able play it beyond plunking around and imagining myself making beautiful music.  It's the imagining that keeps dreams going.

Well, I'm in my 30s now and here is my first piece of music I have ever written.  It's like going back to kindergarten and learning to write again.  I fretted posting this, but Sam has encouraged me to share it.  I wrote it in a rough draft as an exercise thinking I will just put it in a folder, but he took my song, listened to me play it and worked it by helping me put on the finishing touches.  You know the person who sees something in you, and can't wait to share it with the world?  Yes, that would be him. 

Here is my song that Sam has produced together with some video I shot earlier this week.  He loves creating, even on his day off.  Creating something for yourself to enjoy whether it be trying out a new recipe for a dish you've been dreaming of, or that craft that you're excited about, or whatever your passion may be, is important.  We need to do it more daily. 
 

 

The challenge is conquering our fears of trying that something new.  Once you get your feet wet, it's not all that scary, really.  Really, don't panic. 


Have a great weekend!

Much love,
Mary :)

As we wrap up this past year, Sam and I have had the chance to look back and be thankful for so much.  For us, it has been a year of experiencing great joy, risk, hard work, and immense satisfaction in the community we are a part of.  We have pushed ourselves beyond what we thought could be possible, and it didn't hurt nearly as much as we had thought!

We could not have done this without your support - our most awesome clients, friends, family, fellow photographers, and fabulous vendors.  Thanks to all those who encourage us by reading our blog, following us on twitter, or facebook - this social media thing is just beginning for us, but it has really opened our eyes to the wide network that is out there!  Thank YOU for the love, for your welcomed comments, feedback, emails and especially for stopping by to personally say "hi" and introducing yourselves, so we are able to connect a face to your names.

Thank you for being a part of our lives and inspiring us to keep doing what we love doing!  Sam and I want to wish you all a very merry and happy new year! May it be full of joy, laughter, great experiences and purpose.

Looking into our vault of images, we found this folder of images of us in action, that we thought would be good to share on the blog.  Here are a few that stood out for us and reminds us of all the people we've had such fun working with.  Hope it gives you a peek into a slice of who we are!

For more, Sam and Mary - the good, the bad, the bloopers, and just plain fun - check out the slideshow below!



Our warmest heartfelt thanks to all those we've met and worked with this year! You guys have made our year one we will always remember!
Here's to an amazing new year in 2010.

Much love,
Mary (& Sam)

We are finally settling into the winter break and loving times spent outdoors - "wasting" time.  Oftentimes, we forget that life exists in between the busy-get-up-and-go times.  Today, and possibly for the rest of this winter, I commit to getting lost.  Getting lost in the woods, lost in sleep, lost in reading a story to my kids, lost in the smell of good home cooking, lost in stillness.

Today, there is nothing like lying on a bank of snow and looking up at the sky, listening to the quiet of the skies and feeling the snow falling on my face.  Watching icicles form does come close though.

May this winter be full of wonders for you!
Happy Winter!

Lotsa' luv,
Mary