After a canceled flight back and returning home a day later, I (Sam) have finally been able to recuperate from all the hard work at the DQ Quikeys booth, the late night partying and singing karaoke until I lost my voice, and all the friends, old and new, that I was able to meet up with. New York was a blast.

Here are pics of some of the people that made my trip so memorable:

(and some I didn't get a picture of, like meeting Jesh De Rox, Jerry Ghionis, Becker and Jessica Claire, to name a few amazing photographers that I've been honoured to finally meet and chat with.)

Here we are enjoying lunch at Gray's Payaya, a hot dog restaurant and the place to go if you want to grab a quick bite to eat in NY. They had amazing all-natural exotic fruit drinks, but of course that was washed down by their greasy hotdogs!

Mike Dickson, from Photos for Life showing us how to eat a New York hotdog, with onions fried and simmered in ketchup, of course!

The uber-cool and talented, one and only, Dave and Quin from DQ Studios hailing a taxi cab:

My favourite shot of the trip

Here is the gang hanging out on our last night in NY. From Left to Right is Dave Cheung, Jesh de Rox, Jason Leon, and Quin Cheung.

My most memorable night (ironically due to my cancelled flight!) was all of us just sitting with, listening and talking with Jesh about photography, life and love - how all of it flows into one another. It was really scary how it really resonated with all that Mary has been sharing with me over the past year (and she wasn't even there!).

This is me the day after, waiting for my flight and walking the streets of NY on my own.

My friends were long gone and all had flown back to their respective cities. I had realized just then, how lonely New York really was with no money (long story!) and no friends. The city became a different place. I roamed around taking pictures one last time of the city (which we'll post later this week!) and soaking all of it in. The good times, the laughs, the conversations, and now the quiet, but yet bustling dirty streets, the experience of this alone-ness.

Here is a fitting quote I found on my Starbucks cup, as I sat to have my coffee and breakfast.

"The Way I See It #141 I used to feel so alone in the city. All those gazillions of people and then me, on the outside. Because how do you meet a new person? I was very stumped by this for many years. And then I realized, you just say "Hi." They may ignore you. Or you may marry them. And that possibility is worth that one word. -- Augusten Burroughs, Author of Running with Scissors."

I think it sums up the city for most of those who live here quite well, whether they know it or not. New York or any where else you live, regardless of how lonely it feels, is really a city full of hope, change and possibilities.

To those of you who celebrated Thanksgiving, we hope you enjoyed a wonderful long weekend! The weather was fabulous, sunny and warm! Fall is by far my most favourite season and we couldn't have asked for a better weekend to soak in the end of summer one last time.

Although we worked most of the weekend and had a wedding to shoot at the Hilton Lac Leamy, we managed to take Monday off. It was a perfect day of cleaning our garage up for the winter, playing outside all day, and hanging out with friends.

This week, Sam and I also celebrated our 8th anniversary!  (Boy, do we feel old!)  We had a delightful dinner and movie date, talked about the changes we've both gone through over our 8 years of marriage, all the crazy fun we've had and how it really keeps getting better!

I am so blessed beyond words for the past 8 years to have someone who stands by me and allows me to follow my heart and dreams.  Sam has done just that.  It has taken him quite a few years to figure me out, and now it seems none of the crazy ideas or things I do surprises him!  He's come to expect it and loves me for it.  What more can a girl ask for?

Okay, maybe one of these... which sam got me for our anniversary. A girl cannot have too many mac products! (and I'm not talking about make-up. haha.)

I love the ipod touch.

I got Sam a Herman Miller Aeron chair. Sam has always wanted his piece of Herman Miller, so I thought this was a good start! : )

f you haven't checked it out yet, here is a post with more furniture we dig!

Sam, thanks for the times you've stood by my side and watched me stretch my wings. I love discovering new passions with you, sharing our life together, and seeing ourselves change. It never fails to amaze me how you accept this girl you've married and treasure all the ways I am so different. Growing younger (at heart) with you is so much fun! Looking forward to 10 years!

Here are some pics we took this summer with our point and shoot, so it will have to do for now!

Today was the Labour Day holiday before school starts, and closes out the summer. Somehow, I doubt that's going to stop us from having fun! Apparently, the weather agreed and this week is suppose to give us all sun and the hot summer-like weather we've all been waiting for.

Sam and I had planned to work to get caught up, but thanks to Deanna and John who invited us for a swim at their place, the choice was obvious, we couldn't say no! (especially living in a house with two little fishes!)

It was also the perfect chance to try out our new underwater waterproof case we purchased for our point and shoot camera... errr...for work, of course. We intend on traveling and hitting the beaches more for destination weddings in the coming year, so we needed some practice. So, if you're thinking of getting married someplace warm in the winters, email us for more details!

You'll meet Deanna and John at a later post as we'll be shooting their engagement session this Saturday and upcoming wedding at the Riu Cancun, in Mexico, this fall!

Here are some shots we took today as our girls were up for being our test subjects:

This is Farrah who is Deanna's best friend and Maid of Honour, with the girls.

For more underwater goodness, CLICK HERE for a little video!

Happy Labour Day!

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending Foundation's 3rd Anniversary Bash with some clients and friends of ours. As the champagne and red bull is starting to wear off, we thought we'd share some photos of the fun party and evening!

Claude is one of the owners of Foundation and we would totally recommend you check out this hot spot! We loved the layout and decor, of course, the food and wine was excellent! If you're looking to host an event or wedding that is unique and has a modern, funky feel, this is another great venue to "eat, drink, lounge".

These photos are taken with my newest Canon SD790 point and shoot camera which I was so thrilled to get this week (maybe my early 34th birthday present?? : ) ! I've been asking Sam for one since foreeeeever and although this is not our "work" camera, I was so excited that I could fit it in my purse!

This is me with Trevor and Sara, who are getting married next August! They are so fun, warm, and one of the nicest couples you'll meet and know you're going to be friends with!  Not to mention, they are totally IN LOVE...

It was a great night, cause we also bumped into Peggy and Don, whose daughter's wedding we will be shooting next Saturday at their beautiful home. It's going to be fabulous! They were having a great time and I can only hope that I can be as relaxed at they are when my daughters get married!

The drinks were flowing at the Grey Goose ice block, where they served Grey Goose Vodka with blueberries.

Catherine, Lindsay and Sara... the ever beautiful and talented "shimmy zone" contenders.

There was live entertainment all night and we loved the soulful voice of Cris Quammie. He had the ladies swooning over him with his smile and voice (not that I was looking, of course! wink! : ). Highly recommended if you're looking for someone who can work that dancefloor and get people moving!

Of course, the night couldn't end without Sara showing off her new Sam and Mary Photography tank top to all her friends!

We later headed to the Black Tomato for more food, wine and great company!

Trevor and Sara, thanks so much for inviting us, introducing us to your awesome friends and for the conversations about life, work, weddings and everything in between! You guys are super fun and we can't wait to shoot your engagement in September and upcoming wedding next year! Congrats again!

Much love,

Mary (& Sam)