http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/ The official blog of Sam and Mary Photography - Ottawa Wedding Photographers en Copyright 2012 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 13:32:46 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification

Jen and Dennis, thanks for showing me around your neck of the woods and you're right, life is definitely better by the lake!  Congrats to you both as you tie the knot, we wish you lots and lots of married bliss!

Hugs,
Sam.
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/07/jen-dennis-engagement-1.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/07/jen-dennis-engagement-1.html Engagement Lifestyle Sun, 24 Jul 2011 13:32:46 -0500 Temple's Sugar Camp.  But on top of that, Sunday followed up with a massive 10 course Chinese banquet at Yangtze for their 150 closest family and friends!!! :) Karen smiles and says "When this is all done, we're going to be good friends, Sam".  She couldn't have been further from the truth.  Their warmth and openness had me feeling like family in no time, we couldn't have been more lucky.

Here's a quick one we stole between courses 8 and 9.  Stay tuned, many more will follow!

Karen and Andrew, thank you for inviting us into your celebration and your lives. Your hearts are bigger than you know and we wish tons of blessings on you both!

Lots of Love,
Sam and Mary ]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/07/karen-andrew-wedding-teaser.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/07/karen-andrew-wedding-teaser.html Wedding Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:09:21 -0500
But a funny thing happened.  When the shoot was over and I gazed at the collection of images we had created that afternoon, I realized that this location, with it's vintage paint, and charming retro character, became just that: the location.  All my visions or grungy moodiness and artistic lines faded as I was struck by the love and tenderness of the two people in front of me.

Vanessa and Eli, thanks for showing me how love can outshine even the most salmon walls.  You guys are beautiful and I'm so looking forward to photographing you on your wedding!

Hugs,
Sam.]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/05/vanessa-eli-engagement.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/05/vanessa-eli-engagement.html Engagement Wed, 25 May 2011 16:16:52 -0500
Here are a few of our favourite images.

This one was taken in our new portrait studio. We love working with the light and the clean backgrounds which is a fresh change from our on-location work.
 

Lots of luv,
Sam and Mary
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/05/100-days-baby.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/05/100-days-baby.html Lifestyle Thu, 12 May 2011 07:45:44 -0500
Today we're highlighting Play Food and Wine located downtown in the Byward Market.  If you're looking to buck the trends and go for an intimate celebration in a modern-chic environment, Play delivers the goods.  Chef Michael Moffatt and his team put together a unique mix of upscale flavours combined with a playful twist on your favourite comfort foods.  Perfect for parties, small weddings or just a fun evening out.

We love photographing the food and details of our events and here are a few from R&M's pretty, Yellow Wedding.

Happy Monday!
Sam
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/05/play-food-and-wine-vendor.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/05/play-food-and-wine-vendor.html Resources Vendors Mon, 09 May 2011 12:08:05 -0500  

R&N:  You two are rockstars in our books! Thank you so much for making our job look so easy! :)  We both had such a good time just hanging out with you two.  You are beautiful inside and out and we are so thankful to call you friends.  Wishing you both a lifetime of love...

Hugs,
Sam and Mary
xox
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/04/ritika-naveen-engagement.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/04/ritika-naveen-engagement.html Engagement Lifestyle Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:15:58 -0500

After meeting Shannon, not only is she super sweet, but we found out that she has impeccable style and taste - and of course a huge heart for Adam. 

Here she is getting ready for the big day at the Chateau Laurier.

Loving these stylish Christian Louboutin shoes.

And personally delivered to her door, a McCaffrey Haute Couture dress of her dreams.

Shannon and Adam, it is such an honour to have gotten to know you both and to be a part of your amazing day!  Thank you for opening up your home and sharing part of your lives with us.  We wish you all the best as you embark on many more adventures together and continue to pursue your passions with one another.

Keep on lovin',
Sam and Mary

Vendors:
Venue: Le Cordon Bleu 
Bridal Gown: McCaffrey Haute Couture
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Caterer: Le Cordon Bleu
Barber: Imperial Barber Shop
Flowers: Bloomfields
Invitations, name cards: Marsha Youssef at Ottawa Calligraphy
Tuxes: Harry Rosen
Rings: Tiffany and Co.
Harpist: Sarah Adcock

]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/04/shannon-adam-wedding-le-cordon.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/04/shannon-adam-wedding-le-cordon.html Wedding Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:09:35 -0500
Speaking of journeys into parenthood, our 3rd baby is now 2 months old and I wanted to share some images from my very own maternity session.   Being in front of the camera always makes me a little uncomfortable, but as a photographer, I know how important it is to experience being on the other side of the lens.  So, to all our clients... I'm with you guys! :)

Here I am, and what you all have been saying about Sam is so true.  He has a way of making you feel at ease and gives you the license to be yourself, quirks and all; and yet still able to make you look and feel beautiful.  And to top it all off, it was a heck of a lot of fun! :)  Thanks to my awesome photographer husband, for these portraits of this amazing and beautiful time of our lives.

Of course, I had to grab the camera for a few shots of the proud daddy:

Can't wait for more maternity sessions to share with you this year!

Lots a luv,
Mary
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/04/29-weeks-maternity.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/04/29-weeks-maternity.html Lifestyle Personal Photography Fri, 01 Apr 2011 22:43:24 -0500
Some personal news: We recently welcomed baby girl #3 into our family last month and despite the exhaustion, we couldn't feel more blessed.  Stay tuned for more on that in an upcoming post! 

Other than that, we have some really exciting weddings, engagements, and lifestyle sessions, to share (including a few maternity and baby sessions that we have had the privilege of shooting).  Up first though, is a sneak peak of Pamela and Jimmy's recent winter wedding in February. 

Happy Spring!

Hugs,
Mary (& Sam)
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/03/waking-up-from-winter.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2011/03/waking-up-from-winter.html Personal Wedding Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:21:11 -0500
Julie and Brady came to us last year with a vision of a classy and traditional wedding with a modern edge.  Julie has been planning this Chateau Laurier wedding since she was a little girl and it has turned out to be everything she's dreamed of.

The all-day rain didn't dampen this wedding one bit as guests arrived from all over the world to celebrate with our happy couple. 

  Getting ready in the Parlour room.

Another stunning creation from McCaffrey Houte Couture

Jule and Brady, we're so glad that your day turned out as beautifully as you had dreamed.  Thank you for your warmth and your hospitality and inviting us to be part of your celebration.

Much love,
Sam (and Mary)

Vendors:
Venue: Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Bridal Gown: McCaffrey Haute Couture
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Ann Nininger
Tuxes: Morris Formal Wear
Cake: Artistic Cake Design
Caterer: Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Wedding Planner: Marry Me Productions
DJ: Quality Entertainment
Hair: Rinaldo's Hair Salon
Makeup: Kaitlin Maher
Flowers: Flowers Talk
Registry: The Bay
Invitations: Paper Studio
Rings: La Maison D'Or
Linens: Groovy Linen

]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/10/julie-brady-chateau-laurier-we.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/10/julie-brady-chateau-laurier-we.html Wedding Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:45:53 -0500 L'ambassade de France á Ottawa - The French Embassy in Ottawa where some of our photos are featured.  This history book by Jean Fouace features photography by Marc Gibert as well as a section on Parties and Receptions photographed by yours truly!

We'd like to extend a special thank you to Ambassador François Delattre, his lovely wife Sophie and to Fouzia from the Embassy for making all this happen and for the opportunity to be a part of this beautifully published work.

For more photos of the event, see this post we did on the French Embassy's black tie event.

Hugs,
Sam (and Mary)
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/10/published-the-french-embassy-i.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/10/published-the-french-embassy-i.html Events Mon, 11 Oct 2010 22:35:59 -0500
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
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/07/krista-steven-engagement.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/07/krista-steven-engagement.html Engagement Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:02:43 -0500

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


]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/06/readers-choice-diamond-award-w.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/06/readers-choice-diamond-award-w.html Events Personal Resources Vendors Wedding Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:10:50 -0500 Play | Food & Wine. 

Pulling a couple away for photos is one of our favourite times in a busy wedding day and we always recommend budgeting enough time to enjoy the experience and not feel rushed through it.  Besides giving the bride and groom a break from the crowds and a moment to just soak it all in, this session allows us to capture the love and connection between the two newlyweds.  The unspoken, but quiet, often subtle, and powerful expressions of their love. 

Here are some images from their fun session on their wedding day.  We love it when our couples break away from tradition and express their own unique sense of style.  This splash of yellow is just what I needed today.

How can one be uncheered by this?

Thanks, R&M! We loved celebrating this day with you and to witness the tears flowing during your beautiful "surprise" ceremony.  So worth it! Thanks for sharing your love.     

Happy Tuesday!

Luv,
Mary

]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/03/spring-yellow-weddings.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/03/spring-yellow-weddings.html Wedding Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:49:40 -0500
This is how the day started... one of my fave pet photos ever.  

I love this look on Meg, so stylin', beautiful and calm her big day. 

It's so important to carve out a small part of an otherwise busy day to enjoy a quiet moment.  Here is the handsome groom waiting to meet his bride. 

Love this one of the guys!

... and Meg with her BFFs.

We love capturing these frames of sheer happiness, bliss and intimate moments between the bride and groom.

One of my all-time classic favourites of the happy couple.

We just adore this awesome candy buffet provided The Candy Store.  A sweet way to add colour to your wedding as well as favours for guests.  So fun! 

I love this pic in B&W.  They are so cute 2gether!

Thanks to Leah from Restaurant E18hteen who did an amazing job with this cake!

The lively night of lovin' and dancin' the night away into a lifetime of love and happiness...

Location: Ottawa, ON
Ceremony and Reception: Restaurant 18

Bridal Gown: Becky Whelan
Music/DJ: Rico Falsetto 
Favours: The Candy Store
Flowers: Flowers Talk
Officiant: All Seasons Wedding
Transportation: Elite Limos

M&M: Thank you for all the laughs, jokes, stories and making us a part of your day.  It was great to celebrate with you as you begin your life and family together.  Thanks for being super fun and real.  You guys rock!

Much lovin',
Mary (& Sam)

   
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/02/meg-mike-wedding.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2010/02/meg-mike-wedding.html Wedding Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:18:48 -0500