http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/ The official blog of Sam and Mary Photography - Ottawa Wedding Photographers en Copyright 2012 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:19:16 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Valley High Villas was amazing in so many ways, but I'm sure the photos will better show you than any description we can write.

The breath-taking views and fantastic accommodations coupled with a friendly staff make this a perfect getaway.  Situated high on a hill, we caught these beautiful sunsets almost every evening.

We loved the rich forests and trees of Jamaica and you can hear the parrots and all kinds of birds living nearby. 

You can see the ocean in the distance from the villas and it is only a short walk before you arrive at a private beach which we enjoyed every day when we were not swimming in the pool. 

There are actually two villas you can rent.  These first few photos are from the original Valley High villa, which has 7 bedrooms.

This is the newly built second villa, called La Palmeras, a 6-bedroom villa with 3 floors of living space and a 4th floor upper terrace. We stayed here with our group of 16 (including kids).

We all dined outside every meal in this covered dining area. The cooks provided were friendly and catered the meals perfectly for us, with a mix of local foods (oxtail was superb as was the jerk chicken!) as well as some customized meals we requested.

Brides, if you are looking for a unique, non-resort destination wedding paradise, we know you and your guests are going to love being catered to at Valley High. Larger parties of 30-50 can rent both the villas, but the newly built La Palmeras villa is the one with the outdoor wedding ceremony and reception venue onsite, as well as the 6 bedrooms.

This is the upper terrace and outdoor ceremonies of up to 100 people can be held here. The pergola structure overlooks amazing panoramic views. We could have stayed and enjoyed the views from up here every day! 

There is a larger dining area upstairs equipped with a bar and lounge area for larger groups or perfect wedding reception.

La Palmeras with the pool at night.

If you are looking for an adventure and would like to experience local culture in Jamaica, just thought we'd share this fabulous villa we found for family vacations and/or the perfect destination wedding. You can find more information on their website at www.valleyhighjamaica.com and contact the owner, Helena, as she is quick to respond to emails and is really fun and easy to work with. For brides, there is a wedding planner onsite that can help you plan your perfect destination wedding!
 
Valley High and La Palmeras villas are definitely high on our "Must Visit Again!" list.

Much love,
Sam and Mary
]]> http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2012/03/jamaican-destination-wedding-p.html http://www.samandmaryphotography.com/blog/2012/03/jamaican-destination-wedding-p.html Photography Wedding Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:19:16 -0500

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