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

With spring around the corner, thought we'd share some photos from this bright and happy Ottawa wedding.  They had an intimate wedding at the restaurant, 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

We met with Meg and Mike and instantly knew we would become friends (so much so that they have moved into the neighbourhood :) - ok, so that part was a coincidence, but we are so glad they did! :)  Besides being passionate, they are always so positive and super sweet, which is what we love about them.  You could see by the way they smile and look at one another that they are a couple in love  They wear their hearts on their sleeves and we really admire that about them.  We were honoured to celebrate this day with their family and closest friends.

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)

   

If you've seen Part I, here is Part II to Joanne and Lawrence's Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyard wedding. Enjoy!

One of my favourites all-time bridal party images.  This one just makes me smile.

Love this bride and MOB shot just before the ceremony at St. Marks Anglican Church

Their beautiful outdoor reception at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery simply reflects the elegant and classic style that they love.   You couldn't help but feel so welcomed and be drawn to the beauty and calm of this place.

The super-talented tv-star and celebrity chef, Anna Olson of Olson Foods provided these sweet cupcakes!  She and her team also catered the food which was delicious as it was beautiful.  

Picturesque.  It was soo hard to leave after taking this all in.  The bride and groom walked down to this, their family, friends, and all that mattered to them.

Location: Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
Ceremony location: St. Marks Anglican Church
Reception location: Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

Bridal gown: Custom tailoring by The Wedding Present
Hair: Allure Hair and Makeup (Mandy Wilson)
Makeup: Allure Hair and Makeup (Teresa Hoogendam)
Flowers: My Bouquet Floral Design (Pauline Vanderkuip)
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Tiered Cupcakes: Anna Olson of Olson Foods @ Ravine)
Caterer: Olson Foods @ Ravine
Tent, Tables & Party Equipment: Robson Tents
Honeymoon: Mexico

J&L: Happy bliss.  Even these words can't describe what an amazing experience this day must have been for you, because all of us at the wedding felt that for you.  Thanks for sharing this important day with us.  What a wonderful way to enter into your life together.  Many congratulations and love.

Love ya,
Mary (& Sam)

We had an fabulous time with Joanne and Lawrence as they tied the knot, kicked back and celebrated in style at the Ravine Vineyard Estates Winery, located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  Their love for each other and for their family and friends, really made this day memorable for all.  Their day was perfect, the weather cooperated, their guests enjoyed themselves, the venue, food and details were amazing - we couldn't have asked for more. 

As I couldn't possibly narrow down my favourites to share with you from their beautiful outdoor wedding, it will have to come in two parts! :)

Here are some favourite details. I love this gorgeous bouquet by My Bouquet Floral Design and the colours that were coordinated for their wedding!

The bride's beautiful dress, custom tailored by The Wedding Present:

Joanne, getting pampered by the fabulous Mandy Wilson (Hair) and Teresa Hoogendam (Make-up) of Allure Hair and Make-up. 

I love the anticipation in the room as the bride dons her french netted veil.  LOVE these bird cage veils! :)

There's just something about a bride and groom seeing each other for the first time that makes it truly one of my favourite parts of the day.

Chillin' with their long-time best sibling/friends who were a part of their uber cool bridal party.  Lookin' amazing! 

Up next: Joanne and Lawrence's wedding ceremony at  St. Marks Anglican Church and their beautiful outdoor reception at the Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.

Stay tuned!
Mary (& Sam)