"I cannot say enough about how wonderful it was to work with Kate and Rudo. After meeting, my husband and I knew that they would be our photographers. Our entire experience with them was fabulous. To our first meeting, engagement shoot, wedding day, thank you cards, printing of pictures- they always put us first, were always accomodating and tended to our every need.

And their work speaks for itself. When we originally met with Kate, she was our lead photographer, and saw some examples of pictures on her iPad, we were amazed. Rudo and Kate's photography is outstanding. From candids to poses to details, they captured our wedding day and engagement photos perfectly. They really captured every moment and really listened to our needs.

Throughout working with them, their commitment to professionalism and excellence was always evident. They made my husband and I feel like we were their only clients. We always felt so comfortable, like old friends. And their humour and ability to be easy going on the wedding day really stood out and was so helpful. I loved the candids and detail shots they took at our wedding and I loved the pictures they took of my husband and I at St James Park. It was a true pleasure to work with Kate and Rudo, and I highly recommend them."

~ Andrea & Daniel

Sweetheart Empire is brand new. I had the immense pleasure of working with an incredible design team, artists Jamie Lawson and Marlon Lulgjuraj of Poly Studio to create the visual identity for my brand and logo. Here are some excerpts from my personal journal, taken down after two of our calls - early on and then at the end of the project:

Wedding Photographers Logo Design

FEB 6, 2013 I just received my round 1 designs from Poly, and HAD to write, because I am so excited!

Round 1 consists of several initial designs based on conversations, written input, and visual references.

What to say? I don’t know which one I am going to choose for the direction – they are all soooo sweet! I really feel that Jamie and Marlon hear me, and my ideas... Considering the numerous and seemingly scattered ideas I have run through (ranging from sadly vague, to obsessively specific), it is amazing to see what the guys have come up with.

MAR 1, 2013 Just got off another Skype call with Jamie.

I can’t say enough about how freaking great the process has been.

When I feel I’ve been super random, or way too specific about things that I don’t even know are possible, Jamie is patient, open minded and understanding. And his understanding extends completely into the professional realm. He hears my half-formed thoughts and translates them to solid references in design. He has a breadth and depth of creativity and visual literacy that includes a knowledge of topics spanning history, fine art and pop culture - and probably a lot more...

I am just SO happy!

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So, besides the fact that I actually write in a personal journal (#nerdalert), clearly I had a positive experience. When there were challenges, Jamie helped me articulate what I didn't want, and we found a solution. What's more, the process really helped me discover myself and define the kind of business I want in my life.

Your logo is the visual representation of your name and what you stand for. Important, right? Yes. Everybody: use Poly Studio.

Here's a taste of what Poly had to work with for my reference material randomness:

Genius Wes Anderson. I love his quirky characters, fantastical story lines, and eye for artistic detail; the flawed nature of love, family, humans.

Above: from my travels in Ashland Oregon, and Karow - a caravan park on the outskirts of Berlin. Below: a million of my Instagrams.

As I love to travel, I'm also obsessed with maps. My fantasy is to go on a Trufflepig Trip - that's a screenshot of their homepage, below left.

Movie posters and travel pics and Instagrams, oh my! If you've ever created a mood board for a project (or wedding) how was the process? Would you ever hire a professional graphic designer? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

"This was the most non-stressful part about my wedding planning and day. The photography was such an enjoyable and fun experience. Kate was fun to be around and full of ideas and constantly making us laugh and feel relaxed.

We went in pretty much 'blind' in terms of ideas, which worked out as there was so many spontaneous moments that worked out WONDERFULLY and really expressed all that I wanted to be shown in our photos! I couldn't have asked for a better group to work with.

Thank you! You Rock!"

~ Shannon & Andrew

Shannon & Andrew had a 25-guest wedding at The Briars in beautiful Georgina, Ontario. As the photographer it was very important that I fit into this intimate atmosphere, while respecting their boundaries.

Wow. It's my first ever blog post in Sweetheart Empire... What to say? I didn't plan to write anything at all until I was "ready". Ready with what, you may ask? Oh I don't know: some photos, an announcement about the "launch", an actual website that's got content or even a logo? Nope - I've got none of those, yet.

But someone recently told me to Start Before You're Ready. And I was just sitting at the kitchen table on this bright, wintry day, working away at the preparations, when I was overcome with excitement (most likely caffeine-induced) and decided to write RIGHT NOW.

So I'll tell you what I know:

It's 2013 and after 8 years of shooting weddings with my amazing friend, Rudo Vacula, I've taken the leap and am starting my own wedding photography company - one that embodies the personal care that I feel for both people and pictures!

Rudo and I will continue to shoot together often. Yet the time has come to fly higher, try something new and try something on my own.

I hope that what you will see before you, this blog, will be an expression of my passions and inspirations:

• Creating genuine, caring connections with people
• Living life in the present moment
• Being honest and human, with both brilliance and flaws
• Photographing other people doing the same

It has taken me 32 years to learn that the freedom I crave in life comes when I am open and accepting with myself, with my heart, and with my fears. I know this may sound cliché, but that is honestly what I am going through.

I hope that by taking the step into the unknown with me, you will also see the beauty and feel the caffeine-like surge of anticipation, possibility and wonder, that life holds for us - whether you're in love, learning to dive, singing on stage for the first time, or taking any leap that requires hope, faith, adventure, risk, and trust > all at once. HERE WE GO!