The Course for Brides / Wedding & Family Photographer

Luma Wedding Reception.jpg
Posts in All Written Works
Jacquelin & David's Wedding Photographer Review
Bride and groom smiling at each other, Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Wedding
 

"It was really important to my husband and I that the pictures from our wedding captured not just the look of the big day, but the feeling. I wanted keepsakes that I could look back on to remember every happy moment with friends and family. Kate gave us exactly what we hoped for, and so much more. 

From the first meeting with Kate, we knew she was the right fit for us. Not only is she a brilliant photographer, but she is a wonderful person. The kind of person you want around on your wedding day.

We were both nervous about feeling awkward posing and smiling for pictures. At the engagement shoot Kate had all sorts of tips and tricks to help us relax and capture pictures that really felt like us. By the time the wedding rolled around, we weren't even a little nervous, because we knew Kate would work her magic again. 

On our wedding day Kate was calm and organized and incredibly accommodating. The pictures and memories Kate gave us from that day are so special.

Besides saying, "yes" to my husband when he proposed, Kate was the best wedding decision I made."

– Jacquelin & David

Click here to read more reviews,
And here to see Kate & Ben's Enoch Turner Schoolhouse wedding!

Hair & Makeup: Toronto Beauty Group
Hotel: King Edward Hotel
Planner: Fidan Ismayilova, Designed Dream
Photo Session: Saint James Park
Venue: Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
Wedding Dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal

 
Unplugged Wedding Ceremony: A "good professional photographer" just isn't enough.
 

In the past 7 years of shooting weddings, I’ve seen a few near-disaster photography moments. Here are some questions you might not know about an unplugged wedding. 

If you’re asking yourself, “should I have an unplugged ceremony?” the answer is YES. Here are two reasons why:

1.    You want awesome wedding photos – not just good enough.
2.    You want your guests to be emotionally present for your ceremony – the most meaningful & important part of the wedding day.

 
 

the best wedding photos possible: 

I once heard someone say, “a good professional photographer should be able to work around guests with phones”. Sure, of course we can. But is that good enough? Do you want a photographer who 'did their very best... in mediocre circumstances'?

Of course not! You want them to cry, “it was magical – everyone was in the moment – it was the most touching ceremony I’ve ever seen!!” 

Yes, it is possible to move around and re-compose an image, when there’s time and opportunity. I can creatively crop out guests and cameras, block them behind furniture, avoid the phone-lookers altogether, or throw them out of focus... But let’s be real; the photos won't be as wonderful as they could have been. Seeing a happy, teary-eyed best friend beaming at the bride, as she walks down the aisle, just isn’t the same when she's surrounded by phones and iPads.

 
 
Seeing a happy, teary-eyed best friend beaming at the bride, as she walks down the aisle, just isn’t the same when she’s surrounded by phones and iPads.

Now, I do my fair share of diving and dashing in order to "get the shot" – it’s my job. But I don’t want to distract, block, or disturb anyone, as you stand up there and say your vows. I don’t want to run hither-and-tither through your guests, because an eager uncle has suddenly popped up in front of me, or someone’s phone randomly jabs into my line of view... I move as quietly as possible – often only when others are moving (i.e. guests going from sitting to standing). This is something that photo-enthusiast guests do not consider. Weddings are inherently intimate, no matter the size. So discretion and respect are also part of my job, and something that distinguishes a professional wedding photographer from an amateur. 

Weddings are inherently intimate, no matter the size, so discretion and respect are also part of my job.
 
 

Also, there are moments when there just isn’t time or space for extra maneuvers. The ceremony is the one part of the day you can’t do-over. If a guest unthinkingly moves into my field of view at the last second, then it’s possible to miss an important moment. Photographers are given rules by the officiant about where they’re allowed to go, and where not, and they obey as much as possible. But guests aren’t given this information. There might be a tight spot where it’s the only angle I can capture your facial expression, and in the background is a person holding up a huge camera (or just staring at their phone in their lap).

Noooo! Don't even picture it! 

Breathe. It doesn't have to happen to you. 

Being emotionally present for your wedding ceremony:

The second reason for an unplugged wedding is much more simple. You've invited a select group of people to witness your wedding ceremony. As much as we think we can multi-task, brains just aren’t wired that way. Let your people put down their devices, and be there with you. When you look out at the crowd, see their eyes shining up at you, and feel the love – the hope and excitement and possibility and romance, and the feeling of family and friends, and hearts overflowing. It’s only 30 minutes, but what a gift.

In the future, when your guests actually remember that moment, and they have beautiful, candid images of themselves (that the professional photographers captured) they will be happy and grateful, and so will you.

 
Gatineaus Cottage Unplugged Wedding.jpg
 

Click here to see:

Reviews – Weddings

Or click below to connect with me & let's have a chat.  

Hila & Maaz's Mehndi & Wedding Reception - Photographer Review
Afghan Wedding
 

"Kate's attention to detail, diligence and wonderful personality will make her a very special part of your wedding festivities. Not only was she our best vendor but it was a pleasure working with someone who is so passionate about their work. Kate loves people and has a special way to bring out the best in those around her. We thank her so much for all of her personal touches. She is one of a kind and clearly loves what she does. Our wedding and mendhi photos were just beautiful. Our families loved them and we have been recommending her work to all of our friends and family members. THANK YOU KATE!"

– Hila & Maaz

Click here to see more wedding photography reviews!

Cake: Cake Queens
Décor: RB Planners
Hair & Makeup: Masuda Noori, MasudaFace
Venue: Carmen's Banquet Centre / Hamilton Convention Centre
Videography: Alam Studios
Wedding Dress: That's My Dress Bridal

 
Ilinca & Sinisa's Bradford Barn Wedding - Photographer Review
 

"Kate is a very talented photographer, and she is able to create really beautiful, artistic images. We had our wedding at a beautiful outdoorsy venue (a barn) and Kate was able to capture really nicely the unique atmosphere of our wedding. Her candid photos of our friends also turned out really great. On top of it all, she is very laid back and easy to work with. We also appreciated her flexibility in terms of adjusting the start time. She helped us stay organized, by prompting us to create a schedule of photos for the day, without adding any stress to our planning. Overall, she was great to work with and we would wholeheartedly recommend Kate."

– Ilinca & Sinisa

Click here to see more wedding photography reviews!

 
Bradford Barn Wedding Photography Review
Wedding Anniversary Session: Photographer Review
 

“Kate spent the afternoon with us for our anniversary celebration at Langdon Hall; she took photos of our family, including two small children and our dog.

We are extremely pleased with the photos — I think Kate’s photography speaks for itself in terms of the outstanding quality — but it is also great working with Kate, both before, during and after the event.

Kate does a tremendous job from beginning to end: she takes the time to discuss what the plan for the shoot is, but she also comes up with great ideas on the day, to take advantage of the location, modify the plans to accommodate everyone’s needs (particularly the moods/attention spans of the children and the dog). She is able to take fantastic photos while being relaxed, easy-going and patient with everyone. She always makes herself available, both before and after the event to answer questions and make sure that the photos turn out exactly as you want. Her pricing is fair and transparent and she makes the photos available shortly after the event.

I should also mention that Kate does a superb job with the photo books. The final product is such a wonderful keepsake that the whole family keeps coming back to it.

I highly recommend Kate and personally look forward to having Kate take photos of our family again in the future.”

– Diana & Phil

Click here to see more wedding photography reviews!
And click here to see the photos from Diana & Phil's 10 year wedding anniversary!