2018 was a magical year.

I witnessed the beginning of life, and the end.

I documented happy tears, sad tears, a 3 year-old’s accidentally-bit-my-own-finger tears.

I witnessed motherhood in the deep, quiet content of bonding during baby feeding, the it’s-not-quite-working very newborn breastfeeding, and the tumultuous toddlers doing yoga while eating feeding.

I observed dads kissing-better said bitten finger, and various other upsets. And granddads. And grandmothers!

I photographed best friends getting married, not getting married, making out, not making out, supporting one another, scream-laughing, chugging, doing the limbo, crying together, and just being present.

I could go on.

But instead, here are some photographs I made.

I can’t wait to post each of these sessions in full, but in the meantime please contact me if you want to see more.

It’s been a while since I posted a Year in Review, but here are some old ones, if you want to see:
2014 - the year of San Francisco
2013 - the year I started Sweetheart Empire!

And Happy New Year!

- Kate
xo

An excerpt from The Empire Citizen, my bi-weekly newsletter, which you can sign up for here.

Back to school, Thanksgiving, Halloween… How is it the middle of November!?

Maybe you got married this year.  Maybe you said goodbye to your “baby” as they got on the school bus for the first time. Either way, it happened fast. If only there were an invisible photographer at the bus stop to capture that look on your face – crying, laughing, glaring with over-protectiveness:  love, your way.

Ask this Magic Question

We all know it's impossible to "stop time” but there are ways to enjoy right now and make sure your memories stay with you. One way is the practice of Reflection.

Stop right now and answer this question in your mind: 
What was my favourite part of today, so far? 

A coffee? A kiss? A bathroom break? (Just saying!)
For me, it was writing in my journal first thing in the morning. I felt grounded, connected and safe.

How Reflection Stops Time

Reflection helps us focus our minds on little pieces of life that would otherwise go unnoticed.

1. The noticing leads to a memory;

2. The memory brings up a feeling;

3. The impact of the feeling helps our brain flag that moment as a "keeper" in the sorting & filing of the mind.

Reflection is that invisible photographer you wish for. I ask every single one of my couples this question on their wedding day: 
What was your favourite part of today, so far? Whatever they say in the answer, they will remember for the rest of their lives.

This was an excerpt from The Empire Citizen, my bi-weekly newsletter, which you can sign up for here.

It's difficult describe my personal joy of watching this family evolve. I met Kevin & Carrie when they were getting engaged (in fact, I captured Kevin surprising Carrie with her engagement ring) and subsequently photographed their joyful, downtown wedding. 

When I found out Carrie was expecting, I was honoured to document their baby shower, maternity photos, and their sweet little son Nate at 4 months old.

So it goes without saying, this session has been a long time in the making. We strolled around their neighbourhood (which happens to be Toronto's Distillery Historic Disctrict), and I watched Carrie & Kevin explore the world anew, through the eyes of their 21 month old. Everything has changed.

And yet some things will always be the same. Sitting on the kitchen floor snacking and laughing at Wee Wendy (their "first-born") trying to get in on the goods, I looked down and noticed Kevin & Carrie holding hands. Life with a toddler isn't always easy, but when you've got love like this family does, it's worth every minute. 

Carrie & Kevin, thank you for these years of honesty, vulnerability, and love – you share your life with the people who love you, and I am so lucky to be one of them.
- Kate
xo

Check out Kevin & Carrie's engagement session and wedding photos!

The wonder years go by in a flash. If you're interested in having some of your family's moments captured in time, consider having me document your day – or a year in your life. Click Connect to find out more.

I met the Chans when shooting Diana's brother's wedding, and doing portraits for her parents' 40th wedding anniversary (yesss!). Both times we hit it off and everyone had a fantastic time, so it only made sense when Diana & Phil's 10 year wedding anniversary came up, that we connected again to commemorate the occasion. 

It was a gorgeous August day and we met for a couple's photo session (complete with story-telling games that had these two reminiscing into fits of giggles), followed by candids of the family enjoying the gardens and grounds at Langdon Hall. After the photo shoot, everyone gathered in a pretty conservatory of this stately country manor for cocktails followed by a family dinner in their own private dining room.

Check out Diana's memories of the day here.

Click through to see the photos: 

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I met Elle Daftarian after photographing her for Persian Tribune Magazine. I was thrilled to capture Elle's daughter's first communion party. In celebration of her first communion, the charming Sophia and her girl-posse had a fabulous time. The afternoon included outfit changes, family and friends, a fancy makeup table, and an exquisite dessert table made by Petite & Sweet (AKA Elle Daftarian ;)).