Favourite Things, life, momming, recipes, traditions

Back to School | Capturing your kids growth through the years and back to school traditions

I don’t know about you, but this summer just flew past! As my kids get older the summers get “easier” (sort of) and fuller.  We did lots of camping and cottaging and spent a pile of time with family and friends. I took some time off the brunt of my business social media and blogging for the most part to refocus and rejuvenate and at first I kind of panicked because, “Oh the algorithms will be so messed up for me” and “I’ll never be able to “get back into it” and blah blah blah, but it was GOOooooOOOOoood!  Good for me, good for my family, just good.  Anyways, now I’m starting to fall back into a lovely thing we loosely call “routine” and that also feels good.  Seasons, my friends: busy seasons, unorganized seasons, planned seasons, slow seasons, seasons are a beautiful thing.  Some are hard – really hard, and some are good and easy but they’re all part of the ebb and flow of life and I’m just starting to figure this all out.

Back to school is the start of a new season.  It can be a crazy and sometimes stressful time for kids and parents alike.  It’s also a great time to make note of some changes in your kids and…take photos!  The items that I’m about to share are nothing new, perhaps.  Anyone can throw “first day of school photos” in the Pinterest search and come up with a multitude of ideas.  These are some of the things that I really love doing every year at the start of a new school year.

Bye Summer / Back to School Cake

This is the first year that I’ve done this, but it was a hit and I’ll be continuing this tradition.  I’m a food gal, you’ll see that if you look at my Bio on my about page and as this blog continues to unfold a bit.  I love to celebrate, even small things, with a great meal and, of course, dessert.  Cake and candles aren’t just for birthdays, my friends!  I made this super tasty cake from Sprinkle Bakes to celebrate the end of a beautiful, busy summer and the start of the new school year.  Though, I didn’t have time for the cookie dough filling, so I just went with an easy chocolate ganache – you really can’t go wrong, and the smiles on those faces tell me that it was perfect.

 

 

Chalk Board Facts Photo

I love to be able to see different ways that my kids have grown and I’m not much of a “paper” collector, journaler or memory book maker (yet), unfortunately, BUT I do take photos.  Including a few fun facts about my kids in a photo of them at the beginning and end of the school year is my way of “journaling” those items until a later date when I maybe actually have some time to actually put some books together.

My general “go-to’s” on these chalk boards (because I’ve done so many, ya know, with my oldest being in Senior Kindergarten) are height, what they want to be when they grow up, who their teacher is, how high they can count, their friends and how old they are. My favourite feature is “this is how I write my name.”  It’s so sweet to see how their writing…or lack there off (see Judah’s example) changes through the years.

 

T Shirt Growth Chart

This was a pinterest find that I brought to my custom printing girl, Desiree, (she’s doesn’t have a website but you can check out her facebook page here.) It’s just a large tee with your Child’s highschool graduation year on the front and school years in the back.  Each year they take a photo wearing the shirt and put a hand print on the back.  This shows their growth year to year with the size of their hand prints as well as how they’re fitting into the shirt.  I think it’s super fun and an awesome keepsake for them to have.

 

Well That’s the extent of my new school year shenanigans.  Now I’m going to sit back, throw on a podcast, sip some tea along side a slice of back to school cake and dive into some serious work time and cleaning, because 2/3 kids are out of my house at the same time for part of the week, every week and it’s almost magical!  (Insert happy dance)  Hope that your kidlet’s first day back went smoothly!!

 

Weddings

Eric + Courtney | A love for the history books | Kingston, ON

It always makes me happy, waking up on a day that I have a wedding.  Beautiful dresses, flowers, hair, makeup, a wonderful couple – giddy with excitement, maybe a little nervous, people that love and support them all around – It’s such a beautiful time.  It’s amplified just a little, when the bride and groom are family.  Courtney is my cousin-in-love and I was so honoured when she and Eric asked if I would be their wedding photographer.  Family usually asks, after hiring me, how I feel about working at a family wedding.  To tell you the truth, I really kind of love it.  Most other guests are vying for the attention of the bride and the groom for a few minutes of the day, but I get them, pretty much to myself, for a great deal of the day. It’s pretty awesome.

I was able to join the girls as they finished up getting ready.  There was such a great fun, relaxed feeling among all the girls as they did their final makeup touches and got their dresses on.  I was happy to see last year’s official colours of the year as their wedding colours.  They may be “last year’s” colours, but I hadn’t yet had a wedding with these soft, romantic beauties and I just loved how Eric and  Courtney worked them into the details of their day.  Neil’s Flowers knocked it out of the park with the stunning arrangements for the bride and her attendants.

Courtney and her mom are very close.  The time that the two of them spent together while doing this pretty monumental moment in both of their lives was so lovely and sweet.  They chatted, just like it was any other day, but there were also beautiful memories shared and talk of future plans.  Courtney chose one of her mom’s pearl necklaces to wear – a perfect accessory to this stunning dress, that she chose from Lovebird Bridal, for this classic bride.

I have already told you about Courtney’s relationship with her mom, but she and her dad also share a beautiful bond. They didn’t particularly have anything planned for Courtney and her dad to see each other for the first time, but I knew it was going to be special and emotional and I wanted to create a beautiful memory for them to have so we did a little first look for her dad.  I was entirely correct with my assumptions.  It was perfect.

Eric and Courtney are pretty traditional in many ways, so they opted to save their first look for when Courtney was coming down the aisle.  I love a first look before the ceremony, but the anticipation and the unspoken interaction between a bride and groom that haven’t yet seen each other is something pretty remarkable.

Eric and Courtney’s ceremony, was perhaps one of the most meaningful and moving ones that I’ve ever witnessed. They chose a slightly “unusual” wedding text: Psalm 90:1-2.  The text speaks of the faithfulness and greatness of God through all generations. Eric and Courtney come from families of beautiful, extraordinary faith so looking back at God’s hand in their past and declaring and speaking that into their married life together was something that they wanted to celebrate and share with their friends and family.   Their ceremony included songs that supported their wedding text and aligned with their hearts and even included a part where they tied their hands to a bible to reflect their commitment to keep God in the centre.

After the ceremony, we moved to the dreamy property that is the Queens University campus.  Not only was this location beautiful, but it also just “fit” so well with Eric and Courtney and the details of their wedding.

The importance of family and strong, Christ-centered love through the generations was a huge theme for their whole day, which I totally loved and wanted to make sure that I was able to convey through the photos that I would deliver to them.

Wedding parties…seriously…I always have fun with them.  Everyone is just so genuinely happy for the bride and groom (much like everyone else at a wedding) and excited to be a part of their special day.  The groups of people I have had the privilege of working with just make it so easy-peasy and these guys were certainly no exception.

it really just brings everything back to what the whole day is really all about – a beautiful love story between 2 people.

So it may seem that I just love every part of a wedding day, and for the most part, that is very correct.  The time that I take with just the bride and groom to do their formal photos, though, is probably my very favourite part.  It’s sweet and easy and usually some of the only time that just the two of them spend together all day and it really just brings everything back to what the whole day is really all about – a beautiful love story between 2 people.  It’s a chance for everyone to just take a breath and soak in and relish in what just happened.  It’s magical.

I LOVED the thought and effort put into the details of Eric and Courtney’s wedding.  They had a little area with photos of marriages of their parents and grandparents and interviews and stories and it was seriously so beautiful.  Their decor was stunning, vintage tea cups and books decorated with beautiful roses and greenery and baby’s breath, adorned with dreamy quotes about love.  It was all very romantic and soft.  Their venue, the Vimmy Officer’s mess, on CFB – Kingston provided such a beautiful back drop to the stories, friendship and love that was being shared between the bride, groom and all of the guests.

In very “true-to-me-fashion”  I grabbed Eric and Coutney for a couple more photos as the sun was setting to cap off their night.  There’s something magical about a sunset – especially on the water!  I went on to cover some of their dance, but I’ll leave you with this final image, because I think it symbolizes the perfect end to a beautiful day and the beginning of a marriage that I’m sure will be even more beautiful.

Congrats, dear family members of mine, it was an absolute honour to spend the day along side you taking care of this special part of your love story.  It sure was one for the books!!

Take a look at Eric and Courtney’s social media highlight reel here:

 

 

 

Lifestyle, Newborn Sessions

Jaiden | Newborn, Lifestyle Session | Brockville, ON

My friend Ashley, contacted me a couple of months ago asking about gifting a newborn session to a friend for her baby shower.  Is that not the best gift idea ever?  You want something your friends will cherish for, literally, the rest of their life?? Get them a session with a photographer you love.  I’m certain that they will NOT be disappointed!

After going over some details with Tiffany over email over the last couple months, I got the news that baby had arrived and I finally got to meet Tiffany, Vijay and their dark and handsome little guy, Jaiden.

I had all the heart eyes with these three.  Totally brought be back to the days of navigating new parenthood and figuring out the ins and outs of life with a little boy.

Vijay had to take a phone call, so Tiffany and her little man got a little one on one time and let me tell you, she’s already got an amazing start to this mom thing!  Watching her and Jaiden interact made my heart swell.

Little mister Jaiden wasn’t too into the whole sleeping thing, and you know what, that was totally ok!  I mean, just look at those eyes!

A little fussiness was no problem, with daddy to the rescue. Some cuddles and a diaper change and this little boy was right as rain and ready for his close up.

Almost was able to get him to sleep, but he was nosey and stayed awake until I left..typical.  Mr. Jaiden, It was such a pleasure to meet you and your family.  I hope to see you again sometime!

 

Take a look at Jaiden’s social media video announcement

 


 

 

Weddings

Brock + Mieka | Tucker Ties The Knot | Kemptville, ON

Brock and Mieka’s laughter filled, country nuptials, kicked off my wedding season this year. This wedding was a bit of a  blast from the past.  I used to attend elementary school with Mieka, though, she is a few years younger than I am.  Her oldest brother and I were good friends and he even played guitar at my wedding.  But enough about me, I want to tell you what a FUN and beautiful day that Brock and Mieka had.

 

I love getting to start the day with the girls. Hair, makeup, girl talk, jewelry, dresses, flowers – with all the testosterone in my life, it’s a welcome change. This is where the laughter started and it just didn’t stop all day.  Mieka and the girls got ready at The Abbot Road Suites a lovely little B&B type place  just minutes away from Kemptville.  The ladies at One Fine Beauty and Hair By Courtney did a fantastic job highlighting the beauty of the bride and bridesmaids – let me just say, lashes for DAYS!

It’s always so fun to get to sneak away with the dress and bridal details for a little while.  Mieka’s dress had just the slightest hint of blush in the underlay and the lace overlay was delicate and beautiful.  I loved the button detail at the back that interchanged between satin covered buttons and a shiny little crystal. Her statement chandelier earrings paired with a simpler necklace added the perfect amount of bling and you can’t go wrong with a neutral pair of wedges for an outdoor/barn reception.  The florals by Sylvia’s Plant Place were breath-taking – romantic and feminine in light pinks, whites and pale greens.

 

I’m not sure that I will ever not get teary eyed at a father’s first look at his daughter in her wedding dress.

As I said, the laughs didn’t end.  I can learn a lot about the groomsmen during their wedding prep time.  This is time time when the, “Remember that time when?’s” come out. There’s usually one or two that don’t know how to tie a tie, a look of fear and confusion when the boutonnieres come out and missed tags or threads that need to be trimmed.  You can take comfort in knowing that, if I’m there, all the boys will arrive at the wedding looking their best.

At their ceremony at First Christian Reformed Church in Kemptville, Mieka and her dad walked down the aisle to a beautiful rendition of “Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts, featuring the talent of one of her brothers, and made their way to a teary-eyed Brock standing at the front of the church.  They chose a wedding text from Ruth, and Pastor Ken shared a beautiful message of love and commitment – both to each other and to God.  Mieka’s brother and sister-in-law sang and played beautifully as the couple signed their registry and officially made themselves Mr. and Mrs. Tucker.

 

The reception was at Berholme Farm, a quaint, private venue with an old barn turned reception hall.  Guests were invited to grab a beverage, take a photo in their custom frame and take part in lawn games while being taken care of by  ITM Events  during the formal photos of  the newly weds, family and wedding party.

During the reception, there is a tradition of clinking glasses to get the bride and groom to kiss.  At this wedding, though, Brock and Mieka decided that if they had  to kiss then their guests would have to make a donation to Big Sky Ranch, a local animal rescue shelter and cause near and dear to their hearts.

The speeches brought about a couple tears, but mostly funny recounts of family adventures and Mieka and Brock “isms” and a couple of bridesmaids even pulled out a spice girls remix to give the groom some advice.

After the speeches comes DANCING, and let me tell you, the dance floor was LIT! (I don’t know…is that a thing?!  It sounded cool and I think I’ve heard kids say it before…thought I’d try it…Probably won’t happen again.)

Brock and Mieka, My team and I had a blast laughing along side you over the course of your beautiful day.  Thank you so much for having us!

You can check out Brock and Mieka's video highlight reel here:

 

 


 

 

Lifestyle, Newborn Sessions

Claire | Newborn, Lifestyle | Brockville, ON

Claire’s Parents, Courtney and Rob, are teachers so they’re on summer vacation right now.  That’s pretty awesome timing to be figuring out life with a newborn, I’d say! And what a lucky little girl, to have both of her parents so available for the first couple months of her life.

This session definitely had that easy, laid back, summer time feel to it.  Little Miss Claire was wide awake when we started, but cool as a cucumber and made it super easy to get really genuine shots of her and her family in their own surroundings, just doing their thing.

I seriously could kick myself for not having more “real life” photos like these.  I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, this time is just so special and often you’re still in the “fog” of new parenthood.  Having these beautiful memories to look back on a little snippet of the sweetness that is life with a new baby is such a gift!

Claire’s nursery was like walking into a bit of a dream, for me! Having 3 boys, 3 nephews and ONE niece 3000 km’s away, pink hasn’t exactly been a colour that we have seen much of, and Claire’s room was the sweetest shade of baby pink and beautifully decorated with white and gold accents

I was hoping all the cozy cuddle time with her parents would knock her out so that I could do a couple photos of just little Claire, but no such luck. Turns out, though, that Daddy has the magic touch and fairly soon after some time with Rob, her eyes were getting heavy and she passed out with enough time to get some solo shots of this beauty.

Thanks Fullarton’s for inviting me to capture this special time in your life story.  It was a pleasure and I hope to see you again sometime!

 

Take a look at Claire’s social media video announcement


 

 

Family Sessions

The Eyre’s | A Multigenerational Farm Family | Athens, ON

I was invited out to Eyredale Farms to document and help celebrate some pretty exciting milestones in this farm family’s life.  Being on a farm, myself, sessions like this are near and dear to my heart.  Seeing something that’s been built up by a generation of hard labourers, who often stared with so little, handed down to the next equally hard working and passionate generation – There’s just something so special about it.

Upon arriving at the house, I was greeted with a smile by Mr. Lawerence Eyre, who is lovingly called “Poppy,” by the vast majority of the family members.  They told me about the events that brought them to wanting some family photos.  The first of which is that Poppy will be celebrating his 90th birthday this year! Wow!  Mr. Eyre was born on the farm in 1927.  In 1952, he took over the farm after his parent’s moved off that makes this year #65 of farm ownership. A couple years later, he married the lovely Thelma.  They celebrate 61 years of wedded bliss this year.  If that isn’t the best example of wonderful marriage, I’m not sure what is.

A handful of kids and a few years later, those kids now have kids and some are following in their father’s and Poppy’s footsteps. This was another cause for celebration – Another generation of Eyre’s gearing up for a future in Ag.

The weather wasn’t ideal, but with kids in school and home for the long weekend and the busyness of summer on the farm ahead, we persevered. A little rain never hurt anyone anyway, right?!  AND you can hardly even tell that it was actually raining.  If it wasn’t for the water drops on their grey shirts, I bet you would have never known!

So thanks for being troopers, Eyer family.  It was a pleasure to have a little glimpse into your farm family dynamic.  Happiest of early birthday’s to “Poppy”!  I wish him another year filled with many, many blessings.  You’ve certainly got a lot to be proud of, with that beautiful family that you and your wife have created!

 

“A farm is more than land and crops, it is a family’s heritage and future.”

 

 

 


 

 

Engagement

Josh + Maddy | Engagement on the Rideau | Merrickville, ON

Engagement sessions are my FAVOURITE!…Well, I say that about a lot of sessions, but at least this week they are.  Seriously though, I love the easy, laid back feeling of an engagement session.  Two people in love, looking forward to such a special day in their love story and, for the time they’re with me, there’s not a care in the world.  We chat about their wedding plans, crack jokes and therefore, laugh a lot.  Couples get to hold hands, hold each other and kiss! There’s always LOTS of smooching going on at a LOP engagement shoot, which if you or your other isn’t too jazzed about the photos part, you’ll at least be pretty happy with the amount of kissing.

Maddy was a bridesmaid at a wedding that I shot last fall for Miranda and Taylor (and LOVED).  Just after Christmas, and all of the usual holiday engagements, I held a contest where people could tag their newly engaged friends for a chance to win an engagement session.  Miranda, being her sweet self, nominated Maddy and Josh and what do you know, I ended up drawing her name!

Josh and Maddy requested that their photos be taken in the picturesque little town of Merrickville, ON.  They said that they often visited the village in the summer and even considered having their wedding there.  Since they decided to move their wedding to their private cottage property, it was a no brainer to have their engagement photos taken in the town that they have fallen in love with

I was only happy to go along with their request. One of my favourite features of this historic town is this sweet little phone booth.  I mean, who doesn’t love a vintage red phone booth?! Also, the gorgeous alley between the Baldachin and the old Sam Jake’s Inn/ Fullford Academy is reminiscent of old European streets. I just couldn’t resist getting a few photos there!

I know it sounds cliché, but after spending only a few minutes with Maddy and Josh, I could actually feel the love that they have for one another.  They were so sweet with one another.  Josh offered to carry her jacket (along with a few of my items) and I heard Maddy say, on more than one occasion, “You’re cute” and a smile would spread across Josh’s face.

Josh and Maddy, the love you have for each other is just dripping with sweetness and evident, even to those who don’t know you.  I can tell that in 60 years, you’ll be sitting beside one another on a porch somewhere, holding hands. I can’t wait to see you both on your wedding day this September!




Family Sessions, Lifestyle, Newborn Sessions, Sessions

Another little Frisby | Lifestyle Newborn Session | Stittsville, ON

It’s always interesting to see who, from my past, will show up as a client some day.  I knew Kendra from when I was in high school.  She was the office admin, and since I was such a great kid 😉 I can’t say that I saw her all that often.

With the way that social media is these days, I’ve been able to watch Tim and Kendra’s family grow via Facebook posts and photos (Isn’t that so fun…and at the same time so odd!) but I actually got to meet them all in person the other day and fill in a few of the first pages of little Isla’s story.

Being the baby in a family of 6 sure has it’s perks.  This little girly was snuggled and loved up by her bigger siblings the whole time that I was there.  We even used her as a bargaining chip in the relative chaos that is a family session with four littles under the age of five.  She sat quite contently, wide awake.  Didn’t want to miss a thing, until I was finally able to get her asleep…at the very end of the session – Go figure!

It’s easy to see from these photos, that this new little babe is a welcome addition!  BUT you never quite know what is going to happen when you are dealing with kids, and kids with a new baby sister, at that.  Some times, things get a little crazy you just need a little time out with mom all to your self.  One of the reason’s why I love lifestyle sessions is to capture moments like the one below. It doesn’t always have to be all about the frame-worthy photo (though, I would totally frame this one).  Sometimes it’s about remembering the realness of a new chapter and how it effects everyone.

I know, in my own life, if I’m not intentional about being in the photo, there would be no photos of me with my kids.  I always try to find a little time for just mom time, just dad time and time for the two of them together without other siblings, which can also get missed, especially when you’re the youngest of 4.

Isn’t it a beautiful thing, watching families grow and seeing how each one finds their place inside a family dynamic?  Like I said earlier, it’s not always “pretty” or “instagram-worthy,” perhaps, but it’s real life and that’s a beautiful, amazing blessing.

 

Congrats, Frisby family!



Newborn Sessions, Sessions

A rainbow is a promise | Newborn | Hamilton, ON

I always consider it a great privilege to be able to document times in your life that are so tender and fleeting and precious. Newborn sessions are ones that I hold so dear to my heart for that reason.  This session, though, was a little different for me – sacred almost.  You see, this baby holds a special place in my heart.  Friends, this is my youngest nephew, Liam.

Now every baby is a beautiful gift from God, I know that to be true.  Liam, though, is a special reminder of God’s great faithfulness, that sorrow doesn’t last forever and the difference a year can make. You see, a little over a year ago, my sister-in-law, Karen, gave birth to another baby.  On February 12, 2016,  Karen and Will said both hello and goodbye to their first baby boy, Ethan. Ethan was diagnosed, in utero, with a fairly advanced case of trisomy 18  early on in the pregnancy.  After hearing their options, Karen and Will made a brave and noble choice to continue Ethan’s pregnancy as long as the Lord would allow, hoping to be able to spend even a few moments with their boy, while his heart was still beating. Unfortunately at 32 weeks, Ethan’s heart could no longer keep up and he was born still, into the arms of Jesus.

BUT, “sorrow lasts only for a night.” We found out a few months later that we would be welcoming another nephew or niece into the family.  This time, it was, “a very normal, boring pregnancy.” Eight or so months later, we welcome this very handsome new nephew into our lives. What a remarkable and beautiful gift!

Needless to say, this session with this precious, new family was one that I won’t soon forget.  The added bonus of quality Aunt/Nephew bonding time was icing on the cake.

“After the worst storms, come the most beautiful rainbows.”