Want a free movie night? Give some free advice!

It took awhile (I really don't want to admit how many years), but I finally updated my website.  It's not completely finished yet, but it's there, and it's a much-needed improvement.  

There's a few things still missing, and I need your help.  I need your advice!  No, I really need your advice.  Your wedding planning advice to other couples.  What you learned, what you wished you hadn't of done, what you wish you had of done more of (you know, like breathe).

It's simple.  Head over to my Facebook page, like it, and tell future couples what you learned.  In November, I'll pick a commenter at random to win a night out at the movies!

While this giveaway is limited to Canadians only, it is NOT limited to only my clients.  This giveaway is open to anyone 18+ that has gotten married or is getting married in the near future.  Entries are in the form of a comment on my Facebook page, and only to those that have 'liked' my page.  Winner will be chosen at random November 15, 2013.

You saved my sanity, now I'm saving yours.

Remember last month when I got all schmoopy and decided to do a giveaway?  No?  Well, read it here then.

Caught up?  Good, because it's time to announce who won!

I received a hell of a lot more responses than I could have ever imagined.  Seriously.  You all proved that there are a hell of a lot of couples out there that are keeping it real, and keeping what's important - your relationship - at the top of your plans.  The way you described your partner and your relationships was incredible.  No matter who you choose as a photographer, I can't wait to see the photos.

I used random.org to pull an entry, and I'm super excited to photograph Catherine & Carl's wedding next September!  An outdoor wedding on Carl's family property in the country?  WITH food trucks?  I think random.org knows me way too well.

Cathy wrote a very genuine email to me, describing the two of them:

"As I said before, we're both botanists and we love being outside. We have a lot of interests in common, which is awesome and definitely helps keep us in sync with each other. More than that, though, we complement each other. I'm kind of grumpy, and as my mom says, Carl "sparkles." I tend toward being dramatic, and he is calming and stable. I fixate on daily interactions with coworkers or the guy at the grocery store, and he lets them roll of his back like nothing. I've lived in large cities for most of my life, and he grew up an isolated country boy. These things could result in conflict, but because we can talk it all out, we help each other see the diversity of reactions and emotions that people are capable of. "

 Seriously.  Anyone who can admit to a stranger that they're "kind of" grumpy is someone I want to know (because when it comes to grumpy, I totally am - especially pre-coffee.  Or when hungry.  Or tired.  So pretty much most of the time). 

I like authenticity, and Catherine and Carl are as authentic as it gets.  I can't wait for next September.

The contest may be closed, but remember - I learned the hard way that people won't remember if you had mason jars or chalkboards, but they will remember if the marriage doesn't last.  It sucks.  Put yourselves first, and the details second.

Pheasant Run Golf Club Wedding, Newmarket {Nadine & Mike}

It's easy to sum up Nadine and Mike's wedding day in two words:  awesomeness redefined.

The weather was amazing with gorgeous blue skies - the type you can only get in the Fall, when the leaves have turned and the colours complement each other in that 'just right' kind of way.  The venues, both the church for the ceremony and Pheasant Run Golf Club for the reception, were both comforting and stunning.  Mike and Nadine's family and friends were full of genuine joy, and made everyone feel welcome.  

Then there were the bride & groom themselves - so crazy about each other, it enveloped them both all day.  Having spent a lot of time with Nadine and Mike in the planning process, I thought I knew what to expect.  I was wrong.  I expected their wedding to be great, but I was ill-prepared for just how awesome it would be.

Thank you so much Mike & Nadine, for choosing me to document your special day!

As always, be sure to 'like' my Facebook page for a few more images and info.

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Horseshoe Valley Resort Wedding Photography Barrie {Breanne and Dean}

It seems like it was forever ago when I first met with Breanne and Dean.  Forever ago when they first told me their story of long-distance love, their story of working hard and sacrificing to just have time together.  And now here we are, what seems like eons later, their hard work and sacrifice having paid off as they said their vows in front of friends and family.  

It rained all day for Dean and Bre's wedding.  They didn't care.  Their guests didn't complain.  And then, moments before the ceremony, the rain stopped.  It was still wet, and still cold ... but Bre and Dean never once complained.  They were so focused in each other, I don't think they even noticed the weather.

A wedding at Horseshoe Resort is always a nice wedding, but Breanne and Dean's wedding at Horseshoe Resort was more than nice - it was meaningful, emotional, and fun.  With a packed dance floor thanks to Terry at Scotia Entertainment, the couple and their guests danced long into the night.  

No one noticed that it started raining again.

Dean and Breanne, thank you so much for choosing me to document your wedding day - since our first meeting so long ago, you both went above and beyond the usual client-photographer relationship, and I truly wish you happiness as newlyweds and beyond!

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ONE IMAGE - Nadine & Mike {Pheasant Run Golf Club Wedding Photography}

I think it's safe to say that Nadine and Mike's wedding at Pheasant Run Golf Club in Newmarket was the perfect way to end my official 2013 wedding season.  Between the amazing weather, the awesome friends and family, and Nadine & Mike's infectious grins, I couldn't have asked for a better day.

Stay tuned to my Facebook page to see more updates, and look for the rest of Mike & Nadine's wedding images soon!

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