The timing for our honeymoon trip was based around the Tokyo Auto Salon in January (I’m an awesome wife right?). We met up with the DSport Magazine group in L.A. and then headed to Japan. The tour and show was about a week long but when that wrapped up, Adam and I were on our own. Adam planned most of our sites to see and had everything organized for us for this trip, which I’m SO thankful for. Some of the places and areas we went to see was Himeji Castle, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Kyoto, and Osaka, just to name a few. We even stayed in a Ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn where you get to experience true Japanese culture and hospitality. I wish we could have stayed there a few more nights since I found it so relaxing.

This entire trip had amazing and breathtaking views where pictures just don’t do it justice. I will definitely go back to Japan again, but at a much warmer time of the year. I really wanted to see some cherry blossom trees in full bloom, but they don’t blossom until the end of March – beginning of April. *Sighh…but the trip was based around the date of the Tokyo Auto Salon (again, I’m an AWESOME WIFE…right Adam??? *wink*). We are already planning to go back in a few years, then I can bask in the warm sun and take in the pretty sweet blossoms.

So enjoy some of the pictures that we took with my Canon 5D and point and shoot.

With the set of pictures at the Salon show, I let Adam have my 5D to take pictures of cars. Great pics, but with the collage below, can you tell me which picture doesn’t really belong??? I’m glad he enjoyed all the great “bodywork” there. *tsk *tsk *tsk…

They even had some cool Recaro baby seats there. We really wanted to get one but these models are illegal in Canada.  :(

I even liked the design on their street sewer covers. I love geometric shapes and patterns.

Adam striking a pose with amazing light.

This is Himeji Castle in all it’s glory. This Castle was used in a James Bond movie, “You only live Twice” and the Tom Cruise’ movie,“The Last Samurai”.

Me inside the castle.

The stairs in this castle were extremely steep. Inside, there were six levels in total, and with a lot of climbing and rests, we both made it to the top!

How can you go to Japan without seeing anything Hello Kitty?! I’m not a cat person but she is the only cat I love. So while we were out and about shopping, I found this place where they had some flavoured stuffed treats shaped as, you guessed it, Hello Kitty! Yum!

Random smoker on the side streets in Harajuku.

Inside one of the many crazy, expensive malls we just window shopped in.

Adam looking at shirts in cool packaging and interesting display.

The majority of restaurants in Japan have this type of display inside their windows or entrances. It’s a realistic mould of the dishes they serve. Pretty cool and they looked so real.

Adam finally met up with his penpal of ten years, Mariko, whom we had a nice dinner with, which included Japanese-style pizza and Baskin Robbins for dessert. Thanks for the gifts Mariko, you are too sweet!

I took a picture of this because it was the only pug I saw in the entire time I was in Japan. No Shar-pei’s either! Boo.

These next series of shots were taken at the Ryokan, where we were dressed in traditional yukata’s while we stayed there. As you can see, we liked…

Domo Arigato Japan, we will see you in a few years in full bloom with an adventurous ninja in hand.  ;P

And thankyou Adam for such a great adventurous honeymoon. Can’t wait for next time!

So holla to my brides this year, you’ll notice the photographer you met last year has gotten a little ‘bigger’. But no worries ladies, your pictures will still be fabulous even though I’ll be carrying around some “extra baggage”. Can’t wait to see you all in your gorgeous-ness!

I’m about 15 weeks along, so I’m just entering my second trimester and am feeling a lot better than I did the first. I’m due around mid-August, August 16th to be exact. Adam and I saw the first ultrasound two weeks ago and we were in awe, but until that point it didn’t seem real to us at all. But when we first saw it on the monitor, it was moving around so much – we could see it’s hands, feet and heartbeat pumping away like crazy.

We’ve decided that we don’t want to find out the sex of the baby so we’ve given it the nickname ‘Ninja’. So listen up baby Ninja, although your parents are scared and still feel like kids on the inside, we can’t wait to meet you to teach and show you everything we know! Have fun in there…see you in 6 months.

The first week we are going to the Tokyo Auto Show (obviously something Adam would love to see and experience – hee hee). Then after that we are both on our own. We will want to pack as much in as possible while in this amazing country. Here are some things on our list that we would love to see and experience:

• Sumo wrestling match – they are so cute!

• Harajuku – Cutting Edge Fashion District Of Japan

• The ancient castles in Japan

• Train rides – up to 300 miles per hour

• Akihabara – geeky, techy area of Japan ;P

• Ryokan – type of traditional Japanese inn

• Henshin Studio Mon Katsura – where you can dress up as a Geisha and Samurai for the day

• I’ve tossed around the idea of getting a haircut in Japan. Eeeee! – why not, it’s just hair?!

And these are just a few of the things we have written down to experience. Of course I’ll have my camera on hand at all times to snap pictures and I will post some of them as soon as I get back. I know my mind will explode from seeing all the things I’ve only seen on t.v. and read in magazines about Japan. It is a country that both of us deeply love and have always wanted to visit. The one thing I know that I won’t be able to see and take in are the cherry blossom trees. They bloom at the end of March and the beginning of April. Boo. Maybe that will be an excuse for me to go back one day?

But I just wanted to give a holla out to you all and hope that all of you have had a great holiday season and New Year! If you email me, I will get back to you as soon as I get back!

“Domo arigato mr roboto…Domo” , random thought, this song is in my head right now.

Sayonara for now…

Rebecca wanted some pictures taken before she left Tyler on a month long trip away up north for her job as a nurse. Hmm, I guess being exposed in -10 winter weather  was a test to see how much of the winter weather she could handle (since where she was headed was going to even more COLD!). 

After about an hour of shooting my fingers were numb and I could tell my camera was begging me to stop torturing it in the freezing temperatures. So we wrapped up, stopped into a Coffee Culture and warmed up with some lattés, coffee, and hot chocolate with whipped cream…mmmmm…the best hot chocolate I’ve had in years.

Enjoy your work term up north Rebecca and try not to freeze to death!  ;P

Seriously, aren’t these two a hot couple?! OW!!!

I had never shot at the Hacienda before but that venue is absolutely gorgeous! If you want a fabulous, elegant place to have your wedding/reception, this is it! And for you photographers out there, there are soo many great spots for shots.

Angela and Adam, you two are a gorgeous couple both inside and out, thank you for your patience for your blog post. I think back to your day now, wishing that weather was still here instead of this cold, icy weather! Boo!  :P

Enjoy the pics everyone!

Enjoy the many faces of DJ.

With this next picture, I think it was a sign that DJ was getting tired of me taking pictures of him…naptime perhaps? ;P

Ariana and Neil, thanks for such an amazing day full of laughs and stories. You two are awesome and I can’t wait to shoot your wedding next year!

I have always wanted a destination wedding and the resort in itself has now set a new standard for me, it definitely didn’t let me down. I have to admit that I was worried since we planned everything by doing our research on the internet and reading reviews. I would definitely go back to this resort again, and again. The food was exceptional, and all of the workers were friendly and willing to help you out in anyway to make sure you were happy and comfortable. All of our guests had a blast and we brought a lot of great memories back home to Canada.

I’m still adjusting calling Adam my husband but I’m sure it will become the norm after a year or so…heehee! He is my best friend and the one I can turn to for anything. I love you Cutes and am looking foward to the many years ahead together!

Come back to this post soon because I will be posting some pictures that Emma Smallbone from barebonephoto took of our special day! CAN’T WAIT for you all to see them!

***UPDATE*** Look below for just a few of my favorites. Thanks so much Emma! Enjoy! If you’d like to see more, check out her blog.

Our outdoor reception.

Here are some pictures taken a few days after the wedding…

Right now, my soon-to-be husband Adam is power napping while I stay awake writing to you. I can’t just abandon you without telling you where I’m going…especially when it’s such an exciting point in my life. Honestly, I don’t even know how he can sleep. We have to be up and out the door by 6 a.m. but I’m too excited, anxious and nervous to even close my eyes! Ohh I can’t wait to feel that breeze of warm air when I take that first step off the plane. Then hit the beach and dig my toes into the warm sand while gazing at the gorgeous blue ocean. Wow, in less than a week’s time, I will do what I’ve seen soo many beautiful bride’s do…is say “I do” while staring into their best friend’s eyes. Love. *sigh*…

Don’t worry, I’ll come back and post pictures from our big day, but right now I must calm the brain and get some beauty sleep. ;P

Buenas noches! Zzzzzzzz..

Thanks for a great day Lori and Trevor, you guys were awesome!

Today, Adam and I took our furry son’s out for a walk. While out and about I decided to dress them up for Hallows’ Eve. Happy Halloween everyone!

“Size matters not, … Look at me. Judge me by size, do you?”

Magnus is dressed for the upcoming season after fall….it’s never too early to start decorating for Christmas!!!

Jodi and Dan are planning to have their wedding next year at their gorgeous, GORGEOUS 1800’s home just outside Teeswater. The way the tranquil warm sunlight sets around their home is beautiful and having their wedding there, a country setting that is your own home, is something that can’t be bought.

p.s. Jodi and Dan, if you ever decide to sell your house, ummm…I think I’d be one of the first to sign up to buy it!  *wink*

[View with PicLens]

Rachel and Peter had a fantastic venue to hold their ceremony and reception, the Oakville Terrace in Richmond Hill. It is a secluded, lush and spacious venue with amazing views, perfect for such an important day. Everytime I looked at Peter, he always had a big, bright smile on his face. Perhaps it was because Rachel looked absolute stunning (not to say you didn’t look handsome yourself Peter *wink* ).

Rachel is a talented Graphic Designer which meant no detail was overlooked; from the invite to the table numbers, to the packaging for the guest favors. From one Graphic Designer to another, Rachel you did an amazing, amazing job!

Thank you Rachel and Peter for letting me be a part of your beautiful day, I wish you both all the best!

This special day started over at Murray’s parent’s house with bright beautiful sun, clear blue skies and the odd fluff of cloud. Calla and I knew that the weather forecast called for thunder showers, but we didn’t believe it since there was no sign of a dark cloud at all. As we moved towards Ioanna’s mom’s place to see the girls, the sun still danced away in the sky. Then the afternoon came and so did the clouds and heavy warm rain drops – but that didn’t stop the smiles and from Ioanna and Murray at the ceremony. The reception was held at the Scaboro Golf & Country Club which over looks Lake Ontario, but as the rain poured all we could see was the misty fog and trees. Then an hour before dinner was served, the clouds parted, the sun coloured the sky and revealed the breathtaking view of the water – what a beautiful sight.

Thank you Ioanna and Murray for a great day, your smiles and positive energy’s made everything perfect.

Janet + Cliff had a fun and heartfelt day at King Valley Golf Club in Toronto, Ontario. But before the ceremony started, there were some Chinese traditions that needed to be completed first. I followed the guys from getting ready in the morning to going over to the bride’s home for some games that Janet’s bridesmaids held before ’surrendering’ the bride to Cliff.

These guys were great sports with some of the games they had to endure from these girls. One being wearing baby diapers and running through the house getting signatures from relatives of the bride on the, *ah-hem*, frontal region. All of the games were very entertaining for Tara and I, and we loved every minute of it.

Check out the pics below to see some of these moments caught on camera. Enjoy!

Guys waiting outside of Janet’s parent’s house for the games to begin.

Ummm, we have to do what with these diapers?…

Diapers signed!..onto the next challenge…

Doing push-ups while eating a slice of watermelon.

The bridesmaids have surrendered Janet to Cliff. You can see the sigh of relief on his face.

Tea Ceremony.

Umm hi there Ms. Maggie Sottero, you don’t know me but my name is Lisa, nice to finally meet you…gah gah gahhhhh…droooool…

Beautiful bride.

Janet with her flower girl and ring bearer. Too sweet!

The entire time I was putting this post together, I kept thinking about these cupcakes and how I wanted one so badly. Don’t they look devil-ishly deeelish?

Pretty, pretty, wishing tree. Such a great idea for your guests to sign and hang!

I started the day off by going to Rob’s condo to take pictures of him getting ready while Tara spent the morning with Robin. When I first saw Rob, he was dressed in a sharp three-piece suit with a pair of simple, yet colourful pair of polka dot socks. Then when I met up with Tara at the Steam Whistle Brewery I got my first look at Robin, she was radiant. She had her own elegant flare from her pink shoes to the feather hairpiece in her hair. These two definitely had a sophisticated style. Not only did they have a très chic aura about them, their guests had to have been the most unique, and stylish guests I have ever seen at a wedding. There were soo many guests with outfits I wanted to own! Ok, ok, Lisa enough about clothes. Check out some pics I took during this fun and amazing wedding. Enjoy!

I bought him a decadent dog cookie from the pet store for his special day. Mmmm, looks good enough for humans to eat. 

Happy 5th Birthday my Noonie, I love you SO MUCH!

Stay tuned for some more pictures on my travels through India.

“Hug hug, kiss kiss, hug hug, big kiss, little hug, kiss kiss, little kiss.”

I wasn’t sure how to take on this new number attached to my life. How did it creep up on me so fast? Should I embrace it? Should I hide and try to shoo this day away along with it’s pyrotechnics? or was I supposed to feel something supercalafragilisticexpialidocious as the clock turned 4:54p.m.? – like a bolt of lightning going through my entire body?!…Ummmm, nope, didn’t feel that.

As I let this number marinate in my mind, I thought back to the years leading me up to this point in my life. Where did the time go? I went to school, established a career as a graphic designer, and I have a loving family supporting me in my new budding career in photography. So what more could I ask for? That is a fully loaded question I’m not sure I can answer…yet.

In my mind, I still feel as though I’m still in my early 20s – young, and ambitious yet still confused about life. Today I can say I have more assurance of who I am and what my likes and dislikes are with reasoning. Although with the future blurry, my magic future jar holds a precious wish to travel the world with my trusty camera in hand, and loved ones to experience it with me one day – A wishful image I want to come true.

With that said, there is a hopeful future lying ahead of me. I’m not going to fight this scary number anymore. I’m going to embrace this new chapter called “30″ and invite all the roman candles, bottle rockets, firecrackers, and sparklers that come along with it. So move on over Canada, those boistrous fireworks aren’t just for you, they’re for me and all the other people with an optimistic outlook to their future!!!

Below are pictures my fiancée Adam took of me before we went home to a surprise birthday party he set up just for lil’ ol’ me! It was one of the best, most priceless gifts I have ever received…what a great start to 30! Thank you Adam and my love to all my friends and family that were there…and for those who didn’t get to attend, a big thank you for your best wishes!

Do I have a second shooter in the making?

p.s. I still get carded and I love it. When I’m asked, I smile, stand a little taller and happily hand over my license that states my date of birth, July 1, 1979 – yup, you read that right, you just carded a 30 year old!!! Baaaaaaamm Son!!! Hollaaaaa!!!

The e.c. I’m referring to stands for Erin Carpenter. Erin is a talented makeup artist based out of Toronto, Ontario. She approached me about a year ago to create a corporate image for her business. I was so excited to work on her promo pieces because it involved two things that most women find important on their wedding day…hair and makeup! She has applied her artistic talents on many celebrities and is hired to be involved in many events like the Canadian Film Centre show.

Through the years I have witnessed her amazing skills on many brides and I have to say she makes natural beauties even more beautiful! So if you’re in need for a professional makeup and hair artist, she is the one to call! To find out more about Erin click here to check out her blog.

Below are the pieces I’ve created for her; logo, business card, comp card and stationery.

Melissa and Chris were married at the breathtaking venue, Graydon Hall Manor. The day was sunny, beautiful and warm  – perfect for an outdoor wedding!

Scroll down to see my favourite pictures from that day. Enjoy!!!

Gorgeous, GORRRGEOUS venue!

Setting up for the reception.

Don't these look deeeeelish?!! and le presentation c'est très chic non?!! (yes, sometimes I just sputter out french).

I couldn't keep my eyes off of the cute cute cuuute flower girl so I kind of went overboard with pictures of her.

Cute, cute!!!

Gorgeous.

I have to say that Danielle and Jeff are one of the most memorable and unique couples I have ever shot with Emma. They were both so sweet, nice and so relaxed – it almost felt like we weren’t even working! Danielle has an addictive smile and Jeff possesses a quirky sense of humour which was entertaining. Needless to say the day was filled with many laughs and memorable moments, one being where Jeff rapped his vows!!! It was quite the show and something I won’t forget. If you want to see the actual lyrics to his rap check it out on Emma’s blog.

Scroll down to check out some of the pics I captured from their special day. Enjoy!

Beautiful bride with beautiful light.

Jeff's 'first look' at his bride.

Ceremony.

Jeff rapping his vows!!!

A special moment with Dad.

I love Danielle's mom's face in this picture!

Quite a memorable day.

Lindsey and Tim were such a warm and welcoming couple. Their bridal party was funny and very comfortable having their pictures taken of them which made our jobs so much easier! We started off at their home downtown Toronto where the girls were and then headed to the Gladstone Hotel where the guys were getting ready. Their ceremony and reception was held at a great venue, the Steam Whistle Brewery. 

Be sure to check out Emma’s blog to see her pictures of this couple on their special day.

Look at the brick texture…LOVE IT!!!

Pretty, pretty ladies.

Details at the Gladstone.

Tim getting ready.

Inside the brewery made some really cool shots (gotta love that industrial look!).

Great venue.

Be sure to come back soon to check out another wedding I second shot under barebonephoto.

WAIT!!! Before any of you get ANY crazy thoughts, I was frolicking willingly in my undies because the gym I went to was promoting “before + after” shots…so I signed up – Emma was the photographer who just moved into the area and was brave enough to capture my body in it’s ‘before‘ state. Gah!

Emma left her business cards behind that day and I started to follow her career through her website and blog. I fell in love with her work and I stalked her site for years. As my love for photography grew I wanted to work along side a skilled photographer to learn what the business was like. So I gathered up a lot of courage and contacted her to see if she needed assistance of any kind whether it be with design or fetching a camera bag when needed. She accepted.

Three years have gone by and I have learned a lot from her. The first year I was her assistant/second shooter, and the year after I was the second shooter of her company barebonephoto. Now I have created my own company but I won’t forget who gave me my first opportunity in the photography world – A big THANKS to you Emma and all your continued support.

The next few blog posts will be pictures from weddings I have shot alongside her.
Enjoy!

Can you believe that this is the only picture I have of the two of us at work?!

While waiting for Amy and Damis’ special day to arrive, a group of us took an early morning day trip into the countryside which included our own rented jeeps! – that was one of the main selling features of the package! We all followed our tour guide off the main roads, made stops in small villages, schools and farms to learn about Cuba and their culture. Some of our activities included: a visit to a coffee plantation, horse-back riding, lunch on a hill-top, viewing of a Christopher Columbus landmark, and watching a historical dance ritual for marriage – just to name a few. Needless to say by the time we made it back to the resort that evening we were all happily exhausted and looking forward to a dip in the pool.

Here are a few pictures from that memorable day. Enjoy!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I got kisses from a couple of the dancers...oooo la laaaa! ;P

Even with the sunny days and warm weather at our fingertips, the beach and sea still call to me. Here are some pictures I’d like to share from their wedding at beautiful Playa Costa Verde Resort. Needless to say, with a guest list of 90 and a hot looking bride and groom, the week in Cuba was amazing! Thanks for the great time Amy and Damis!  

The hot couple!

Ceremony.

Damis and his handsome groomsmen.

Amy and her sexy ladies!

A wonderful wedding party.

A ring shot after a warm rain shower.

I couldn't resist...another ring Shot.

The kiss.

Guest list of 90! Such great company!