Every so often, I am invited to document intimate and charming backyard weddings, which is one of my favourite things to shoot. Martin and Rachael said I Do on a beautiful, sunny afternoon at home with their two beautiful dogs and their closest family and friends. Here are some favourite images from their special day.
I’ve been offering one-on-one mentoring sessions for other photographers on the down-lo for a little while. It’s not something I heavily advertise, but after being approached by several photographers regarding mentoring, I developed a few mentoring packages for those who are interested. I met my friend Aimee last year when she booked a mentoring session that included a shooting component as well as a follow up coffee date to go over any questions. We had amazing models and a gorgeous sunny evening that allowed us to focus on golden hour shooting and how to navigate the changing light from bright, hazy rays to that soft, warm glow right before sunset. We also chatted about posing and directing clients, how I like to draw out natural emotion and interactions from couples while shooting, and compared settings and framing as we worked. We even got to sneak in a sunset silhouette shot before heading out to chat about all of her questions - everything from my editing process, to how I structure pricing and mini sessions, to how I navigate difficult client situations and run my social media. Nothing was off limits. If there’s something I can share from my 9 year photography career that can help someone else, I’m an open book. :) I absolutely love chatting and connecting with other photographers, and Aimee has become a friend whose evolving style and growing business I have LOVED witnessing over the past 18 months or so. Do yourself a favour and check out her beautiful work here.
You can see some of the images I shot during our mentoring shoot below. If you’d like more info about the different one-on-one mentoring packages I offer, please don’t hesitate to reach out at sophie@rawfootagephotos.com, or by filling out the contact form.
Lauren and Riley’s Oakwood Resort wedding was one for the books. You may recognize them from my promo video, as I was lucky enough to have Brian from Novelist Studios tag along with me that day to capture some behind the scenes footage of me shooting. I’ve said before that I love shooting at Oakwood for many reasons, but their gorgeous terrace for outdoor ceremonies and the proximity to their private beach is top of the list. Lauren and Riley said I do on a beautiful sunny day and snuck out to the beach for some breathtaking sunset portraits. Lauren wore one of the most gorgeous dresses I’ve had the pleasure of photographing, and the entire day was just so full of love and laughter. Lucky me, I will get to see many of these beautiful faces again when I have the pleasure of photographing Lauren’s sister’s wedding next Summer!
Florist: Lyric Flowers
Hair: Grotto Hair Studio
Makeup: Lyndsie Hinch Makeup
DJ: Music Central
Dress: Pearl Bridal House
Suit: Moores
Planner/Coordinator: Oakwood Resort
Decorator: Above and Beyond Event Design and Decor
Videographer: Rebel Hearts Photo & Film
Second Shooter / Assistant: Saleme Fayad
Shannon and Matt has a beautiful April wedding at the Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre that was bursting with personal touches. Everything from having grandmothers as flower girls to an awesome choreographed father-daughter dance to the most adorable, personalized wedding cake topper that was so them. We even managed to sneak out during the reception to catch some delicious golden hour light. Here are some favourites from their special day!
Venue: Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre
Photographer: Raw Footage Photography
Florist: Floral Occasions
DJ: DJ Keith of LOVE Wedding and Music Services
Dress: Sophie’s Gown Shoppe
Suit: Moore’s Custom Made
Decorator: To Suit Your Fancy
Cake: Butter Cream Dreams
Videographer: Novelist Studios
Second Shooter/Assistant: Melissa Pushelberg
Every now and then I am asked to photograph a surprise proposal, and it is such an exciting moment to be a part of. In this case, Mehran planned a special visit to London with his soon-to-be-fiancee, Tanya, as London holds a special place for them. Mehran planned an intimate concert for two by the very talented Jeremy Lenk at the charming London Music Club. He popped the question, she said yes, and the two enjoyed their private concert while sipping wine and laughing about the surprise that Mehran was able to pull off. It was such a pleasure to meet this adorable couple and help them document such a special moment.
I always say that photographing a fellow photographer is the greatest honour, and Michelle (from Michelle A Photography) and Tylor's beautiful country wedding was no exception. I was so thrilled when Michelle asked me to be her wedding photographer, and even more excited that she was getting married at the beautiful Century Wedding Barn with some seriously amazing vendors - DJ Alpha, Unmistakably You and Invited by Dani, to name a few! Every single detail was perfection, from the beautifully executed DIY decor to the many personal touches woven throughout the day that truly reflected Tylor and Michelle as a couple. Samson the corgi gets a special mention for being unbelievably cute in his little bowtie. The cherry on top was when Michelle's bridesmaid and our fellow photographer Sandra aka Lil Hendy (from Life Is Beautiful Photography), Dave (DJ Alpha) and Kassandra (from Unmistakably You) donned thrifted fur coats and glasses and got together to form the greatest wedding rap group to ever rap. The personalized and hilarious tribute to Michelle and Tylor had everyone laughing was the perfect way to kick off an evening of fun. It was such a joy to be a small part of this special day - special thanks to my awesome second shooter Priya Tharmaseelan for tagging along!
Here are some favourites.
This misty Spring day was pure perfection. Ashlee and Ross exchanged vows in front of beautiful Brescia University College and enjoyed the rest of their evening in the most lavishly decorated reception space. Decor & More did an incredible job with every detail, from the florals to the stunning table settings to the personalized succulent favours. Not to mention the cocktail area, transformed into a beautiful lounge complete with string lights and an abundance of throw pillows, for Ashlee and Ross' guests to relax with refreshments. The evening continued with heartfelt speeches and hilarious guest performances before DJ Alpha brought the entire crowd to the dance floor. Many thanks to my second shooter Melissa Pushelberg who assisted me throughout the day. It was truly a wedding to remember and I'm so happy to finally be sharing some favourites on the blog today!
I love shooting engagement sessions on campus. This beautiful courtyard was the perfect backdrop for Carla and Jon's engagement session last year. Here are some favourites from their session!
Aletta and Marijn's styled engagement session was a dream. Aletta had a beautiful vision for her photos. From a gorgeous airplane and vintage suitcases to a beautiful bicycle and colourful balloons in a blooming apple orchard... every detail was thought out perfectly. The Spring sun was shining and my inspiration and creativity was literally bursting at the seams. I'm so happy to finally be sharing these images here on the blog. Enjoy!
Spring blossom season is just around the corner (hard to believe with the snow and cold we've had lately, I know) and revisiting these colourful photos from last Spring has me so excited for May! Here are a few favourites from Alyssa & Jacob's engagement session in Springbank Park.
