Ali + Jake | At Home Engagement Session | Moments –by Lauren

Ok, so before we get into how amazing Ali + Jake are, I want to let you in on a quick secret. Neither of them were super gung-ho on an engagement session when we first started chatting about their wedding photography… which is totally fine.

Similar to every couple that says that exact thing, I convinced them it was a good idea and they both came around – and were even up for a winter session (bonus!). So we waited for some snow and finally were all set – except for the fact that the snow melted through the afternoon on the day of the session. Seriously…

Lucky for us, we were already planning on shooting a part of the session in Ali + Jake’s new home so after I got there and basically wanted to move in – we spent most of the time just hanging out in their awesome space. I seriously can’t tell you how much I love these two and their ability to just go with the flow.

If I’m being honest, it’s quite the (incredible) jump going from not really wanting to be in front of the camera to letting your photographer stand a foot above you while you’re cuddled up in bed. But boy am I thankful. These adorably fun frames are some of my all time favourites, and I’m so excited to share them below!

Let me know what you think of the “at-home” vibe?? It’s quickly becoming one of my favourite places to shoot!

Event Boutique & Co. | Lifestyle Business Portraits - Hamilton | Moments -by Lauren

I truly love connecting with other entrepreneurs. There’s just something about chatting with a fellow business owner that instantly connects us – because no matter what field you’re in, the ups, downs and stories are all so relatable.

What’s even better than just connecting with these awesome people, though? Is having them in front of my camera!  It was such a blast having Carina of Event Boutique & Co, and her newest team member Alex, hang out in the studio a couple of weeks ago! These amazing ladies wanted some updated images for their website + social media pages and I couldn’t have been happier to oblige. Not only were their style choices on point, but these #BossBabes couldn’t have been more adorable in front of the camera.  Let’s be serious… when these ladies aren’t busy planning corporate events, I’m sure they use their spare time for modelling.

Now, these are not the classic frames that may come to mind when you think of some updated "headshots", but they come from more of a lifestyle approach - which I love so much. They're relatable, they're fun and most importantly they're real. I'd love to know what you think of them, below after you check out a few faves below!!

Happy Monday, Friends!

p.s. If you’re looking to freshen up your headshot or social media game – I’d love to hear from you! 

Top 5 Moments of a Wedding Day | Hamilton Wedding Photographer | Moments -by Lauren

As this year's wedding season has already kicked off, I wanted to share some of my favourite parts of any big day that I’m lucky enough to be a part of. Of course, every wedding is unique and comes with it’s fair share of incredible moments, but without fail these are the ones that I wait for and always seem to be some of my faves.

1.     Dad’s First Look

Of course, anyone’s first look at the bride is always such a great moment, but there is something a little extra special when a Dad sees his little girl ready to walk down the aisle. Whether he wells up with tears or is simply beaming with pride, this never (ever) gets old in my books. That same expression is also usually found as he looks on at the ceremony or shares a dance with his daughter at the reception. There’s no way to describe it except #allthefeels.

2.     The Vows

My favourite part of the vows is all of the nerves that come with them. In what are some of the most important words that will ever be said in their relationship, couples are full of emotion, they sometimes stutter or maybe even need to pause to get their composure. What I love though, is most often they let out a nervous laugh or two along the way. Any way this goes, it’s pretty awesome to see, as there’s no hiding the couple’s love at this moment. They’re in this together.

3.     Glances After the Signing

Oh boy. This is one that sometimes goes unnoticed, but one that I always try to snag. The couple has finished their vows, the rings are on their fingers, they’ve signed the registry and it sinks in…they’re married. There is always a look of excitement they share that can’t quite ever be replicated. They also probably think no one is watching as the witnesses finalize the paperwork. It’s awesome.

4.     Speeches

There is no better way to learn more about a couple than through the speeches at their wedding. Their favourite people get up and share their best stories, their funniest moments, and all the love they’ve shared over the years. I don’t think there has been a night of speeches that hasn’t made me laugh out loud at one point or tear up a little bit behind my camera during another. The outrageous, meaningful, hilarious and touching moments all certainly bring about some great moments to capture and I love every second of it.  

5.     Dance Floor

These are epic. As soon as the party starts, you’ll find me in the thick of the dance circle capturing the best moves the party has to offer. Maybe (probably) even dancing along myself.

What's your favourite part of a wedding day to see?! Let me know, below!!

2017 : Year In Review | Hamilton Wedding Photographer | Moments -by Lauren

Every year I’m completely overwhelmed (in a good way) when drafting this post. Not only because I get to look back on all the stories I got to tell in the past 12 months, but because I’m reminded again of how lucky I am to be able to capture these moments.

Last year I broke down how I go about choosing these images, and things definitely haven’t changed. [Check out last year’s post + my reasoning here.] The genuine moments between couples, family and friends top the list yet again, and there are a few of my favourite epic shots as well.

I’m so excited to share these faves with you today, and even more excited for all the stories that are still to be told. 2018 is going to be filled with so many new chapters that are waiting to be captured….if you think you might like some of yours documented, I’d love to hear from you.

So, here they are… the best moments of 2017.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Behind the Scenes : 2017 | Hamilton Wedding Photographer | Moments -by Lauren

It’s not often you get to see things other than how they look through my lens, but I just had to share a few frames from this past year from a totally different angle! It’s a funny little look at some of the things you don’t get to see on a wedding day!

You’re sure to find me behind the lens, pointing, directing, dress-fixing, being caught mid-sentence and all around loving life. You’ll see some of my wedding-day pals – and Alex who is my right hand woman (second shooter) and professional light + background tester!  

There’s a few frames mixed in from my speaking engagements this year as well as my first semester in front of a class – and I wrap things up with a few extras from my phone!

I’m promising to bring you along a few more places next year, but in the mean time…here’s a look back at some BTS of 2017!! A huge thanks to all my seconds this past year for helping me tell a bit of this story!!

p.s. If you want to follow along with the day to day – hop on over to Instagram!! 

...and a few extra iPhone snaps!! 

TOP 10 : All The Feels 2017 | Hamilton Wedding + Lifestyle Photographer | Moments -by Lauren

One thing I noticed this past year was that I was getting more and more drawn to the images that made me feel something. Not just ones that brought a little smile, but ones that made me pause a little longer. I'm talking about those authentic moments that can pull you right into the image even if you don't know the people or the story behind why they are so special. Being so invested in my clients and their stories, I had such a hard time narrowing this down -- but I did my best to get it down to 10!!

One of next year's goals is to chase these moments, and I can't wait to share some more as they come. These were chosen because they don't need much more of an explanation, so I'll leave you here to check them out for yourself.

(I'd love to know which one you like the most - so definitely leave me a note below!!)

... and a few honourable mentions I just had to include :

Rosaline + David | Toronto Engagement Photographer | Moments -by Lauren

One of my favourite parts about getting to know my couples is finding out how they originally met…and it blows my mind when their paths seem so unlikely to have ever crossed. Rosaline grew up in France and David in Peru. They met in Toronto at Rosaline’s first day of work, which sounds like it could have only ever happened in a romantic comedy.

Fast forward through two and a half years and the sweetest proposal at Mount Tremblant, this duo is planning their March wedding and I’m so happy I get to tag along for all the fun.

If I can tell you one thing about this duo…it’s that they sure make Sunday morning sessions look easy. 

p.s. You'd never be able to tell, but it was pretty cold and Rosa + David were such troopers. When we starting strolling the beach we saw a whole group of people who were scuba diving (!!!!)...we agreed that things could have been worse for us. Haha! 

Liz + Justin | Oakville Wedding Photographer | Moments -by Lauren

I’m currently sitting here wondering where I should begin this blog post. First off, if you need to be caught up on just how cool Liz + Justin are – go check out their engagement session that hit the blog earlier this year.

[ E-Sesh! ]

Ok, now that we’re all on the same page we can jump to when the three of us met up a couple weeks before the wedding (where else, but at their favourite coffee shop – Saint James). After reviewing their timeline for the last time, I almost insisted we swing back through downtown #HamOnt to use some of their hangout spots as backdrops for their wedding photos.  I mean, if you can’t make time to grab a coffee with your other half on your wedding day – what’s the point of it all?! Haha

After a beautiful ceremony and some family portraits, the whole crew drove into the Hammer to kick back, eat a bit of pizza, and stroll James St N. I couldn’t think of a more perfect setting for these images and after hearing from Liz that these photos “are exactly who we are every day” – I knew we nailed it.

Once we arrived back at the Harbour Banquet Center and glanced around their perfectly executed travel themed reception, everyone was ready to party. The speeches were equal parts touching as they were hilarious, and the kissing game certainly kept the newlyweds on their toes.

It was an epic day for an epic couple and I can’t wait to keep in touch with these beauties. I’m still hanging on to hope for their vow renewal too ;)

Enjoy a few faves and check out Liz + Justin’s take on their time with me, below!!

From the Couple:

Personable: the first time we met Lauren we were stressed out because we were quickly realizing how much planning a wedding would actually cost. We prepared ourselves for another sales pitch from another vendor - we found the opposite when we walked into Lauren's studio. She was relaxed, she wasn't trying to sell us anything, she just genuinely wanted to meet us, get to know our story and see if we "jived". It is because of this feeling that we eventually ended up choosing Lauren. Photos are the one thing that you keep looking back on from this special day and to us they were the most important aspect of what we were spending our money on. Lauren felt like a close friend who really cared about our special day and that's why after meeting her we knew she would be our photographer. 

Professionalism: when you are planning a wedding there are a million things going on all at once and the last thing you need is another person you need to check in with, check up on or be worried about. Lauren's organizational skills impressed me right from the beginning. When she explained the process of how she books everything and takes care of every single detail herself, we were sold! It was one less thing we had to worry about. Her communication was on point, she always answered our questions quickly and we loved that every exchange of information was easily done online. 

Fave part of working with Lauren: Getting your picture taken, for most people, is very scary and awkward. What we loved about working with Lauren is that most of the time we didn't even feel like she was there. In both our Engagement shots and on the big day, Lauren managed to take amazing photos of us just being us. Nothing was posed or forced, it was all natural. I think that's what we loved so much, that when we look at the photos we actually see ourselves reflected in them and not something that is posed or forced. We also loved that we were relaxed and laughing from beginning to end. Even our wedding guests couldn't say enough about how much they liked that the photographer wasn't in the way. They have since also been in awe at our photos. 

I would recommend Lauren to anyone because there hasn't been a day since our wedding that we haven't looked at our photos in one way or another and been so glad we chose her. She is professional, personable and most of all passionate about her photography. 

VENDOR TEAM

Florist –  Gatto Flowers

Makeup – Fatima Lao

Transportation – White Shadow Limousine

Wedding/Event Planner – Fatima Lao

Catering/Venue – Harbour Banquet Center

Wedding Dress – Promises and Lace

Bride’s Shoes – Solee Shoes

Bridesmaids Dresses – Saratina

Suits – Charles and Hunt

Videographer – Qids

Cake – LaCakery

Second Photographer - Megan Muir

Brittany + Dan | University of Guelph Engagement Photographer | Moments –by Lauren

Brittany + Dan met each other in middle school you guys, middle school!! I got to meet them back in my Gryphon days at the University of Guelph and was SO excited when they contacted me about joining their big day.

We re-traced their love story at all three schools one afternoon a few weeks back and I cannot get over how adorable they are. We laughed our way through the gym, the hallways and then made a final stop in one of their old classrooms for a couple of hilarious games.  You’ll see words to describe the other and of course a portrait of their other half completed with their eyes closed….total works of art.

By the time we hit campus, these two were total pros in front of the camera… go check it out for yourself! 

Meaghan + Jeff | Berkeley Church Wedding Photographer | Moments -by Lauren

As 2017’s wedding season is coming to a close, let’s jump back to where it kicked off.

Meaghan got ready at her parent’s house, where I walked in to find 7 lovely ladies sitting around the kitchen table – almost as if it was what they did every weekend. There was not a stressed out vibe in the room as they laughed, shared a few sips of their bevvies and watched one of their best friends get her final touch ups. The excitement carried through to everyone’s first looks of Meag in her dress as we packed up to go meet Jeff who would be waiting at the front of the aisle.

Berkeley Church hosted their perfect ceremony that brought lots of happy tears (that first look!!) and even a few laughs, with their nearest and dearest looking on. As soon as it was official, we snuck away to Osgoode Hall for some portraits with a backdrop that had a personal connection to the bride and groom. Not only did this entire group bear the freezing cold, but there was not one complaint and a serious team effort to rotate the coats when it wasn’t their turn in front of the camera. I’ll tell ya though, I realized there’s nothing like plummeting temperatures to keep everyone’s attention and get everything done hella fast.

Not only did this group have a ton of fun, but the boys had me laughing out loud behind the camera on more then one occasion – and it was amazing. Total #weddingpartygoals across the board.

We explored inside and grabbed a few epic frames for the newlyweds before heading back to the party that was eagerly awaiting their arrival. The delicious dinner was served, the incredible speeches followed and all of the fun was had once that dance floor opened.

Everything that went into Meaghan + Jeff’s big day made it a very high bar for all the ones that were to follow this year. Lucky for me, the trend continued. 

VENDORS:

Florist –  Joseph Flowers

Hair – CE Bridal Hair Artists

Makeup – Megan Vance

Transportation – Exotica Limousine Service

Invitations – Vista Print

Catering/Venue – 1871 Berkeley Church

Wedding Dress – Maggie Sottero

Bride’s Shoes – Le Chateau

Bride's Accessories - Family Heirlooms

Bridesmaids Dresses – Assorted Vendors

Suits – Your Suit

Cake – Yummy Stuff Bakery

Officiant – Maria Speyer

Second Photographer - Alex DelBello

DJ - Maximum Music DJ

Maria + Al | McMaster University Engagement Session | Moments –by Lauren

It’s always such a bummer turning clients away when I’m already booked for their wedding date. I really just want to tell ALL the stories haha. After being sent my way by a previous MBL couple, Maria + Al still wanted to book just an engagement session … and I was so happy they did!

After learning more about their history, I loved their idea of heading back to the campus where it all began. Mac is a great spot, and we got such a beautiful night to hang out and capture a bit of their story. Everything just came together perfectly.

Also, let’s take note of how much these two slayed the wardrobe department. Every time they swapped out their outfits, I tried to convince them to style every session of mine – or maybe just my wardrobe - from here on out.

Clothing choices aside, this duo certainly knew how to have some fun and jumped into total client trust mode from the very beginning! From their adorable laughs to the quieter moments in between, I think it’s safe to say it was a huge success. We dodged the Friday afternoon traffic on campus for most of the session, but my total fave was when I decided I should just keep shooting with a few little photo-bombers trying to get out of the way as quickly as possible. I’m all about keeping things real.

Just wait for it…

Alana + Matt | Burlington Engagement Photographer | Moments –by Lauren

You guys…

If I gave out awards, Alana + Matt would win for being the best troopers around. We did their engagement session a couple weeks back with some rain scheduled in the forecast. The radar showed that it might miss us so we kept out fingers crossed as we strolled an epic part of the Bruce Trail. We had an end goal in mind of finding this empty field they stumbled across the week before, and stopped a few times along the way to get some of the awesome colour the fall season brings!

As we continued down the path we laughed every time we came to the top of another hill without seeing the field yet…but we carried on. Naturally, it started to downpour so we cracked open the umbrellas and continued up another hill. When we hit the top of that one, Alana + Matt asked if I thought it was worth it to keep going with the rain, the slippery trial, and the uncertainty of where this field actually was. In my head (and in theirs too) we all wanted to carry on because these shots were going to be worth it…

… and they were.

The field was at the top of that next hill, the rain cleared after a few more minutes, and I am OBSESSED with Alana + Matt’s ability to go with the flow, embrace the rain, and have a total blast by chucking the idea of the "perfect" engagement photos out the window…. because these ones are pretty epic.

More of THIS realness please.