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Posts tagged “Wedding

{Claire and Philippe Married} Ottawa Montreal Wedding Photographers

Claire and Philippe were married in an intimate wedding ceremony at their family cottage on the lake. Driving off in a red Cadillac from Ottawa to our first location, an abandoned family farm, we took full advantage of the beauty and history of the site. With gold fields, and autumn touched trees by a stream that reflected the afternoon light, it was a place of dreams.  The rolling hills and vast area felt like the top of the world, which was perfectly suited for them to begin their lives as a couple together.  After our pre-wedding photo session, the beautiful couple were off to their ceremony at the cottage where their families were waiting to receive them for their ceremony and catered reception.
After the outdoor wedding ceremony,  everyone enjoyed celebration in top notch style, complete with Dom Perignon (Thank you so much for sharing…it was lovely!).
Felicitations Claire et Philippe! Merci pour m’a choisi pour votre photographe!
Here are some of my favorites from the day….
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Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019

{Chris and Gaby Married} Ottawa Wedding Photographers

A sneak peek at Chris and Gaby’s intimate wedding at The Schoolhouse…An amazing day with her sister arriving from Venezuela by surprise. Surrounded by familya dn friends both near and far… Congratulations to you both!

Want to see more?View my portfolio.

613.769.6019

{With Love Bridal Boutique Grand Opening-Stittsville} Ottawa Wedding

Brides-to-be have a brand-new place to find or create that perfect wedding dress for their big day.  With Love Bridal Boutique opened earlier this month at 1501 Stittsville Main Street and is a new kind of bridal boutique in Ottawa: one that straddles the line between elegant and edgy, classic and chic. Co-proprietors Dana Salares, former owner of White Haute Bridal consignment and Becky Whelan a talented dress maker come together to create what they describe as the ultimate bridal shopping experience.
“Our focus is on fabulous customer service. We can accommodate both walk-ins and appointments; we have two fitting areas so brides aren’t competing for mirrors and can have a truly individual shopping experience.
With Love is among the exclusive suppliers of Blush bridal gowns in Ontario. They also carry several other elegant lines for wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses such as Jasmine, B2, White One and many more. Any dress can be customized with a coloured sash, a handmade hairpiece or birdcage veil, or artisanal jewellery made locally. “It felt important to us to support local and Canadian businesspeople – some of our dresses are made in Canada as well,” says Salares.
The store’s Grand Opening event will take place on Saturday, September 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also ask about their upcoming Blush Bridal Trunk Show…
Here is a sneak peek at the boutique…but take a look for yourself and visit these talented ladies…

Want to see more? View my portfolio.
Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019

{Ottawa Bridal Make-up -Looking Your Best} Ottawa Wedding Photographers

I have had the oppourtunity to work with Sarah Walsh, a local make-up artist in Ottawa on a few occasions this year and I must say, she truly can bring out the best in our clients. With a wonderful range in her abilities to create both the dramatic and glamorous and to enhance ones natural beauty with a more natural but elegant look, she is sure to find just the right look. I LOVE working with talented people like Sarah, because it is always a sure thing that she will make you look amazing and I will be able to capture you being your most beautiful in the moment.
Sarah has shared a few of her wedding make-up preparation tips to get ready for the big daya dn to stay looking your best during the day. Anyone with a make-up addiction like I have will appreciate these tips all year long…Enjoy and thank you Sarah for sharing.
SKIN CARE PREP
Skin care should be put on high priority leading up to your wedding! Choose a cleanser and moisturizer formulated for your skin type, and specific concerns. Everyone’s skin is unique, so different products work for different people. Don’t be discouraged if you have to try 2 or 3 different skin care lines before finding the one that works for you. A good starting point is booking a spa facial to address any problem areas. Your esthetician will analyze your skin, and give you some suggestions.
*Tip: Instead of buying a pricey exfoliating scrub to incorporate into your skin care routine, just mix a bit of sugar with your regular cleanser 1-3 times a week. Massage in circular motions for about 1 minute. This will get rid of dead skin cells on surface, and encourage new cell turnover for fresher, smoother skin. No need to spend extra money on something you can easily whip together at home!
MAKEUP
Bridal makeup is best when kept simple, clean, and classic! It’s important to have enough makeup on to look polished in photos, but not too much that it takes away from your natural beauty. The day of your wedding is definitely not the time to experiment with new styles, or try to look like someone else. Your bridal makeup should reflect your personality and style. As a makeup artist, my philosophy is that a bride should look like herself – only the best possible version!
WEDDING DAY TOUCH-UP TIPS
-A good makeup application will hold up all day. The only 2 items you should need are your lip color, and a pressed powder to control shine.
-If you are an oily skin type, blotting papers are a handy touch-up tool to have. They will absorb any extra shine on your face, without lifting off your makeup.
-If you don’t have a tube of the lipstick your makeup artist used on you, just bring a covered lip brush to your appointment. Most makeup artists won’t mind giving you a sample on your brush to save for later!
-When you cry, blot/dab your tears instead of wiping!

You can learn more about Sarah by visiting her website
I would be remiss not to mention that she also creates amazing Bridal Jewelry which you can purchase online or visit With Love Bridal Boutique to see her collection in person.

p.s. this is a photo of the lovely ms. Walsh at a recent shoot at the new With Love Bridal Boutique in Stittsville…but that’s for another post coming soon…


Want to see more? View my portfolio.
Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019

{Nancy & Stephane} Married – Ottawa Wedding Photographer

Sometimes when you find the person you love…it changes everything.Nancy and Stephane were married at the Schoolhouse in Munster in an intimate ceremony among their closest family and some relatives from abroad. These two are surrounded with love and support among the whole family. I just loved the children at this wedding…they just made me laugh so much. My warmest congratulations to you both…Here are some of my favorites…

Want to see more? View my portfolio.

Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


Look for M in the Fall/Winter issue of Wedluxe | Ottawa wedding photographers

The much anticipated issue of Wedluxe magazine, Canada’s Luxury wedding magazine, has finally hit news stands and I could not be more pleased to be represented there among the Wedluxe Glitterati. m photography can be seen on page 115 promoting one of our specialties- boudoir photography.  This stunning magazine provides potential brides with some amazing inspiration and provides some of the very best resources for wedding planners, such as Ottawa-based Marry Me Productions, invitations such as Letterpress specialists Papillion Press and an array of some of the leading edge wedding photographers available.

This issue is especially enchanting- the Daydream issue. Full of fantasy concepts that lend to stunning images that will truly inspire the discerning bride. Available June 21st – enjoy!

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Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


{Destination Wedding in the Czech Republic} Destination Wedding Photographers

I had the wonderful oppourtunity to shoot a destination wedding in Mariansze Lazne just outside of Prague, Czech Republic with an amazing couple Jiri and Katie. Having traveled all over the world, Katie and Jiri were thrilled to organize their wedding back in the Czech Republic where he was born. They have been together for 9 years since high school and their love for each other is amazing. They were married at Becov Castle and followed with a reception at the gorgeous Esplanade Hotel. Due to my own wanderlust and love of adventure, I was thrilled to accompany them on their day and to capture this truly magical wedding surrounded by their closest family and friends. While just about everything at this wedding was five-stars… this couple was nothing but down to earth and the bride even did the “worm” on the dance floor to open up the dancing for the evening…it was so much fun…I truly hope you enjoy these images as much as I did in capturing them. I wish them an amazing honeymoon as they start their adventure together traveling to other amazing destinations nearby in Italy, France, Austria and Germany. I can’t apologise for the length of this post. There were so many more I could have added…

At the end of the night…a kiss from the bride and groom for me…a job well done!
 
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Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


{New Leather albums} Ottawa Wedding Photographers

I am pleased to note that one of my favorite album companies, irisbook is now adding leather covered to their already stunning line of silk covers. They offer a modern and contemporary option for your wedding or boudoir album. I can’t wait to order a sample in my favorite blue!

I love irisbook for luxury look and feel, and especially love their image wrap and silk presentation box combination- an excellent option to showcase your favorite wedding or boudoir image.

Want to see more? View my portfolio.
Follow me on YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/mphotographydotca
Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


{Lisa & Ryan -engaged!}- Ottawa wedding photographers

Lisa and Ryan will be married this June at the Schoolhouse in Munster for an intimate ceremony with their closest friends and family- an appropriate setting for these two school teachers. We had a wonderful light chasing engagement session in downtown Ottawa and the Byward market. We had a great time shooting this session…only a few bugs bites by the river…but for light like that..worth it…thank you both very much for an amazing evening!

Want to see more? View my portfolio.
Follow me on YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/mphotographydotca
Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


{Marie & Andre- married!} – Ottawa Wedding Photographers

Marie and Andre were married on stunning Spring afternoon in Gatineau surrounded by their families. Congratulations to both of them and wishing them the safe arrival of their son in August. Here are some of my favorite images from the day taken at the Museum of Civilization and Theatre du l’ile in Gatineau.

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Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


{Iva & Rad – Engaged} – Ottawa Wedding & Lifestyle Photographers

This engagement session was inspired by a Spring afternoon drive. As the canal was at very low levels, it left visible all these white stones that I couldn’t help but want to use as an unusual backdrop for my next session. Iva and Rad also have an amazing Pointer names “Kaiser” and I thought it would be a perfect spot to bring him along to.
The moment I met Iva I knew I was her photographer. Like many of my clients, she is an avid lover of fine art, photography and fashion. As she pulled out the Marimecko bean bag for me and made a delectable cup of perfect espresso…we had a wonderful first meeting that lasted two hours and would be the beginning of our fun together. Enjoy some of my favorites from our evening together….and dare I say that even Rad, normally shy and reserved in front of the camera, had fun too!
Iva and Rad will have their wedding in Old Montreal at the end of May with a reception to follow in Ottawa. Not only am I looking forward to shooting this wedding with such a fabulous couple, but I will also have an amazing photographer and friend joining us from Toronto…wanna know who? You’ll have to have a peek at Emily and Jon’s wedding at the Museum of Civilization last Fall to find out!

Want to see more? View my portfolio.
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Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


T and R Married – Ottawa Wedding Photographers

I have had the wonderful privilege this evening to capture the celebration of this beautiful couple. R and T met over 12 years ago at Carleton University. They are both remarkable in their achievements and it was truly amazing for me to learn so much more about them during what have got to be the all time funniest and clever speeches ever! I just had a blast with this couple (who currently live in Guelph) that I literally met over skype and for one hour in the Delta Hotel bar for one hour for a cocktail. T’s family came from Japan only two days ago and were dressed in traditional Japanese costume which was exquisite. In spite of the horribly yucky rain, we still created some beautiful images. Thank you so much both of you and to all your guests- a stellar and talented group!

Want to see more? View my portfolio.
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Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


Shop InStyle for a Cure – Ottawa Wedding Photographers

On April 8th, 2010 I had the oppourtunity to capture this wonderful charity event with host Amanda O’Rielly at Ottawa’s newest wedding chapel “Weddings Instyle” in the Byward market. Featured are some of Ottawa’s best wedding vendors. The dresses are by White Haute (you must visit Dana in her new shop…some amazing gowns-some featured below). Once again Erin Carmichael of Full Bloom showing off her amazing talents with flower arrangements that are truly exquisite and elegant.

Aside from the amazing swag bags worth over $250, one lucky lady won the $1800 Tacori Neckalce…(sigh)…it was sooo lovely!

Want to see more? View my portfolio.
Follow me on YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/mphotographydotca
Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


Boutique Boudoir Experience at the Hilton Lac Leamy- Ottawa Boudoir Photographers

Wanting to surprise her partner with a special birthday gift, I would with this client to create a boutique boudoir experience that nether of them would forget. We met early in the afternoon and we checked into a beautiful lakeview room at the Hilton Lac Leamy over looking the Hilton Lac Leam Amerispa. A stunning vista from the 14th floor set the backdrop for for this beautiful and very private boudoir session. Once again, my partner in crime Tracey Lahey arrived with her make-up magic. A critical component to creating stunning image and giving you that extra dose of confidence. (Tracey does an exceptional job with my clients to enhance their their look such that it is never overdone). While a little nervous to start out, soon we were talking like old girlfriends- a critical connection to get the best images. For this reason, many women feel very comfortable with a female photographer when they are at their most vulnerable. We had a blast with her wonderful collection of jewelry and shoes and because it was a private session we had enought time to even get some bubble bath and steamy shower shots! I am certain she didn’t start out that brave, but there really is a liberating feeling with boudoir photography that is wonderful. Nothing feels better for me as a photographer than to show the client some of the images we are getting during the session. They never cease to see themselves in a more beautiful light with renewed confidence…it’s wonderful.

WHAT THE CLIENT SAID ABOUT HER BOUTIQUE BOUDOIR SESSION: I’d like to thank you again for a great experience on Friday afternoon!  As you know, my intentions were to provide X with a photo album from the session as a birthday gift, but it really did end up being all about me.  Not only do I absolutely LOVE the images, but I enjoyed the experience more than I ever imagined I would.  I was a bit apprehensive at first, but both you and Tracy made me feel totally comfortable, confident and relaxed – better than a day at the spa and the photos will last forever!

Want to see more? View my portfolio.
Follow me on YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/mphotographydotca
Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019



M & A – Engaged – Ottawa Wedding Photographer


M and A are to be married this August in a warm intimate ceremony at Strathmere among closest family and friends. Upon meeting this couple a couple of months ago, it was easy to connect on shared interests and the two of them just laugh so much together they are a wonderful match. M will wear a McCaffery inspired gown made by her aunt and the two will have a day that I am sure will be filled with personalized details.

While this shoot was not intended as a regular engagement session, but rather a mini session by which to create a personal wedding invitation card for their guests, it had the same feel. And for a 20 minute session, I do quite like some of these but I am so looking forward to what we will create on the big day! Congratulations M and A…


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Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019


FullBloom Eco-Friendly Floral Design – Ottawa Wedding Photographer

At the Wed by Hand wedding show held this past weekend, I met Erin Carmicheal of Full Bloom Flowers in Ottawa.  Anyone who knows me knows that flowers, like chocolate, is a weakness. And anyone who knows me even better knows I love meeting other wedding professionals with a similar down to earth mentality and approachability who are passionate about their work.  The Full Bloom Flowers portfolio, is stunning. If you are looking for unique and elegant floral design for your wedding, you must see this beautiful, eclectic and elegant portfolio – the designs should be featured in Style Me Pretty!

Erin has spent the the last 10 years in Vancouver where she started an event planning company that also provided event & floral design services to her clients. She has studied under the world renowned Floral Designer, Hitomi Gilliam. She uses only the best florals in her work and always uses local products in support of our local growers when possible.

 So whether you are planning a vintage garden party wedding by the lake or an elegant formal wedding at some of the beautiful venues here in Ottawa, I am certain that Erin will welcome you warmly and work with you to create an elegant floral design that will reflect the spirit of your day.

Not that Erin’s work wasn’t enough to make you want to work with her, she takes an eco friendly approach and will provide suggestions on how to create a eco-friendly one. Please visit her site to learn more about “The Eternal Tree” and how flowers from your event can be re-used to make someone’s day in your honor…pretty wonderful!


Film Remastered for the Modern Bride – Ottawa Wedding Photographer

As a boutique wedding photographer in Ottawa who creates fine art and fashion-inspired images, I could not help but melt all over the floor when I came across the wonderfully talented Bridget Redmond of {First Kiss Films} in Ottawa.  There is a beauty and richness that only film affords in the realm of both the photographic and cinematic arts .  Much like the timeless feel of a fine letterpress invitation between your fingers, the boutique bride will treasure and adore this very unique form of wedding cinematography.

Film, instead of digital videography, to capture your big day is becoming a red hot wedding trend among the leading wedding professionals in the world. Joel Serrato for example is working with world leading wedding photographers to enhance and compliment still moments with those only best captured in motion. For the discerning modern bride, this will definitively set you apart in your quest for something unique, contemporary and art-inspired. { First Kiss Films} in Ottawa, led by Bridget Redmond specializes in 8mm and 16mm film to capture the magic moment of your day. While many may be familiar with the “super 8” film, they may be less aware of the “buttery” 16mm that takes film capture of your day to a new level. I highly recommend a consultation with Bridget to learn more. She will be able to answer all your questions about how film making can fit seamlessly as a compliment to your wedding photography.

While Ottawa is just starting to get to know Bridget Redmond’s artistry, she has a great deal of experience in both photography and film-making. I look forward to watching her catch fire for 2010 and 2011. It will be a very lucky couple that is able to book her for their day and I hope to have the oppourtunity to work alongside her in the future. It goes without saying…I am crazy about {First Kiss Films}.


A Video Portfolio – Ottawa Wedding Photographer

I have been experimenting lately with the addition of video in my engagement, wedding, boudoir, trash the dress and family portrait sessions. It’s not the easiest thing to do to remember or know the moments that will best work in video without missing the moments that must absolutely be captured as stills. I am tuning my eye and my work flow for this as I believe it adds an amazing dimension to the final presentation of the work for the client experience. Do I think that these 10 second clips of video between still images should replace a videographer (especially a good one) – absolutely not. But I sure think they provide a sweet coursage to the still images. Let me know what you think..


Planning an Intimate Wedding with Weddings InStyle- Ottawa Wedding Photographer

If you are looking for an venue for your intimate wedding or social event that has a chic new york city loft feel, then look no further than Weddings InStyle and Events InStyle. Located in the trendy Byward Market at 107 Murray Street, owner, Amanda O’Reilly takes advantage of the wonderful success of her flagship business Balance InStyle approach, built on personalized service, attention to detail and a preferred vendor network to bring high quality and value to her clients. Smaller more intimate weddings are becoming a trend as more couples are opting for an intimate soiree with their closest friends and family members while splurging on details that are personal and a unique expression of themselves. As a wedding photographer, I must say this wedding venue in Ottawa offers a rich backdrop inside and out in the Byward Market for stunning wedding images.

Events InStyle customizes each affair. The entire event space fits up to 120 guests for cocktail parties and 60 for sit-down catered dinners. Weddings InStyle takes the same turnkey approach for a memorable and hassle-free wedding day, with services that include photography, flowers, catering, hair, make-up and transportation. The intimate, well-appointed space is the most unique and modern wedding venue in Ottawa – a great alternative to the already-been-there-for-your-friend’s-wedding feel typical of most banquet rooms, hotels, city hall facilities and other comparable venues in Ottawa.

“Whether you’re looking for a simple ceremony with a few close friends and family, a reception cocktail party for 120 or something in between, we can design the perfect package for you,” says O’Reilly. “We are also proud to offer multi-faith ceremonies and can perform services in English, French, Italian and Portuguese.”

If you are interested in booking your intimate wedding reception or event with Weddings InStyle or Events InStyle, please contact Amanda.

107 Murray Street • Ottawa   613.440.4446

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Contact: melanie@m-contemporaryphotography.com
613.769.6019