Category Archives: Photographer

Niagara Wedding Planner | Holiday Wedding Inspiration Inn on the Twenty in Jordan, Ontario

Posted on by

0

Happy New Years Eve! To finish up the year we thought we would post our latest styled shoot, which is holiday themed, perfect for a Christmas or New Years Wedding! This creative shoot was also featured on Wedding Obsession! Thank … Continue reading →

Niagara Falls Wedding Planner| Would you do Boudoir?

Posted on by

0

Photography by Stacy’s Creations Photography

Although it’s certainly not a new trend, boudoir photography is becoming more and more popular.  What is it? “Bedroom pictures” that can be given as a gift to your future hubby, existing hubby as an anniversary or birthday gift, or even just for yourself if you are single.

I really like the idea of giving these photos to your fiance on your wedding day. How exciting for him to see you like this before he marries you.

I’ve done lot’s of boudoir shoots as a makeup artist, and I love it. The girls all come in so shy, but once they’ve had their hair and makeup done and they really get into it, they rock it!

So you like the idea, you’ve booked a shoot with your photographer, how do you prepare?

1. Take a deep breath, it will be fun!
2. Bring lot’s of outfits, shoes and accessories to change into. You don’t have to use all of them, but at least you have options!

3. Make sure you moisturize with a rich lotion right before stage time to ensure you skin looks it’s very best!

Check out this link to one of my past boudoir shoots where I did hair and makeup to get an idea of how you will look!

Niagara Falls Boudoir Photography

Niagara Falls Weddings | Would you do Wedding Boudoir?

Posted on by

0

Photography by Stacy’s Creations Photography

Although it’s certainly not a new trend, boudoir photography is becoming more and more popular.  What is it? “Bedroom pictures” that can be given as a gift to your future hubby, existing hubby as an anniversary or birthday gift, or even just for yourself if you are single.

I really like the idea of giving these photos to your fiance on your wedding day. How exciting for him to see you like this before he marries you.

I’ve done lot’s of boudoir shoots as a makeup artist, and I love it. The girls all come in so shy, but once they’ve had their hair and makeup done and they really get into it, they rock it!

So you like the idea, you’ve booked a shoot with your photographer, how do you prepare?

1. Take a deep breath, it will be fun!
2. Bring lot’s of outfits, shoes and accessories to change into. You don’t have to use all of them, but at least you have options!

3. Make sure you moisturize with a rich lotion right before stage time to ensure you skin looks it’s very best!

Check out this link to one of my past boudoir shoots where I did hair and makeup to get an idea of how you will look!

Niagara Falls Boudoir Photography

Niagara Wedding Planner- Pro vs. DIY Photography

Posted on by

1

Most people wouldn’t dream of DIYing their wedding photography, but some people do consider it as an option. DIY doesn’t necessarily mean they are taking their own photos, but they are hiring someone who doesn’t do this as a profession.

Pro

DIY
  • Has experience
  • Knows how to properly pose couples and wedding party to get the best shots.
  • Knows what times work best according to lighting, etc.
  • Knows when to expect certain moments to happen and can make sure to catch them on camera.
  • Will handle situations that pop up unexpectedly.
  • Has ALL of the proper equipment needed, not just a “good camera”.
  • Will fully edit your photos so you get the best professional quality.
  • You save money.
  • You have to worry about getting the shots you want to get for the day which adds more stress for you.
  • You rely on your guests to take photos of you.
  • Situations may arise that you have to take care of.
  • Camera could have a technical difficulty and you don’t have a backup.
  • You have to try to learn how to use an editing program if you want to try and get professional quality.
  • You may have to purchase an editing program (Adobe Photoshop is $800 +)

I really believe you should always consider hiring a professional when it comes to photography. Photos are some of the only keepsakes you will actually have forever. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to capture the moments that mean the most to you. Photography is an investment in a memory.

What do you think? Did I miss a point for either side? Leave a comment below if there is anything I should add.

See Pro vs DIY Wedding Planning

Niagara Wedding Planner- Vendor Love: Stacy’s Creations Photography

Posted on by

1

Stacy is a good friend and colleague of mine. We were introduced when Stacy was looking for a hair and makeup artist for a “rock the dress” marathon she was planning. I had so much fun working with Stacy and the girls, and our relationship grew from there, working together on other marathons she was hosting as well as weddings.

I wanted to hear from Stacy, her point of view of what she does, why she does it, and what you should look for when hiring a professional photographer for your wedding.

What is your style?

Hmmm, bit of modern, bit of contemporary, a lot of ME

Are your photos mostly posed, candid, or do you try to get a combination of both?

I LOVE LOVE candid photos best, although most times, at least some direction has to be given to get the most out of each shoot. I really enjoy a good combination of both, especially for weddings and for family shoots. Finding and capturing the connection between my clients is magical!

Why is it important to hire a professional photographer?

The most important reason is because we only get one chance at this life and many of the moments I’m hired to capture, can’t be re-created. You want to be certain that whomever you choose to photograph your precious moments which will one day, be the only testament to your life and those of whom you love, knows what they’re doing and will be able to provide you the very best photos AND experience. It is so much more than just pressing a shutter button and this task should only be left to those who has the education, experience and overall, a true love for what they do….you’ll be able to see that in your photos!

Do you love what you do?

150% yes. Plain and simple. Doing what I do makes me feel excited. ALIVE.

Any additional comments?

No matter WHO you choose to capture your big day, make sure you get it right the first time around. You don’t generally get a 2nd chance!

Sneak Peek at her Portfolio

Niagara Wedding Planner- Current Events: Wine and Cheese Vendor Event

Posted on by

0

Niagara wedding vendors This weekend I hosted a small vendor event to mix and mingle with some local wedding vendors. As a wedding planner it is so important to build and maintain great relationships with other professionals in the industry. We had the chance to chat about current events, give each other great advice, and build working friendships.

The vendors in attendance were:

Melanie from Lush Florals see her featured here

Jesse from Jesse James Photography see him featured here

Katie from Candy by Katie keep an eye out for her upcoming feature!

niagara wine wedding planning wine and cheese party   -

Niagara Wedding Planner- Vendor Love: Love Madly Cinematography & Photography

Posted on by

0

niagara videographerI am one of those people who will watch a wedding video and get teary, and we’re talking people I don’t even know! That is what happened when I sat down to watch some of the wedding highlight videos from Love Madly. The way they put your wedding highlights together is magical. It tells the entire story of the wedding day in only a few minutes! I don’t think there are too many people out there who will sit down to watch the entire footage of their wedding day, but videos like this make it so great to have a cinematographer there. You know that you can get a full recap of your wedding day, without having to watch every second of the day as it happened. They take the important and special moments of the day, and tie it all together. I had the opportunity to chat with Brian and Wanda to find out a little more about their business and this is what they had to say.

What makes you different then other cinematographers in the industry?

Our style is very story-based and I think that is what sets us apart.  As much as we love getting those creative “wow” shots using our crane, steadicam and slider, it’s more important to us that we capture the actual wedding ‘story’ and even more importantly, the story of each unique couple.  Split second decisions, such as which lens to use, which angle to shoot from, are things we know really enhance our storytelling.  We don’t just show up and shoot, every shot is intentional, every wedding story is different.  We don’t stage things, we just capture them in the best possible way so that when we deliver the finished product the couple and their family truly get to re-live such an amazing day.  We also use a lot of thougt in choosing the right music for the soundtrack whether it’s for a feature film, same day edit or highlights.  We know how important music is to our couples.

Is there a difference between a videographer and a cinematographer?

These terms are definitely interchangeable by many people but I think that artistic component of cinematography and the true storytelling aspect of what we do makes us filmmakers and not just videographers.  We hear a lot of couples say that their sister or friend hired a videographer who just set up a tripod and let the camera run.  As is the case with many professions, there are stereotypes of what a videographer is or does.  Likewise, there are stereotypes about cinematographers as well.  We definitely feel that what we do is cinematography and that what we create is a film for our couples, not just another wedding video.

Why should a couple hire someone who concentrates on weddings?

It’s important to hire a company with experience.  Weddings are a live event where you don’t get a second chance to capture any of the events or details.  You need to feel confident that whomever you choose to capture the biggest day in your lives is going to show up with all of the essentials.  We are just starting our 4th wedding season and this means that we arrive with back up equipment, we are always ready to capture the unexpected and as much as we feel comfortable now in what we do we still feel excited the night before and are absolutely passionate about wedding stories.

Why do you only take 20 weddings per year?

We limit the number of weddings we capture each year because for us it’s about getting to know each and every one of our couples.  It’s no secret that many of our past couples are still friends of ours today and that’s because we form a connection and a friendship with them.  We see them at least 3 or more times leading up to the wedding day.  We want to know all about them as individuals and as a couple.  We are invested in their story.  We ask things such as who is coming to their wedding, how did you choose your wedding party, are you including any special details and if yes, why?  We usually meet them at least once for lunch or dinner at a restaurant so we can see them in a social setting and notice the connection between them.  This helps us on the wedding day because we already know what to expect and how to best capture them

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Wedding cinematography is definitely an investment.  When couples are creating their wedding budget filled with the detailed priorities of the day we think they should always keep in mind that long after the day passes, when the flowers are withered and the cake is eaten and the dress is boxed up that the only way they will be able to remember the speeches, their vows and the story of their day is through their wedding film.  All too often we hear from couples who are guests at weddings that they really wished they had booked a wedding videographer or cinematographer to capture their big day and are disappointed that they didn’t.
Watch some of their work below.

Niagara Wedding Planner- Vendor Love: Jesse James Photography

Posted on by

2

While I may be biased, I truly believe that Jesse is one of the best photographers around! Anyone who takes a look at his work would agree. It’s traditional, yet not stiffly posed. The lighting is just perfect and the over all captured image is breathtaking.

Niagara Falls Wedding Coordinator

What is your style?

My style touches on traditional posed photos yet the couple is loose and relaxed. They are not the stiff, awkward poses you used to see in your grandmothers photos. I also try to incorporate a bit of a photo-journalistic approach by telling a story out of the photos I take.

Why should you hire a professional photographer?

The only thing you have after your wedding is your photos. Many things can happen during the day that a professional knows how to deal with. We do this all the time, and that experience adds up. If you hire “Uncle Bob” with the really great camera, he may not know how to handle those situations. He also might miss a dire moment in your day because he was chatting, or figuring out how to do “this or that” with his camera. Do you really want to leave that up to chance? Not only that but from a technical stand point, we know how to properly compose a photo, get the lighting right and correctly pose you to get the ideal picture everytime.

What makes you different from other photographers?

I am and always will be a student of photography. I am constantly trying to learn new aspects of photography as that is important to produce the best work possible. I also use off-camera lighting, which a lot of photographers find hard to get just right. Natural light is great, but if it’s not quite right, off-camera lighting can change that and the quality is much better.

What do you recommend a Bride and Groom looking for a photographer to do?

Make sure you take a look at their entire portfolio. It is important to check out the entire set of a wedding, not just their “portfolio gallery”. A lot of photographers will put their 30 best shots up, but each are from a separate weddings. For all you know that could be the only good shot from each wedding and the rest might not be so great.

What are your thoughts on Albums and Prints?

As a photographer my job is to preserve memories. It is important to have prints in an album because technology is always changing and the format you have it on now might not work when you want to show your grandchildren. Think about how our grandparents kept their photos… you don’t exactly see people with slides anymore. It is also important to have something tangible where you can see the real quality in photo.

Best wedding photographer niagara falls

jesse james

vintage wedding design

Niagara Parks Comission Wedding