Anthony and Laura. Celebrating 10 years of Marriage.

Valentines Day is coming up fast and I wanted to remind everyone that it's not only about young love. (or even just about couple love for that matter!)

Laura contacted me early last year hoping to do a 10 year anniversary session with her husband Anthony in the summer. I thought it was a great idea and began hunting around for a great location. Luckily for me I have generous friends and Val kindly offered me the use of their backyard.

Which, as you're about to see, is not your average back yard!

I like to know a bit about the people I'm photographing. I can figure out how to tell their story much better if I know, for example, that they are avid hockey fans but hate the outdoors. That means no 'fun in the woods' sessions but perhaps a local rink, a couple of pairs of skates and a few sticks might be more appropriate.

In this case I may have done a bit of Facebook stalking . . . . (sorry Laura! I'm planning to send out questionnaires from now on . . . ;D)

What I discovered about Anthony and Laura was that they have been together since their school days and they love to have fun . . .

So that's what I went for!

Congratulations Anthony and Laura! I hope you had as much fun as I did.

I've decided that, in honour of Valentines day, I'd make them a short slideshow video as well. (as always, click on the cog in the lower right corner of the video and choose the highest resolution for viewing)

A big thank you to Doug and Val for the use of their fabulous 'backyard' (and the awesome chair!)

And because Valentines Day is about all love, not just couples love, I'm working on some party printables to help you all throw a party for your loved ones. Friends, family,  friends and family . . .

It's always fun to show your love with a bit of a party. Check back here on Friday for some great ideas and to download your printables. :D

An Amaryllis Blooms

My Aunty Nancy had asked me to share the progress of my amaryllis as it bloomed so I thought I'd make a little movie to show you all the process from start to finish.

I think it's a lovely way to start a chilly winter's day.

Enjoy.

Travel Tuesdays. Saying Goodbye to Minter Gardens.

I have always wanted to visit Minter Gardens.

I've visited my sisters and family in British Columbia many times over the years but never made the time to visit these amazing gardens.

Until this last visit.

Minter Gardens is closing at the end of this season. Somehow I had to find a way to get there. Thankfully my sister  and brother-in-law Sabrina and Rob, her mom Linda and their oh so sweet baby Damian were gracious enough to bring me and my camera for an exciting stroll through the gardens. (Poor souls. Little did they know how often I stopped to take pictures. . . They sent a lot of time sitting on benches. . .)

Grab your coffee or tea and, if you're feeling really decadent, a slice of coffee cake and settle in to enjoy a stroll through Minter Gardens.

I feel so blessed to have been able to see this garden before it closed. If you live in the area and still want to visit they will open until the 14th of October.

Ode To Joy. . . Flash Mob Style

I came across a link this morning. It's a different kind of Flash mob.
The reactions of the crowd were as entertaining as the flash mob itself.

Here is Friedrich Schiller and Ludwig van Beethoven's Ode to Joy. . .

It was a great way to start my day!

A Little Summer Inspiration. . .

So I came across this beautiful video while visiting Mcmaster and storm.

The video was created for the summer release of Kinfolk magazine.

It's entitled An Ode To Summer.

And it is.

Click on this link and check it out. (Can't figure out how to upload a vimeo video to blogger. Any one know?)

Now I'm off to plan something special for dinner.

A picnic perhaps?

Picture via A True Edwardian/Victorian Tea Lover's Corner.

How do you think the boys (Henry included) would feel about a picnic like this beautiful one??

Do you think they'd love me enough to dress up??

And haul all the props to the picnic site???

Of course they would. . .