Studio J

I’m nervous.  I’ve been looking forward to this as my biggest day ever, as a photographer.

My first wedding.  I’m shooting a couple I have come to admire and respect so much.  They were both helping others when they met.  … that’s a steady part of  their lives, before meeting each other.

Jeff, it’s rare that I meet someone who makes such a strong 1st impression as you.  As articulate as you are, that strong impression comes more from your calm self assurance, the small things you do for others – and some kind of non-verbal mojo that says “trust me”.  If I could point to someone as a poster child for how to connect with others – how to be sincere, authentic, caring and interested in others – and to enjoy yourself along the way – that poster child would be you Jen!

In a gathering rich with open, kind hearted and talented people, there was genuine celebration and joy that these two remarkable people have found each other.  I hope I have captured some of that.

Jen, her father and sisters all performed at the ceremony.  I loved it!

Fantastic 1st dance!

Jeff broke into spontaneous Ukranian Cossack dancing – this was the real deal!

A video showing a selection from the wedding:

I had a great deal of help from fellow photographer Heather Guy, who joined me on this wedding. Heather saved me on several occasions with timely reminders about what I needed to do next! When she wasn’t running my lighting and lugging heavy gear, she had a few moments to fit in some second shooting duties. Here are a few from her: (Thank you Heather!!)

Heather shooting in our ghetto-fabulous studio on wheels –> she had her butt perched on the dashboard and seriously contorted her body to get these shots. Fantastic!! :

10 years ago, Mike and Tracey met in Japan, where they were both living and working.  They’ve been together since then.     They are still living and working in Japan.       …. and ten years later, they are still best friends.

No, I didn’t go to Japan.  These engagement photos are in Southampton, at their cottage.  They spent 2 weeks in Ontario running from appointment to appointment!  Arranging a wedding from 6000 miles away is a wee bit challenging.  Tracey and Mike are the only people I’ve met who have a busier schedule than mine this summer!

Even with all of that going on, what stands out to me is that they’re both smart, funny people who have fun (not all funny people have fun).  They still have a relaxed, welcoming attitude in the midst of an overwhelming itinerary.  That speaks volumes about their generous spirit.

I’m very excited to be shooting their wedding in Woodbridge on Dec 5th, 2009!

There’s some images of Mike’s mild mannered looking car in the video below –> it’s a skyline and it goes like stink!!

The session video: