Category Archives: Special Events
Amanda: A Fairytale Communion | Woodbridge Event Photographer | Robyn S. Russell Photography
So, this post is WAY overdue. It’s sad. But I entered my busy season in May, and as such, blogging gets put on the back burner. I took last week off to get caught up only to find out that my entire site and blog went down. And when I say down, I mean DOWN! Apparently, my former hosting company said I was a “rogue” user and killed my activity. Um yeah, okay … sure! They make me sound like I’m an assassin bahaha! At any rate, it forced me to take a risk by switching hosting companies, which was a huge undertaking. I wasn’t even sure whether it would fix my issues but it did and then some! I’m still viewing error messages as I type BUT I vowed to get this post up tonight if it’s the last thing I do! So, in honour of Sondra and all the lovely things about her and her beautiful family, this is for you my dear! Before I begin, let me introduce to you the princess of the hour … Amanda :)
The day started off with rain. And more rain. But that didn’t stop us. Amanda was getting ready for her First Communion and nothing was going to stand in our way! I got to know Amanda and her little sister Erica a little better while they played in their rooms. They were about to get ready but I wanted to capture them as they were before they got dolled up. Just look at their rooms — aren’t they stunning?! I’ll get into that a bit later …
After some much needed girl time, the girls got dressed and oh, how they sparkled! You girls looked so beautiful! And check out Sondra and Robert — lookin’ good my friends! :)
As some of the guests arrived, Amanda and I ducked away to take a few portraits. I love how dreamy these shots are. Only Amanda could pull this off! And she did such a great job too! She took direction from me extremely well. Gave me a series of poses. In fact, she was the one who posed herself for these shots. Way to go kiddo!
After taking some detail shots (and before heading to the church), the family took some time to toast Amanda on her big day. Robert opened a bottle of 20 year old champagne and made sure everyone (including myself and my assistant Tess) got a glass. How cool is that?! Amazing family (and yes, the champagne was absolutely delicious)! After the toast, we took a few more family shots, including one of my favourite group shots of all the kids together. Each girl had their own American Girl doll dressed just like them. It was insane! I had no idea what American Girl was … but now, it’s forever etched into my mind! These dolls are amazing! And I’ve never heard a girl scream louder when Amanda got an American Girl gift certificate from a family member haha!
And off she goes … to her First Communion!
Now .. onto the fun stuff. The party! While Amanda was at church with her family, Tess and I made our way over to the restaurant, Piacere, where the reception occurred. It was an absolutely stunning restaurant and Sondra and her sisters pulled out all the stops to make Amanda’s communion one that goes down in the history books. Full of details, rich colour, gorgeous flowers, cosmo’s (our drink of choice) and a candy bar … hello!! It was an absolutely amazing event to be a part of, which doesn’t come as a surprise to me. Sondra and her sisters own “Ragazzi by Arti Mestieri” — specializing in gift ware, home decor, jewellery, etc. The girl’s bedrooms were furnished by Ragazzi and all the touches you see below were done by Sondra and her sisters! Amazing!
Oh … and then there was the food. Oh the food. Just a teaser of some of the most amazing appetizers I’ve ever tasted! We were so spoiled!
Looks good right? They also had a room outside but it was too wet to hang out. Still, they did a great job setting it up so I made sure to document it. I enjoyed being out there … yep, that’s me, I couldn’t resist! ;)
WOW … I just spent 2 hours (!!) writing and uploading photos to this blog post. I’m exhausted! I could go on and on (and on), but I’ll leave you with a few photos that I took before we left. Sondra, thank you SO much for asking me to capture your special day. As a fellow photographer, it really humbled me that you chose me craft your occasion into memories. I’m so glad you got to enjoy the day with your family and even more glad I got to meet you! I know this is the beginning of a very long friendship with many more occasions to come! Thank you!! From my heart to yours, Robyn xo
Cameron + Hope: One More Sleep | Toronto Wedding Photographer
Wedding rehearsals … oh, the joy! Wedding rehearsals symbolise so many wonderful things. It’s a celebration before the big day. It’s a way of working out all those last minute details. Most of all, it’s an opportunity for the bride and groom to get a small glimpse of what’s in store for them on what will become one of the most important days in their lives!
The day started out like this … I’m not kidding! And that had me worried! The rehearsal was outdoors, but somehow, the sun managed to shine brightly on our love birds! A sign of good luck, perhaps?? I didn’t see any double rainbows but luck and love was definitely on their side!
Since my dear hubby was Hope’s “Man of Honour”, we were in attendance, kids and all, for this special event, which started out at Georgian College in Barrie. Since I was responsible for the kiddies, they were my primary focus, but with my super duper wide/zoom lens, I was able to stay in one spot while capturing a few candid moments during the rehearsal.
This is my hubby in all his glory … hands off ladies! He’s all mine hahah!!! ;)
Here comes the bride to be!! Looking gorgeous and as cool as can be as she practices walking down the aisle with her Dadd and with her hubby-to-be!
A few stolen moments … lots of laughter, love, and cheer! Can someone fill me in on what was so funny in this first photo? LOL!!! I love the last photo of Hope! She looks so happy!! :)
And a few detail photos because for anyone who knows my work, you know I simply cannot resist capturing the little things that make a wedding (or event) so very special!
Last but not least, it wouldn’t be complete without my own personal touch. In this case, my son Jackson, who came dressed for success in his smashing dress shirt. He and Pablo clean up quite well, doncha think! ;)
Next up, Hope & Cameron’s wedding day!! I hope this tides you over until then Hope!!! :)
Also posted in Weddings
Tagged barrie photographer, barrie wedding photographer, toronto photographer, toronto wedding photographer
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Matt + Chelsea: To Love And Laughter | Toronto Wedding Photographer
I was honouredto document my first official wedding with such a lovely couple alongside fellow photographer Diana Nazareth! Not only were Matt & Chelsea the sweetest couple ever, they had me in stitches all day! It was clear to me when I first met them, that they were meant to be! Their personalities really complimented one another. Words cannot truly describe how down to earth and easy going they were. I felt like I had known them for years!
When I arrived at Chelsea’s family home in Aylmer, I immediately felt warm and fuzzy. This home was gorgeous and inviting. I could see how much effort was spent making everything perfect for their autumn wedding that was held in their lovely backyard. It was the perfect setting for such an occasion. It was so personal and special for everyone involved, not to mention all the little details that always make for a photographer’s dream!
Chelsea and her maid of honour Danielle were so much fun! We spent a good chunk of the afternoon laughing over the silliest things. It was evident to me that Chelsea was far from nervous! She was as beautiful as beautiful can be! Chelsea’s dress was absolutely stunning, not to mention her gorgeous vintage hair piece, and her piercing blue eyes.
After watching the girls (and the boys) get ready, it was time to get down to business! With approximately 50 people in attendance, it was a really intimate affair for their closest friends and family members. Chelsea looked happy and ready to walk down the aisle to meet Matt, her future husband, who was in awe of his bride as she approached him from afar. Chelsea’s sister Rachael (who recently got married herself) played guitar as we watched Chelsea and Matt profess their love for each other.
A few more from their ceremony … aren’t they the cutest!!! ;)
Following the ceremony (and after lots of hugs, cheer, and an amazing caricaturist who drew everyone’s portrait with amazing accuracy in record time), we took a few more photos at the house and at a nearby park. Going to the park with Matt & Chelsea was a lot of fun! The rain held off while we explored the park, looking for the perfect spot for photos. We laughed a lot as the bride and groom skipped and frolicked through the trees, in between loving stares and infectious giggles. Matt was even up for holding Chelsea’s bouquet! Looks good, doncha think?! ;)
We can’t forget the people who made this day extra special for you … what a gorgeous bridal party you all were!
Chelsea & Matt, thank you so much for asking us to document such an important day in your lives! I hope you enjoyed your sneak peak and your time away on your honeymoon! I usually tell newlyweds to remember to always laugh and love one another, but it’s clear to me that you both do these things so well already! :) You don’t need my help!! You are well on your way to enjoying a lifetime of happiness with each other and I couldn’t be more pleased for you! xo
Also posted in Portraits, Weddings
Tagged aylmer wedding photographer, aylmer wedding photography, toronto photographer, toronto wedding photographer
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Cutie Patooties | Burlington Photographer | Babies
June 1st. Holy moly, where does that time go?! I swear, the last 6 months just flew by! Christmas is only 6 months away!! Wait, did I just say Christmas?!! My apologies folks! I’d rather talk about my favourite month of the year and all things good at Robyn S. Russell Photography, such as summer, birthdays, and contests! :)
I have always loved the month of June, especially as a child. It marked the end of the school year. The anticipation of having two months off from school. Going on holidays. Watching movies. Staying up late. Celebrating my birthday. Oh, to be a kid again (although I do enjoy many of the same things today LOL)! Well, nowadays, I have another reason to celebrate the month of June — my twin boys. They’re gemini’s too! In fact, their birthday is a day after mine! Now, I know what you all must be thinking … and I’m telling you right now, don’t feel bad for my husband!!! ;)
Now … onto business!!! I’m holding my first ever “Cutie Patootie” contest on Facebook and am inviting you all to join in and participate! I have chosen 10 finalists to join in on the fun with the chance of winning an incredibly sweet prize (an 11×14 luxurious canvas wrap of their little), so head on over to my Facebook Fan Page, become a fan (very important or your vote doesn’t count), and VOTE for your favourite little “cutie patootie” :)
Here are the rules!
1. Only one vote per photo allowed (you can vote on more than one photo)
2. Votes only count if you’re a “fan” or “like” my Facebook Fan Page (votes/comments on my blog do not count)
3. You can invite as many people to my Facebook Fan Page as you wish to vote
4. The winner is the person who receives the most eligible votes
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Pretty simple task for a really BIG prize eh?! Good luck everyone! Thanks for voting and participating!! The contest runs for 2 weeks, ending at midnight on June 16th (my birthday) so make sure to get your votes in before it’s too late!
Cupid’s Cupcakes: A Little Taste Of Heaven | Oakville Photographer | Commercial Photography
So, as most of you know, my first product photography job was with Cupid’s Cupcakes in Oakville, Ontario. I can’t begin to tell you how much fun I had photographing these little morsels of goodness! Working with Niki, the owner, was a dream and her cupcakes are to die for!
You can check out some of the photography I did for her on her website, which is still under construction. But I thought I’d share her Grand Opening advertisement with you all, since it features three of the product photographs I provided for her business! Yes, I’m quite proud! If you’re in the Oakville area, go check out her bakery on the 13th of February! And if you can’t decide what cupcake to buy … trust me when I tell you that you can’t go wrong with any of the choices she has available? My personal favourite, in case you’re wondering … is red velvet which is out of this world! It’s got the perfect balance of chocolate and sweetness! And perfect for valentine’s day!!!
Showers of Love | Toronto Photographer | Weddings
I had the honour of attending and shooting my dear friend Melody’s bridal shower in September at the Castlemore Golf Club. She didn’t miss one single thing! In fact, it was the most lavish shower I’ve ever been to! First of all, it was a gorgeous afternoon with almost 70 women in attendance. Everyone was greeted with a gift upon entry and were treated to caramel apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate and a 3-course meal that was fit for a king! It was clear that Melody (along with her mother and sister) spent a great deal of time and effort making every detail perfect. Here are some of the highlights!
Also posted in Portraits, Weddings
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