Category Archives: Weddings
First Look | Niagara Wedding Photographer | Robyn S. Russell Photography
I can truly say that I’ve spent the last year getting to know Michelle and Steve. No, really. They’ve had a year full of milestones and I’ve been fortunate enough to have been there every step along the way. I first met Michelle when she was a few weeks shy of having her first baby. Michelle was an excited mom-to-be. She had that glow and she looked absolutely amazing! Shortly after, she delivered a healthy baby boy, whom I had the pleasure of meeting only days after his birth. What an amazing experience it was to document this special time in their life. Little did I know … that in addition to having a new baby, they were also planning a wedding, which meant another milestone in their life in one year! I don’t know how they pulled it off planning their wedding with a new baby in their lives. All I can tell you is that their wedding was one of the nicest I’ve ever been to, from start to finish. So, without further adieu, I present Michelle and Steve. An amazing, happy-go-lucky couple, with an incredible zest for life (and who loves giving thumbs up for the camera whenever possible)! And umm .. yeah, those shoes! Killer.
Michelle and Steve got ready at White Oaks Resort & Spa. They had the most amazing room I’ve ever seen. So amazing, that you needed a special key (or someone to escort you) to gain access. Now that’s classy! While Michelle got her hair and makeup done by Teresa and Kara, my assistant for the day Alyssa (my saviour) was outside taking shots of the men. I also took a few minutes to capture some detail shots (you know me and details … it’s a must have). I just loved Michelle’s flowers. They were pure and elegant – the way flowers should be. Fascination and Rosery Florist did an amazing job!
And her dress … oh that dress. Gorgeous raw silk. Vintage inspired. The look on her mother’s face melted my heart.
Let’s not forget the guys. Those handsome men who enjoyed a little down time before the ceremony.
A few last minute photos of Michelle and her ladies before we made our way to the reception in Niagara on the Lake.
The church was packed and full of love. Michelle and Steve were so inspiring to watch as they shared their vows and a lot of laughs in front of their closest friends and family members. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the ceremony and watching everything unfold. Here are a few of my faves.
Michelle and Steve stopped for a kiss at the church doors. It all happened so fast, I didn’t have enough time to change my settings. Turned out to be a happy accident because I captured one of my favourite shots from the day! I love silhouette shots! There’s something so dramatic yet romantic about it.
Back at the Chateau Des Charmes, Alyssa and I finished off Michelle and Steve’s bridal portraits (and some champagne) while enjoying a gorgeous afternoon! The staff at the Chateau Des Charmes were so good to us. In fact, there were so many people that made this day truly special, but I have to single out Lisa Garofalo and her assistant for making the entire day run so smoothly. They were amazing; professional, on the ball, and super friendly — just the kind of gals I love working with. You girls made the day go by so quickly and were a true asset to Michelle and Steve! We really enjoyed getting to know you! I hope I get to work with you again soon!
Michelle, I’m sorry to single you out here, but you have to know you are seriously fierce. Period. My goodness woman …. you literally took my breath away. Fiercocity. Yep, my word. Don’t hate.
Michelle & Steve, I hope this tides you over! You KNOW that I have so much footage to show you. It was a very long day of shooting (12 hours) so you know I’ve barely scratched the surface with this sneak peak. Just know, I’m working hard to finish off your gorgeous photos, so you can sit back and enjoy your day privately (and in its entirety) all over again. Until then, I leave you with my heart full with love in abundance for you! Love, Robyn xo
Event Venue: Erin Hughes – Chateau Des Charmes (catered by Pillar & Post)
Wedding Planner: Lisa Garofalo – Bliss Events
Florist: Fascination & Rosery
Cake: Willow Cakes and Pastries
Invitations & Stationary: The Printing House
Entertainment: Spirit of Sound
Transportation: NCT Transportation
To Love | Toronto Wedding Photographer | Robyn S. Russell Photography
Shooting a wedding today at the Chateau des Charmes in Niagara-on-the-Lake. In fact, I’m feeling the love already (and I’m not even there yet)! It’s going to be a long day, but I’m so excited to watch my clients take their vows and exchange their love in front of loved ones.
This is from a wedding I second shot with Andreas back in July. Their ceremony and reception was at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, an amazing venue to get married at! This image is straight out of the camera with an 85mm 1.4 G lens, because that’s how you do it! ;) More to come soon! Have an amazing day everyone! Robyn xo
Michelle + Steve | Burlington Engagement Session | Robyn S. Russell Photography
Presenting Steve and Michelle, soon to be married and rockin’ my lens!
Seriously …. aren’t they super sweet? And gorgeous, hello!!!
It’s been a pleasure getting to know Michelle and Steve over the last year. And yes, you may be scratching your head wondering why they look familiar. Well, they should. They’ve had two sessions with me already (maternity and newborn) and a year full of milestones, including a new house and their upcoming wedding that I’m shooting in a weeks’ time. WOW, time is flying this year!
So, it goes without saying that life for these two is busy. In addition to caring for their new son, they’ve been spending every available minute that they don’t have (LOL) planning for their wedding and everything else in between. Thankfully, we were able to slow it down for a couple hours one evening during golden hour. I brought my assistant Alyssa along and met the happy couple at at Spencer Smith Park in downtown Burlington (where they used to live). The idea was to hit some of the spots they used to frequent when they were dating!
Yes, there was a lot of kissing involved! Well, they are getting married after all (!!) and since we were doing engagement photos, they got a break from parenting to have fun with me for a night! I’d say kissing is in order! ;) All kidding aside, I can’t say it enough, Spencer Smith Park is an amazing place to visit, no matter what time of year. The Japanese gardens (where some of these photos were taken) is so beautiful, but then again, so is the entire area including Spencer’s at the Waterfront (one of my favourite restaurants to eat at) and the boardwalk. I can see why this place is so meaningful to Michelle and Steve too!
We hit the beach after, which is within walking distance from Spencer Smith. It’s a little hot spot for Burlington dwellers and a gorgeous place to shoot portraits in the early morn or early evening when the light is delicious. I actually had no idea this place even existed until last year! Many people swim in the water and take in the beach life, which puts a big smile on my face. We have the best of everything here. In fact, I can’t really see myself ever leaving Burlington (unless we move back to Oakville).
Michelle, you go girl! You are fierce and my camera just loves you! I can’t tell you how much I adore that last shot of you!
OK … this is when the light got crazy good (and super romantic). You know me, I’m all about light (and public displays of gentle yet playful affection). Pink cotton candy skies and more kisses … kinda perfect, doncha think!
We finished the night off at one of their favourite places to eat along the Lakeshore. We shared some wine, a few appetizers, lots of laughs, great conversation, and more photography. It was a lovely night getting to know Steve and Michelle a little better! They both lived in Burlington but met in Florida for the first time. Clearly, they were meant to be!
I cannot wait to see you on your wedding day. It’s going to be an amazing day, one to cherish forever. I’m sure there will be lots of laughter and possibly a few tears (mine included). Either way, it’ll be a day to remember always. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture ALL of your special milestones over the past year. The chance to watch your family grow and change over the last year means so much to me. I can’t believe you’re getting married in less than a week!!! I’m so excited! I’ll leave you now with one of my favourite photos from our session. Until next time, Robyn xo
Your Dream Wedding | Toronto & Oakville Wedding Photographer | Robyn S. Russell Photography
Are you getting married in the next couple of months? If so, congratulations! I want to hear from you! I have been solidly booking weddings for 2012 (with a few lined up for the second half of 2011), but I need coverage for 1, possibly 2 weddings over the next couple months for a project I’m currently working on. Here’s the good part. I’ll be charging HALF the price! Yeah …. pretty sweet! Almost illegal.
So, if you haven’t booked a photographer yet (tsk tsk) or you weren’t sure professional photography was something you wanted or could afford, I’m here to brighten your day. I truly believe everyone deserves to have nice photos on their wedding day. It’s a big day and those memories should be captured and preserved properly, if not for yourself but for your children (and future grandchildren to come). No one says you should go broke or in debt over wedding photography — or anything for that matter. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the spirit of the day (open bar yes, chocolate fountain no!!!) but it IS one of those occasions where it’s okay to spend money in an attempt to properly highlight one of the most important days in your life. Yes people, it’s okay to want your wedding day preserved in all its glory. And it’s okay to want it done right. In fact, I am giving you permission! ;) I can’t tell you how many people I speak to who wish they spent a little more money and went with a professional. It makes me sad. It’s not a lesson you want to learn after the fact because we all know, you can’t “do-over” a wedding. Besides, I know how much time brides spend making decisions to ensure their day is absolutely perfect. Brides spend months mulling over the colour of their flowers and what type of earrings to wear. What flavour their cake should be and whether they should have a live band or a DJ. Brides hope that the white tux fad has died out and pray that there’s no rain or double rainbows during their portraits. It’s called fine details. These details represent your hard work. More importantly, they represent you. It’s what a skilled professional is there to capture, in addition to your tears of joy, and it’s what you deserve to have after everything you’ve been through leading up to your wedding day!
So, here’s what you need to do. Please send me a snapshot of you and your better half. Provide me with details of your wedding — date, size of bridal party, # of guests, location of ceremony/reception, theme/colour scheme, and anything else you think I should know. I will say in advance that I am looking for something specific, but there is no harm sending me your information! You have nothing to lose! :)
Please note, weddings must take place in the next couple of months (May or June). Feel free to share this message with whoever you know that may be interested! Thanks everyone! Robyn xo
Wedding Workshop Part II | Toronto Wedding Photographer | Robyn S. Russell Photography
Part deux …. as promised. Yes, I know. I’m late. It took me forever to finish off these images due to the busyness that December brings. I hope everyone had a great Christmas! We sure did, even though the boys were so NOT into opening pressies at Christmas. Boring!!! ;) But we did ring in the New Year with fireworks with family, which was an awesome way to end 2010! You know, with a bang! I’ve never heard so much screaming in all my life! Ha! Anyway, I am so excited for 2011. There are lots of exciting events that lie ahead, including the addition of weddings to my lineup and a brand new website, which should be up in about 1-2 weeks! I am so excited to take a step forward in showcasing my work! What happens to this site you ask? Well, it become a dedicated blog so I will continue to update it as often as I can! Well, enough about me. Onto the goods. I was thrilled to hear we were documenting a real couple on day two of Tara McMullen’s wedding workshop in Toronto in the beautiful Distillery District. Oh, how I heart that place. We started out with the bride and watched her get hair and makeup ready!
Anyone who knows me, knows I love a good detail shot. Here are some of my faves! For me, having these details are a must have for any wedding! So much time and effort is spent on the “little” things, it really is a shame not to capture them.
Now, onto the good stuff … this couple was awesome! They were so real and down to earth. I think they were almost a little nervous getting dressed up again … I know it would have been a trip for me! We didn’t spend a crazy amount of time posing. We talked about what was important to capture, how to use natural light to our advantage (Gary Fong was not invited to the party), and how to make the best of whatever environment we’re in. Because it was so cold outside, we took most of our shots indoors. What made these shots so magnificent to me was the textures that surrounded us and the light. Oh, the light was stunning. Sigh. Light really means everything.
This next image … well, it kinda says it all, right? I had to throw it in the mix because I just love socks (ask my father in law)! This may be my new favourite image! Definitely one of my faves from the day! He nailed it. Yep, I know I’m talking about socks. You’re probably looking down at your feet right now and thinking, “Robyn needs to get out more” (laugh) but trust me, it’s the little things that matter! And I do get out. A lot! Don’t forget, I’m a woman and I know what’s hot on a guy! I also loved the simplicity of his titanium ring! Very hot and indestructible! :)
The last few are dedicated to the bride and groom. It was a pleasure photographing you! Thanks for making it almost too easy for us to capture your beautiful spirits! And with that, I bid adieu. And if it hasn’t been made abundantly clear, YES I am taking weddings on for 2011 and beyond. I am super excited about this decision and cannot wait to photograph your special day in the near future! It is good to be in love! I just love … love! Thanks for reading! Next up, a freakin’ gorgeous maternity session, followed by some personal blogging! :)
Also posted in Portraits
Tagged toronto engagement photographer, toronto photographer, toronto wedding photographer
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Wedding Workshop Part I | Toronto Wedding Photographer | Robyn S. Russell Photography
I was so excited when Diana Nazareth and Kelly MacDonald (both amazing photographers and friends) mentioned that they were attending Tara McMullen’s wedding workshop in Toronto in November. Having formerly shot a wedding with Diana, I knew this was something I wanted to do as I am now taking on weddings in 2011. I can’t wait to get started!
We couldn’t have picked a more perfect workshop to learn from. It was an intensive two days at Pikto, located in the Distillery District in downtown Toronto. Boy did we learn a lot! What interested me the most was the business end of things. Hearing what worked (and didn’t work) for Tara. Do’s and don’ts. Tricks and tips! By the way, Tara is amazing! Gorgeous girl. Super talented. Funny as heck! And she can teach! I highly recommend her workshop if you’re looking to get more information about the wedding scene. Check her out in action!
It was fun spending the afternoon photographing one of Tara’s engaged couples that are getting married next year. We walked around Toronto, utilising lots of different textures and colours, with lots of laughter and sun flare, despite the chilly temperature. Here’s a few of my images from the day, mostly candid moments that I tried to take when other photographers weren’t competing for a little camera time! ;)
I love this next shot. There were so many of us photographing (16 in total), so I kept my distance for the most part to watch and learn, but I do love a good action shot and just couldn’t resist! As you can see, this couple was really good at kissing! ;)
All in all, a very fun first day! I missed my kids terribly and was fighting the worst cold ever, but I had a great day! Lunch at Balzac’s was too funny (it’s a funky place to eat, but be forewarned, the beet salad is TINY *laugh*). It’s a good thing our sushi dinner at District was amazing and super filling! After dinner, I headed over to Vanessa’s parent’s house in Toronto for a sleepover. Yes, I know we’re in our 30′s now … but there’s nothing wrong with a girlie sleepover every now and then! I also appreciated that I didn’t have to drive back to Burlington that night since we were meeting back at Pikto for 1000am on Sunday morning. Thanks Vanessa!! :)
To wrap up this blog post, I leave you with a shot Diana, Kelly, and I on one of our breaks. It was our sad attempt at a self portrait to commemorate the day and experience. And I say “sad” because you have no idea how hard it was to get this shot with all the running around we did! I swear, we knew what we were doing in theory, but none of our camera’s wanted to work (except Kelly’s but her timer was on a 2 second delay, LOL)!
Part II is coming up next!!!
Also posted in Personal, Portraits
Tagged toronto engagement photographer, toronto photographer, toronto wedding photographer
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