It's Graduation Season!

Many people aren’t sure which session type to book. How to prepare for, or what to expect at their Grad Session! Here are a few tips!

This might be obvious, but DO bring your immediate family for family portraits!
Have your family wear complimentary colours that go with your graduation dress or suit.

Two Graduation session types available. Here’s how to choose which one is right for you!

  1. Memories Collection- $415

    *One location
    *Family Formals - Parents and siblings - Immediate family members.

    *Includes Escort!
    *Formals including posed shots of Graduate and Escort and Graduate solos
    *Includes no less than 30 digital images, online gallery, printing rights.
    *Mileage may be extra depending on your location
    Applicable tax is extra (GST)

  2. Legacy Collection- $560

    *Two locations (within reasonable distances)

    *Two outfits- Casual outfit and formal attire
    *Family Formals - Grandparents, Parents and siblings, other important family members.
    *Formals including posed shots of Graduate and Escort and Graduate solos
    *Includes no less than 50 digital images, online gallery, printing rights.
    *Mileage may be extra.
    *Applicable tax is extra (GST)

How to choose a location for your Graduation Session.

If you have a location that is special to you, such as a family farm, property or lake please feel free to incorporate this into your session! I love new locations and it is definitely more special when there are memories attached to the spot! Does your family farm? Or maybe you love the ball-field because you are into sports! Remember this session is about YOU! Get creative!

What to bring to your session?

-Extra shoes. Bring flats if you aren’t already wearing them. Not just for photo times but this will make it easier to walk to various locations.

-Water. Stay hydrated!

- Special items that reflect your interests or personality. Are you a sporty type? Bring sports equipment, shoes, or jersey/jackets. Book worm? Bring some books! Gamer? Bring your laptop. Play instruments? Bring your guitar or any instrument to use as a prop. Trust me, you will love the results! Personalizing your session with these items will level up your session!

Track shoes and a suit :D

A personal photo, taken of my daughter with her recurve bow- 2020 Graduation by Makoi Belen Photography

J- Loved this building located in North Battleford and she asked if it was a good location for photos? YES!! I love incorporating your favorite locations!

O- photos around the family farm. - Love this!

Prepare to have family photos taken and get them out of the way first, then we will say “Adios” to the fam jam. I like to remove awkward onlookers, family, (usually over zealous parents) that will take away the experience of the session. My goal is to relax, have fun and capture the true you! This is easiest when we don’t have mom yelling “SMILE!” over my shoulder ha ha ha!
I do encourage your escort or a bestie that you can laugh freely with or act goofy around to stay with us- someone you are super comfortable with. It does help to have an extra set of hands to help me - sometimes I need a branch held out of the way or a dress to adjust.

If you are feeling extra - I also offer Smoke Bombs as an add-on item for your session! They are a lot of fun, and add a little pizazz to your photos!!

Smoke bomb Experience add on is $125 + tax and can be added on to your Session any time,

I can’t wait to capture your fun Graduation Session!

Should you plan a "First Look" on your wedding day? Pro's & Con's, and Why?

Are you thinking of planning a first look moment before your wedding ceremony? I’ve planned this moment with so many sweet couples and I thought it would be nice to share the pro’s and con’s of the moment. Personally I really love to add this to a wedding day. It’s one of my favourite moments.

The waiting…. at The Barn at Winds Edge, Saskatoon SK

The first look is when the bride and groom first see each other on their wedding day. Typically it’s an intimate moment and takes place where they can feel all the feels and emotions before they walk down the isle.
It’s a little non-traditional as some couples would rather have that first moment when they see each other at the ceremony.

I have covered many first looks over the years and it’s actually one of my favorite moments of a wedding day.
Here are my lists of Pro’s and Con’s for wedding day first looks.

Pro’s -

  • If you are super nervous or emotional this is the best way to “break the ice” and get a handle on those wedding day jitters/feelings of overwhelm. It’s just you and your partner-to-be and me of course capturing the beautiful moment. I promise you I give you space to be yourselves, kiss, hug and have some quiet time before heading down the isle.

  • It’s a chance to get some extra photos together before the ceremony. I promise, it will not ruin going down the isle. That is a different feeling, and comes with it’s own emotions. It’s really wonderful to capture these feelings of the two of you together.

  • Real, raw emotion in your photos. As a photographer this is what I live for and I encourage you to live each moment of your wedding day just as you want.

  • It really is a unique experience. But you can always change your mind!

  • First looks with Dad and bride- if you are super close with your dad I would really encourage you to take the extra time and capture his reaction. 100% worth it!

Con’s -

  • TIME. This moment does come with a bit of extra planning and time. Account for time to navigate to a private location - even if it’s in a different room of your home or yard. It still takes time to arrange the moment! You will need to make extra time to have this moment happen which means you will have to start getting ready earlier.

  • The location/lighting may not be ideal. Unless you have a location planned out ahead of time with your photographer you may not get the perfect lighting that is complimentary. Sometimes the location is just a little spot tucked away from the main area of the ceremony. With the help of low f stop lenses a lot of the clutter can be blurred out. - I can do this!

REMEMBER: If you plan a first look moment, you can always change your mind!

Danielle & Lane’s first look moments near Leoville, SK

LOVE these moments

If you do plan a First Look in your wedding day timeline, don’t worry about the coordination - leave that up to me! I will help direct you where to stand so I can take the best photos possible to capture the emotion! I will also do a little countdown so I can be absolutely ready to capture everything!
What to do after you have seen each other? This is where back away a little and give you time and privacy to treasure each other and linger. I have often seen couples pray together, read vows or love notes to each other. Never worry- I can’t hear you, this moment is all for you! It’s an intimate and wonderful moment that I love to capture <3

J&M first looks in President Murray Park, Saskatoon SK

First looks can also be done with Dad, Grandparents, Godparents and anyone super special in your lives.

Leslie did a first look with her dad <3

A unique idea, first looks with the groomsmen. These fellows were like her big brothers and we couldn’t have asked for a better reaction from them.

Tonquin Beach Elopement

A styled Elopement Session with the Inner Illume Creative Retreat May, 2022

MODELS @lonewolf_inthewild (Kaytee)

@seanerm (Sean)

DRESS: Daci Gowns
MUA: @cedarlovesrose

ELOPEMENT BOUQUET: @wildbloomtofino

HATS: @shopwestvon

Elk Ridge Resort // Winter Wedding // Karli and Jason

Karli and Jason’s Wedding day - January 16th, 2023

This beautiful winter wedding at Elk Ridge Resort in the beautiful Prince Albert National Park felt like it was right out of a fairy tale! The landscape of the Boreal Forest was coated in a thick blanket of frost. A fog hung over the area like a snuggly coat protecting the wilderness. It created an absolutely stunning backdrop for Karli and Jason’s wedding day portraits. Upon arrival I was greeted by one of the resident Elk that made its home in the thick brush of the forest. She seemed to say “Welcome” with her soft brown eyes. Nature and humans seem to co-exist in this gem of a resort area.

Karli and Jason booked my “Intimate Wedding Collection” and instead of using the complimentary engagement session, they opted for the extra hour for additional wedding day coverage!
I’m so glad they did, because Karli had her heart set on “Getting Ready” photos, and I was happy to capture all of the little details she thoughtfully put into her special day. Definetly worth capturing these memories for a lifetime <3

Karli’s stunning bouquet was provided by Modern Blossoms Floral- Saskatoon.

The intimate wedding ceremony took place inside the resort. The White-Tail Room boasted floor-to-ceiling windows with French doors opening onto a patio behind the alter, proudly displaying the pine trees heavy with frost. It made a perfect backdrop for Karli & Jason’s family to witness them recite their tender vows to one another It couldn’t have been more perfect or romantic!

After the short, but so very sweet ceremony we headed out to the park for bride and groom portraits. Karli and Jason were real troopers in the chilly winter air but we took plenty of warm up breaks and we were able to create some of the most memorable photos that Waskesiu has ever given me!
We started our first portion of portraits on the Boundary Bog Trail. It’s one of my favourite places to capture in the summer and this was the first go I’ve given it in the winter. I was definitely not disappointed in these results!

Hello Waskesiu Weddings!

Karli had a vision for her wedding day and I think I came pretty close to making it all happen. She added my “Sparkler Experience” on to her wedding day collection! We had a private celebration during portraits and then we can a sparkler send-IN to her reception! (With special permission of the park and Elk Ridge staff of course) If you are planning a sparkler exit or smoke bombs with your wedding I recommend getting permission of the land or venue owners and also checking for moisture conditions first!

We then moved on to some of the quieter areas of the park and then onto the ice of the lake itself. I love how the National Park has both the giant trees of the forest and the openness of the lake. It gave us so much to work with and diversity in their photos.

An in-camera double exposure of the bride and groom taken on the frozen water of Waskesiu lake, then using the trees overlooking Elk Ridge Resort to create a misty forest backdrop. Thinking about it after, I shouldn’t have flipped my camera over for upside down trees!

After we had plenty of cold fresh winter air we moved inside to warm up by the huge (and toasty) fireplace inside the resort. Of course we had to have a few photos ;)

A grande finale to their photos, Karli and Jason’s family welcomed then into their reception with a sparkler send in!

A grande finale to their photos, Karli and Jason’s family welcomed then into their reception with a sparkler send in!

The last photo of the day, goodby Elk Ridge! You have shown your incredible beauty once again!

What Do I Wear to My Photo Session?!

It’s me! And my hubby <3

Choose outfits that reflect your personal style, and avoid trendy choices that might date the photos. Accessories like hats and scarves add personality to your ensemble. We can always add or take away items to give your gallery lots of variety!

Reasons why you should definitely order an album

There is nothing, I mean nothing I have enjoyed more over the years than spending sooo much time pouring over family photo albums.

I love looking at pictures of my grandparents, what they were doing, their features, looking at the styles of clothing they are wearing. I scrap-booked many years of my own family’s memories and I have gone back to them so many times to remind myself how little my kids were at one time, and the trips we took together.

I took my camera to family events, Christmases, anniversaries, birthdays, I documented so many memories.

Photo albums and prints take me to my happy place. Always have been, and always will. I love a quiet few minutes of turning the pages. Hearing the crackling of the pages, seeing still photos with familiar faces, celebrating moments, bringing back the voices of those that aren’t here anymore. For me, it’s an experience. But maybe that’s just me….

Thinking of passing on albums to my future grand-kids, and generations is a neat thing to think about. What will they think of us? What questions will they want to know? I intend to keep up with my album making with every event our family celebrates together. Thinking of this makes me tear up a little.

Sigh, yes I am a nostalgic softie :-)

I started creating my own lay-flat albums once I really dove into the photography world and have tried many album companies. Trial and a bit of error! Some companies are cheaper in price, but quality lacked, some companies were in the middle of the road on price but delivery was longer. Also there was a tinge of regret not supporting a Canadian album company on previous purchases.
Then 2020 came along and I realized how much I wanted to support local, Canadian print companies. I shop from as many local suppliers as I possibly can now. I think it’s worth it.
I found the Dekora Album Company from Ontario. They are a professional album company not a consumer album company. So I have to prove to them I made my living doing photography and create an account with them. Phew! I passed the entry test!

I ordered two albums for samples and I am IN LOVE with this company. The fine art albums they supply way exceeded my expectations! And the customer service was much more than I expected. They phoned to confirm exactly how I wanted my order to be since I was a new customer and answered a few questions I had. Customer service is huge to me, so they won me over with their attention to detail.

Featured below is the Unbound Giclee Album with hand torn prints. This is literally my favorite product from Dekora

I am sure I could go on forever about printing and creating albums, and I hope you check out my information page on all of my albums and accessories. All of these are available and suitable for family sessions, graduations and weddings.

Yes take me to the album and accessories info page!

Saskatoon Wedding Venue - Brick Loft Event Co.

If you are planning a Saskatoon based wedding please have a look at the Brick Loft Event Co, This beautiful space has it all! Hold your ceremony, reception, and dance all in one gorgeous location.

Located conveniently at 100-301 1st Avenue North Saskatoon- this venue gives you room to host up to 150-200 of your friends and relatives that are all so excited to see marry your best friend!

On May 30th 2022 Brick Loft Event Co. graciously let us use their space for a styled shoot. We were able to capture what a real wedding in the building would feel like. So well lit, perfect neutral backdrops for our bride and groom to say their vows. Plenty of seating for guests, and even a sound system built in so everyone can hear them say “I do!” This is one of Saskatoon’s wedding venues I can see being a total hit with so many brides and grooms to be!

Savannah’s dress from WBridals was the perfect fine art look we were going for. Kinberly from Wbridals is so helpful choosing the perfect fit! She’s the ultimate expert in guiding brides to be find THE right dress!

With just over 3,000 square feet of usable space we can comfortably host 150 for a sit down reception, 200 for a cocktail reception, and 200 theatre-style. We offer flexible floor plans to fully meet the needs of your gathering.
— https://bricklofteventco.ca/weddings

Room for your exchange of vows, dance floor, relaxed soft seating area, catering and supper space available! Brick Loft Event Co. is a one stop Saskatoon wedding venue that meets all your wedding day needs.

Karly and Crystal, who are owners of Brick Loft Event Co. know food is such an important part of your day and so they have left that to the professionals and have partnered with Living Sky Cafe.
”With a variety of options and price-points, we are sure you will find something that fits your taste and budget.”

Having spent a large part of their careers supporting couples in the planning process; Crystal Lyon and Karly Shanks have created a modest add-on to provide full planning support to couples choosing to be wed at Brick Loft Event Co.. Allow us to walk you through the design process, connect you with vendors, and fully manage the wedding day for you while you get to be fully present with your loved ones. Full set up and take-down is included in this package.
— https://bricklofteventco.ca/weddings
Source: https://bricklofteventco.ca/

Prince Albert Wedding - Chelsea & Dan August 21 , 2021

Prince Albert, SK backyard wedding:

This was such a beautiful backyard wedding in the Prince Albert area that I was absolutely thrilled to cover for THE cutest couple I have ever met. Chelsea and Dan’s love overflowed and you could absolutely tell in everything they chose to represent their love for one another on their wedding day.
Dan is into biology, and Chelsea joked in during their first look moments that the design on her dress reminded her of amoebas and of course thought he would totally appreciate it! We all giggled. So cute!

Every moment in the day was held on an lovely acreage near the city of Prince Albert, SK. The backdrop for the ceremony, and portraits were all within super close proximity of each other and it was a breeze to find fabulous spots to capture every sweet bridal portrait and family portraits as well. I am super thankful we had great weather to have an entire wedding outdoors.
The coverage that Chelsea and Dan chose for their wedding day was my three hour package. They wanted to capture the ceremony, family portraits, wedding party portraits and of course bride and groom portraits. Every couple has unique wedding coverage specifications and I am always more than happy to accommodate as well as help them with anything they aren’t sure about.
”Wedding Photographer” might be my job title but I like to help my couples with all aspects of the day. I’m here to serve and cheer you on!

This wedding was so memorable for me because of the raw emotion that was felt by everyone that attended. Dan and Chelsea were surrounded by their best friends and family.

Dan, was a teeny bit overwhelmed with his vows, and probably caught up with how beautiful Chelsea looked! My heart was up there right beside him cheering him on!

Guys, showing emotion during your ceremony is absolutely THE best and no one will ever think less of you. In fact, we admire you even more because of the love spilling over your new wife to be with a few tears.

THESE are the moments I live for!

Surrounded by best friends

Beautiful natural spaces of the Prince Albert, SK area

Spiritwood Wedding 2021, Brooke & Tanner

Two words describe this beautiful wedding day. Fun, and family.
The wedding ceremony was held in a backyard setting near Spiritwood, SK.
Thank you Brooke and Tanner and your wonderful family for allowing me to document your day. I am so happy to serve as your wedding photographer.

The Boys

 

The Girls

Paige & Braydon - June 12 -2021

These two just make my heart sing. They are so in love and such beautiful souls. It was such an honor serving as their wedding photographer and spending the whole day with them!

Debden Wedding - Katy & Lane - July 17 2021

This wedding ceremony was held in Victiore,SK and the formals were all done near Morin Lake. I love this little church and the area around it is so gorgeous. Also, Katy and Lane…. I don’t think there are any sweeter more easy going people than these two. They were down for all of my ideas! Such a wonderful day!

Reception and dance at The Ranch- Highway 55, Debden SK. Such a gem of a reception and dance venue if you are looking for a smaller amount of people attending your supper. They also have cabins for rent which are cosy, clean and inviting!

Kaylee And Jay - Wedding

Sean and Melissa - Wedding June 18, 2021

Just a few clips from the best day ever! June 18th 2021 Wedding - Saskatoon, SK