Hope you have a fun day of costumes and candy! MMmmmmm…. candy!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

There are some friends you can go without seeing, and then when you do it is like no time has passed at all. This weekend we got to spend some time with a few of these type of friends – and it was so good. We went up to London to visit the Goodyear family. Pernell and Margie have been friends with us since before we were all married – we stood up for them in their wedding 15years ago this September – and two months later they returned the favour for us. Margie and I were assigned as roommates in College – could not have chosen two better roomies. We had so much fun and no one can make me laugh as hard or as easily as my little Margie. Pernell and Mark are the best of friends – and the most unlikely pair. Probably why they get along so well as they balance each other out. Pernell is loud and entertaining, while Mark sits back and just laughs. Love watching these guys together. And our kids have known each other since day one. They visited each other in the hospital when born and consider each other family. Which, I’d have to say they are.

Three years ago I photographed the Goodyear family – a lot has changed in three years though as you can see HERE! We took a few minutes out of our visit to snap a few more recent photos.

Meet Samantha – somehow she is a teen now. I can still remember going up to Barrie when Margie was due with her and trying everything to get her to come out. And when I took her to the hospital to meet Jacob and she was so mad he was a boy and refused to call him by name – insisting instead on “Peanut Butter Head”. But mostly when I think of Sam I think of the amazing person she has become – so confident, smart and compassionate. Love her.

And Lucas. Oh Lucas. Such a character. I remember the Christmas he ate the Christmas glass bulbs off the tree as if they were apples. On more than one occasion. Luke is so full of spunk, mischief and life…. and then he can turn around and give you a great big hug or some sweet words. He is such a loveable guy.

Jakie…. Jake and Madi are only a couple months apart and are so close. I love how Jake is so confident in who he is – fine playing Barbies or dressup or Lego or whatever strikes his fancy. He is so smart and considerate and loveable.

And these two. I can remember the day they met. The day Pernell proposed. The day they were married. Became parents. And the whole way these two have laughed and loved 150percent. These two are so amazing.

And let’s not forget Bear!

And because we consider these guys family – had to have some family photos of us all together! Got to love self-timer photos!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

It has been great to get to know this amazing family through school, soccer and community. Each one of their kids is full of personality and spunk – got to love farm kids! I headed out to their home and farm to capture a few memories of their family on a cool Saturday afternoon!

This was the first image I took and I love it. I love family’s at their home, on their porch… it just feels nostalgic. When you look back on it in 20 years you can remember climbing on the railing, running in the door, and teh feeling of coming home.

Let’s meet the kids…

Abby (7), Tyson (9), Owen (4months), and Jenessa (4). You will see throughout the pics how much they all ADORE little Owen.

We headed out to the field to explore…

Henk – you’re in trouble with these beauties. You may need one of those D.A.D.D. shirts (Dads Against Daughters Dating)

Did I mention they ADORE Owen?

Abby even tried to give Tyson some love…

Love the boy’s faces here – I think this sums up their thoughts on all the loving from their sisters.

As we started to walk Abby looked down and discovered a new friend on her boot!

I love to try to incorporate the family’s story into their images… so naturally we needed some cows! Henk said that bull weighs 2200lbs. Yikes!

Don’t you wish you knew what Abby was saying to these guys?

Love that the cow is posing too.

Even little Owen is cuddling!

Off to the barn!

Henk and Jackie have known each other for so long… at one point I asked Jackie if she was had the same adorable little voice as her daughters at their age and Henk answered about what he remembered about Jackie at that age! I can’t even fathom having known Mark as a child – I think this is so cool. (And yet anotehr reminder to keep an eye on the boys my girls play with… like Tyson).

I didn’t tell the kids to look at mom and dad – but I love how they are peering over at them!

And now we pause for a little song from Abby…

I loved the orange of the barns!

Thanks so much for letting me document your great family!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

A few years ago I photographed Mark and Amanda’s wedding and engagement and loved getting to know this great couple! Mark is calm, cool and collected – and Amanda is so energetic and full of life! It was their 10year anniversary of being together (dating – not marriage) and what better way to celebrate?! I loved reconnecting with Mark and Amanda as they came out to my place for some photos…

We have now photographed together in Fall (this session), Winter (engagement) and Summer (wedding)…. can’t wait till our Spring session sometime!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

I have known Julie since she was a teenager working after school at the store I worked in at the time. Over the last couple years it has been so fun to reconnect with her and see her transform to fiancee to wife and now to mom!

Pierce is 6 months old and is not only unbelievable cute – but such a well behaved little guy! He just sat there with his eyebrows raised and huge blue eyes sparkling, laughing along with everything. Love this kid!

We photographed at their home – I love baby photo sessions at home. When I think back to when my girls were babies my fondest memories are simple moments at home. Coming in after they wake from a nap to find them smiling and laughing in their crib and SO excited to see me! They both always loved bath time – party in the water! And lots of cuddles. So I was thrilled when this is what Julie had envisioned also for her photo session – documenting their family moments.

The family…

But before there was Pierce there was Molson. You may remember him from their engagement and wedding photos.

Molson wasn’t about to let anyone forget him and charged into the photo session. I love dogs!

Pierce was getting his shirt changed… but I think he kind of liked the no shirt look.

Seriously – this kid is so cute! Look at his face – and how he’s cuddling mom’s face. Too sweet.

Graeme and Julie just had a gorgeous bar built in the basement – by the look on Pierce’s face I think he’s shocked he’s allowed at the bar.

I love his whole series in the bedroom – love the natural light here! And this kid is all personality!

This face!!! Love him.

Molson trying to see if there’s anything good to read…

As mentioned one of my favourite memories is coming in after the girls woke from their nap – every day it was as if they were so shocked and thrilled that I came to get them. It was fun to watch Pierce in his crib with a similar expression!

And bath time!!! (Surprised to see Molson had to check out what’s going on?)

Graeme and Julie it was so great to see you again – and congratulations on Pierce. You are obviously doing a great job parenting as this is one of the happiest babies I’ve ever met!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Kate was in Blair and Andrea’s wedding a couple years ago – what a fun day that was! Now, Kate is a mom to little Thomas and it was great to reconnect and meet her boys – her husband, Matt and baby Thomas. It rained all day when we did photos (just like Blair and Andrea’s wedding all over again) but their home still offered lots of great nooks for photos! My style of photography is documenting your baby and your life… I don’t use a lot of props or backdrops instead when you look back at the photos I want you to remember how you would cuddle up on the couch with your baby, or swing together, or snuggle up and hold him… real life.

Thomas is so sweet!

Are they singing or yawning together do you think?

I loved their back yard and this great overhang covered in plants!

But Thomas isn’t their firstborn… look who’s peeking in.

Don’t worry – still getting lots of love and attention!

Thomas I think knew he was being photographed – but had to peek….

I’ll leave you with these – Thomas rocking out on his bedroom carpet. He had such a great room!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

I met Stephen and Stephanie four years ago when Stephen was a groomsmen at Chris and Arlene’s wedding. Three years ago I had the pleasure of photographing Stephen and Stephanie just for fun before they were engaged. And so I was really looking forward to seeing them again and documenting their wedding day!

Stephen and Stephanie’s wedding day was on that gorgeous weekend we had over Thanksgiving – and was filled with tears, laughter, and a whole lot of joy. An absolute beautiful day!

While I started with the girls, Eva (from Eva Derrick Photography) started over with the guys. And in case you wonder how guys manage to get ready without women there to help, enter Google and Youtube.

Stephen looks so happy!!

The guy’s headed over to check out the ceremony location. Can I just say… Discovery Landing in Burlington is a gorgeous spot for ceremonies! Would definitely recommend it!

Meanwhile back over with the ladies… was one very laid back Stephanie. I think she helped everyone else with makeup, dresses, flowers and such before even thinking about getting dressed herself. She was so calm.

Stephen and Stephanie’s nieces and nephews were in the wedding party – so sweet.

And it’s time for the bride to get ready!

I love how everyone is helping!

Mom is finding it a bit emotional though… weddings are such a mix of emotions for all involved!

There is a whole series of beautiful moments here. I love Stephanie’s caring, touching response to her mom.

Stephen’s mom lent Stephanie her pearls to wear. SUch a beautiful gesture!

Her dad beamed so much when he saw his little girl… I cried.

FInishing touches…

Just beautiful.

Stephanie had these hilarious gloves from her Bachelorette. She had told the girls (many, many times apparently) that when she was a kid she wanted the gloves that went over the one finger like this for her wedding. She thought it would be hilarious to wear them – watch for them to make an appearance later…

Show time! Going to the chapel…

Such a great spot for a ceremony! And the ringbearer and flower girl charmed us all!

I love Stephanie’s wave to Stephen as she enters.

I was standing over behind Stephanie’s mom – and caught this glance to mom right before Stephanie goes to say her “I Do’s”

Remember I said these would make an appearance? Everyone cracked up when Stephanie took off her white gloves to reveal these! GREAT ice breaker!

The ceremony was such a mix of laughter and tears. A very personalized service – I may have even cried (for the second time that day already!). I loved how Stephen was ready with hanky for Stephanie.

I was at the front and couldn’t sneak out to get a photo form outside, but glad Eva could interpet my sign language and scooted out to get the ceremony from outside!

Stephanie is so full of spunk – and Stephen just laughs along at everything. Love it!

Stephen stopped on the way out to give mom some love. Way too sweet.

Stepping outside on this gorgeous day and…. more laughs! (love these two)

An absolutely beautiful Fall day for photos!

Kids will be kids!

This light was a gift. Beautiful.

Stephanie dad drove them in his vintage car.

Then we scooted off to the park where Stephen had proposed to Stephanie.

The reception was at the Burlington Art Gallery and Stephanie started off the evening by giving Stephen a huge surprise and singing to him!

Receptions and speeches also are a mix of emotions from the big laughs to the tears in a matter of moments.

Stephen and Stephanie – thank you for an amazing day and trust you are having an unbelievable time in the Maldives!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

One of my favourite things to photograph are Smiling Eyes sessions. These sessions are a free gift for anyone journeying through cancer. Obviously, I wish there were no Smiling Eyes sessions at all… I hate cancer as much as the next person… but until the day we can say “good riddance” to it, I love to be able to offer these as a very small gift from me for those who fight the big “C” word.

At first, I thought about not telling you Tamara is battling cancer right now. This session could pass as an engagement session the way these two laugh and beam at each other… but at the same time we need to be aware that cancer comes in all forms. Even to healthy, young, beautiful women like Tamara. And she is so beautiful. With her twinkling eyes and easy laugh. It was so great to meet her and her husband Casey when they came out to my house last weekend for their session.

Tamara and Casey it was so great to meet you both! And your dog – who could be a model!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Many moons ago I went to school with Joanna – through Facebook we were able to reconnect. I was thrilled to meet her husband, Al and son, Liam last week to do their family photos on one of our many gorgeous Fall days recently!

I mean… let’s just pause for a second and look at how absolutely adorable Liam is!!

I love how Liam and Joanna are both just beaming here!

Getting an 18month old to look at the camera can be tricky – but this friend hopped up and offered to sit on the end of my lens so Liam would look!

It worked!

Joanna and Al just look so happy!

And then down to Lake Ontario!

It was an honour to meet and document your beautiful family, Joanna!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

I have been really looking forward to tonight’s photo session.. and nervous. Nervous because it was for Madison’s teacher and his family… but excited because I knew they’re a really fun family. I mean check this video out of her teacher at the Spirit Rally last week. So fun.

They came out to our place and it was a perfect evening to explore around and have some fun. ENjoy the pictures of sweet little Noah and Keira and their parents.

I love when kids are still little enough they have to reach up to hold your hand. So sweet.

Love the typical brother reaction to getting kisses from your sister.

I’ll sign off with one of my fave photos…

Celebrating life and love,

Krista