The weather was touch and go for a bit this weekend, for Daniela and Mike’s wedding at Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake.  It could have been a tornado, or a blizzard - as nothing would have stopped this wedding from being perfect. 

Krista and I had such a great day shooting their wedding.  It was such a treat to take in all the scenery, all the great details of the event, and see all the people so happy to witness Daniela and Mike’s special day.  We really have the best job on the planet to be able to be a part of our client’s important events.

This one was extra special - as Daniela is a close friend of mine, and co-worker.  When she got engaged, I had to shoot this wedding.  They are a gorgeous couple - don’t you think?  I was going through their pictures today, looking at a few sneak peaks to edit for them, and as I was scrolling through I found a shot of Mike, holding their son Brandon as he first saw Daniela at the end of the aisle.  The smile on his face was so warming - and you could tell by his eyes that to him, there was no one else around.  Then, I scrolled to the next picture (which Krista had taken at the exact same time) and it was of Daniela, with her Dad, and her first glance at Mike and baby Brandon.  I don’t think I have ever seen Daniela’s eyes so bright, and her smile so genuine…..I think they were both holding back a tear or two.  I can admit - just seeing them on my computer screen got me a little choked up!

Thank you so much guys, for including us in your special day.  We will never forget what an awesome day it was.  Congrats to you both, and we can’t wait to see you soon!

Jasmine Star (http://www.jasminestarblog.com/), one of the top 10 wedding photogs in the world, prides herself in “keeping it real”.  Her blogs, and tweets, etc are not just about her photography - but sometimes about her dogs, or her kick boxing classes, etc.  She blogs about her life. 

It got me thinking.  Should my blog be just about photography, William Ainsley Photography the business, or about anything and everything? 

Well, you won’t be seeing any updates about my kickboxing classes…not that I have anything against kickboxing aerobics….I just don’t do it.  But I thought to myself, …what are you buying?  When reading this blog - what are people looking for out of me, and out of their research on my site?  What do you want to know? 

Yes, the pictures are important.  However, I think that when you are looking for a photographer - you are looking for someone you can relate to.  Someone that you want to spend your wedding day with, or someone that you want in your house taking your portrait.  With that being said, it is important that I “keep it real” on my blog too!  You gotta find out more about me, before you want to hire me!  Who knows, my HATRED for kidney beans just might be the deal breaker!

The other great thing about opening these blog posts up to more options, (aside from the greater frequency of random information from my life), it allows you to watch me grow creatively, and hopefully as a person as well.  I watched a video today where the speaker was a very successful published writer - and spoke about the constant fear that creative individuals have when worrying about not doing as well as their last success.  She mentioned something to the tune of “My best work is behind me” as the wrong way to think. 

Of course, as a very proud father - my best work is already created.  However, providing for them, teaching them, guiding them….and more importantly, realizing that they are watching me - is always the work in progress.  It is the best gig!

Creatively- my best work is in front of me.  I guarantee it.  I am sure Jasmine felt the same way.

Until next post - I am off to kickboxing class!  (100% kidding).  But first, what do you think of this shot (below)?

Time flies!  It has already been a month since the gorgeous wedding of Deanna and Michael.  Happy 1 month anniversary guys!

Deanna and Michael contacted me through the great people at Bliss Events, who coordinated their wedding for them.  (Check out Bliss Events at www.blissevents.ca!  They do great stuff!)  Deanna and Michael had found me by checking out some baby pictures that I did for a coworker of his, and wanted to check me out.  (The baby is actually the picture that is at the top of my blog, the one with the tounge sticking out.  So cute!  Hi Ainsley (and Jaime and Kyle)!)

We met last year, and had a great engagement session at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto.  I must say - it will be hard to find a nicer couple than Deanna and Michael.  They are great people, and we were so honoured to be able to shoot their day.  I look forward to keeping in touch with them as they continue their lives together.

So, without further adue, check out some of the snaps from their special day at the Estates of Sunnybrook!

WOW - I apologize for the lack of posts.  It is officially my mission to do more updates, I promise!

Thursday night, I had a great client consultation with two best friends, Dorthy and Diana.  We had been trying to get together for sometime, and it was so great to finally meet them both!

How great is it that two best friends, are sharing their wedding planning?  I think it is awesome, as they have literally grown up together since they were little - that it is only natural that they share the same taste in the details of their special day.  As I spoke to them, both of their days (one in September and one in May ‘10) look like they are going to be extra special, and gorgeous.  They are both going to be beautiful brides!

One thing hit me during the consultation though, that I thought it was important to share.  It was a little bit eye opening for me.  I was asked “So what do you love about photography?”  WOW, I don’t think I have ever been asked that - and worse - I don’t think I have ever communicated it to anyone, especially myself!  Luckily, my most natural answer and quick response was “Catching the moments”.

Now doesn’t that sound like a scripted Sunday School answer, eh?  I promise you it was not - that is why I am so impressed with the question.  I have never given much thought to why I love photography….I just loved it.  Sure, I love the pursuit of the great picture, or I love learning about new techniques and gear, and I also love (REALLY LOVE) the interaction with my clients/friends.  But most of all, it is the moments.  The feeling that you get when you can look at the back of the camera and see a genuine laugh, or cry, or that look in someone’s eyes when they are totally in love.  It is the best part.  Catching the moments. 

I get chills when I think that potentially my pictures could be locking memories.  A couple could look back on their wedding day, or their newborn and get all the same feeling that they had on that day.  That it could possibly inspire them to relive that moment, and happiness, and love.  That is the best part - catching moments. 

So a big shout out to Diana, who got me thinking these past few days.  Do I love photography?  Yes, of course - but that is just a mechanical process….I love the feelings that I get, and can give, by catching moments. 

To your future moments,

Adam