Wednesday, December 28, 2011

a year in review....and what a year it's been...


"it's good to have an end to the journey, but it's the journey that matters in the end."
Ursula K LeGuin

There are so many moments in my life where I just pause and say...'freeze, stop and feel how amazing this is.' It's part of why I am so passionate about photography, especially photographing people and special moments in their life. I feel like a historian, land marking peoples lives. 
As this year comes to a close, and another new year begins, full of life, love, possibility and sometimes sorrow, I say thank you to everyone for letting me be apart of your incredible journey. My family, friends and all those amazing people who allow me to peek into the most intimate parts of their lives and make me feel like I'm home while I capture their story.
Have a safe, happy new years and here is a bit of history from 2011.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

merry christmas...and the photo session goes to........

I have received many letters. So many beautiful, warm, heartfelt letters from a lot of kind, giving, inspirational people. It was ridiculously hard to pick just one, but I did and it was this letter that made
me pick the Connolley family:


I’m not sure where to begin with my explanation of the family I believe deserves this beautiful gift. 
The Connolly family has been an integral part of my life since before I was born.  Heather (whom I affectionately refer to at Mom#2) has been best friends with my Mom for over 25 years.  Together with her husband Tim, Heather had two beautiful children Sarah and Shauna who I played with as a child, and would grow to call each two of my very best friends.  The Connolly household was always one of fun and fanfare; with a beautiful back yard and a keen knack for entertaining, summer and wintertime get togethers alike were always spent at the Connolly’s.  And I’m not just talking my family, The Connolly’s opened their home to anyone of their girls friends; I’m sure Sarah and Shauna’s friends shared more secrets and tears with Heather and Tim than they did to their own families!!  The Connolly’s house felt like home to anyone who stepped foot in the front door.  What's more is that their continued love and acceptance of all was never at a cost to the close relationships and bonds fostered between each of them in the immediate family; from a skinned knee to a broken heart, The Connolly family came together to support each other, and somehow lift the pain away.

Less than 12 months ago, Tim was diagnosed with Cancer.  At first it appeared as a small shadow on his Liver which they immediately identified as a tumor, then to all of our relief, the doctors remitted their diagnosis and claimed the shadow to be mere blood vessels; however this relief did not last long, it was shortly thereafter that the Doctors realized their mistake, and the Chemo Therapy began. 
To anyone that has had a loved one battle cancer, and seen the results of how Chemo Therapy truly assaults your body…you can only imagine how this affected their lives.  But in true Connolly fashion, the family turned inwards, and supported each other and Tim on every step of this journey. 

As of today, the tumor has shrunk enough and Tim will soon be added to the Liver Transplant list. All positive things, but still not a cure.
The hard reality of this situation is that Tim doesn’t have an unlimited amount of time to watch his new Grandson (Evan Timothy born October 2011) grow.  And his loving and amazing family do not have an unlimited amount of time to spend with Tim.  This is why today I am submitting The Connolly family as candidates for your amazing gift.  I have experienced firsthand the beauty that is your photography; I have experienced the fun involved spending a few hours with you capturing still beauty.  I want them to have not only the gift of these beautiful photographs that can be looked back on for years to come; but also the gift of the memories that will be created in their minds spending a day of smiles, with you on the other side of a lens.

I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays!!
Much love and I’ll talk to you soon.
Courtney xo

I am so excited to meet this family and capture some precious memories. Thank you so much Courtney
for your beautiful letter. Courtney and Jen are getting married in August and here is a photo of her from their engagement session.
Have a wonderful holiday everyone :)




Tuesday, December 20, 2011

bridal lounge gift certificates

Hey everyone, I still have lots of gift certificates available for anyone looking for a present that definitely keeps on giving. The parents and grandparents eat them right up. Also great for maternity, baby and boudoir sessions ( a win-win for all you gentlemen out there)! You can use them anytime, in any season, for any amount of time. Just send me an email and I will make sure I get it to you to put under the tree for that special someone on Christmas morning!


Click here to check out my Christmas special that is on right now!

Five more sleeps:)


Monday, December 12, 2011

christmas session giveaway

  We are all doing it. Running around like maniacs trying to create the perfect tree, the perfect present, attending parties, christmas concerts, cleaning, shopping, writing, wrapping....and on and on it goes. It is all apart of what is important to the holiday season....but what is the thing we cherish the most? The thing that is the greatest gift, the reason we even celebrate at all. Birth, life... family.
  So, in the spirit of the season, I would like to give away a family photo session to a family that you all think deserves it, wants it....needs it. Just write me an e-mail, leave a comment on the blog or the
Bridal Lounge fan page and nominate a family you thing should have this session and why. I will choose and post the winner on December 23rd in time for Christmas. I look forward to hearing from you.  :)




Monday, December 5, 2011

bridal lounge christmas special




All you gift givers out there who are just plum stuck on what to give that certain someone,
look no further....here is the gift they want, especially mom!!


$200 (+hst)
 gift session includes:
*an hour photo shoot at an outdoor location(up to 12 people)
*edited digital negatives in colour and black and white on a disc to keep
*a proof book of 4"6's in colour
( a $300 value)


If you would like to get your mittens on this deal just send me an e-mail and
I will get a gift certificate to you right away!
Here's a peek at some of my fabulous families from this year. hoho!