a willow tree and two of my beautiful cousins

Long before I had my DLSR and clients, I had my mom's old Nikon camera and my family members. I've been talking my cousins into posing for me for as long as I can remember.

Over the last few years, I've had this thing about photographing my cousins by the willow tree at their cottage. I guess it's part of my obsession to document time and change, and it's partly a way of keeping a memory of the little time I get to spend with them.

Deanna is 16 and so carefree and vivacious. Her smile about 1000 watts, and her laugh is contagious. My youngest cousin, she has been asking me since she was a teeny little kid if she could be my flower girl one day. Next spring, just after her 17th birthday, she'll be walking down the aisle ahead of me.

Elise is 21, an accomplished dancer, and a girl so smart she would be majoring in about 6 programs at Western (my alma mater) if they'd let her. She may look serene, but she is constantly buzzing with energy and her ambition is pretty much coming out of her pores. Also, she has the best hair in the world.

our engagment photos by my family

Having our engagement photos taken was such a wonderful moment that I know I will remember always. Not because I love posing for pictures but it was so memorable and comfortable to have the photos done by my entire family.

My mom — the master photographer with effortless, organic style who has taught me so much about photography and, you know, life —was the primary shooter. My brothers, Jon and Jeremy were second shooting, getting the side angles and the candid shots. All the while, my dad carting us to the various locations in his giant pick-up truck and patiently waiting while we did the photos. My dad is actually an excellent photographer too, but he was happy to play chauffeur that day.

For someone who detests posing for pictures or being the focus of attention, Brian was uncharacteristically cooperative. I actually think he enjoyed the experience.

My mom and Brian came up with the idea of using an antique car show as our setting, as our wedding has a late-50s theme. Luckily, there is a weekly car show right on the sands of Sauble Beach, Ontario, which is only a 20 minute drive from my parents' house. We got lucky with the beautiful, golden evening sun, but the humidity was intense, and my best laid plans for makeup and hair were quickly melted away.

None of these photos (except the black and white) have been touched by Lightroom or Photoshop. I wanted to do justice to the awesome, straight-out-of-camera work done by my mom and bros.

Okay folks, here's a whole lot of photos: 
























 
























The next day was rainy and gray, but we decided to drive up the Peninsula the rugged shores of Georgian Bay by Emmett Lake. I was introduced to this location by my friend Lindsay, who has a cottage in the area as well. I love the giant slabs of rock that jut out into the turquoise water.









I am so full of love for Brian and for my family. Things get so busy, so being home for a full week and having the glorious luxuries of time and beautiful weather was just perfect.