Happy Tuesday,

I’m not sure whether the timing of this post is perfect or cruel, to be honest I’m torn? It’s April second, and in my neck of the woods, we woke up to freshly fallen snow…non-plused. And on this unseasonably inclement day we had planned to share our Florida vacation photos. Can you get vitamin D through a computer screen, or is that just as ridiculous as Google Nose – Googles April Fools Day joke, a scented search engine? If you are prone to wishful thinking – a glass half full kind of person – this is just what the doctor ordered.

Why Florida you may ask, after all isn’t NYC Winding Violets recurrent get away destination? Melissa has a very strong emotional connection to Florida. A lot of her best childhood memories were formed in the Florida sun, a perennial vacation spot for her family. The imagination, innovation, and magic of  Walt Disney’s legacy is forever etched on that girls heart and mind. I think Belle is held in equal esteem to Batman in our household, and is where her nickname Lissabelle comes from – does that make me the Beast?

Having said that, we didn’t visit Disney this time around, but spent most of our time in South of Florida. But I am told just seeing and smelling the Atlantic Ocean in Florida is enough to lift her spirits for weeks. Being such a Gotham hound, I am natural suspicious of tropical places and Florida is no exception. Melissa has always longed for me to share this part of her heart – her love for Florida. That’s when she found Vizcaya.

Vizcaya (prononuced viz-kye-a) is an estate that was built in the 1910s by James Deering. It’s Architecture is Italian Renaissance, and is America’s answer to Versailles – at least in my mind. This is the kind of place you can’t imagine actually having been someone’s home. I found it so inspirational I insisted we take the 3 hour drive twice to spend more time on the grounds. And I’m happy to say that there is now a home for my heart in Florida too – Vizcaya.

Bon Appétit,

The Violets

* You may have a keen enough eye to notice that these images look a little different that our usually brood. That’s because they were photographed on a very special camera and on film, if you can remember what that is. For Christmas this year Melissa bought me a camera I have been wanting for years, a Contax 645 medium format film camera. Because we take photographs for a living – which I absolutely love, so don’t get me wrong – it can be difficult to pick up our work gear and capture meaningful imagery of ourselves and our big life moments.

My answer to that was switching the tool. Instead of having that immediate gratification of a digital camera, we went the film route. We had to wait weeks to get our film back from the lab. That anticipation makes the images all the more dear and magical  to us. It was a pleasure to photograph Vizcaya Florida on film. A family treasure to keep for years to come.

Happy Tuesday,

As you may have seen Winding Violets styled and photographed a wedding editorial for Kingston Life Weddings Magazine. One of our photos even made the cover. How cool is that? As I understand, this was also the best selling issue to date. And we have two lovely, driven, and forward thinking people to thank for that, the former Editor of Kingston Life Weddings Jane Deacon & current Art Director Wendy Treverton. We would also like to express a special thank you to Susan Meisner & Tom Brown the owners and architects of the finest of all Wedding Venues in Kingston Ontario, Spindle Tree Gardens. And who can forget our wonderful models Lisa & Luke Heney aka Lily & Archibald. Thank you both for playing a “key” role in this shoot. Four years ago Melissa and I were married in this very spot, we hope you love looking at it as much as we do. Featured below is the cover of Kingston Life Weddings 2013.

So what does it mean to stylize and editorial anyway? Basically stylizing means that you are in charge of the editorial concept: the who, what, where, when, and why. If Winding Violets was going to plan a wedding, this is what it would look like. When we were coming up with our concept I came across a copy of Frances Burrnett’s classic novel, “The Secret Garden.” I spent a few dewy summer mornings sitting in my backyard drinking coffee and taking in Burrnett’s tale. I was immediately struck by the idea of a forgotten and hidden garden, a sanctuary, a lost paradise…a secret garden wedding. After sharing my vision with Melissa, she immediately suggested we shoot at one of the most beautiful Wedding Venues in Kingston Ontario, Spindle Tree Gardens. For weeks we sourced tea cups, antique keys and locks, tables, typewriters (what the novel would have been written on), the suit, and of course that gorgeous Ines DiSanto couture gown: the Lissome. The idea was to tie in as many artifacts from the novel into the stylizing of the wedding. The result, a “Secret Garden Wedding.”

Bon Appétit,

The Violets

All in the Details: Published by Kingston Life Weddings Magazine, Wedding Venues in Kingston Ontario – Spindle Tree Gardens, Lissome gown contributed by Ines DiSanto, men’s suit contributed by Chris James, all floral arrangements & chair swags by L.S.P. Designs, All stationary (invites, escort cards, guest book, & menus) designed and pressed by Everlovin’ Press, Badgley Mischka shoes contributed by Cybil Scott, Cake design by Rebekah Jeffries, Earrings contributed by Sterling, hair by Liz Amorim at Echo, Make-up by Jazlyn Stoness.

Bonjour mon ami,

And happy Tuesday. Spring is in the air, even though there is 6 inches of snow on the ground. And you know what that means…another wedding season is upon us. This year we are starting the season off with something special. As many of you may already know, a new wedding dress shop opened up in the neighbourhood. Michelle Pilon is the owner of a stunning little wedding dress boutique in downtown, Kingston. Yep you guessed it, Lovebird Bridal Boutique. Winding Violets and Lovebird Bridal Boutique are teaming up for the first time ever. On Saturday March 23rd, meet us down at Lovebird to receive a beautiful photograph of your engagement ring to show off on Facebook – compliments of Winding Violets and Lovebird. This is our way of welcoming Michelle to the neighborhood, so please show your support and come on down. Even if he hasn’t “put a ring on it.”

In the meantime here are a few bridal portraits that we made in Lovebird Bridal Boutique last week. These photos show case a few of the dresses Michelle currently carries, but there are many more to try on I assure you.  A big thanks to our model Sarah Trottier. This shoot was initally intended as a “screen test” for an upcoming editorial we are styling and shooting. But the photographs turned out too nicely not to share. Hope you enjoy. We’ll see you on Saturday, March 23rd at Lovebird Bridal Boutique – 172 Ontario Street. We’ll be shooting from 10am – 4pm.

Bon Appétit,

The Violets

Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas Eve and lovely Christmas morning. We woke up to a gorgeous bed of freshly fallen snow – a White Christmas. There’s nothing quite like a blanket of pure fallen powder on Christmas Day to instill a spirit of  hope and magic in this season of renewal. I believe they call that kismet.

Melissa and I are certainly looking forward to 2013, we’ve been working hard  making deep changes to Winding Violets and also in our personal lives. The best changes are hardest, extremely sensitive to undergo, and come from deep with in yourself. Because Winding Violets is such a large part of our hearts, this renewal is sure to reflect through it. Hopefully some of it will shine on some of you and inspire you to live more fully from your own heart.

A big congratulations to all the newly engaged couples out there reading this. I can’t imagine a more perfect Christmas Day to get engaged on; saving that of 2008 when I proposed to Melissa in Bryan Park in NYC, perhaps I’m a bit bias? We’re signing off here for 2012, and going to grab some turkey. Merry Christmas from us to you!

The Violets

FIN

Good morning Everyone,

Fall is in the air, and while I am sad to see summer go autumn is by far my favorite season of all. We are saying goodbye to the humidity and hello to fresh fall air; we are putting our shorts and t-shirts aside and putting on our beautiful sweaters, jackets, and shoes; the green verdure gives way to amazing autumn tones and foliage; and my personal favorite, the golden iridescent light of sunrise and sundown! We have lots of fun stuff in store for the blog in the upcoming weeks, including an amazing editorial that features a couture Ines DiSanto gown, a gorgeous couple, and an absolutely stunning location!

This morning we have a beautiful rustic wedding that took place against the lovely backdrop of Prince Edward County. Photographing Prince Edward County weddings is such a treat; for all of you 2013 couples out there make sure you don’t overlook this gem when planning your big day. Charlsie & Andrew selected the always gorgeous and stylish Fields on West Lake. Congratulations you two love birds, we loved spending the day with you and have been looking forward to sharing your beautiful wedding with our amazing audience, that’s you! Hope you enjoy.

Bon Appétit,

The Violets

FIN

Happy Tuesday!

Fort Henry weddings, you’ve got to love them and this was one for the books. Catherine’s gown was simply gorgeous. The jeweled belt was an addition that her mother made by hand, a beautiful accent to the gown. Most of my brides already know this, but I’m a sucker for big dramatic veils; they can really add motion, softness, and a sense of drama to photographs – love it! Matt had his suit made custom, from the fabric right down to the cut, and it fit him like a dream: now that’s a suit fellas. Also, I love that the classic tux, replete with bow tie is making a come back…classic. Needless to say, these two were a dream to photograph. Congratulations Catherine and Matt; thank you for inviting us into your very special day.

Bon appétit,

The Violets

FIN

Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone is getting out in the sun and enjoying these beautiful summer evenings we’ve been having. We set a Winding Violets record this month: eight weddings in three weeks! We are just blown away by positive response Winding Violets has been receiving; we feel truly blessed. Over the past three weeks we have shot at the Senior Staff Mess at R.M.C. twice, Renaissance Wedding Venue twice, Fields on West Lake & Waupoos Winery, both in beautiful Prince Edward County. Melissa and I are so fortunate to be able to spend our days amidst of so much love, romance, and excitement. Every morning before photographing a wedding Melissa and I have a little ritual. We visit the Starbucks nearest us, for our quick little caffeine fix, and take a walk along the Kingston Waterfront. During the walk we always start our conversation by telling ourselves aloud, “this is someone’s very special day.” As we walk and talk, we remind ourselves of what is unique about our couple and the plans they have for their day. The reason for this is that, as soon as we pick up our cameras, and enter start telling a wedding story photographically, we want to feeling the love and excitement right along with our couples…just through our cameras. I can’t emphasize enough the positive impact this has had on our photographs, and what a well-spring of positive energy it brings with it.

Hot off the press today, we have an engagement session at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto Ontario. I have spoken of this once before, but it’s worth repeating, you haven’t seen the beauty of Toronto until you’ve seen it from the Toronto Harbour. I used to be one of those skeptics that had a hard time seeing the beauty in “The Big Smoke,” but I’m definitely a convert…what a view! I would have loved to show off the Royal Canadian Yacht Club building in these photos, the Yacht Club itself is a lovely piece of architecture; however, there was a 300 person Western themed party dominating the front lawn and veranda. I believe I even spotted, amongst the many sheriff costumes, someone dressed as a horses ass. Must have been a fun party, but not the most desirable backdrop. No matter, the property itself provided us with lots of lovely options and I think we made off with some lovely imagery. I’ve spent some time getting to know Andrea and Fraser, and they were even kind enough to invite into their beautiful home in the Annex, what great people. Andrea and Fraser it was an absolute pleasure working with you, and I’m so looking forward to capturing your wedding day. Congratulations on your engagement!

Bon Appétit,

The Violets

FIN

Happy Wednesday,

WOW! Five weddings in two weeks. We’ve been absolutely run off of our feet so far this summer. Melissa and I couldn’t be more pleased with the reception and love Winding Violets has been receiving, keep it coming. A big thanks to all of our beautiful brides and grooms of 2012, and all the interest from the future brides and grooms of 2013 and even 2014! Melissa and I were able to take a few personal days to reflect and decompress. We spent one on Wolfe Island, enjoying a beautiful view of the Kingston waterfront over a few bevy’s and dinner…what a lovely evening. The other day was spent cooped up in a movie theatre watching the Katy Perry documentary, “Part Of Me.” She’s been a big inspiration to us, over the past little while. Her message of inspiration, individuality, being authentically you, and even embracing “your personal weirdness” is incredibly spiritually uplifting. If you haven’t been to see the film yet, you may be saying to yourself: “isn’t she the ‘I kissed a girl and I liked it” chick?” Well yes, but she has much more to offer than provocative song lyrics and stage appeal. “Firework,” “I’m Wide Awake,” “Part of Me,” “E.T.” & “Who Am I Living For” are chalked full of beautiful messages and inspiration. I’ll let you go see the flick for yourselves though.

Today we have an absolute stunner for you. Weddings at Fort Henry are one of the reasons I love being a Kingston Wedding Photographer. Where else can you have a wedding in a military fort built for The War of 1812? Sarah and Ruan designed a gorgeous shabby chic wedding held at Kingston’s historic Fort Henry. The light, feminine, and suggestively french aesthetic, contrasted beautifully against the hard and markedly masculine feel of the 19th century military fortress. Their table dressings, center pieces, floral arrangements, and vintage touches were right up our alley. The actual ceremony took place at the backside of Fort Henry over looking Lake Ontario…what a gorgeous vista! Congratulations Sarah and Ruan, your day was a dream to photograph, you really out did yourselves…love it!

Bon Appétit,

The Violets

FIN

All the deets: Sarah’s gorgeous lace gown is by Pronovias. All the beautiful floral arrangements and bouquets are by Leanne Parcher at L.S.P. Designs. Shoes by the fashion icons, Badgley Mischka. Rings from TresOres, in collaboration with the imagination of Ruan Hall. That deliciously pretty wedding cake is by Krista Veryzer of Cakes by Krista. Wedding Venue, the historic Fort Henry in Kingston Ontario. Event styled by the newly married and talented Ruan & Sarah Hall.

* for more information on any of the specific vendors featured in this editorial, simply click the business name. All links are active! 

Happy Tuesday,

We’ve been busy, busy, busy, and have so many lovely things to share: two stunning weddings at historic Fort Henry, right here in Kingston, and an engagement session at The Royal Canadian Yacht Club on Toronto Island. Of course there is much more, and we would love to share everything with you, but unfortunately there are only 52 Tuesday’s in the year. This morning we have a glimpse into a recent boudoir session with Ms. S. This girl was a dream to work with and talk about gorgeous! Ms. S was recently married and surprised her hubby with these images on their wedding day, an idea that is gaining a lot of momentum these days. Needless to say, he was over the moon for them. We hope you’ll enjoy them as well. Leave some love.

Bon Appétit,

The Violets

FIN

Kingston Boudoir Photography