After graduating from the Photography program at NBCCD I started out in business as a fine art and commercial photographer. I loved photography but really hadn’t found my passion in the field until I began planning my own wedding. It was 2006 and a more candid and real style of wedding photography was beginning to emerge. I was instantly hooked and began building my business. I’ve been a full-time wedding photographer since 2008 and this year will mark my 150th wedding.

What makes your work unique?  Why should couples hire you?

My clients hire me because they want real moments and genuine memories captured without sacrificing gorgeous portraits and details. I shoot the wedding collection I would want to have. I strike a balance between photojournalism and natural, guided portraiture all through the wedding day. Real moments are never faked and posed moments are never stiff and forced! What attracts most clients to me is that mix. Oh and I’m quite a bit of fun as well. At least my husband says so.

What is your ideal client like?

My ideal client is a couple who has seen my work and wants to set me free and trust me to do what I do. I don’t care if your wedding is super-formal or super-casual. One guest, 300 guests…none of that matters to me. I don’t care if you have a huge budget or a backyard budget. As long as you see yourself in my work and you’re on board for the process, you’re my couple. Most often my clients are pretty relaxed and fun people. Many are nervous in front of the camera and don’t realize just how amazing they are going to look on their wedding day. I love shooting couples who end up shocked that the gorgeous people in the pictures are actually them!

How do you describe your shooting style? Are you laid back or aggressive? Do you tell the whole story of the day?

On a wedding day, my job is to observe and react to every situation with empathy. I become more or less involved depending on what my clients need. Some moments during a wedding day require leadership and direction and some require that I fade into the background and let a natural moment unfold. The best ability I have as a wedding photographer is reading those situations and acting accordingly. Wedding days can get very emotional! I’m never going to leave a client in stress or worry if I can step up and fix an issue. I’ve been known to take brides away for fake “photoshoots” to give them a break if events get overwhelming. I’m equally known for getting ninja invisible and letting great moments unfold. I once spent about ten minutes under an ironing board to get a great Dad shot. I have zero pride in pursuit of a moment!

How do you make Brides and Grooms feel relaxed in front of the camera?

I’ll do pretty much anything it takes. I’ve danced before. It’s not pretty. For the most part, I keep clients laughing, talking, interacting…most clients get over their nerves in a few minutes. If a client is especially nervous I’ll show them a few images from the back of my camera to show this just how amazing they are looking!

What trends when it comes to wedding photography are you seeing among Maritime couples lately?

My couples are planning more individualistic days and throwing the notion of “rules” out the window. More couples are opting for cocktail party receptions, food trucks, fireworks… the celebration factor is getting ramped up! One trend I’m really loving is that more grooms are getting involved in the wedding planning process! I love an involved groom! When the concept that a wedding is “just for the bride” gets thrown out the window a wedding day truly becomes a true celebration of a couple. I mean, assuming there is a groom. Which I don’t!

What is your favorite thing about weddings in The Maritimes?

It may sound cliche but it’s only because it’s true! Maritime weddings are all about warmth and hospitality. There’s rarely a wedding where three people don’t make sure I’ve eaten enough! Maritime weddings are full of family, friends, and rollicking good times. We also have some amazing scenery in The Maritimes! We have it all! The water, the fields, the woods… we are truly spoiled with splendor!

Which wedding venues in The Maritimes do you love and why?

Oh Man! Different places for different reasons!

I love The Algonquin for a destination wedding feeling close to home!

The Homestead is a great venue for a laid-back and relaxed day. It has all-in-one convenience for your ceremony and reception and endless photo options without leaving the property!

Kingswood Lodge is a Fredericton classic. It’s warm and inviting and the staff is amazing! I’m a little partial as we held our wedding reception there! And the light in the reception room is soooo good!

If you’re looking for an upscale ballroom style wedding you cannot go wrong with The Delta! And plus side, their food is soooo good!

What tips or advice can you give to couples who are looking to book their wedding photographer?

Really do your work identifying the style you love before you start contacting photographers. Choose someone who is already doing exactly what you want. Don’t try and change a photographer to fit your vision. It’s not fair to either of you! Make sure your personalities click. My clients book me from 24-8 months in advance. That’s a lot of time to put up with someone you don’t enjoy. A wedding photographer should be making your life easier and more funner! ( yes, that’s a word!) Make sure you look very carefully at images. Don’t just look at one or two posed images on a Facebook page. Really dig in there. What do images look like in a dim church? What do images from the reception and dance look like? Anyone can shoot a nice image on an overcast day. Do your homework! Check out whole blog posts! Ask to see whole delivered wedding if you’re not satisfied. I blog A LOT of images from weddings so prospective clients know exactly what they are getting!

Set your photography budget early. And book as soon as you know your date and have your venue booked. Most good photographers are in demand and popular dates go early! If you enjoy a photographers work and you know people who have used them, don’t be afraid to ask about their experience. A lot of qualities that are important in a wedding photographer aren’t immediately visible in photos. Were they patient with their crazy Nana? Did they laugh when the bridesmaid turned them into the Stinky Photo lady to make the kids smile ( yeah that just happened this past Saturday and if it works I’m all good! )

Meet your photographer if possible! Do they seem passionate about their work? Are they confident and comfortable answering your questions or do they seem very jinky and desperate for your business? Wow. That’s a lot of tips haha. I can only shoot one wedding at a time but I really love seeing couples find the right photographer for them, even if it’s not me!

Quick! Give us an answer for our lightning round questions…

Favorite wedding flower?

Phew, an easy one! Ranunculus! They look delicate and are very full but they actually hold up really well to the rigors of a wedding day!

Favorite first dance song you’ve heard?

The Beatles “In My Life” sung by Johnny Cash. Holy Gee! I lost it big time. Thank goodness I’ve perfected the one-eyed squinty crying shooting stance!

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