We arrived at Monika’s parent’s home Saturday a little before noon, to spend some time with Monika, as she prepared for the day and practiced her vows. Her mother placed a very special locket on Monika’s bouquet, then headed downstairs to help her put on her dress. She was the picture perfect bride.







Before Monika left the house, she opened her gift from Chris. It was a photograph of the two of them in a gorgeous frame with the words “walk through life hand in hand” on the front. Could that be the last line of his vows? We would all soon find out.

We traveled to The Gibson Centre in Alliston, ON to meet up with Chris and the guys. He shared his vows, and wouldn’t you know it, the last sentence was the one on Monika’s gift!! How sweet! He, then, opened his gift from Monika. A brilliant book authored by the bride herself entitled “Ten Million Reasons Why I Love You.”



Chris + Monika had an intimate ceremony officiated by the youth pastor from our home church, Harvest Bible Chapel in Barrie, where we all attend. The service included a powerful, Christ-centered message and personalized vows, along with a parental prayer for the couple.







After the ceremony, we all went to Gibson Park, a picturesque location with rolling meadows, for their creative session. It reminded us of a scene right out of Monika’s favourite movie “Anne of Green Gables,” a film chronicling the epic love story of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe. At one time, Monika paused for a moment, looked around at the view, smiled and happily whispered that she had married her “Gilbert.”





While at the creative session, Monika and her mother devised a brilliant plan to keep the guests occupied between the ceremony and cocktail hour by orchestrating an Amazing Race. The guests were divided into teams, given clues, and had to race all about town finding garden gnomes and completing missions (like singing “Oh Canada” in front of a statue with Canadian flags). Once they finished the race, the guests headed back to The Gibson Centre for cocktail hour and photo booth time, while Chris + Monika wrapped up their photo session.











The night was filled with fun games and great stories. Rachel A. Clingen designed the event and, as always, did an exceptional job with the decor. As an added touch, Monika placed pretty little tea cups, she’s been collecting, on each of the tables for their guests to take home at the end of the evening as a “Thank You” gift.



The song we’ve selected for their Fusion Film is an instrumental version of “Alive,” a song by the worship duo All Sons & Daughters. This song was engineered specifically for Chris + Monika’s wedding by the music publisher, upon special request. If you like this song, you can preview their entire album here.

Thank you Chris + Monika for inviting us to capture your wedding! We had an amazing day and wish you both all the very best! Bon Echo!



THE TEAM
Photography: Darlington Studios
Venue: The Gibson Centre
Florist + Decor: Rachel A. Clingen
Hair & Make-Up: Three Small Rooms
Cake: Alexa Duhn
Gown: Maggie Sottero
Tuxedo: Vera Wang
Music: “Alive (Instrumental)” from the Integrity Music release, Season One, featuring All Sons & Daughters. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Flipping upside down in a car can truly change your perspective on a lot of things. The day of the crash, I was supposed to be spending time with my family, but, instead, decided to run errands around town. I’ve often longed for a restful spirit, but my default is go, go, go! Well, in the blink of an eye, I learned the importance of being still.

Miraculously, I emerged from the overturned vehicle, with a new outlook on life. My desire to film weddings increased, because now, more than ever, I understand the true reason why we need to capture these life events. Life is a series of beautiful moments that quickly pass us by. We often hear that life is fleeting, and that is so true. It is so important to cherish the times with friends and family. To share amazing experiences, laugh A LOT, and enjoy the sweet times you have with one another. What a blessing it is to be on this earth! So often, we get caught up and overwhelmed with little frustrations throughout the day. We lose focus, and forget to be joyful in the fact that we are alive. We, often, take for granted our life and blessings, but it’s so important to give thanks for every little thing. The Bible says in I Thessalonians 5:16 to “Rejoice always.” And that is so true. That God has given you this day and granted you another day to share in each precious moment, is such a gift. Be thankful for that. You never know which moment could be your last.

So many times, I am reminded of where I could’ve been after such a horrible crash, and where I am now. Through faith and prayer, I have returned to driving. And although, every day, I am constantly reminded of the sounds of metal being crushed into the ground, I persevere. I know God has blessed me!

I’m so excited and thankful for this summer! To be able to film these upcoming weddings, is such an incredible thing, because people will be able to look back on these memorable times, relive those moments, and smile.

I just felt I wanted to share my recent experience, and uplift anyone who reads. Maybe if you’re having a bad day, I want to remind you of how special and important you are. I want to encourage you to enjoy each moment and invite you to spend times with those who are dear to your heart. Thanks for reading. Now go hug your loved ones!

1. A Cookie Dough Drizzle Cake from Marble Slab. Um, yummy … Need I say more.

2. The Polaroid z2300 Instant Digital Camera. I love old Polaroids, but I always wished I could have the option of choosing what photo to print instead of being at the mercy of the camera. Now I get to choose. It’s perfect! Plus it has a sticky back for posting.

3. Take it with you wine from Stack Wines. I saw this in my favourite magazine, Real Simple, and loved the idea of totable glasses of wine. They just look so darn cute!

4. Retro mini eco-journal notebooks, as seen in the latest issue of a wonderful magazine I was recently introduced to at our photography convention last month, Click. This set of 4 notebooks are decorated with images of plastic cameras, rotary phones, boomboxes and video games.

5. High tea at Barrie’s very own tea shop English & Miller. I haven’t dined there yet, but I can’t wait to try their tea and scones. Fancy, huh?

6. Hot yoga at Moksha Yoga Barrie. If you’ve never been to a hot yoga class, you should check this South-end studio out. It’s wonderful!

7. A relaxing massage.

8. A delicious Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill meal at Blue Mountain. Yes, please!

9. The Vinyl Collection 550-piece jigsaw puzzle, also featured in Real Simple magazine. I, recently, reconnected with my love of puzzles over our winter vacation, and what could be better than this nostalgic find?

10. A beautiful day of serenity and silence at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain. Watch out for the quiet monitors! They will shush you!

11. A Salted, Caramel Mocha minus the salt (as the salt is seasonal) from Starbucks. If you register your Starbucks card online, you get a free coffee on your birthday! Bonus!

12. Faithlife, a study Bible app. This is a great way to really delve into the word of God and learn more about the scripture. I love it! And did I mention it’s free!?!

Keep in mind, I am not planning to do everything on the list for my birthday. This could possibly end up being a week-long celebration for me because there’s no way I could possibly fit everything I want to do on the list all in one day. I may not even get around to doing everything, but it’s nice to dream … and design.

Their, actual, first date took place at the ice rink at City Hall in Barrie, ON. Neither one of them are really into skating, so it’s a complete mystery to them as to why on earth they ended up on an ice rink for their first date. Perhaps, because the falling snow (and occasional trips along the ice) can be a truly romantic way to get to know one another. We thought it would be fun to photograph their engagement session downtown on the ice, until we stumbled across Green Pine Park in Midhurst, ON. It’s a serene spot nearby that’s perfect for a quiet skate and hiking by a peaceful stream. It was such a treat to spend the morning with Candice + Jamie, as they twirled around the ice on their special day!

















It’s so obvious that Candice + Jamie are in love! They are such an adorable couple, and we are so excited to capture their wedding in Niagara this summer! Happy Anniversary!