I met Shannon through an awesome project called "Barter Babes" where she traded kick-ass financial advice for _fill-in-the-blank_ (I paid with homemade soups for her freezer). In one year Shannon shared her her enormous expertise with 300 Toronto women, and lived off of barter alone. This lady is a character to say the least, and had me laughing instead of crying while we went through receipts and paperwork that had always intimidated me in the past... So when I saw that Shannon was engaged to the love of her life, Matt, I instantly messaged her my congratulations and a not-so-sheepish "don't get married without me!!" Meeting Matt, it was no surprise that he too is hilarious, kind, laid back and a pleasure to hang out with. These two are a perfect match, and I am SO super stoked to be shooting their wedding tomorrow - see you there!!
Day Two of my travel weekend with Maya & Ben started with a delicious, leisurely "breakfust" at the Palo Alto Creamery. (By the way, if you ever find yourself somewhere that serves almond-croissant-french-toast: order it.) We made our way back home and, after an appropriately extended period of post-brunch chilling, we were ready to do more photos. The afternoon was drenched in that perfectly hazy California sunshine. Ben and Maya got dolled up and took me to the gorgeous Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden for their Palo Alto engagement photos. Since they had taken me sight-seeing in San Francisco the day before, Day Two was all about love and romance; Ben and Maya, Maya and Ben.
They flirted and laughed, told stories, and even danced together through the paths and wildflowers. I have to admit that even as a third party it was super romantic, and I look back on that afternoon with a heart full of hope, light, and loveliness. Oh Maya and Ben what a marvellous gift!
This weekend trip to the Bay Area truly allowed Ben and Maya to create something beautiful for their engagement photos. What's more, I was honoured and so grateful to help facilitate it. Maya and Ben were 100% open-minded and open-hearted; just being themselves, laughing and loving one another to the fullest. Thank you, you dolls. Thank you!
Click here to read about my original weekend with Ben & Maya and click here to see Day One's San Francisco engagement photos.
For a sneak peek of Maya and Ben's fairytale wedding, at the Westin Prince Hotel, view the 2014 slideshow here!
It's not everyday you meet a couple like Maya and Ben. I traveled to the Bay Area in California to shoot their San Francisco engagement photos (and to meet them for the first time and stay in their home)!Read about my wonderful adventure with Ben and Maya here. Day One adventures: The three of us jumped in the car and drove to downtown San Francisco - one of my favourite cities - to take in the sights, sounds, and sunshine that blessed us that magical day. We climbed the staggeringly steep San Francisco hills, visited the Palace of Fine Arts, and even drove to Baker Beach to see the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset (then we celebrated over dinner at one of the most delicious sushi places).
The best part of the day, though, was getting to know Maya and Ben. These two people are full of laughter - joyous to be together - and a pleasure to hang out with. Besides a lot of joking and mandatory delicious snack breaks, Maya and Ben's photo session consisted of the most wonderful connecting of hearts. They were happy to reminisce about their memories together and imagine the new adventures they are embarking on. Because I had come from Toronto, they were also excited to show me the city, and discover new parts of it themselves. Their excitement for life and each other was so genuine, it was inspirational. I went home rejuvenated.
Thank you to Maya and Ben for being genuine and letting your light shine. I can't wait to share your engagement photos from Day Two... and I can't wait for your wedding in Toronto this weekend!
For a sneak peek of Maya and Ben's fairytale wedding, at the Westin Prince Hotel, view the 2014 slideshow here.