Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Bridal Boudoir
I've had a lot of requests lately to photograph boudoir sessions from brides either planning a surprise for their fiance, or past brides who want to give they hubby's a one year anniversary gift. Boudoir sessions are an amazing way to feel sexy, sassy and to document your gorgeousness. They could mark any particular stage in life; an upcoming wedding, a post weight-loss success or simply a way to feel great about yourself.
I've had women gone through divorces or abusive relationships who say that a three hour session with me is better than going to therapy. Them are fightin' words!
Contact me for details.
Wendy
I've had women gone through divorces or abusive relationships who say that a three hour session with me is better than going to therapy. Them are fightin' words!
Contact me for details.
Wendy
Saturday, February 23, 2013
The makeover
It's been a strange week with a lot of people re-surfacing from the past. Not in a ghostly, creepy, Christmas Carol sort of way. But in a fashion that reminds me that sometimes, when you have history with people and you have a fallout, a breakup or just an unexplained separation, it doesn't mean that they don't think about you. Sometimes, it takes someone stronger than you to simply initiate a reunion. Or let you know that you've made an impact on their lives. Or say they are sorry and want to win your friendship back.
Wars could be solved like this. When is the last time someone has said they are sorry to you and you don't instantly soften? The power of those words could move mountains and save the world.
Most recently I've found, by the nature of my job, that our social calendar is fully booked. Clients become friends, we shoot their event and then move on to the next; all the while I'm clinging to the memories that we've just formed and feeling a sort of cheapness about moving on to the next, while still revelling in the high of the now.
There are some days when I feel as though I have not one square smidge of room left for new people in my heart or in my life. We can barely commit to the friends that we do have. (On a side note, I have recently discovered that I am a much better summer friend than winter. It's not because I don't love you or want to see you. It's because I want to stay inside in my jammies like a granny until the sun comes out! I hope you'll accept me and our semi-annual arrangement.)
Anyways. I guess I'm just feeling very blessed at the moment. Things have been rough this year with me starting a business around the same time Michael lost his job. There are nights when I wonder how we will get through this. And then a bride calls to book us. Or a competitor sends us business. Or a stranger throws a real estate team to me. Or Martha Stewart and Anderson Cooper affirm Michael's talents. Clients offer to help. Friends offer a hug. Family support is indescribable. Our referral network is insane. We have formed trusted alliances with people who strictly refer us for photography services and we do the same for them. Wedding planners, makeup artists, electricians, real estate agents, chiropractors, florists, jewellery designers. Like a trade bank, if you will.
Randoms come and go, and we can't devote our life to everyone. Connecting with friends we haven't seen in a couple of years, shows me exactly how much has gone on from point A to point B. On a daily basis, in everyone's lives, small changes are made. It's only when you look back in the rearview mirror that you realize the magnitude of the changes and just how different you've become, and all that you've survived.
Recently I've been trying to clean up my 140,000 photos that reside on my computer. Photographs are a funny thing especially when you stumble upon the ones where you realize, we were best friends. And so happy. And now we are nothing. Or we were acquaintances. And I let you in my life and you hurt me. And when I see you, you smile at me. And I stare blankly back at you. Because I feel nothing for you. Zilch. And I'm not pretending to be strong. You really don't matter to me. At all. (Best feeling by the way). Or we pass someone on the street and tell them we need to catch up and do coffee, all the while knowing that the meeting will never occur but it feels good to at least make the verbal effort.
Or the opposite. We were strangers then. How could we once have been strangers, when we now talk every day? Stop and think back to that first meeting, and how that initial conversation could then change your world forever. I like to revel in these memories. I'm a statistics kind of gal. I like to see progression. I like to see how far we've come and how much people have changed and grown. In a world obsessed with before and after makeovers, I am constantly drawn to the after. The results. The hard work. Goals met. Bonds strengthened. Mistakes learned. The better version of ourselves and our relationships.
A very close friend of mine this week told me, if we didn't argue, we wouldn't be human. Because stifling your feelings keeps it all bottled up and you are bound to explode on each other. I just hold my breath in a new relationship; wanting to avoid any arguments at all costs. And yet, my best friendships are the ones where we have aired our feelings, accepted each other and redefined our relationships based on our truths and our flaws. And we tread lightly as to not make the same mistakes again, we cherish getting through the troubled waters together and value the new and improved, re-invented versions of ourselves. We can laugh about our silly squabbles and thank God we have surpassed those awkward moments of our first fight.
Let's make a promise to each other, to always strive to be the best version of ourselves. To learn from the ghosts of our past, to speak kindly in the present and to dream big for the future.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Wendy
Wars could be solved like this. When is the last time someone has said they are sorry to you and you don't instantly soften? The power of those words could move mountains and save the world.
Most recently I've found, by the nature of my job, that our social calendar is fully booked. Clients become friends, we shoot their event and then move on to the next; all the while I'm clinging to the memories that we've just formed and feeling a sort of cheapness about moving on to the next, while still revelling in the high of the now.
There are some days when I feel as though I have not one square smidge of room left for new people in my heart or in my life. We can barely commit to the friends that we do have. (On a side note, I have recently discovered that I am a much better summer friend than winter. It's not because I don't love you or want to see you. It's because I want to stay inside in my jammies like a granny until the sun comes out! I hope you'll accept me and our semi-annual arrangement.)
Anyways. I guess I'm just feeling very blessed at the moment. Things have been rough this year with me starting a business around the same time Michael lost his job. There are nights when I wonder how we will get through this. And then a bride calls to book us. Or a competitor sends us business. Or a stranger throws a real estate team to me. Or Martha Stewart and Anderson Cooper affirm Michael's talents. Clients offer to help. Friends offer a hug. Family support is indescribable. Our referral network is insane. We have formed trusted alliances with people who strictly refer us for photography services and we do the same for them. Wedding planners, makeup artists, electricians, real estate agents, chiropractors, florists, jewellery designers. Like a trade bank, if you will.
Randoms come and go, and we can't devote our life to everyone. Connecting with friends we haven't seen in a couple of years, shows me exactly how much has gone on from point A to point B. On a daily basis, in everyone's lives, small changes are made. It's only when you look back in the rearview mirror that you realize the magnitude of the changes and just how different you've become, and all that you've survived.
Recently I've been trying to clean up my 140,000 photos that reside on my computer. Photographs are a funny thing especially when you stumble upon the ones where you realize, we were best friends. And so happy. And now we are nothing. Or we were acquaintances. And I let you in my life and you hurt me. And when I see you, you smile at me. And I stare blankly back at you. Because I feel nothing for you. Zilch. And I'm not pretending to be strong. You really don't matter to me. At all. (Best feeling by the way). Or we pass someone on the street and tell them we need to catch up and do coffee, all the while knowing that the meeting will never occur but it feels good to at least make the verbal effort.
Or the opposite. We were strangers then. How could we once have been strangers, when we now talk every day? Stop and think back to that first meeting, and how that initial conversation could then change your world forever. I like to revel in these memories. I'm a statistics kind of gal. I like to see progression. I like to see how far we've come and how much people have changed and grown. In a world obsessed with before and after makeovers, I am constantly drawn to the after. The results. The hard work. Goals met. Bonds strengthened. Mistakes learned. The better version of ourselves and our relationships.
A very close friend of mine this week told me, if we didn't argue, we wouldn't be human. Because stifling your feelings keeps it all bottled up and you are bound to explode on each other. I just hold my breath in a new relationship; wanting to avoid any arguments at all costs. And yet, my best friendships are the ones where we have aired our feelings, accepted each other and redefined our relationships based on our truths and our flaws. And we tread lightly as to not make the same mistakes again, we cherish getting through the troubled waters together and value the new and improved, re-invented versions of ourselves. We can laugh about our silly squabbles and thank God we have surpassed those awkward moments of our first fight.
Let's make a promise to each other, to always strive to be the best version of ourselves. To learn from the ghosts of our past, to speak kindly in the present and to dream big for the future.
Have a wonderful day.
Love,
Wendy
Friday, February 22, 2013
Kate turns 5!
We first photographed this family last year at Paletta Mansion. Michelle contacted me inquiring about her daughter's fifth birthday party. She wanted some portraits at their gorgeous Oakville home prior to the party at the indoor playground. Trying to get children at the age of 2 and 5 to pose and smile naturally for the camera takes some effort, bribing and some tricks but we managed to get some gorgeous photographs. The grandparents were in town from a flight delay so it was perfect to capture some moments with them. I loved their little outfits that Grandpa picked out for them from Boston and Costa Rica. This Grandpa's got style! I loved that Kate put on a little concert for us all with the cutest violin I have ever seen.
Happy Birthday Kate!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
You need a new photo!
It's time to update that amateur looking photo on your website and get something professional to represent your company. Did you know that the "About Me" section is one of the first things people look to when considering a product or service?
I'm running a winter promotion for headshots, ideal for real estate, actors and anyone running a business who needs to present a face to a name.
Contact me at wendyalana@yahoo.ca or ring me at (519) 774-4276. Or the ever popular Facebook messaging system!
I'm running a winter promotion for headshots, ideal for real estate, actors and anyone running a business who needs to present a face to a name.
Contact me at wendyalana@yahoo.ca or ring me at (519) 774-4276. Or the ever popular Facebook messaging system!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Family Day, 2013
I hope you had a good one, enjoying the wonderful crisp air and the stat holiday with your loved ones.
We spent the day in Niagara on the lake with my parents and ended it off at home; the place that we love to be the most.
We spent the day in Niagara on the lake with my parents and ended it off at home; the place that we love to be the most.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Emily!
Yesterday I spent the day with an old friend, Emily. She wanted to do some headshots for her real estate cards. Her sister lives around the corner from me so we had some drinks and went hot tubbing. I convinced her to do a small shoot since she already had her suit! Isn't this mother of two just gorgeous!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
The wedding speech.
Valentine's Day came and went. Michael asked me to write down 10 questions, and he did the same. Over dinner and dessert we proceeded to ask each other things that miraculously, over 5.5 years together we never knew about each other.
He posed his last question to me: If there was one thing you would change about our relationship, what would it be?
As if it was at the forefront of my mind, I immediately quipped: our wedding reception.
Good answer, he mused and nodded in agreement. Phew. I guess I was in the clear.
I'm not sure why but there were certain moments of my own wedding reception that I didn't even believe myself. A wedding is not a performance, and yet, it is. The stage is set with beautiful flowers and adornments. The actors are cued to walk the proper pace down the aisle. And the audience "ooohs and awwwws" at the precise time they are supposed to. Enter the two main characters. The bride and groom. The reason the event is. The reason the audience is there.
Obviously with my job, I've had the opportunity to witness many weddings. When it comes to the speeches, I take some photos and then put my camera to my side and observe. I listen. It is the moment which distinguishes whether you've lived your life right, or not. Absentee fathers skulk away in the shadows of the uplighting, as the mothers who raised their children boast on in the spotlight about their lives. The bride and groom sit quietly and listen to their chosen people, often times a sibling or lifetime best friend, tell funny and endearing stories that make everyone swoon and long for their relationship. You wait your whole life for someone to stand up and tell the world exactly how great they think you've turned out. And the wedding day is that very event.
I was fortunate to have love and support during our wedding. Those who came to Mexico to witness our vows, were the ones who immediately said they were going and never reneged on their promise. We had our parents stand up for us, and that is something we will never regret. Engagement parties, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties were thrown in our honour. And our loved ones not only showed up, but really showed up. Their kind words, generous gifts and enthusiasm for our excitement will always be treasured.
So I'm not sure what it is, when looking back at our wedding video, that makes me sort of cringe in discomfort. Maybe it's more about who I was back then. The fact that a friend's wedding speech went on and on about the bouncers that I knew in the club scene. Really? I thought. It's my time, to show everyone in the room how great a person I turned out to be, and all I can be remembered for is being a party girl? Surely to God, there had to be more substance to me then that. I look at my face on the video, scanning the guests with a discerning eye, almost seeking out their approval or noticing disdain.
I look back, and I was such a different person. I was lost and on my way to being found. Marrying Michael was part of the change. An aunt's death was part of the change. Medication was part of the change. Divorcing negative people was part of the change. Quitting a job I disliked and doing what I loved was part of the change. My mindset was part of the change. Holding on tight to dearly beloved people, was part of the change.
And here I find myself wondering what our wedding would be like if we did it over again. Who would the guests be? Who would be there for us? What would they say? And the odd thing is, I know all the answers, and I know I wouldn't need it to be said aloud.
People use Facebook as a way to display their popularity to others. I used to say to friends...if you mean it...write it on my wall. Most likely to prove a point to someone else. Like, see? Look how loved I am.
I don't need that anymore. And anyone that I secretly wanted to see those comments, has also been removed. Those feelings are not healthy. Those friendships aren't real.
This past summer I identified with a bride and her discomfort. Nobody showed up for her. Her shower, her birthday party, her wedding. The wedding events...the time which distinguishes whether you've lived your life right or not. I obviously did something wrong when, at my stagette, I was told to plan it myself by my "BFF". My best friends now.....are you kidding me? They would never dream of doing something like that. But is that a testament to who I was? Or who they were? Or a combination of both? Is it a testament of who I am now? They say, to have a friend you have to be a friend. Food for thought.
There was a stag and doe for our Costa Rica bride last weekend. Remember? The worst snow storm to hit in 4 years? I felt so bad for them. 300 people were supposed to come from near and afar. And you know what? 200 braved the storm to make it there and support them.
Sometimes words don't need to be spoken. Presence says it all and unfortunately so do numbers.
I remember certain moments with a pang in my heart and a sort of longing to do certain things over again. But alas, here I am. Living a life ensuring that at my funeral, there will be worthwhile things to talk about.
Don't wait for your funeral. Don't wait for a wedding speech. Just be a good person, contribute to society and be genuine.
Get rid of the people on Facebook that spark that unhealthy competition. You know the ones, you stalk their pages but leave in a bad mood. People feign ignorance about being on there, but you know they are on there 24/7 and yet they deliberately ignore you, your photos, your status, your good news.
You don't need public approval. You don't need it written on your wall. You are aware of the person that you are and so are the ones who love you.
And as for the rest, it's time to get the fuck out of Dodge, and leave them behind.
Now go do something remarkable, and enjoy this glorious sunshine filled Sunday.
Love,
Wendy
xo
He posed his last question to me: If there was one thing you would change about our relationship, what would it be?
As if it was at the forefront of my mind, I immediately quipped: our wedding reception.
Good answer, he mused and nodded in agreement. Phew. I guess I was in the clear.
I'm not sure why but there were certain moments of my own wedding reception that I didn't even believe myself. A wedding is not a performance, and yet, it is. The stage is set with beautiful flowers and adornments. The actors are cued to walk the proper pace down the aisle. And the audience "ooohs and awwwws" at the precise time they are supposed to. Enter the two main characters. The bride and groom. The reason the event is. The reason the audience is there.
Obviously with my job, I've had the opportunity to witness many weddings. When it comes to the speeches, I take some photos and then put my camera to my side and observe. I listen. It is the moment which distinguishes whether you've lived your life right, or not. Absentee fathers skulk away in the shadows of the uplighting, as the mothers who raised their children boast on in the spotlight about their lives. The bride and groom sit quietly and listen to their chosen people, often times a sibling or lifetime best friend, tell funny and endearing stories that make everyone swoon and long for their relationship. You wait your whole life for someone to stand up and tell the world exactly how great they think you've turned out. And the wedding day is that very event.
I was fortunate to have love and support during our wedding. Those who came to Mexico to witness our vows, were the ones who immediately said they were going and never reneged on their promise. We had our parents stand up for us, and that is something we will never regret. Engagement parties, showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties were thrown in our honour. And our loved ones not only showed up, but really showed up. Their kind words, generous gifts and enthusiasm for our excitement will always be treasured.
So I'm not sure what it is, when looking back at our wedding video, that makes me sort of cringe in discomfort. Maybe it's more about who I was back then. The fact that a friend's wedding speech went on and on about the bouncers that I knew in the club scene. Really? I thought. It's my time, to show everyone in the room how great a person I turned out to be, and all I can be remembered for is being a party girl? Surely to God, there had to be more substance to me then that. I look at my face on the video, scanning the guests with a discerning eye, almost seeking out their approval or noticing disdain.
I look back, and I was such a different person. I was lost and on my way to being found. Marrying Michael was part of the change. An aunt's death was part of the change. Medication was part of the change. Divorcing negative people was part of the change. Quitting a job I disliked and doing what I loved was part of the change. My mindset was part of the change. Holding on tight to dearly beloved people, was part of the change.
And here I find myself wondering what our wedding would be like if we did it over again. Who would the guests be? Who would be there for us? What would they say? And the odd thing is, I know all the answers, and I know I wouldn't need it to be said aloud.
People use Facebook as a way to display their popularity to others. I used to say to friends...if you mean it...write it on my wall. Most likely to prove a point to someone else. Like, see? Look how loved I am.
I don't need that anymore. And anyone that I secretly wanted to see those comments, has also been removed. Those feelings are not healthy. Those friendships aren't real.
This past summer I identified with a bride and her discomfort. Nobody showed up for her. Her shower, her birthday party, her wedding. The wedding events...the time which distinguishes whether you've lived your life right or not. I obviously did something wrong when, at my stagette, I was told to plan it myself by my "BFF". My best friends now.....are you kidding me? They would never dream of doing something like that. But is that a testament to who I was? Or who they were? Or a combination of both? Is it a testament of who I am now? They say, to have a friend you have to be a friend. Food for thought.
There was a stag and doe for our Costa Rica bride last weekend. Remember? The worst snow storm to hit in 4 years? I felt so bad for them. 300 people were supposed to come from near and afar. And you know what? 200 braved the storm to make it there and support them.
Sometimes words don't need to be spoken. Presence says it all and unfortunately so do numbers.
I remember certain moments with a pang in my heart and a sort of longing to do certain things over again. But alas, here I am. Living a life ensuring that at my funeral, there will be worthwhile things to talk about.
Don't wait for your funeral. Don't wait for a wedding speech. Just be a good person, contribute to society and be genuine.
Get rid of the people on Facebook that spark that unhealthy competition. You know the ones, you stalk their pages but leave in a bad mood. People feign ignorance about being on there, but you know they are on there 24/7 and yet they deliberately ignore you, your photos, your status, your good news.
You don't need public approval. You don't need it written on your wall. You are aware of the person that you are and so are the ones who love you.
And as for the rest, it's time to get the fuck out of Dodge, and leave them behind.
Now go do something remarkable, and enjoy this glorious sunshine filled Sunday.
Love,
Wendy
xo
Friday, February 15, 2013
February Sale!
Happy Friday lovelies! I have decided to run a promotion for the month of February. Are you thinking of booking a spring photo shoot? Book by the end of February and save $150 ($350 for a 2 hour session of your choice, family, maternity, boudoir, headshots (engagement and newborn excluded in this offer)
Also included is a short slideshow with video.
** Only 10 spots available. Moments are fleeting. Document them now.
Have a great weekend!
Also included is a short slideshow with video.
** Only 10 spots available. Moments are fleeting. Document them now.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Hearts 'n' things
Happy Valentine's Day to you and your sweetheart! I hope you enjoy this cute little shoot, starring, shot by and styled by us, The Lewicki's! (Hey, sometimes you just have to wear many hats).
Love,
Wendy
xo
Flowers: At Rita's Florist
Ring: Calum Cillis Designs
Veil and headpiece: Vintage find
Custom made shawl: Bonzie Designs
Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero
Heart backdrop: Handmade by our groom Don Lesar
Heart backdrop: Handmade by our groom Don Lesar
Desserts: Verses from my Kitchen
Thank you especially to Rita and Calum for your donated items of gorgeous florals and custom made jewellery, both located locally in the Hamilton region.
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