Penguins, a dog and a love story {Niagara on the lake engagement photographer}

We drove past the farm that she lived in. I saw a long winding road and a quaint farmhouse and asked her, how the hell did a beautiful single blonde live all the way back there? And how did your Prince Charming even find his way down the driveway?

We first met Teresa and Ben at Krissy and Don's wedding. You might be familiar with them as it seems we have met a bunch of our couples through them. Teresa and Krissy have been best friends since gradeschool. They had forfeited their other photographer to book with us which made us feel extra special but also extra nervous. This has happened four times to us. We know it's an expensive venture to hire a photographer twice so we want to make sure we get it right for them. The first time.

We instantly fell in love with Ben and Teresa. We soon discovered common interests and were invited into their tight circle of friends. This is not something we take lightly. We cherish our friendships and love that our clients can become people we actually want to hang out with.

Ben and T met at an inopportune time; both coming out of bad relationships and absolutely not ready for love. He found his way down her winding driveway in the winter, shovelled her out and both parted ways. Fate would find them together months later; the snow gone, the stain of bad relationships vanished and a beautiful new season upon us.

And here we are. Months away from photographing their gorgeous wedding. Ben is like nobody I have ever met. His passion for the things that move his soul is absolutely admirable. He loves his dog Cooper. He is crazy for the Pittsburg Penguins. He plays the guitar. He knows and appreciates his wine. And most importantly, he is crazy for Teresa. T is equally adorable. Her love of horses and farm life inspire me. They travel the world together. Enjoy their french wine. They live a healthy lifestyle. They are generous, kind and wonderful people both separate and most importantly, together.

The four of us were watching the weather all week. It called for rain and we trotted on. We started their engagement shoot in Ancaster and weaved and bobbed our way through the Niagara region. We stopped where we saw fit and chased the sun. We capped the night off with dinner and drinks and toasted to an amazing evening, a great friendship and their upcoming nuptials.

Teresa and Ben, we hope you enjoy your sneak peeks! We love you and can't wait for your wedding and many happy years ahead!

Love,

Wendy

xo

Who runs the world? Girls.

A little video I put together during a beach shoot in Costa Rica.

https://vimeo.com/65826276#

The got lost in the mail trick.

I've had clients book me based on my turnaround time to their emails alone. Response time matters. In this world of instant gratification, people don't want to wait days or weeks until they hear back from someone. Especially when planning a wedding. I am shell shocked at how many people tell me that professionals don't get back to them. Sometimes for weeks. Sometimes ever.

Equally as alarming is keeping your word. It's easy enough to see the all mighty green flash before your eyes. Most people are keen on locking down that sale but do not keep their end of the bargain when it comes to delivery. Clients wait months and sometimes years to get their final photos back. Some photographers pull the "it's in the mail" and feign surprise when the client says they never received anything. Sadly, that's because they never sent it. Cheque's in the mail, sorta deal. Yah. I'm still waiting for the piece of "registered mail" that has yet to arrive. Return to sender. I'm no longer interested.

It's bad business ethic and will land you a bad reputation. Clients talk. The world is small. Word gets around. If you're too busy to keep your end of the deal then you shouldn't be in the service industry. You shouldn't be working with the public if their expectations don't matter, especially when it's to do with photographs...some are which are time sensitive. You don't want to be delivering your newborn and still not received your wedding photos. Or someone passes away in your family and you don't yet have the photos of when they were living. Now they are just a faded memory.

Just be professional, keep your word, manage your expectations and for God's sake. Call people back.

With that being said, Lea and Steve, your Costa Rica wedding photos are finished. Call me to set up a time for us to view the photos.

I promise to pick up the phone.

xo

Wendy & Michael

Shannon & Aaron {Niagara on the lake engagement photographer}

The world just keeps getting smaller and smaller. If it is true when they say that 80% of your business comes from 20% of your clients, then we are in luck. We were introduced to Shannon and Aaron through Shannon's brother Ben, whom we did a beautiful shoot for. We met him through our wonderful couple Krissy and Don.

We met Shannon and Aaron on Saturday morning at Niagara on the lake. Spring is such an underrated season for photographs with it's beautiful colours, crisp air and fresh perspectives. We had an amazing morning with these two who are truly in love and made our job easy. We topped off the day with a pint of beer at their favourite local pub. We are absolutely thrilled to be photographing their intimate June wedding and hope they enjoy their sneak peeks.

We love you guys!

Love,

Wendy

xo

Spring love.

Pretty little things.

I love pretty little boutiques like this. I could get lost in the scents, sights and luxury items.