Monday, August 25, 2008

Olympic Celebration!


The Brigadoon Restaurant in the village of Oxford Mills was the site of the Olympic celebration in honor of Jill Henselwood, who captured a silver medal in the Olympic Team Jumping. Jill and her horse Special Ed were outstanding in helping to bring the silver medal back to Canada.
Joy Jarjour and Cheryl Mackie spearheaded the reception that saw over two hundred people come to congratulate and hear the tales of the Olympics from Jill as well as Bob Henselwood. It was standing room only with people waiting patiently to share this special moment with Jill.

Gary Harper started the festivities by piping the honored guests into the Brigadoon. There was more than one teary eye as the music and the site of a beaming Jill with her medal hanging about her neck entered the room.
For many it was a reunion of a tightly knit equestrian community from the Ottawa Valley that have witnessed the growth, determination and ultimate success that Bob and Jill Henselwood have worked at tirelessly at Juniper Farm. Theirs was a goal that was not achieved without great sacrifice and persistence over the years and the support of some very special people that believed in them.

For others it was an opportunity for many of the residents of the community to come out and say - Way To Go! We are so proud of what you have achieved. The laughter, warmth and good feelings flowed as freely as the wine. On the topic of wine, the Green Gables Vineyard of Oxford Station, not only produced the red and white wine but also a beautiful wine label in honor of Jill's silver medal.

Jill's advice was to go after your dreams - love what you do - and never give up. For everyone present the success of Jill and Special Ed at the 2008 Olympics gave everyone a reason to smile and an evening to be cherished.

There is nothing like living in a small community and Joy and Cheryl gave us the opportunity to remember how special the community of Oxford Mills and the Ottawa Valley are.

To Jill and everyone at Juniper Farms. your work and dedication has made all of us step a little lighter and with more pride than we did before.
To view images of the festivities click on Celebration.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

What A Wonderful World


Louis Armstrong's classic song - What A Wonderful World - could have been the theme song for Rebecca and Stephen's wedding. First of all there was 0% chance of rain. For a summer that will be forever remembered as the "rain every day summer" this was a welcome relief.

I am constantly touched by the acts of kindness and consideration that exist at weddings. In this case, the Loughlin family were delighted with their friends' gifts of delicious food. What a display and and oh how delicious.
The horse and carriage were a wonderful surprise that Rebecca's parents had organized. Knowing her love for horses, this special treat made her day - perfect!


Speaches are so very important at a wedding and in this case the guests ran the full range from laughter to tears. I will always think of Stephen from here on in, whenever I look at a sleeping bag.


The day was perfect, the support overwhelming, the couple relaxed and enjoying every moment of their wedding day. Oh What A Wonderful World. To view more images of this wonderful wedding, click on Recent Weddings.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

All You Need Is Love!


Sharon and David's wedding held at Strathmere joined two beautiful families and a huge extended family. Sharon's prayers for a beautiful day came true as did her desire to create a tasteful and unique experience for all their guests.
Brooke & I arrived early to photograph the details of the reception site. The tables were set but in the middle of each table was a vacant glass holder - the flowers are not here yet we assumed. Wrong!!! The centre pieces were not bouquets, but rather beautifully decorated tiered cakes. Everyone different and artistic. What a visual treat, which became an edible dessert for each of the guests during the meal.
Sharon, attended by her sister Susan and daughters Alison (Sharon's) and Stacey (David's) was beautiful in pink. David, supported by brother Don and his sons Tom (David's) and Steven (Sharon's) stood proudly as his beautiful bride walked down the rose strewn walk.
Laughter and tears flowed as the speaches were given with everyone in attendance agreeing that "Love was in the air!" My sincerest congratulations to a very special "couple".
To view more images of this wedding , click on Recent Weddings

Monday, August 11, 2008

Garden Weddings Are Beautiful


Susan and Scott wanted to confirm their love with a wedding that had their friends and family surrounding them in a relaxed manner. The Lavell's home in Manotick Estates, (Susan's parents) was the perfect location.

A beautiful quote from the day came from Susan's mother. "It takes a village to raise a child and it takes an entire family to marry one". Her comment was reflecting on the unbelievable support that they had received from family members and friends to bring this beautiful day to fruition.
The loving hands of their family touched every aspect of the wedding from the table decorations, to the wedding cake, created by Susan's sister Lorie to the food which was catered by Susan's mothers catering company.

The children were a priority with their own table, the honor of being served "first", ahead of the bride and groom - "loot bags" for all and glow sticks for the dance floor later at night.


The favors for the adults were even better - homemade raspberry jam with the family having picked the berries themselves, made the jam and then presented them in a unique and stylish manner.

They wanted their photography to focus on their guests and little ones so that they could cherish the memories of these special people forever on their wedding day.
To view further images of this wedding click on Recent Weddings.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Horse Heaven


Recently Ted & I jumped in the sports car, golf clubs, camera equipment packed and headed down through the Adirondacks to Saratoga.
The Fasig-Tipton Select Yearling sale was on and it was a great opportunity to photograph more at the Oklahoma racetrack.
Throw in eighteen holes of golf at the fantastic Saratoga Lake Course, exceptional yearlings and having coffee on the front porch of the Saratoga Inn sitting in beautiful old rocking chairs and you have a taste of heaven.
Saratoga is "horses". All shapes, all disciplines. The equestrian art exhibits are breathtaking and the opportunities to enjoy the "good life" are endless.
It was a great break. The only regret we had was not staying an extra day to have time to view more galleries and the outstanding shops of Saratoga. As we say - "next time!"