Nature's Color Palette

The fall has to be the best time of year for family portraits. The Mason family gathered to celebrate their family and preserve their memories with a portrait session. The walk in the woods at this time of year is refreshing and good for the soul. What perfect weather and what a wonderful family.

Ripe for Picking

I experienced one of life's perfect moments on Saturday when my daughter Didi and three of her friends took their children to Mountain Apple Orchard to pick apples. The children ranging in age from 2months to 3 years were a delight. The apple orchard is perfect - wagon rides, tractors, loads of easily picked apples, the smell of apple cider donuts, the straw barn for jumping and throwing and all of the additional child friendly activities. Wow what a day - does life get any better?

Spencerville Fair

I can't remember the last time that I had a chance to visit Spencerville Fair, but Saturday was the window of opportunity and I took it. Years (many years) ago, I showed my fantastic pony, Red Velvet at Spencerville Fair in the open jumper division. The afternoon, you jumped on the track in front of the grandstand, filled to capacity. In the evening you jumped, first class and last class in the hockey arena, cum horse arena.
My girlfriend, Margrit Wigger, used to ask me how I developed such a great eye for distances to a fence. My response was, "You had to learn to see and feel, as the jumps were set up wherever the tractor driver stopped". There was no such thing as counting your strides in those days.

Later, I enjoyed being a judge at the children's show on Fridays, with the costume class being a highlight. Years after that I enjoyed taking my young children, Didi and Keith to participate in the same show. Keith was an awesome "chipmunk" on a beautiful grey pony we had from the Goods.

And even later, I was judging the hunter show that took part and also driving hackneys, draft horses and hitches for competitors.Fifteen years have passed since then, so Saturday was a real eye-opener. It took awhile to discover where everything now was in the much enlarged fair grounds, but I soon found the horse show and met with some great old horsemen and friends of the past. Morris Douglas, a great buddy of my father, his son Kirk and wife Catharine who show beautiful hackneys, Susan and Penny Armstrong who go back to elementary school days, Carol Anne Clarke and the judge of the day Terry Jones.

Ted and I took in the exhibits that ranged from baby bunnies - chickens - school classes to the home baking, quilting and flower arranging. It was great to see competitions for the school children featuring photography. There are some up and coming photographers out there.

For supper, we enjoyed the Woodland's barbecue chicken, which has been at the fair as long as I have been. Mary and Richard Woodland have kept up the tradition and it was a pleasure to see them being involved still. Richard's mom, Marion, had been the show secretary of the horse show for many years.

What a great way to step into the past, but feel part of agriculture and rural life for the future.

Country Fun

Daryl, in his navy uniform and Shauna looking beautiful enjoyed a wonderful country wedding with some unique twists.

Shauna, having grown up with the main line of the railway beside her house wanted to have something with the railway in it. The "far as you can see tracks" made for an interesting backdrop.

Shauna's little niece and nephew were the flowergirl and ringbearer. I love photographing little wee ones like this. As I tell couples, "It's just like following ducks". Not too close and skirt around to where you think they're going, to capture your photos. One of my favorites from this wedding is on the intro show of the web - first picture no less!

To add to the country charm was the old antique car that formed the perfect "prop" for many of the images.

Although the day threatened with rain, it could do nothing to spoil this perfect day for Shauna and Daryl.

To view all of the images click on Recent Weddings.

Persistence & Patience

In a world of "fast food", "quick and easy", "here to-day and gone tomorrow", it is somewhat surprising and refreshing to meet with a couple that have been together for thirteen years and decided to get married. Karen and Paul have been there for each other, whether long distance, work or play.

I had the opportunity to photograph Paul's sister, Lori and Alex at their beautiful October wedding and when Paul popped the question, I was anxious to join this wonderful group of people once again.

Paul with his ready sense of humor made the day fun and Karen with her relaxed and happy manner made for a wonderful day. Add Lori, the matron of honor who is a master of quiet efficiency and you are running on time.

Our dinner, shared with friends of the Hennessey's from the "rock" was filled with robust songs. The weather was perfect - the prime rib exceptional - and my cute little birthday cake and sparkler a wonderful warm gesture on the part of Paul and Karen. Not surprising though, given what a great couple they are.

To view more images of this great wedding, click on Recent Weddings.

And The Thunder Roared

But it didn't rain. As Elisabeth and Raymond were preparing for their outdoor ceremony at the beautiful Stepping Stone Inn, the thunder was an ominous backdrop to the proceedings. With all the formals and family shots taken before the ceremony, they made the decision to - go with the outdoor site, a beautiful location by the water, surrounded by nature with the stone home of Stepping Stone in the background.

The readings performed by Elisabeth's sisters and the stirring music by mutual friends rendered the service a moment of magic.

The park setting of this exquisite wedding location had everyone relaxed and thoroughly enjoying their moments chatting with old family friends and the beaming couple. Sunshine shone through their smiles and the thunder disappeared sheepishly without a stir.

To view more images of this wedding click on Recent Weddings.