Anne Marie & Will's Ottawa Parliament Engagement Session

Anne Marie and Will are an awesome couple who I had the pleasure of photographing in a Wedding party September 2012 at Strathmere Inn!
When I suggested a sunset engagement shoot, Anne Marie said that was exactly what she was going for and leading up to the day I kept my eye on sunset time; I'd like to think we got pretty lucky with a nice clear day where the sunset light was beautiful.

Chateau Laurier is a spot with beautiful stone but it tends to be crawling with tourists.. and me on any given day
Infront of the Parliament buildings; trying to put a unique spin on a highly photographed landmark here in Ottawa.
Very cool to be able to include your daughter in your engagement session!
Very cool shot looking into the Ottawa River at sunset!
this photo of Kaila cracks me up every time I see it!
And we had to include what I call the "Modern family photograph"!
Can't wait for their upcoming beautiful country themed wedding at Lone Star Ranch. They have a few really unique ideas including a ton of decorated jars, so Anne Marie sent out a message to save your (nice) pasta jars, so I show up to the session with a bag of jars!
View more engagement samples or book your engagement session today at www.melanieshieldsphotography.com

Why do an engagement session?

With today's use of digital cameras and "selfies" most couples wont have professional photography before their wedding day. It's a great way to get to know how  you like to be photographed, what your "good side" is, and to develop inside jokes and details that will help photography run smoothly on the wedding day so you use your time wisely!
Also, you can use these images for a different spin on the traditional guestbook, on a wedding website, or to display in your home.

Ottawa Boudoir Marathon: August 3rd, 2014.

Sunday August 3rd Melanie Shields Photography will be hosting our 6th annual Boudoir Marathon, this year in our beautiful Byward Market Studio Downtown Ottawa.
3 packages to suit your needs, starting at $159 including your choice of professional hair or makeup application from my talented female artist who has done hair and makeup for my styled shoots, weddings and boudoir sessions in the past!
Show off that beautiful Summer tan in whatever outfits you're comfortable in.

Why have boudoir photos taken?
- They are a beautiful keepsake for you or your significant other
- The experience is often described as empowering
- It's a chance to get pampered with your choice of professional hair or makeup, make it a day and go out for a night on the town afterward.

Testimonials:
“"Melanie you are amazing! “ -A

 

 

“Hey Melanie! I LOVE them!!!!!!!!!! Thanks sooooooooo much!!
Can I pay extra to get 9 additional on the CD.
I am so happy with them.
Xoxoxoxox” - T

 

Please  email info@melanieshieldsphotography.com for more information or to reserve your space!
Or view www.melanieshieldsphotography.com for more samples.

Amazing Basilica Notre Dame and Aviation Museum Wedding

At the beginning of May I received an email from Catherine, a really laid back Bride who was planning an amazing wedding at two of the most beautiful spots; The Basilica Notre Dame for the service and Canadian Aviation Museum for the reception.
After a long chat about artsy photos, cars and planes, they booked their photography package with just 22 days to go to the big day; so we had to get to know each other really quickly.


The day was very sunny and was a nice surprise because May's weather can go either way. I loved the aviation theme that tied all the elements of the day together!
Church: http://www.notredameottawa.com/
Reception: http://www.casmuseum.techno-science.ca/
Before the Bride even arrived I was sifting through her items that were all laid out. Details at the very beautiful Lord Elgin Hotel
Paper airplane programs! The couple had hoped everyone would throw their airplanes as they walked down the aisle as Husband and Wife but no one got the memo and everyone got to keep their adorable plane programs.
       

Definitely a super fun wedding party!
That veil! I could have photographed it for days :)
With the plane Catherine learned to fly on.
Canadian Aviation Museum, wedding reception among the planes

Congratulations to the beautiful couple!
www.melanieshieldsphotography.com

Ottawa City Hall Wedding

One short week ago I got a call from a wonderful woman who decided last minute to budget photography into her City Hall Wedding for Wednesday May 28th. I love how she called and after we chatted she said she didn't want to look for any other photographer!
Hoping for no rain, we walked around Confederation Park, up to the canal and back to City Hall for their ceremony with 6 close friends.  I just adore how you can see the love between the two of them; although I had just met Ednar and Sean, they were so outgoing and amazing to photograph on their special day.
Best of luck to you two!
www.melanieshieldsphotography.com

National We Day: Ottawa April 9th, 2014!

We Day is the movement of our time, empowering a generation of young global citizens through an inspirational event and a year-long educational initiative

http://www.weday.com/2014/04/national-we-day-rocked/
More than a one-day event, We Day is the movement of our time—a movement of young people leading local and global change. We Day is tied to the year-long We Act program, which offers educational resources, campaigns and support materials to help turn the event’s inspiration into sustained activation. Through We Act, students commit to taking one local and one global action to better the world, earning their way to We Day. At National We Day – Canada, 16,000 youth, educators and friends will be inspired to make a difference, both in their own community and overseas.

Very cool event and I felt honoured to be there!

Winter Wedding at Stanley's Maple Lane Farm in Edwards

What a wonderful Monday! This Real Wedding on Ottawa Wedding Magazine caught me by surprise this morning.

Featuring the beautiful Meghan and J.R.. in their unforgettably cold but perfect outdoor Winter wedding last February.

http://www.ottawaweddingmagazine.com/meghan-j-r/

Wedding Industry Experts Honour Roll Recognition

The WeddingIndustryExperts.com team asked Wedding Professionals around the world - "Who has inspired you in your local wedding community?" After reviewing email referrals from across the globe, they put together their first annual list of Honour Roll members and I'm happy to announce that I am one of them!

More info at: www.melanieshieldsphotography.comI am happy to announce that Melanie Shields Photography has been selected for the Wedding Industry Experts 2014 Honour Roll.
It's because of my wonderful clients that I get to do what I love and to meet so many other wedding industry professionals.  I’m honoured (no pun intended) to receive this recognition and want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way!