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Engagement photos are a fantastic way to capture the love and excitement you and your babe share before tying the knot. If you're looking to ace your session in Saskatoon with your wedding photographer, here are some tips to ensure stunning results: 1. Location, location, location: Choose a spot that speaks to you as a couple. Saskatoon offers a variety of beautiful backdrops, from urban cityscapes to scenic parks. Consult with your photographer to find the perfect setting that reflects your personalities. 2. Wardrobe wonders: Coordinate your outfits, but don't match identically. Opt for complementary colours and styles that blend well together. Consider the season and location when selecting your attire to ensure you look picture-perfect. 3. Timing is key: Plan your engagement session when the lighting is soft and flattering. The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer a magical glow that can enhance your photos. Work with your photographer to schedule your shoot during the best times of day. 4. Relax and have fun: The most beautiful photos capture genuine moments of love and joy. Don't stress about posing perfectly; instead, focus on enjoying each other's company. Let your photographer guide you and capture your natural chemistry. By following these tips, you can make the most of your engagement photo session in Saskatoon with your talented wedding photographer. Remember to relax, be yourselves, and let your love shine through each stunning shot! 📸💕

Alright, let's talk about the unsung heroes of your big day – your fabulous bridal party! When it comes to weddings, your squad is the ultimate hype team, ready to make your day as special as you are. Picture this: you, rocking that stunning gown, nerves and excitement all tangled up in your heart. Who's there to calm those jitters and shower you with love and support? Your incredible bridal party, that's who! They're the ones with the hugs, the tissues, and the fierce pep talks to remind you just how amazing you are. But wait, there's more! Your squad isn't just there for the emotional backup – they're your right-hand, your go-to's for all things wedding day. Need help with your veil? They got you. Can't find your favourite lipstick? They'll hunt it down. These magical beings are like wedding day ninjas, ensuring every little detail is on point. If you are worried that your bridal party may fall short? There is nothing wrong with creating a list of "to do's" so that you will ensure things will get done and you can relax and take in your beautiful day, stress free! So, here's to your epic bridal party who will help you create memories to last a lifetime. With their love, support, and talent, your wedding day is sure to be nothing short of spectacular. Let's get ready to celebrate love, laughter, and happily ever after! 🌟✨💖

Planning a stress-free wedding in Saskatchewan can be a delightful experience with the right approach. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey towards your special day, it's essential to prioritize organization, communication, and self-care. Start by creating a detailed wedding checklist that outlines all the tasks that need to be completed. Breaking down the planning process into smaller, manageable steps can help alleviate stress and ensure nothing is overlooked. Consider setting specific deadlines for each task to stay on track and avoid last-minute rushes. When selecting vendors and venues for your Saskatchewan wedding, conducting thorough research and reading reviews can go a long way in ensuring you choose reliable and reputable professionals. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or wedding planning services in the area to streamline the selection process. I also provide my couples with a list of wonderful vendors! Effective communication with your partner, family, and wedding party members is key to a stress-free planning experience. Clearly articulate your preferences, expectations, and concerns to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts down the road. Remember that teamwork and support from your loved ones can make the journey to your wedding day all the more enjoyable. In the midst of busy wedding planning, don't forget to prioritize self-care. Take breaks when needed, practice mindfulness or meditation to clear your mind, and treat yourself to activities that help you unwind and relax. A healthy balance between wedding preparations and personal well-being is crucial in ensuring a stress-free experience. Lastly, embrace flexibility and maintain a positive outlook throughout the planning process. Unexpected challenges may arise, but approaching them with a calm and adaptable mindset can help you navigate through them smoothly. Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of love and commitment, so focus on the joyous moments and the union you're creating with your partner. By following these key tips and emphasizing organization, communication, and self-care, you can plan your Saskatchewan wedding stress-free and enjoy the journey leading up to your magical day.

As a photographer, your clients' comfort during a photoshoot can definitely affect the outcome of your work! Here are a few tricks & tips on helping your clients feel comfortable during a photoshoot. As a photographer you want your clients to enjoy their photoshoots – not just so they refer you and use you again, but also so that you’re putting your best foot forward! When clients feel relaxed and comfortable, they are more likely to be themselves and show their true emotions, resulting in more natural and authentic photos. 6 Tips on Helping Your Clients Relax During a Photoshoot 1. Play music! Everyone loves music! Plus this helps you avoid any awkward silences. Bring a portable bluetooth speaker to set on the ground or hook onto your camera strap. Create an easy-listening playlist with some upbeat music. You can even create a custom playlist for your clients, if you ask their favourite songs before the session. Just ask for a few of their favorite artists or songs in your onboarding questionnaire! Btw, if you need a really good CRM to automate your onboarding questionnaire, DEFINITELY check out Honeybook! 2. Get to know your clients When you meet your clients for the first time, be friendly and personable. Introduce yourself and get to know them a little bit. Ask them about their interests and hobbies, and try to find some common ground. This will help your clients feel more at ease and build trust with you. On the day of the shoot, don't jump right into photos! Make small talk, get to know them, and build that trust. 3. Keep the energy flowing and positive Remember your clients might be nervous! Keep things light by complimenting them, cracking jokes, and being the hype person they need. Using humor can be a great way to help your clients feel more relaxed and comfortable. Crack a joke or tell a funny story to help lighten the mood and put your clients at ease. Reassure them. Just a little "You're doing great!" will go a long way. You can even show them the back of your camera as a few sneak peeks! This helps ramp up the excitement. 4. Give clear directions During the shoot, give clear directions to your clients. Explain what poses you want them to try, where to look, and how to position themselves. Prompt them to do certain movements, leading to more natural-looking photos! Giving direction usually helps clients feel more confident and less self-conscious. If they’re still feeling and looking a bit stiff or uncomfortable, get them moving! Give them directions to hold hands and walk, or dance together. While they’re moving, back up and give them space while you shoot their movement. 5. Take breaks If your clients are feeling tired or overwhelmed, take a break. Give them a chance to relax and regroup. This can help them feel more refreshed and ready to continue the shoot. This is especially important if you shoot with families! 6. Communicate & prepare beforehand Before the photoshoot, communicate with your clients about what to expect during the shoot. Explain the process, including how long the session will last, where it will take place, and what kind of photos you’ll take. This will help your clients feel more prepared and less anxious about the experience. I like to send my clients the helpful blogs I have on my website, like How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session. Your blog posts are super helpful resources that really improve client experience, so use them! Good luck! Remember to be patient with your clients! Not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera, and it may take some time for some people to relax and feel comfortable during the photoshoot. Be patient, and keep encouraging them throughout the photoshoot!

How to Create a Genuine Social Media Following Social media is one of the most effective ways for photographers to showcase their work and connect with potential clients! However, creating a genuine social media community isn’t an easy task. A big following doesn’t come overnight! It requires time, effort, and a thoughtful approach. Plus an authentic and engaging community is way more important than a large number of followers. Here are some tips and strategies to help you create a genuine social media community. 1. Understand Your Ideal Client Before you start posting on social media, it is important to identify your target audience. The number one social media tip for photographers is to get clear on your ideal client!! Who are the people you want to connect with and showcase your work to? Are they other photographers, potential clients, or both? When you understand your ideal client, you can create content that resonates with them and helps build your community! Use these questions to define your ideal client: Where do they live? What do they do for a living? What do they do for fun? What kinds of photos do they like? 2. Share About Yourself Social media is a great way to showcase your personality and connect with your followers on a personal level. People are hiring you to tag along for the biggest moments of their lives, so you wanna make sure your personalities mesh well! Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work and your creative process. Share your passions and interests outside of photography. This will help your followers get to know you better and feel more connected to you and your services! Whatever you’re comfortable with, share it! Of course, it’s important to set boundaries, but allowing your followers to know you help them trust you! Here’s an example of a post I made that shares a little bit of how I felt starting my business but also provides some encouragement to my community!! 3. Consistency is Key Consistency is essential when it comes to building a genuine social media following. You need to post regularly and consistently to keep your followers engaged and interested in your work! If you need help being consistent, create a content calendar and plan your posts in advance. Instagram has an amazing new feature where you can schedule posts and it will automatically post for you! This will ensure that you have a steady stream of content and ideas to share and that your followers know what to expect from you. 4. Engage With Your Followers Engaging with your followers is a crucial part of building a genuine social media community! Respond to comments and messages promptly, and take the time to like and comment on other photographers' posts! This will show your followers that you are active and engaged on social media and that you value their support. Engaging like this builds trust and community. 5. Collaborate with Other Photographers Collaborating with other photographers can be an excellent way to build your social media following!! You can collaborate on a project or a styled shoot together or just grab coffee to network. This will help you reach a wider audience and connect with other photographers who share your interests. Business doesn’t need to be lonely! 6. Provide Value Last but definitely not least, provide value to your followers!! Share tips and tricks on photography, share your knowledge and expertise and offer insights into the industry. You can post wedding planning tips, date ideas, or just general lifestyle content that you know will interest your ideal client. By providing value to your followers, you will establish yourself as an authority in your niche and build a loyal, interested community. Give them something to come back to!! Building a genuine social media community takes time, effort, and a thoughtful approach. Just be authentically yourself and the right clients will find you!

As a photographer, you’ve definitely heard the term "golden hour" being used to describe the time of day when the sun is low on the horizon and the light is soft and warm. Shooting during the golden hour can make for some truly stunning photos, so it’s super important for any photographer to understand how to take full advantage of it!! Let’s talk about some techniques and tricks on how to shoot at golden hour. I’ve come up with six golden-hour photography tips! Taking Full Advantage of Natural Light at Golden Hour Plan ahead Before you head out to shoot, it's important to plan ahead and know when the golden hour is going to occur in your location. This varies based on the time of year! There are plenty of apps and websites that can help you determine the exact time, so make sure to do your research and arrive at your location with plenty of time to set up. Create Contrast Create some contrast behind the subjects' heads, so they don't fade into the sky. You can do this by having trees or buildings behind them! Use those structures or trees to let the light peak through and create sun flares. Play around with angles One of the best things about shooting at golden hour is the beautiful, warm light that it provides. Face your subjects back to the light, or the side profile. The light will highlight your subjects, creating beautiful contrast! Make sure to use this soft light to your advantage by positioning your subject in a way that takes advantage of the light and creates interesting shadows or highlights. Sun flares = magic Use focal points of the subject to create sun flare. For example, having the light hit the subject’s nose when a couple is about to kiss will create magic! Bonus editing tip: When you’re editing your beautiful golden hour photos, use the Dehaze slider in Lightroom to minimize the haze that the sun flare can create. Find the best aperture for golden hour During golden hour, the light is softer and more diffuse, which can create a dreamy, ethereal effect in your photos. That’s why everyone LOVES golden hour photos!! To really maximize this, try shooting with a wide aperture (e.g. f/2.8 or lower) to create a shallow depth of field and blur out the background. Be prepared to adjust your settings Just like all things in photography, it’s important to be flexible while you’re doing a golden hour photoshoot!! Because the light during golden hour can change quickly, it's important to be prepared to adjust your camera settings on the fly. Be ready to change your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO as needed to get the best possible shot. Keep reading for more photography tips!!

How to Start a Photography Business in Saskatchewan, Canada Are you wondering… How do I start a photography business in Saskatchewan? And do I need to register my business in Saskatchewan? This blog has alllll the answers you need!! I have good news for you: Even though it’s a lengthy process to get your business license in Saskatchewan, it’s pretty simple!! If you want to start a photography business legally, here’s how! Disclaimer: This isn't legal advice, always talk to your accountant and lawyer! Do I Need to Register My Business in Saskatchewan? Yes, you do!! Here are the simple steps to get you started: Log into the ISC Customer Portal – this is where you’ll register your business! Choose your business type – as a photographer, you’ll likely be a sole proprietor! Reserve your name – choose something unique and memorable that you love. You’ll renew this every three years. When you go to register as a sole proprietor at the Corporate Registry, you’ll need to have the following ready: Reserved business name (reservation number) Business address (the physical address, P.O. box numbers are not accepted) Mailing address The applicant’s full name and email address Be ready to pay the fee, which is about $50! Head to the ISC website for even more details and links! Registering a Business in Your City After your business is registered with the province, it’s time to get a business license in your city. Here are the links to do that in a few Saskatchewan cities! Saskatoon Regina Prince Albert Moose Jaw Swift Current Congrats, you’re officially registered!! But what do you do now?? Get Business Insurance It’s time to get insurance! Seek out a financial broker – they’ll help you find the best option for your needs! I recommend World Financial Group: Saskatchewan Branch. Create Photography Contracts You’ll need to have contracts ready to protect you and your business! The CRM program, Honeybook, has contract templates to use with purchase. OR you can look into The Legal Page, which has US and Canadian contracts! If you’d like to work with a lawyer to create a contract, that usually starts around $500. Set Up Your Streamlined Business Systems Honeybook is also what I used for client management! I definitely recommend finding a CRM system that works for you. With Honeybook, I manage my inquiries, invoicing, payment schedules, expense tracking, client communication, and much more. Having a streamlined workflow makes ALL the difference in how you run your business – plus it improves your clients’ experiences! In my opinion, it’s best to have some sort of system worked out even if you’ve only booked one client. It’s best to get it organized before it gets too cluttered and busy with several clients! If you’re interested in Honeybook, I can give you 50% off through this link here! Finance & Taxes for Your Photography Business Here in Saskatchewan, we have two taxes you need to consider as a business owner! PST is the 6% you’ll charge on top of your package. You don’t need to worry about GST until you make more than $30,000 gross. (Remember, gross is the total amount of income, not your profit after considering all your business expenses.) Find an accountant that specializes in small business to help you set up your bookkeeping. Honeybook has some bookkeeping features but isn’t as extensive as something like Quickbooks. Along with working with my accountant, I love Google Drive (I use it to organize SO much of my business) so I’ve created a Google Spreads template that works really well for me! Photography Coaches in Saskatchewan If you’re looking for more support as you start your photography business in Saskatchewan, I’d love to come alongside you and help!! I mentor new photographers through all the legal business stuff, content creation, marketing, photography gear, client communication, and so much more. I offer one-on-one photography mentorships but if you’re looking for something less intensive, check out my 90-minute digital course or Digital products!

I f you need some beginning photography tips, you’re probably wondering what to invest in! Finding the right gear can definitely be overwhelming. What is actually worth your money? What's actually worth your time? Let’s chat about it – from camera gear to running your business, here are my best tips! Best Camera Gear for Beginning Photographers Let’s talk about the best camera gear for beginning photographers to help you capture stunning photos and advance your skills! I buy some of my gear on Amazon, and some I buy from a local camera store. I love going to Don’s Photos in Prince Albert, SK! Make sure you buy from a legit source!! If you buy from Amazon, pay attention to where it’s coming from. Look at the reviews to make sure it’s a reputable seller! Get a Good Camera Body! The first and most important piece of gear you’ll need is a camera body. As a beginner, I recommend starting with an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera. These cameras are affordable and offer the functionality and image quality necessary for learning photography. For DSLRs, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i and Nikon D5600 are great options. If you prefer a mirrorless camera, the Sony Alpha a6100 and Fujifilm X-T30 are excellent choices. One of the biggest questions I get as a photography mentor involves choosing between a full frame camera and a crop sensor camera! Long story short: in my opinion, it’s worth it to invest in a full frame camera!! A full frame camera has a sensor size equivalent to a traditional 35mm film. This sensor is larger than the sensors found in crop sensor (or APS-C) cameras! A full frame sensor measures approximately 36mm x 24mm, while a crop sensor is smaller and measures around 23.6mm x 15.7mm. This means that full frame sensors capture more light and detail than crop sensors, resulting in better image quality and much improved low-light performance!! That’s especially important if you plan to shoot weddings, since a wedding day has a ton of various lighting to shoot in. The larger sensor in a full frame also provides more detail and a wider field of view, so it’s overall a much higher quality option!! Definitely worth the investment. Lastly, you need a camera body with a dual SD card slot so it can save to multiple cards simultaneously!! This is game-changing for weddings – you DON’T wanna risk losing those pics!! Good Lenses Once you have your camera body, you’ll need a lens to attach to it. As a beginner, I recommend starting with a versatile zoom lens that can cover a range of focal lengths. Don’t get me wrong – The kit lens that comes with your camera is a good starting point, but it’s worth the investment to upgrade! Choosing a lens can be confusing, but I’m here to help. If you have a DSLR, I recommend the EF. It’s flexible and long-lasting! If you have a mirrorless body, use an R, or use an adapter with an EF lens! (That’s actually what I use!) The Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC and Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM are both great options. If you’re interested in portrait photography, a prime lens with a wide aperture is a great addition to your kit. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G both produce beautiful bokeh, which is when the background is aesthetically blurred from the subject! Dual Camera Harness You definitely need a dual camera harness if you’re going to be a wedding photographer! I’m obsessed with mine from Holdfast. It’s high-quality, luxury genuine leather and it’s extremely strong to hold all your gear. These are built to last a lifetime and I swear by them! 100% worth the investment. SD Cards A memory card is where your photos are stored, so it’s important to invest in a high-quality one. I recommend using SD Extreme Pro! Camera Bag A camera bag will protect your gear and make it easier to transport. Look for a bag that’s both comfortable to carry and has enough space to hold your camera body, lenses, SD cards, and other accessories. I have this one and love it because of this reason! Best Investments for Your Photography Business CRM System (Customer Relationship Management) Honeybook is my favorite CRM system! I use it for contracts, invoicing, and about a dozen other things. I raved all about it in my How to Start a Photography Business blog, so check that out for more details!! Other popular CRMs are Dubsado or Asana! Adobe Cloud For photographers, the Adobe Creative Cloud includes popular applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, which are essential tools for editing and organizing your photos!! While you probably won’t use it often, it’s important to have access to Photoshop! Photoshop offers the most advanced editing capabilities, allowing you to retouch images, remove unwanted elements, and apply various effects and filters. Lightroom is a comprehensive photo management tool that offers a wide range of editing features, as well as organization and workflow tools to help photographers manage and edit large collections of photos efficiently. Basically, Adobe is the industry standard for editing! Education I’ll preach it til the day I die, but investing in high-quality education is sooooo important. You’ll feel much more prepared to take on the world of photography with a solid course or one-on-one mentorship backing you up! Beginning Photography Tips As a beginning photographer, investing in the right camera gear and business resources can help you take your photography to the next level. With a good camera body, lens, memory card, and a proper CRM system, you’ll be ready to capture stunning photos and grow your business!!

There’s something to be said for fairytales. The sort of other-worldly quality they obtain. They’re always full of sweeping romances and epic landscapes, they leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart, and in their own way, they renew your faith in love. While I’m not one to assume, I think it’s fairly safe to say that nearly everyone has their own version of what their dream wedding will look like. Maybe it all started from the first time you put your pillowcase over your head like a veil and threw a fake bouquet to your stuffed animals, or maybe you never once considered a dream wedding until that engagement ring was in front of you. No matter where the fairy tale starts, though, we know where it ends. Happily ever after. Which is what I’m here to help you achieve. Whatever version of that fairytale may be, having an amazing location to do it is a big start. And when it comes to sweeping landscapes, big skies and fairy tale settings, there’s no place to elope quite like Waskesiu. With views like these, everything is stress-free when you elope in Waskesiu How To Plan A Stress-Free Elopement In Waskesiu When you’re in Waskesiu, it almost feels like you’ve traveled back in time. Back to a time when the houses were simple log cabins, built by hand by the family that lived in it. A time when nature is still fresh, pristine, and seemingly untouched by human hands. It feels like the kind of place where everyone is going to know everyone else and greet you with a smile. Waskesiu is a secret gem, a hidden treasure and in its own special way – a fairytale come true. Now that I’ve sold you on where we need to take a look at the rest of the questions. The main components you need to look at in order to make your wedding happen as smoothly as possible. We’ll take a look at quite a few things, but the main ones we’ll touch on are things like: How to plan an elopement in Waskesiu? Where to elope in Waskesiu? Can you elope in Waskesiu? Most importantly though, and where we will begin is… Can You Elope In Waskesiu? Probably the most important question, right!? LOL Well, the short answer is yes. You can absolutely elope in Waskesiu, and based on what I’ve said here thus far – you definitely should! The long answer, though, is a bit more complicated. There are certain things you have to have in order first to make sure you can get hitched without a … well … hitch. You have to purchase a Saskatchewan marriage license in order to get married in Waskesiu, which at the moment costs $60 Canadian dollars. Once you purchase the marriage license, it’s effective from that day forward, and is only considered valid for 90 days. This means that while pre-planning is your friend most of the time, in this instance, don’t plan too far ahead and purchase the license that much in advance! Also, your clergy or registrant marrying you must be registered to marry someone in Saskatchewan, so make sure you pre-plan for that as well. While those are the biggest requirements, they’re not the only ones. Though some may not pertain to you specifically, just in case, you can take a look at the full list of requirements through the Saskatchewan government website for further details. It will also show you a variety of places where you can purchase the license itself. How To Plan An Elopement In Waskesiu Okay, we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about my favorite part. Photography! I know, I can’t help it! When it comes to planning your big day, thinking about the kind of photos you’d like to have from your event is paramount. We have to think about what time of year would be best for the theme you want. Are you more of a moody winter wonderland person? A dreamer who longs for a Spring-time romance? Into some Summer lovin’, or maybe you just want to aim for a time that’s perfect for Fall-in in love? Whatever the season, the seasons definitely play into wedding photography – and it is yet another reason that I am a Waskesiu wedding advocate. Elopement photography in Waskesiu is magical no matter what time of year because everywhere you look is beautiful. The crystalline lake, the quaint town with its restaurants that offer comfort and love in every bite, the semi-private beaches you can sneak away to for a candid photo shoot – no matter what time of year. But. While the weather isn’t a hindrance to amazing photos – and in fact in winter wonderland-scapes can be a true blessing – it can be a hindrance to the overall planning. If you were aiming for a winter month wedding, it would be best for us to sit down and deep dive into the routes we might have to take, the best way to get to where we want to be, and the warmest way to achieve it all – clothing included. Luckily, that’s why I’m here! Where there’s a will, and a Jasmin, there’s a way! It’s truly a winter wonderland in Waskesiu, Saskatchewan with scenery as pure as the driven snow. Next? Where To Elope In Waskesiu Much like the seasons, where to elope in Waskesiu is really about preference. Are you an indoor or an outdoor person? Would you rather a sunny beach, or a misty forest? Rustic or modern? I know, I keep asking questions, but I promise I have the answers too! These are just all the fun things we get to think about together. I like to ask as many questions to make sure that I understand what you need and want most out of your big moment. With that said! Let’s combine the best of both worlds, and look at one of my favorite all-around choices for a Waskesiu elopement. Elk Ridge Resort The great thing about Elk Ridge Resort? It manages to keep you from having to choose between indoor and outdoor, rustic and modern. The space itself is full of natural light from the amazing setting that surrounds it, but inside it’s simple, modern, sleek – all while maintaining a rustic edge. A brilliant balance between masculine and feminine, in a way, which I really love. Plus, the Elk Ridge Resort also has one of the best elopement packages in Waskesiu, with an on-site staff to ensure that you are taken care of every moment leading up to your big day. `No words needed for how gorgeous a space the Elk Ridge Resort in Waskesiu is. If an outdoor vibe is more what you’re looking for, there are plenty of places to look between the beaches and the forests of the area. While there are a few main beaches that are fairly large tourist attractions, there are a couple more tucked away spots that offer a somewhat more private, but just as beautiful, spot for your elopement photography. Here’s a short list, though there are plenty more places for us to explore as we dive further into it. Paignton Beach This out of the way beach has a mixture of glorious sunsets, quiet beaches, and a myriad of wildlife who might be willing to jump in an impromptu photo shoot. Namekus Lake Reflective waters, fall colours, spring flowers, moody cloudscapes and brilliant sunshine. There aren’t a lot of bad times to visit this ever-changing lake, as each season and weather brings a unique beauty and possibility for stunning elopement photography. Boundary Bog This water side spot has a mixture of beach and forest, replete with hiking trails and a beautiful, wood planked walkway that seems to extend into the forest forever and follow the lake. Perfect photo spots literally everywhere. Narrows Peninsula Trail This forest spot is full of flora, fauna and is a forager’s dream as it houses an abundance of fungus ranging from the fairly common to the rare. Nature hikes and river strolls should definitely be on the elopement itinerary, Waskesiu luckily, is known for having both. Also, I’ll be honest – when it comes to planning, one thing I always look at is where to eat. I think we all get it. Food is comforting, it’s nourishing, and when you’re in a place that you’ve never been, it's good to have a heads up where to go. Helpful hint? Wherever you do decide to elope in Waskesiu, it couldn’t hurt to have one of the photo spots near Restaurant Pietro or Pete’s Terrace aka Pete’s Pizza. Just, you know, throwing that out there. Waskesiu is truly something special. A place that can barely be described, despite all the waxing poetic I just did about it. Truly, it’s a place that should be experienced – during your wedding! Let’s take some time together to sit down and really sketch out the goals, dreams, ideas and visions you have to make your Waskesiu wedding perfect. You can contact me on my website 24/7 and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible! Let’s make your fairytale wedding a real-life moment that we capture together.

If I could, I’d hire someone to plan out my life for me. Someone to write out all my itineraries, checklists and things to do so that I could keep them straight. That would be the dream, wouldn’t it? Well, I can’t make that dream come true for your whole life BUT, I can absolutely help you with the itinerary for your big day. The first step of the itinerary is figuring out where we want to have this dream wedding take place – that’s where I come in! Allow me to introduce you to the Elk Ridge Resort wedding venue: Elk Ridge Resort Weddings There is a quiet, pristine sort of beauty on the grounds of the Elk Ridge Resort (one of my personal favourite places for Waskesiu wedding photography). Located near Waskesiu Lake, a gorgeous hamlet in the Prince Albert National Park, the Elk Ridge resort houses a multitude of cabins, a large lodge, a spa, indoor and outdoor event space, golfing, and so much more all in one convenient place. It’s all surrounded by a northern boreal forest, providing a natural landscape that elevates Elk Ridge Resort wedding photography to an ethereal level that couldn’t be achieved through any level of Photoshop. Of all the wedding venues near Waskesiu Lake, this one is one of my absolute favourites – it’s got this quiet, ‘cabin in the woods’ vibe that combines modern amenities, rustic wood accents and luscious landscapes. Since there are so many things to take in when it comes to the Elk Ridge Resort, I’ve put together a simple Elk Ridge Resort wedding itinerary that takes us through a full weekend of wedding bliss, with close friends and family celebrating beside you – and of course, me, your Elk Ridge resort wedding photographer capturing it all! Lounging At The Lodge While there are full-scale cabins for your families and friends to stay in, for the wedding couple I always recommend looking into the amenities and comforts of The Lodge on Elk Ridge. The luxury suite offers a large, jetted bathtub, a king-size bed, a two-sided fireplace and a full living room which comes with a view of either the pond or the clubhouse – but I’m certainly partial to the pond. Starting Off At The Spa The Drift Spa on the ground of the Elk Ridge Resort is an amazing place to start your prep for the big day. It gives you and your wedding party the opportunity to relax, reset and restore before you embark on the next step of the rest of your life. From couples massages for you and yours, to mani pedi packages for your bridal party, there are a variety of services to choose from that allow you to get your wedding weekend started off the right way, and a mixture of full packages to choose from that allow you to mix and match your services. On Elk Ridge Pond There are plenty of beautiful places to see around the grounds of Elk Ridge Resort, but when it comes to the ceremony, I have to suggest The Pond Patio. A combination of indoor and outdoor space, this allows you to have the ceremony with the waterfront and boreal forest as your backdrop, and a lodge-side outdoor patio for a celebratory drink and appetizer afterwards. Fine Dining At The Fredrich While the Pond Patio gives you a chance to take a celebratory sip and nip with your guests, The Fredrich, located on the grounds, gives you and your party an intimate space to break bread together and bask in the moments they just witnessed. There’s a full-scale wine room with tours and tastings, as well as a delicious rotating menu that changes based on the produce of the season. As a Saskatchewan wedding photographer, I’ve learned how important it is to find the right places to celebrate your love. Finding a space that allows us to play with settings and lighting, indoor and outdoor backdrops isn’t always as easy as you would hope. With the Elk Ridge Resort, you get everything you are looking for – all in one place. Now it’s time to get the rest of the planning started – your photo vision, your scenery preferences, your favourite colour schemes. Make sure to reach out to me (the easiest way is through my website) so we can get started planning today!

Congratulations! If you’re here reading this, then I think it’s safe to assume that you’ve recently gotten engaged, and that means you’re ready to take the next step – taking engagement photos. And I’m here to offer plenty of ways to prepare for your engagement photography shoot! There are quite a few things to consider, so I’ve put together a few tips for preparing for your engagement session in the hopes that I can answer some of the questions that are certainly already swirling through your mind. Here we go! 1. Set The Scene The scenery that you surround yourself in is one of the first, and most important, decisions. Choosing your setting allows you to truly tell a story. It gives you the chance to choose somewhere powerful, meaningful and all-around epic to match your love. The areas around Prince Albert National Park and Saskatchewan offer an amazing array of scenic backgrounds and sentimental places to choose from. Candle Lake serves as a dramatic backdrop for engagement photography, as the pristine water of the lake reflects light in a magical way. For a rustic and natural setting, Waskesiu Lake is a great location to capture stunning Golden Hour photography. 2. Treat It Like An Amazing Date Together An engagement photo shoot should be treated as if it’s one day-long, epic adventure date. Write down all the things you’d love to do, whether it’s hiking an epic trail, taking a boating excursion around the lake, or running around your favourite shops in the city. Use it as an excuse to plan out your perfect dream date, and we’ll use that as the roadmap for your shoot. Find ways to make it fun! 3. Whatever You’re Doing, Be Comfortable Doing It I know plenty of people who are absolutely at home in 6-inch heels and a ballgown, while others are most comfortable in hiking gear and all-terrain boots – and as an engagement photographer, I’m ready for it all! Just make sure that whatever you choose to do, it’s what you’ll feel most comfortable, joyful and confident doing. Side note, that also goes for one of the biggest questions I get asked: how should I pose for engagement photos? The same rules apply. It’s all about your level of comfort and what makes you feel most confident. If you want to go completely stylized, we can do that. Something more artistic? No worries. Completely bonkers and zany? I’m here for it! Choose the kind of vibe that best suits you, and the rest will come naturally. It helps you loosen up and feel comfortable in front of the camera, and makes the smiles that come out all the more genuine. 4. Make Sure You Are Prepared Being prepared feels like a fairly nebulous concept, so I want to make sure we look at the basics. If you’re planning on getting professional hair and makeup done for the shoot, make sure that you have them booked well enough in advance, and prep them for what kind of setting you will be in (i.e. outdoors, indoors, etc) so that they can best ensure your look stays looking fresh. Think about if you are going to need any specific props for your shoot, though as we plan out your storyboard together, those items will begin to emerge. If you have a specific vision in mind though, in terms of flowers, colour schemes, etc, those will all be important to talk about and plan for ahead of time. Depending on the season, certain outdoor spaces may not be readily available for photos, at least not without some pre-planning for things like weather and travel delays. 5. Finding Your Photographer – The Right One! This is SO important. The vision is almost impossible to make a reality if you and your photographer aren’t able to get on the same page together. Luckily for you, I’m here – so you don’t have to go any farther to find an engagement photographer! Of these five engagement photography tips, you’ve already ticked one off the list. Reach out to me through my website today so we can get started on planning your dreams!

There’s something so magical about weddings, like watching a fairy tale you assumed could only exist in the pages of a book or the musical numbers of a Disney cartoon. Over the years I’ve learned that one of the most important things you can think about when it comes to telling the story – especially telling it the right way – is where the story takes place. This is why when it comes to the story of your big day, choosing the right venue can be one of the biggest decisions you can make. I can’t gush enough about the best wedding venues in Saskatchewan, and the results that come from Saskatchewan wedding photography – capturing the story behind your romance! Thinking about what kind of venue you want means thinking about all the different factors that go into making that choice. Are you a fan of a more rustic aesthetic? Something a bit more modern and elegant? Or perhaps all you want is to find the most unique space that you can possibly find, to make sure that your wedding stands apart from all others. Regardless of your specific criteria, this list of my top 5 Saskatchewan wedding venues manages to have something for everyone. Elk Ridge Resort, Waskesiu The Elk Ridge Resort in Waskesiu somehow manages to walk a fine line between elegant and rustic. Its cabins and lodge are all top-to-bottom wood and windows, with modern amenities and pristine views of either the pond (which is an amazing space for an outdoor ceremony) or the boreal forests that surround the resort. In fact, the grounds are so beautiful that the area is recognized by the Audubon Society for its landscape and wildlife that surrounds it. With a four-star spa, a saltwater pool, 27 holes of golf, and a prime location less than an hour away from Prince Albert, the Elk Ridge Resort provides an all-encompassing experience for both you and your wedding party. As a Prince Albert wedding photographer, I have to say that it is definitely one of my all-time favorite spots to catch a golden hour! The resort, with its large grounds, amazing lodges and cabins, is ideal for both intimate and larger wedding parties. It can accommodate up to 200, but it’s truly suited for somewhere between the 20-60 range. With its range of accommodations running the gambit from private cabins to a full-scale lodge, you’ll find all the comforts you need here! Candle Lake Golf Course The Candle Lake Golf Course wedding venue in Saskatchewan is one of the area’s premier all-inclusive resorts, and when it comes to weddings this is the place where you can go all out. It’s a large resort that has accommodations for up to 300 guests in a reception-style wedding ceremony in the largest ballroom. If your vibe is more small and intimate, you can hold a wonderful outdoor ceremony along the lake. On-site dining from The Water’s Edge Restaurant and Lounge can be enjoyed while you relax during your stay, or you can hire them for on site catering of your entire wedding. There’s also an onsite cafe, the infamous Otter Bus onsite ice cream shoppe, and of course, renowned golf courses. You can take a look at the full breadth of packages Candle Lake has to offer here. Flora Bora Forest Lodging Earlier I mentioned that your vibe might lend more towards the unique. That perhaps for your wedding, you wanted something so out of this world or realm that you wouldn’t be able to find it at a typical resort or venue. This is why Flora Bora Forest Lodging wedding venue is prime on my list! Flora Bora wedding venue is an entire yurt lodging community tucked deep into the boreal forests of Saskatchewan. A yurt is a circular tent that is meant to withstand extreme weather conditions, modeled after previous civilizations that existed hundreds upon hundreds of years ago. In today’s iteration, it is a way to experience the great outdoors without having to experience the intensity of the weather that exists in its greatness. At Flora Bora, each yurt is fully furnished and decorated, so it’s like having a glamorous tree house in the middle of the forest, all to yourself. On top of that, because of the surroundings, Flora Bora wedding photography never finds a bad angle. Everything is picture-perfect. The lodgings are small, and therefore this is most certainly made for a small, intimate, close-friends-only type of wedding. It’s located not far from Emma and Christopher Lake, giving you a space for a fun little day trip along the way, and because of close proximity, Flora Bora is considered one of the top wedding venues in Prince Albert. Glen At Crossmount While there are plenty of event spaces located on the grounds of the Glen at Crossmount, this venue actually made the list because of how amazing all the outdoor gardens are that surround the indoor ballroom. But, I’m going to start with the indoor ballroom just to slowly build the suspense! The Glen at Crossmount wedding venue has the amazing Glenyon Hall wedding venue, which is literally wall-to-ceiling windows, with a ceiling filled with 7 crystal chandeliers that pick up every ounce of sunset and every bounce of golden hour. Beyond that, the space is a blank canvas with crisp white walls, deep wood floors and an elegant bar ready for partying! Now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, my own personal favorite part of the Glen at Crossmount is the outdoor garden directly adjacent to Glenyon Hall. The garden was specifically designed for ceremonies, with a paved brick walkway that lies directly between 6 flower beds, which are then surrounded by rows and rows of lavender, and an archway perfect for saying I do under. It’s the dichotomy between the two that makes Glen at Crossmount perfect for both small and larger parties. It’s also a dream for Saskatchewan wedding photographers. Or at least it is for me, I won’t speak for others! Also, did I mention there’s a full-on cidery on the grounds? The Crossmount Cider company is located on the grounds, and offers full tasting tours as well as providing for events when needed. Glass And Lumber I love the idea of this new retro-rustic design that’s beginning to really make its way across the country. The combination of comfortable, down-home settings with a mixture of modern amenities creates a whole new experience – which is really why I love Glass and Lumber weddings so much. Located in the Riversdale District of Saskatoon, the space is modern and industrial while remaining intimate, with dinner service events maxing out at 80 people and standing-only events maxing out at 100. During the warmer months, if you’re in the mood for a more intimate gathering, their outdoor patio can seat up to 24. Glass and Lumber wedding venue really feels like the kind of space that is going to continue to become popular among those who are looking to get married. It’s a young, modern space that focuses on creating spaces that keep you feeling close to your wedding party throughout the big day. Hopefully, by now, you’ve been able to take in all the features that these amazing Saskatchewan wedding venues have to offer! I can’t pretend that I don’t have a special spot in my heart for this area. There is so much natural beauty, so many fun, quirky places to visit, and so many views to take in. It’s a place that’s meant for adventures, no matter what kind of adventures you’re into. It’s a place that I’ve spent so much time visiting and a place that I’ve spent so much of my time loving, which is why I feel especially equipped for the job of becoming your Saskatchewan wedding photographer! Feel free to reach out to me and I’ll get back to you immediately. Let’s start venue scouting together!