Best of 2020: Weddings, Engagements & Covid 19

Best of 2020: Weddings, Engagements & Covid 19

2020 is a year that will never be forgotten – for many all over the world. It was the year that our small businesses were put to the test and this year really showed us what it means to struggle – personally and professionally. 2020 was a rollercoaster – our highs were amazing, but our lows were VERY low, from lockdowns to closures to postponements and re-bookings.

No, we did not photograph all the weddings that we had planned to this year. Was it hard? Exceptionally. We had to postpone and rebook with 80% of our booked dates this year, which was unexpected – especially for a family who counted on my business as a solo income provider while my husband completed his last year in school.

But, what do we do? We adapt. This year I photographed more families than ever before – and I cannot tell you how thankful I am to those people who booked us and supported us through such a tough time.

For anyone who knows me or has worked with me, you know that I LIVE for my photography. I have such a passion for what I do, and the hardest part of this year was not being able to do enough of what I love. I am SO looking forward to 2021 – bring on the crazy busy New Year!

2020 started well – I was massively pregnant and super excited to meet Baby #2 in March. The last wedding that I photographed before baby was Shelah & Fraser’s wedding at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald – one of my favourite venues in the city (so thankful to be the preferred photographer there).

Stefanie & Joseph opted to do an indoor engagement session (just for something a little more “them” and because the weather was chilly).

A lot of people that I know were having babies in 2020, so I had a major influx of newborn-at-home sessions. First, Baby Katie:

Only a day later, baby Cecilia arrived

Baby Holden:

Baby Shae:

Baby Emmett:

And yes, that was all in one month! So many babies!!

A little change of pace here with my adorable nephews and their lifestyle session at their new home in Summerside:

This is where 2020 really shifted – I had my beautiful baby 2 weeks early (so SO thankful for that) which happened to mean that we were able to deliver him normally, 2 weeks before the total lockdown.

Isolation with a toddler and a newborn was something else – nothing can quite prepare you for that. That being said, we made it through and Spring arrived! Photographing couples was definitely different, I had to maintain my distance and wear a mask when indoors. Spring started with Meagan & Ben at MacTaggart Sanctuary.

My first official “Covid Wedding” was Larissa & Bill’s farm wedding. These two will still be holding their big celebration in 2021!

Stefanie & Joseph went ahead with their Covid Wedding – they downsized as required and had the cutest backyard picnic for their reception!

Baby Theo decided to join the world in the Spring!

Kristin & Josh opted for a downtown family session (super unique for a family session).

Shaunice & Arin did their engagement session in the Spring with me at MacTaggart Sanctuary.

I was able to see Amy & Stuart again this year, after photographing their wedding the year prior!

Like I mentioned above, I photographed many families, starting with the Broughton’s at their farm!

Cody & Stephanie decided to elope in the Crowsnest Pass this summer – LOVE this location.

Speaking of Elopements, I photographed Kara & Bill’s wedding at the Canadian Brewhouse (how’s that for unique?)!

Meagan & Ben decided to go ahead with their September wedding – which I was ecstatic about – it had been so long since I had a full day wedding

Nancy & Travis got married the following day – and their farm location was an absolute dream!

I had the pleasure of photographing my associate photographer (Kristina)’s family at MacTaggart Sanctuary. It was so nice finally meeting her whole family after 4 years of working together

I was able to photograph a second engagement session for Ashley & Nick this fall, which was amazing!

I was able to do a few sessions around my parents farm and at at Cherry Lane Bnb this year, and it is my favourite place in the world to photograph.

I was able to head to Forest Heights Park for a fun session overlooking downtown!

We had the most beautiful fall this year, so I was able to photograph so many different families, starting with Virginia’s family.

I photographed a few acreage sessions and farm sessions this fall. Check out some of my favourites:

I had one beautiful full day fall wedding in Downtown Edmonton, and I loved every second of it.

Obviously, my favourite thing to photograph is weddings, but engagement sessions are a very close second. Here were a few from this fall:

Shortly after these October sessions, we got a gorgeous dump of snow, and definitely took advantage of it!

I love indoor sessions, but this family at home session really hit home for me. Young families have had a crazy hard time with Covid, but it was so fun to be able to document the fun and craziness that this year had to offer.

Farm family sessions – especially with animals involved are just so much fun!

I finished the year off with one final session in the country. We were able to photograph at sunset, and after the stars came out!

Thank you for your support this year, I hope that 2021 is a fantastic (and BUSY) year!