Some sessions change the way you see your work — and this was one of them.
I’ve known Josceline since my husband (her cousin!) and I were dating. I even got to be her camp counsellor the summer before our wedding, when she was still in high school — and now she’s all grown up, kind and radiant as ever, and getting married. Ben, her fiancé, I met at that same camp when we were in high school. It’s wild and wonderful that I’ve known them both separately for so long, and now they’ve found each other. Watching them together just feels right.
When we met to talk about their wedding photography, they were so gentle with each other — soft smiles, hand on a knee, always connected. Every part of their wedding planning so far has been intentional, meaningful. Ben even made Josceline’s engagement ring. (I know. I can’t handle it either.)
During our meeting, Josceline told me she was so excited to have me as their photographer because she could see that everything I do, in life and in work, is done with love and intention. As a words-of-affirmation girl, I may have gotten a little misty-eyed. It fills my heart to hear that my efforts are seen!
Ben suggested a golden hour session by the river, which just so happens to be my favorite thing ever. And before the session, I’d been feeling really inspired by some beautiful documentary-style images I’d been seeing that were raw, honest, deeply emotional. I wanted to try blending that approach into my work. I sent Josceline and Ben a few ideas — picking flowers, reading books together — and they were so on board.
That evening was magic. The golden sun, the soft wind blowing Josceline’s curls, the way Ben looked at her like she was the only person in the world, the rich hues of the flowers, the quiet flow of the river. I stepped back more than I usually do, letting them just be, guiding only gently, and watching the emotion unfold. Telling their story and showcasing their love how it really is, not how I'm posing them to make it look. It reignited my passion for capturing love in a way that’s artistic but completely true. I want my photos to be treasured for years as a time they remember as happy, comfortable, and authentic.
Editing this gallery felt like stepping into a romance novel. I let go of my usual soft and airy style and leaned into the richness, the warmth, the depth. It took a lot of learning and trial and error to bring my vision to life. But as Josceline said, I'm striving for intention. I live my life always trying to grow and learn and improve and to finally make this jump to a richer editing style felt so good. It felt right. It felt true to me. And it reminded me that my goal of documenting human relationship and connection honestly, beautifully, and with heart — is absolutely possible.
I cannot wait to photograph their wedding this August. I already know it’s going to be stunning, thoughtful, and full of meaning. And it’s extra special because it’s a family wedding — I’ll get to see so many loved ones and old friends, all gathered to celebrate this incredible couple. What an honor.
