My experience at the November Refresh Workshop

At the start of 2016 I set two goals for myself: to take at least one workshop and to get booked for a session overseas. I have officially accomplished both.

Ever since I started photography, I have been following (and stalking) a few incredible photographers. There are quite a few I respect, follow and love but I can say I have two ultimate favs, Jennifer Moher and Hugh Whitaker. Months ago I FINALLY registered to take their Refresh Workshop and have been looking so forward to it since. 

The workshop came at the best time in my photography season, the winter "lull". Although I have a few weddings left in 2016 and quite a few sessions coming up, I was feeling blah. I needed a refresh if you will :) 

I can't recommend this workshop enough. Jennifer, Hugh and Erin Lester (Jen's second shooter) are so real. There's no question to simple or too blunt or too silly to ask them and you get a real answer, which I think is the most important aspect of a workshop. 

We covered everything from initial client conversations to how to present a finished product to SEO to social media, everything I wanted to hear them talk about, we talked about. 

The best part of the day was having real models (who ended up being so fun and perfect for our group). We started with the Groom getting ready, then the bride, to a first look and then a reception. It was great to see how Jennifer, Hugh and Erin would photograph with the light we had and the settings the models were in. We were then given our own time with the models to use what we learnt, which was wicked. 

Jen, Hugh and Erin, I can't thank you enough. You gave me the little fire under my bum to do better, which is exactly what I wanted out of your workshop. You have inspired me and motivated me to do just that much better when it comes to showing my work, building relationships and valuing my time. So thank you times 10000!

Here is a peek at our workshop session. Enjoy! 

brittany + drew | a rustic farm wedding at rainbow valley wedding barn in caledon

Brittany and Drew are one of those couples that make me feel so lucky to have my "job". I say it in quotes because honestly, hanging out with these two and their friends and family, never once felt like work. 

Brit and Drew found me through a free wedding magazine that I just happened to submit one of my weddings too. Brit and I met up in person for the first time and instantly it was a match and I wanted to capture their wedding so bad. I am so thankful they chose me. 

From the first second I saw them on the wedding day, to the minute I left, my face hurt from smiling and my make up was a mess from crying. Every little detail was perfect: walking in and everyone is rocking out to the Tragically Hip (my fav band), constant laughs all day with the whole group, horses chasing us while doing photos (and while we chased goats), truly emotional speeches, the best dance floor and the list goes on. 

B + D, THANK YOU!! I don't know how many times I can say it, I am so darn thankful I was lucky enough to capture such a perfect wedding. I am so happy you guys found me through that magazine and I really hope I get to work with you, your friends and your families again. 

-Megan xo

Wedding Planner - Amanda Lorusso, Precious Occasions Planning

Venue - Rainbow Valley Wedding Barn

Hair - Tanya Noland- @tanya_hair

Make Up - Ronnie Tremblay- @ronnietremblay

Flowers - Stems Floral Studio

Caterer- Feast Your Eyes

Rentals- Affair Rentals

Bridesmaid Dresses - Davids Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen - Andrews Formals

Brittany's Dress - Avenue 22 (Eddy K)

Second Shooter - Ally Ho

mark + lindsay | a beautiful backyard wedding at Beamer Falls Manor in Grimsby

First off, I have to say that this wedding is the perfect example of "if it rains, embrace it". Mark + Lindsey got married at Beamer Falls Manor (one of my favorite venues to date, with the nicest owners taboot!) on September 10, 2016. The entire day was torrential rain, off and on off and on and finally, when the sun gave them a few minutes of it's time, they got married under a giant willow tree.

Mark + Lindsay are the epitome of a perfect couple. The entire day was filled with candid emotion, love, incredible details and a wicked fun group of people. M + L, thank you so darn much for having me to capture your day. I hope I get to work with you guys soon and can't wait for you guys to see all the photos! 

Second shot by Michelle Lina

rosie + dave | downtown toronto winter wedding | 02.27.16

This wedding was not only beautiful, but so much fun. Rosie & Dave chose the Story's building as their venue which was a first for me, but I just loved it and hope I can return soon!

Rosie & Dave, whom I didn't know too well before the wedding, I feel like I know very well and love since the wedding. From Rosie walking down the aisle to Ozzy, to the "nailed it!"'s through out the day, to the laughs and tears during the reception and to the best darn first dances I have EVER seen.

R & D, you are so much fun and I am happy I got to witness such a great wedding. Rachel & Rebecca, thank you for introducing me to Ms Rosie, you both rock!

Big thanks to my second shooter, Lindsay Nemeth, you also rock!

Enjoy the peek at your photos and can't wait for you to see the rest!

-M xo

Favorite Cakes/Dessert tables of 2015

5. Jess & Luke, London ON, August 2015 - This adorable/yummy cake was created by Jess' friend, Ashley Farr. Ashley has some amazing skills and gets another mention in #2.

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4. Rachel & Matt, London ON, September 2015 - This beautiful cake was created by one of my other brides (who was in Rachel's bridal party), Rebecca.. Rebecca is incredible at what she does and I love the unique look of this cake. Check out Rebecca's wedding here.

3. Taylor & Sarah, Toronto ON, August 2015 -I absolutely loved the color palette for their table but I think it was the little banner on top that won me over!

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2. Shauna & Brett, London ON, October 2015 - This beautiful cake, again, was created by Ashley Farr. She has some incredible talent and is still new to the industry. Can't wait to see where her skills take her!

1. Number one has to be this beautiful 3 tier (each tier a different flavour), "naked" style cake created by the Bride, Sharon. Sharon is one talented lady when it comes to baked goods but also just a creative person in general. Two of Sharons bouquets made my favorite flowers of 2015 list. You can see those here.

The journey continues: Minca, Colombia

When I first joined the PWB team of photographers in July of 2014, to work with Casa Guatemala in Rio Dulce Guatemala, I was beyond excited and ecstatic (read about it here). Never ever did I think that upon my return, I would be offered a position with the organization that I had only dreamt of. Upon my return, I became the Creative Director for PWB and it has been an amazing experience ever since. It's been stressful, exciting, a learning process while meeting some incredible like-minded people.

Seven months into my director role, Danielle (Founder of PWB), approached me asking if I would be interested in going and helping on another project. At first I didn't believe her, and was fighting the urge to scream with excitement but of course, I said yes (and will always say yes to projects Danielle! ). I soon found out I was headed to Colombia and not alone this time, with another Canadian photographer.

I instantly ran home and did a tonne of research not only on the organization and the country, but to find out who this stranger was I was going to be traveling with, Michael Bednar. From what I had been told, and the creeping I did online, Michael Bednar seemed like a cool dude who had quite the impressive photography portfolio. He had also traveled everywhere I hadn't which made me feel a bit better about traveling to unknown land with him.

Michael (and now myself) had been chosen to go and work with an organization called Mision Gaia (MG) in Minca, Colombia. Mision Gaia is an organization that works with rural communities, local schools, governmental and private organizations in the Minca, Sierra Nevada area. Focused in three areas, our programs help strengthen educational and environmental practices and the responsible development of tourism.

The town of Minca, where MG works, is described as "a small town of five hundred inhabitants (660 meters above sea level), nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and lost among the lush vegetation". From that description, I thought "oh this town sounds so cute and lovely" but when I arrived in Minca, I was even more in love with the town.

After a few skype calls with both the ladies at MG and with Michael, it was time to finally leave for this journey.

Highlights from our project:

  • the people - everyone in Minca is so incredibly nice, hospitable, kind and I can't wait to go back and visit some of the friends we made
  • seeing the biodiversity of Colombia - not many countries can you be 3000+ metres above sea level and see the snow peaks and cloud forest and as you descend down the mountain, experience the forest, dry forest and then the ocean and all the wildlife along the way
  • the view after our hike to Cerro Kennedy
  • helping to rescue a stray pup, who had an injured ear with a horrible infection, and helping to clean everything and save his life

Not so highlights:

  • losing my baggage for the first 3 days (then returned with a smashed up tripod)
  • the hike to Cerro Kennedy (it was SO beautiful, but I was nowhere near the shape I should of been in to do this hike, it was extremely tough for us)
  • getting sick - this is bound to happen when you travel anywhere so I powered through

This past Friday July 31st, Photographers Without Borders launched Issue 3, where I was fortunate enough to be the Creative Director and Editor. Michael's photos from our project in Colombia are featured along with 11 other incredible projects.

To preview or order a copy, click here

 

frank & meagen - 06.27.15

I have been so looking forward to this wedding since the second I was out one night with Frank and he told me he was going to propose and that I was shooting the wedding.

I have known Frank now for...8 years I believe. We started off playing soccer together and from there our friendship grew and him and his awesome group of friends took me in and I love them all and so happy to of met them.

When Frank met Meagen, I was instantly thinking "Frank better not let this gal go" and he didn't. Meagen and Frank were made to be together and what they have is so hard to find. Meagen instantly was a major part of their group, got along with everyone and made Frank so happy.

The wedding this beautiful couple planned at The Doctors House, was so them. Laid back, fun, lots of good food and drinks from morning until night and surrounded by amazing people.

I am so happy you both asked me to capture your day and I hope I did in a way that you will cherish the photos forever. Despite the torrential downpour for the entire day, I think we embraced the rain and captured some keepers.

Thank you again M & F xoxo

P.s Big shout out to my second shooter, Danielle Da Silva, for hanging out with and capturing the guys shannigans prior to the wedding xx

P.P.S for those of you who don't know Meagen & Frank, they are teachers so... the School Bus makes sense :)

**Click on images to view in lightbox**