In 2022, I had the unique opportunity to attend David Bergman's Shoot from the Pit workshop during Luke Comb’s concert at the Bell Centre in Montreal. I was one of photographers who spent the day backstage with David learning about the industry and the craft before shooting the whole show that night.
Read More2021 Favorites
2021 marked my 10th year in business as a Prince Edward Island Photographer! I can’t even begin to describe the experiences I’ve had over the last decade of photography and how grateful I am for everyone who has supported me along the way. I’ve met thousands of people and been in the room for so many important moments in people’s lives. It’s overwhelming to think of all the connections I’ve made, all the places it’s taken me, and all the laughs we’ve had. I truly appreciate everyone and all of the kindness people have showed me over the years.
This year I felt we were a little more back on our feet after a difficult 2020, and I was happy to see some of my clients able to go through with the weddings they originally planned. Celebrations were both big and small but all were just as important.
In addition to a successful wedding season we continued with more of our Mini Weddings at The Carriage House, I photographed a limited number of family sessions, and had a very busy year of corporate clients. I also had the pleasure of teaching almost 20 group photography workshops to many organizations and small businesses across PEI.
A huge thank you to everyone who was a part of my business this year!
Continuing with my yearly tradition I’m going to share some of my favorite wedding and portrait photos of 2021.
I hope you love these as much as I do! Enjoy.
2020 Favorites
It goes without saying, this year has been completely different than any other year in business. At times it was stressful, sad, and defeating. It obviously wasn’t a great year to be in the business of large gatherings and big celebrations. But looking back on these photos it’s much easier to appreciate the positives of the year and feel fortunate that I was still able to capture so many moments.
It was a tough year for all of us but on the other hand it was a restart, a challenge to overcome, and a year to put everything into perspective. Clients adapted, changed plans many times, and appreciated relationships more than ever. While photographing this year I noticed over and over again that people seemed so happy to just be together and they didn’t take it for granted. I saw a greater sense of calm from everyone, and a bigger appreciation for our Island more than ever.
Due to the cooperation of all Islanders we were very lucky to be able to gather in small groups, hold small weddings, and open our bubble to Atlantic Canada for a few months. In the end, I still photographed some weddings, met lots of new people, and shared many great days with clients new and old. Even after a wild year, I once again feel fortunate to be a photographer on Prince Edward Island.
This 2020 collection is a toast to everyone who made the most of a difficult year and still found joy in the moments big and small.
Enjoy!
Chloe & Colby - Tent Wedding on the Ocean in Little Pond, PEI
Wedding Date - August 30th, 2019
Over the years I have photographed Chloe & Colby many times so being there to capture their wedding day was a must for me! I love working with them and this day was no different. Looking back on their wedding after all this time brings happy memories of the great (pre pandemic!) celebration we had.
Chloe & Colby met in high school, became best friends for a while, and eventually their relationship progressed to the point where they started dating. They’ve stayed strong through a lot of long distance, big career moves, buying a fishing fleet, and raising their pup Sherman! In 2017 after Chloe returned from her second semester away at university in Scotland, Colby met her at the airport baggage claim and surprised her with a ring. After 7 years together he still pulled off a great surprise!
Chloe comes from a farming family and Colby is a lobster fisherman. When planning their wedding they wanted to highlight the Island’s best cuisine and host a memorable meal for their guests, and Gallant’s Seafood & Co definitely pulled that off. The location of the reception was also important to them. The house that Chloe’s Dad grew up in was moved to a waterfront property in Howe Bay a few years ago by his sister and it’s one of their favourite places in the world to be. The perfect spot to set up their Caseley’s Tent overlooking the ocean. Thank you Chloe & Colby for trusting me with these special photos!
From the couple:
What was your favorite part of your wedding day, or a favorite memory that sticks out?
“During the band’s first break, Colby pulled me aside. We stood out by the cliff and watched all of our loved ones in the tent. It was my favourite moment. We stood back for a quiet moment together and just took everything in. And the stars that night were on another level.”
What is one piece of advice you would give to other couples planning their wedding?
“Delegate! So many friends and family are willing to offer any help that they can! So just be clear about what your vision is and delegate any task you can! Also, make sure to set aside time with your wife/husband”
Number of guests - 155
Ceremony - St Mary’s Catholic Church, Souris
Venue - The Olde House in Little Pond (VRBO), Caseley’s tent
Hair - Rae-Anne Kelly- Divine Hair Design
Makeup - Rebecca Powers
Wedding Dress - Perfect pear bridal
Florals - island meadow farms
cupcakes - Bryson Family Bakery
catering - Gallants Seafood & Co.
Videography - Mel Guray Creatives
Band - Muddy Buddy
stationary - Just Handwritten (Kelsie Campbell)
photography - brady mccloskey photography
Nadia & Dave - July Wedding in Tignish, PEI
wedding date - july 6th, 2019
Nadia and Dave knew each other since they were kids through Nadia's brother and Dave's buddy Dexter. It wasn't until adulthood when Nadia pressed Dexter on what Dave's story was and what he was like. After hearing she was interested, Dave sprang into action and contacted Nad. The romance grew quickly as they saw exactly what they both wanted - and needed - in the other person. Sixteen months and six days after their first date, Dave proposed to Nadia along the beautiful cliffs of North Cape!
I met Nadia & Dave a few years ago when they starting playing on our multisport league and we’ve since become great friends. It was so fun to be invited to photograph their wedding and I loved getting to know them even more throughout the whole process. They are kind and welcoming people who alway make sure everyone is having a great time in their company. From their wedding they really wanted to have an epic, all night long party with friends, family & community there to celebrate and support them and I think they achieved just that! With over 250 people in attendance, the atmosphere was fun and lively despite all the unpredictable downpours throughout the day. They were married in Tignish and had their cocktail hour and reception in a huge Caseley’s tent on family property. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do!
Thank you so much Nadia & Dave for having me capture your wedding day, and congrats to the Brothers!
wedding advice from the couple:
“Make sure you are both bought into it. It is a lot of work so you may as well have fun together planning it.”
Number of guests - 260
Ceremony - St. Simon & St. Jude, Tignish
Reception - tent provided by Caseley’s, private property
Hair - Phyllis Bernard
Makeup - Rebecca Powers
Wedding Dress - Maggie Sottero, With Love Bridal Boutique, Ottawa
Florals - Alberton Florists
Decor - Miss K's Kreations
Cake - Butter
Catering - MJ's Bakery - Tignish
Transportation - Eclipse Entertainment Company
DJ - DJ Dekz
Late Night Food - Up West Fire Fries
Lauren & Stephen - Fall Wedding at Wintermoor Apple Orchard
wedding date - september 20th, 2019
Stephen & Lauren’s story started in 2014 at UPEI where they were both students. She was a vet student and walking a training dog (Pearl) across campus one day. As Stephen approached on the path, Pearl stopped, rolled over, and waited for a belly rub from Stephen. He kneeled down to pet the dog and chatted up Lauren too, while getting a look at her name tag. A Facebook friend request led to chatting more, and their dating began. Three years later, they got engaged one evening after dinner at the top of the CN Tower.
When planning their wedding Lauren & Stephen wanted a relaxed, happy atmosphere where family and friends could enjoy themselves. Their day was definitely the fun and easy celebration they had hoped for.
I always love photographing weddings at unique locations across the Island and this was a new one for me, Wintermoor Orchard in York, PEI. I’ve photographed there several times before but never a wedding ceremony so this was fun. The nice thing about Fall weddings is the timing of photographs usually syncs up perfectly with the best looking light of the day. That was the case for Lauren & Stephen’s photos. They had the most perfect golden hour sunshine coming through the apple trees, and a great sunset at Covehead Lighthouse.
Congratulations Lauren & Stephen - it was a pleasure!
one piece of advice from the couple:
Stephen - Don’t sweat the little things/details. It will still be the best day of your life. Lauren – Have fun! Find ways to make it personal and representative of you individually and as a couple.
number of wedding guests: 100
Ceremony space - wintermoor apple orchard, york, pe
reception space - pei brewing company
coordination - elysian weddings and events
hair - grand senses salon and spa
makeup - kate ellis, rebecca powers
officiant - brenda bulger
Wedding dress - Morilee, The Wedding Chapel Bridal Boutique
florals - bernadette’s flowers
cake - Ellie Bakes Cakes
Transportation - coach atlantic
DJ - robbie doherty
stationary - shutterfly
Jayne & Nicholas - Married at Sea on the fiddling fisherman
wedding date - October 5th, 2019
Jayne & Nicholas met in 2014 at a Lululemon run club where he was the leader. They hit it off and although eventually Jayne didn’t actually want to run, she kept returning so that she could see Nic. They ended up working together and their relationship grew with a little help from their coworkers who purposely scheduled them together on all shifts. In the Summer of 2016 during a trip to PEI, they got engaged on a sunny beach day at Greenwich National Park. Although neither of them are from the Island, Jayne’s family has a cottage in the Souris area and they knew it was exactly where they wanted to get married.
As you can see from these photos, there was so much energy on their wedding day. We photographed at Jayne’s family cottage on the North Side and because of the blistering high winds the waves were massive and Jayne’s dress blew all around, making for lots of dramatic photos. We laughed a lot because we could hardly stand up straight or even hear each other in the wind, but it added a lot of excitement. According to Jayne, “the wind almost blowing us over, being so cold, and getting my dress so dirty was probably the most fun we will ever have.” I love the positivity.
They wanted their wedding to not be about details, but rather keeping it simple and small, surrounded by their closest people. They chose to forgo traditions and get married on JJ Chaisson’s Fiddling Fisherman boat on the water just off Souris Harbour. It was a chilly October day but guests cozied up in blankets and they even had a propane fire pit on the boat! Their casual ceremony was short and intimate followed by a kitchen style party onboard, just as the sun came out. After drinks, snacks, and fiddle music, everyone headed to 21 Breakwater Restaurant in Souris for their reception.
Thank you Jayne & Nicholas for being the greatest sports, having the most upbeat personalities, and inviting me into your lives for this special day. It was a day I loved and definitely won’t forget. Congratulations you two!
One piece of advice from the couple:
“Always remember it is about you two and how you want to celebrate your love. Guests lists and family obligations will always come into play, but if you do what is right for you two, and remember what it is really about, you wont regret a single thing.”
number of guests - 55
hair - Irene Dunlop
Makeup - Jacqueline Denise- Urban Daisy Boutique
Officiant/boat venue - J.J Chaisson
Wedding Dress - Stella York- from Perfect Pear Bridal Charlottetown
Florals - PEI Lavender Lady
Decor - freckles and Porcelain
Reception venue & catering - 21 Breakwater
reception music - JJ Chaisson & Darla MacPhee
Stationary - Mallory Foley - Mal The Card Gal
Kelsey & Allison - Mountain Estate Wedding in Kimberley, BC
wedding date - June 1st, 2019
Kelsey & Allison are friends of mine who met and live in Calgary, and I was lucky enough to travel to photograph and attend their destination wedding this past June in British Columbia! I was actually there to capture their fun surprise proposal during a family photo session in PEI in 2017 too. I also photographed Kelsey’s brother’s wedding (Rory & Hannah) in 2016 so it was great to work with everyone again!
Kelsey & Allison wanted a fun destination in the mountains where everyone could come together so they chose the small town of Kimberley, BC - about a 4 hour road trip from Calgary. A big group of friends and family travelled from PEI and all across Canada for their wedding and we made a full week of activities around it. They wanted all of their guests to stay close and get to know each other, so they organized events and hangouts before the wedding day too. Our group rented a big house and spent a lot of time with everyone beforehand.
The wedding was held at Cherry Creek Estate, a huge property outside town with a view overlooking the ranch and mountains. The staff were wonderful (shout out to Dave), the photo locations were so good, and it was a really unique spot that we had all to ourselves. They had a quick outdoor ceremony, a long relaxing cocktail hour, a reception with incredible food, and an even better DJ.
I’ll always remember this wedding and was so lucky to have been a part of it. A great destination wedding can really bring people together and make it a whole experience, and theirs definitely did just that. Congratulations Kelsey & Allison!
One piece of wedding advice from the couple:
“We wrote and read our vows to each other the night before so we could half keep it together during our ceremony. It made us feel really connected going into the next day.”
Planning a destination wedding yourself? I’d love to hear more - it can cost a lot less than you think!
number of guests - 85
Hair - Nicole Wilhelm (@nicoledidit)
Makeup - Candace Janisch (@ladylipstickslinger)
Wedding Dress - Designer - Nicole Rita Tomney (@nrtfashions)
Wedding Suit - Stylist Lauren Larsen (@atelierbyensemble)
Florals - MJ's Floral Boutique (@mjsfloralboutique)
Transportation - Free Spirit Travel Bus
DJ - DJ Ray
2019 Favorites
This end of year post is so rewarding to create each time as I get to look back on every photo taken during the year. Photography takes me to so many new places to meet people and I get to capture some really big moments in their lives. My clients welcome me with open arms and that’s the reason we are able to capture these personal moments. Thank you to every person who was behind the camera this year, it’s been a true pleasure sharing these days with you. Happiness and love really radiate from these photos and that is so great to see.
Please enjoy this collection of some of my personal favorite photos from my wedding and portrait work in 2019.
Prince Edward Island Mini Weddings
wedding dates - July 21st, & September 15th, 2019
I’ve been asked about our mini wedding days so many times over the last few months so I’m pleased to share some photos and a bit of the back story! Hey, even CBC was talking about them.
Last winter Kristina from Elysian Weddings & Events and I met for coffee about an idea she had for a full day of small weddings back to back where couples would essentially share a full day booking from some of our Island’s top vendors. Although admittedly we weren’t sure if it would be a hit or not, I was on board right away. We discussed a lot of the details and what was important, but above all we wanted couples to feel like they were treated special and had a quality, fun, and positive experience that wasn’t rushed. Couples each would receive a two hour time slot which included their wedding ceremony with photography, videography, ceremony space, officiant, coordination, florals, champagne, and cake - all for $2,500! You just needed to show up with a marriage license. We assembled a top notch team of vendors and the host was one of the Island’s most loved venues, Clinton Hills. Once the July 21st minis were announced, they filled up right away and there was enough demand for a second day to be added in September! In July we celebrated 4 weddings, and 3 in September.
We loved how every wedding did things differently and felt unique. Each couple decided how they wanted to spend their time so some opted for a first look while others arrived together. Their families would then head up to the wooded ceremony space at Clinton Hills (or inside if raining). After their own personalized ceremony by Elysian Weddings, we walked to the outdoor courtyard at Clinton Hills for cake & champagne. We took a group photo and let our couples relax and mingle with their friends and families before we captured some family photos. Once guests departed Simon and I took each couple around the property for their own fun portraits and video.
After they left us, every couple had their own plans for the rest of the day and night. Some rented restaurants for private dinners with guests, one had a stay at Dalvay, some threw a big party, one stayed at home and enjoyed a kid free evening, and one even had a full tent wedding reception afterwards! It was so nice to see how everyone made the day unique to them.
It was the biggest compliment to hear from every couple how much fun they had, what an easy experience it was, and how they would recommend it to others. We’ve also had so many people say they wish they had done it too!
We would love to host these again so stay tuned for the details on this Summer’s upcoming mini wedding day! Thank you to all the vendors who made these days so great:
ceremony & coordination - elysian weddings & events
venue - clinton hills weddings & events
photography - brady mccloskey
videography - simon reid studios
florals - sakurah’s flower studio
cakes - butter (july), KGJ Bake Shop (september)
Jess & Alex - Elopement in Point Prim, PEI
wedding date - june 8, 2018.
Jess and Alex travelled to PEI from the United States looking for a peaceful and inclusive place to celebrate their marriage. They felt welcomed right away by Prince Edward Island and their hosts Melody & Val at The Steeple Cottage in Point Prim - a unique venue with a dramatic and beautiful beach on the rocky shore of Point Prim.
I showed up that cool and rainy day and suggested the pair hang out and enjoy a little time together before the ceremony. Alex played guitar and we enjoyed the warm cottage before heading out to meet the marriage commissioner Melody & her partner Val. We took our chances whether it would start to rain again and traveled down the steps to the red rock beach where they said their vows. Although the rain did come on strong during their ceremony, everyone was still laughing and enjoying the moment. After a retreat back to the cottage to dry off and warm up, we travelled to the nearby Point Prim Lighthouse for more photos. Just before we said our goodbyes we stopped at one last field of dandelions that were white and turning to seed. The sun broke through the clouds at the perfect time, glistening off the flowers and creating one of the most amazing pink sky sunsets that I’ve ever captured. A perfect ending to a lovely evening.
Congratulations Alex & Jess - it was a true pleasure meeting and working with you!
Enjoy,
venue - the steeple cottage
suits - ASOS
marriage commissioner - melody ellis
photography - brady mccloskey photography
Chelsey & Tyler - Elopement at Dalvay by the sea
wedding date - august 29th, 2017
Chelsey & Tyler contacted me with the simple idea of eloping on Prince Edward Island on a Tuesday evening in August of 2017. As Calgary residents they had no real connection to PEI, didn’t have any guests, and wanted a stress free and casual wedding on the beach. They thought of the options for where they could get married, and kept coming back to the beaches of PEI. I love elopements and although they are not for everyone, they can be such a genuine and meaningful experience which was exactly what Chelsey & Tyler had.
I met them in their room at the beautiful Dalvay by the Sea on Prince Edward Island’s North Shore and we walked across to the beach to meet their marriage commissioner. Down by the water on beautiful and warm August evening they said their vows during a peaceful and intimate ceremony. After the quick official words, we parted ways with their commissioner and photographed on the beach and around the Dalvay property. Any time I am photographing a couple I love to talk with them and hear their stories about how they met, where they came from, and get to know them a little more.
Chelsey & Tyler wanted a typical, larger wedding but the more they began to plan it and think about it they realized they would enjoy a small ceremony to themselves much more. There were no expectations and they could really enjoy each other’s company. Their evening on the beach in Dalvay was exactly what they pictured, and we had so much fun capturing these photos. I think they are a perfect representation of their bond, and the experience they had that evening.
To Chelsey & Tyler - all the best for your many years together! <3
Taylor & Mark - Charlottetown Wedding at The Delta Prince Edward
Wedding date - July 21st, 2018
Taylor & Mark and met through mutual friends and quickly hit things off. In the Spring of 2017 they visited one of their favorite hiking spots where Mark planned to propose at the top. Mark assumed there would be lots of people around to take a photo of him asking the question, but when they reached the top there was not a soul in sight. Eventually, he (uncharacteristically) asked Taylor if they could get a photo together and set up a timer instead! She was shocked, out of words, and of course - said yes.
Mark & Taylor were married on a warm July day in Charlottetown on the back terrace at the Delta Prince Edward. We captured lots of photographs of the two of them together but also with the many people they are close to in their lives. Locations included a friend’s home on the waterfront, Government House, The Delta, and Taylor’s home. My favorite part are all the huge smiles and emotions you can feel in these photos. There was no shortage of family and friends around on their wedding day so you could tell Mark & Taylor were really loved by many. Parents, siblings, and friends all played a large role in the day - including Taylor’s three sisters!
Getting to know this couple and capturing their wedding was a joy and a highlight of the year. I’m excited to now share these photos with you all! Enjoy,
Number of guests - 160
Venue - Delta Prince Edward Hotel
Wedding coordination - Elysian weddings and events
makeup - taylored beauty
hair - Brittany Bruinooge
flowers - island meadow farms
dress - Halo Gown by Hayley Paige
decor - once upon a wedding
Music - Bridgette Blanchard, Gordie Cox
Limo - Prestige Limousine
cake - Christine’s Cake Creations
photography - brady mccloskey photography
Travel - Europe & the Middle East
It’s been over a year since friends and I travelled to Europe and the Middle East and I am finally getting around to sharing some of my travel photos! I spent 6 weeks backpacking and visiting friends in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Qatar, and Spain.
I don’t always take my camera on vacation but I knew this trip would be filled with so many photo opportunities and cool sceneries, so it had to come along. This trip brought such a diverse mix of destinations, each with their own highlights. Much of the adventure was planned along the way including accommodation/cheap flights booked with just a few days notice. Some people enjoy the planning process of a trip, but it’s actually my least favorite part and I prefer to be spontaneous and flexible along the way. I photographed most days and there are a lot more photos, so here’s just a little preview!
Belgium, France, & Germany
We starting the whole trip by flying into Brussels where we stayed a few nights, eating waffles, drinking beer, and exploring the city on foot. From there we rented a car and drove to Arras, France for a few nights, using it as our home base to explore Vimmy Ridge, Beaumount Hamel, and other Canadian war memorials. Afterwards, we trained to the picturesque town of Bruges in Belgium where we spent 4 or 5 nights. Of all, Bruges was my favorite since it was filled with winding old streets, was really bike friendly, surrounded by a nice canal, and had tons of history. To cap off these first two weeks we travelled to Frankfurt to stay with our friend and regroup before the next adventure - Italy!
Italy
After a couples weeks of rainy and dreary weather, I was ready for the sun. Having about 10 days unplanned, we checked Google Flights to find the cheapest flight to a fun destination, and settled on Italy. Although I’ve been twice before, Italy is one of my favorite places to visit and I was so excited to go back. We flew into Pisa, took the train to Florence, and I travelled solo to Tuscany and Milan. The food, the cheap wine, the views, the vibe, I love it all.
Any time you travel you have to expect hiccups along the way, and Italy threw me a big one. My friends and I parted ways in Florence as I had plans for a road trip while they went to Rome. I had a really remote Airbnb booked in the hills far outside Florence and planned to rent a car to explore a bunch of Tuscan towns over 5 days. When I arrived at Hertz to pick up my car, I found out my PEI driver’s license had just EXPIRED! It was something I never even thought to check (expires every 5 years) and I was unable to rent any car, throwing off all my plans. I vowed to roll with it. I left Hertz (in the pouring rain) and searched for wifi to find a bus or something that could drop me off near the Airbnb since I couldn’t cancel it. Even though it took triple the amount of time to get there, I somehow still made it that night after a very long bumpy bus ride. In the end I was stranded at this house on the side of the road, 45 minutes away from the nearest town and had to make the best of it! Without a car or reliable public transportation I couldn’t explore the area as planned as it was so remote, and opted to relax, read, cook, and try and enjoy the peace and quiet. Thankfully I stopped for groceries before I left as there wasn’t even food anywhere close.
The hiccup forced me to change all travel plans/flights but in the end it was something to laugh about, and forced me to slow down for a few days. I suppose I wasn’t meant to do explore Tuscany this trip which just means I’ll have to go back again!
Germany & Austria
After Italy I flew Milan to Munich to spend some time with my friends Tobi & Sara who now call the Munich area home. I had a such a great visit enjoying their small town, surrounding area, visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, and crossing the border to Austria. Munich is one of the few places I’ve visited where I said I could certainly live. The city itself was so clean, had a massive park, lots to see, and had a really good vibe to it. We definitely left raving about Munich!
Qatar
Our friend Daniett has been teaching for a few years in Doha, Qatar and we’ve always been super interested to know more about it. Travel plans and dates worked out, so we made the long trek to see her! After my time visiting in Munich I met back up with one of my friends, and we flew to Doha a couple days later. Qatar ended up being a fascinating country that was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. The sheer wealth everywhere, how everything was over the top, the extreme heat, and the different culture was all so interesting. With a local’s perspective I think we had a much better experience than someone would coming on their own and staying in the (very expensive) tourist area of the city. I believed we stayed for 5 nights. We boated, did a wild Land Cruiser tour of the desert, rode camels, ate and shopped at the local markets, and really enjoyed our visit to this part of the world. A very cool experience I was fortunate to enjoy.
Spain
To end off my trip I flew to Barcelona, Spain, somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit. Originally I had planned for just 4 nights in the city but twice went back to the desk at my hostel to add more nights. In the end I spent 8 nights there! I loved that the city had so many different things to do every day and I never ran out of options. From the nearby mountains, the beach, the Gothic Quarter, good food, shopping, and the countless attractions, it really had it all. I loved Barcelona and would love to visit it again some day.
One of the highlights of my trip was spending the day at Montserrat outside of Barcelona. The mountaintop monastery and hiking had some of the most incredible trails and views I’ve ever seen. Long lines for the cable car meant I didn’t have as much time as I wanted, but I still really enjoyed being up there.
After that I flew to Malaga for a night and then spent 4 nights on the Costa del Sol in the beach town of Fuengirola. I splurged a little on a great Airbnb by the beach and cooked lots of amazing local food. I knew nothing about Fuengirola but found it by zooming in on Google Maps, doing a fast Google, and quickly deciding it looked like a chill, cheap, and easy place to relax in.
From there it was back to Brussels, and back to reality. Until next time!
A Road Trip in Iceland
This past October I spent a whirlwind 5 days in Iceland attending the first ever Roadie Workshop hosted by Nordica Photography & Mark Pacura. For two full days we traveled in Land Rovers around rural and remote areas of Iceland, photographing two separate couples for an epic portfolio building workshop. We shot from sunrise to sunset to midnight, and through every type of winter weather. We explored hidden beaches, mountains, lakes, and every jaw dropping location in between. Iceland has scenery unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before, so the opportunity to photograph there was so very cool.
10 of us photographers from around the world bunked together, learned new techniques, expanded our portfolios, talked business and marketing, and learned so much from one another. Every year I look to do one major form of photography education. This Iceland trip was certainly a great experience to really get out of my comfort zone, shoot in a different location, meet new people, and add some amazing new content for my travel portfolio. It’s so easy to see why Iceland is on every photographer’s bucket list.
Enjoy,
2018 Favorites
2018 brought another year of adventure. New people, new places, and so many new experiences. I’ve been welcomed into the lives of strangers and friends during nearly 200 photo shoots this past year. It is always a time consuming and difficult task of narrowing down my personal favorite photos from my wedding and portrait work, only some of which can fit in this post. For many different reasons, these are the photos that stand out to me personally.
Working with people every day is the best part of this job, and being invited to be a part of all your moments is so appreciated. To every single person who was behind the camera this year, I thank you for allowing me to tell a little part of your story. I’ve had a blast. 2019 is sure to be another big year, and I hope to see you along the way.
Many thanks, and enjoy.
Naomi & Nathan - October wedding in Alberton, PEI
wedding date - october 7th, 2017
A few years ago Nathan moved temporarily from Ontario to small town Alberton, Prince Edward Island to help his Mother set up her new restaurant in town - The Sidewalk Grill. Around the same time, Naomi also moved to Alberton when she got a pharmacist job after graduation. Neither intended to stay in the small town long term, but everything changed when they crossed paths and met each other. With their workplaces being close by, Naomi would often head to the restaurant for lunch and strike up conversations with Nate. Their lunch time interactions soon changed to dates, and the two quickly fell in love. Fittingly, Nate proposed to Naomi over breakfast one morning! Fast forward to now, Naomi & Nate have bought a beautiful home together and have settled in the small town where they met!
Naomi grew up as a fisherman's daughter in Souris, PEI so their wedding reception took place on the pier at Northport Harbour. Their decor tied in nautical with the Fall colors, blue and white being highlights. Their favorite moment of the day was seeing each other as Naomi walked down the isle, all their nerves changing to joy and excitement.
Naomi & Nathan are two of the kindest people you can ever meet, and they are a pleasure to be around. All day you could feel how special it was for both of them to have everyone together, and see the love from around the room. We photographed on the cliffs in Western PEI, in their backyard, and at Northport pier. I'm so happy I was able to capture their wedding, and just spend a day with them too! Congratulations Naomi & Nate!
number of guests - 140
ceremony - st anthony's church
reception - northport pier
officiant - father andrew macdonald
hair - cheryl weeks
makeup - jacki peters
wedding dress - allure at perfect pair bridal
grooms suit - moores
flowers - alberton florists
decorator - rave event decor (velma robichaud)
planner - caie-lea carpenter
dj - tyler's dj services
cake - karen's kupcakes
caterer - northport pier restaurant
stationary - vistaprint
transportation - gordon's tours & eclipse entertainment
videographer - mel guary
photographer - brady mccloskey photography
Amy & Webster - Destination wedding on PEI
wedding date - august 20th, 2017
Amy & Web grew up in the same town in Massachusetts and went to high school together. They connected early because of how much they laughed together, and remained friends over the years and through college. After graduation they both ended up moving to Boston where they reconnected and decided to try going on a date. During a romantic Italian dinner on a snowy evening in January, everything felt right and they realized they must to be more than friends. They spent more and more time together, moved in, and got engaged two and a half years after that first date.
Ever since he was born Webster spent each Summer at his grandparent's home in Prince Edward Island. It's a special place for his family and meant a lot when he took Amy to visit for the first time in August of 2015. She also fell in love with the Island's rolling hills and beautiful coastline. After a rainstorm, Amy & Web took a walk and sat on the cliff by Cape Tryon Lighthouse. Web used this as the perfect time and place to ask Amy to marry him, and she obviously said yes! One year later, they returned to PEI to get married.
Feeling the pull of Prince Edward Island, they knew it was the perfect place to get married despite the distance from home. Every guest travelled from afar, making PEI a destination for all. Using their families as their wedding inspiration, they also incorporated decor inspired by Amy's many visits to her grandparent's in Cape Cod. A nautical farm theme of navy and white was executed by Kiss The Bride.
Despite the hard work that went into preparing, Amy & Webster's wedding day had a feeling of ease and simplicity that was focused on enjoying the Island and being present in the moment. We photographed at Webster's parent's beautiful Summer property and the nearby French River beach, before heading to Clinton Hills for the ceremony & reception. These two were a joy to work with, and I am so happy they feel in love with Prince Edward Island, and each other!
advice from the couple
Enjoy your day and trust those around you! Chances are you'll have support from your family, friends, and even staff from your venue, so plan ahead as much as you want but make sure you and your future spouse both live in the present on your wedding day to enjoy every moment.
number of guests - 85
officient - valerie downe
ceremony and reception - clinton hills
hair - blake caissie signature blonde salon
makeup - urban daisy boutique
wedding dress - madeleine's daughter bridal
groom's suit - blank label
flowers - prestige floral studio weddings
wedding coordinator - kiss the bride
Music - Zach Squires
Cake - Butter
Caterer - Broadway 45
Stationary - keynote paper studio
photography - brady mccloskey photography
Jill & Gordie - Vintage Wedding in Downtown Charlottetown
Wedding date - november 24th, 2017
Jill & Gordie met through mutual friends at a music festival - Stan Fest in Canso, Nova Sctoia in 2009. The weather was awful that day, very rainy and muddy. A friend of Jill's went down to check on Jill and her friends in their tent and Gordie tagged along. When Gordie saw Jill for the first time he said she looked so sad he wanted to do anything to cheer her up. He brought her warm coffee and cold beers and gave her access to a real washroom, thus impressing her and beginning their adventurous relationship!
Gordie travels the world as a musician (Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys) and Jill joins when she can. Music has brought them across North America, Europe, India, and beyond. In 2016 they welcomed their sweet daughter Annie to the world and in 2017 they got engaged on the beach at her parent's home. 8 years and a child later, they set November 24th, 2017 as they evening they would get married!
Their vintage wedding inspiration came from Jill's 1920 antique ring. With their homemade suit and dress, the Haviland Club setting, and the amazing hairstyles to match, this wedding looks like it could have been photographed many years ago. I love when a couple breaks from the norm and does their own thing, so this was a real treat to capture! Jill & Gordie's attitude was laid back and focused on spending time with their friends and family. We captured all of their photos in the evening, and then they danced the night away!
wedding advice from the couple
"Don't sweat the small stuff. Try and let things slide as much as possible and pick your battles. In the long run a lot of things don't matter and there is no need to start a fight over something that really won't matter in a day, a week, or a year.
number of guests - 100
officiant - martin carter
hair - corey doucette - aveda grand senses
wedding dress - handmade
groom's suit - handmade
flowers - mother of the bride
decorator - pineapple eventworks
music - mike bravener and the rockin billies
cake - pat arsenault
photography - brady mccloskey photography
Hilary & Mike - Married in Bedeque, PEI
wedding date - july 14th, 2017
On her first day of university at UPEI, Hilary arrived late to discover class was full and there was only one seat left in the room. She hurried in and sat down right beside Mike, not knowing that one day this stranger would become her husband! The weeks and months went by and Hilary & Mike became good friends through class, but later parted ways when they both switched schools. Almost two years later they ran into each other in Halifax and spent the rest of the night chatting and catching up. Little did they know, their conversation that evening would never end!
Years later Hilary & Mike had travelled to see their favorite hockey teams play in Montreal. A few hours after arriving they hiked up to enjoy the views of the city from Mount Royal. Mike handed his phone to a stranger to take a photo of them and surprised Hilary by bringing out an engagement ring!
Having photographed the wedding of Hilary's sister Bethany and Brother in law Brad, it was special to be invited back into their family again and see it combined with Mike's side as well. Mike & Hilary's wedding day was a hot blue sky day in mid July. They were married close to Hilary's home in Bedeque and celebrated at The Shipyard later that evening. They wanted their wedding day to feel romantic, dreamy, & modern and it did just that. We photographed the majority of formals at McCallum's Point, a special place to the Waugh family where Hilary spent a lot of time swimming and playing as a kid. Standing on the cliffs laughing and enjoying ourselves with the ocean all around us was the best kind of PEI Summer day! To everyone involved in this wedding day, thank you so much for keeping the good vibes going all day long!
Congratulations Hilary & Mike!
advice from the couple
"Stay organized throughout the planning process. Understand that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel and you will eventually miss planning for your "best day ever". So enjoy it and don't stress!"
