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

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

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

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

Kate & Tyler - PEI wedding at Dalvay Beach

wedding date - July 29th, 2017

A mutual friend of Kate & Tyler's insisted for years that Kate just HAD to meet this Tyler guy, but Kate kept brushing it off. Eventually during an evening with friends at Marc's Studio they connected and Kate later realized the guy she was chatting with was Tyler, the one she had been hearing of all along. After a Facebook add and a some messages, they went on a date and the rest was history!

Three years later with their dog Finny in one arm, Tyler proposed in front of the lighthouse at Covehead Beach in June, 2016. Afterwards they went back to Kate's parent's house and celebrated with all her immediate family! 

Excitement was in the air during Kate & Tyler's wedding day. The mood was fun, light hearted, and definitely energetic! My favorite thing about Kate & Tyler is Kate's ever present excitement and enthusiasm mixed with Tyler's calm and cool demeanor. They make such a great pair that are so fun to be around and you always feel at ease. Capturing their personalities, relationship and dynamic was a blast and as Kate put it, "the best day ever!!" Thank you so much to everyone who pulled this day together, and Kate & Tyler for choosing me to capture it! 

Congratulations to The Moirs! 

advice from the couple

"There are so many options out there and it is easy to get swayed into "what is popular" but I think what we loved most about our wedding is that we truly did what made us happy and we both tried to put the focus on each other, and not the small details. Also, try to remember every moment! It goes by in a flash!"  

Number of guests - 150
venue - dalvay beach and confederation centre of the arts

officiant - jeff macdonald (brother of the bride)

hair - lydia ferguson

makeup - rebecca powers

wedding dress - hayley paige "sunny gown"

Groom's suit - Moore's

FLorals - Island Meadow Farms

Decorator - Jessica Foster

DJ - Music Express
Cake - Buns n Things

Transportation - Coach Atlantic

Videography - Ashland Weddings

Photography - Brady McCloskey Photography

Hannah & Michael - Rocky Mountain Wedding in Jasper, Alberta

Wedding date - April 14th, 2107

Hannah is a Jasper girl & Michael is a PEI boy who met while Hannah attended UPEI. After dating for years he proposed on the Island in front of 20 family members, followed by a surprise party with all of their closest friends, with lobster, fireworks, and cake to boot!

When I received the initial email from Hannah & Michael asking if I would consider traveling all the way to Jasper to capture their Spring wedding day, I was completely on board right away! It had been 12 years since I'd seen Jasper and the thought of photographing a wedding there was a dream. I knew Hannah and I had mutual friends and although we had never officially met, I knew she was just as great as everyone always said. Once we met we clicked right away and it was like we had always known each other. 

From the moment I arrived in Jasper, Michael, Hannah, and their families made me feel apart of their group, inviting me to a family BBQ, rehearsal party, and other activities. Everyone was so incredibly friendly, welcoming, and fun! I took some time to hang out, ski, and hike before the wedding as well. If you're also thinking of a destination wedding, let me know! 

Hannah's Dad Warren said that "every good day starts with exercise", so on the morning of the wedding a group of us set off for a 6am hike to Old Fort Point, overlooking Jasper. It was a beautiful morning with a dusting of fresh snow that would later melt that afternoon. We all enjoyed the peace and quiet at the top of the mountain and appreciated being together. After an outdoor ceremony by the river that afternoon (complete with a hail filled canoe arrival!), everyone enjoyed a casual 'outdoor picnic' with a bonfire, marshmallows, homemade beer, snacks, and a rule of only comfy clothes allowed. We travelled around town photographing and followed it up with a party that lasted late into the night. The next morning we had brunch and sadly parted ways, reflecting on an amazing and dreamy experience.

I loved their advice to other couples - do not be afraid to be different because they were so happy with all of their choices! They centered their wedding around everyone having fun, and didn't worry about the tiny details. Thank you Hannah & Michael for being incredible hosts, clients, and now, friends. Cheers to the #Wamsays! 

<3

Photography - Brady McCloskey Photography
Ceremony venue - Jasper airfield
Officiant - Gloria Kongsrud
Hair - Tirza Olsen & Natasha McColl
Makeup - Olivia Tassone & Lyndsey Perharm
Wedding dress - Perfect Pear Bridal
Groom's Suit - Dow's Menswear
Flowers - Weddings by Whitney
Coordinator - Jasper Event Management
DJ - DJ Tommy K
Cake - Cocos Cafe

Reception Venue - Best Western Jasper Inn & Suites
Transportation - Sundog Tours

Karen & Lloyd - Elopement in Avonlea

Karen & Lloyd met and started dating in their home province of Newfoundland 11 years ago. After five years together they decided to pack up and move to Prince Edward Island, to a property they never even saw in person. They now call the Island home, living in between two potato patches just as you would. Inspired by their ongoing happiness and love, they decided to elope this June with a little 5 minute ceremony on the North shore of PEI. With just the two of them, Marsha Weeks, a friend to sign as a witness, and me to sign as the second witness, they had a simple and special ceremony overlooking the water. Being a long time Anne of Green Gables fan, Karen picked the picturesque Avonlea Village for photos of the two of them afterwards. We then spent an hour and a half together, laughing and enjoying their new titles as husband and wife.   

Whether your wedding has so many guests that I can't possibly make my way through them all, or so little that I must sign as a witness, everyone's love is just as special in the end. They said they didn't have one good photo of the two of them, but now there are so many. Thank you to Karen & Lloyd for sharing your happiness with me!

Travel - Australia & New Zealand

I recently returned from one of my favorite trips I've ever done, 5 weeks in Australia and New Zealand! Although I've never been a big fan of photographing landscapes and I actually rarely travel with my camera, this time I put an effort into capturing the beauty around me, enjoying the process, and creating art to have forever. I had such an amazing time exploring and photographing these, and I love the end collection it forms. It was my first solo trip which made for a lot of quiet, relaxing days photographing and enjoying the incredible outdoors. l only brought one camera and used just one lens I hadn't touched in years, the tiny and super travel friendly, Canon 40mm lens. 

This may be something I start to do on more of my trips in the future but until then, I hope you enjoy! 

Australia

During my three weeks in Australia I visited Sydney, Byron Bay, Melbourne, and Wollongong. I soaked up the sun, swam, surfed, visited friends, hiked, and enjoyed many Tim Tams and espresso martinis along the way. 

New Zealand

For almost two weeks I travelled New Zealand, including renting a car and driving over 2000km in 9 days on the South Island. Though I travelled through many places, I spent nights in Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill, Dunedin, Wanaka, Lake Tekapo, and Auckland. I spent so much time in the outdoors, hiking, walking, reading, and driving. Kilometre after kilometre, I couldn't believe how dramatic the scenery was and no matter where you went, it never became boring or dull. It truly was an experience I'll never forget.  

Laurence & Peter - Outdoor Wedding at Shaw's Hotel

wedding date - September 4th, 2016

Laurence & Peter wanted the focus of their wedding day to be about celebrating with friends and family in a relaxed and casual atmosphere on beautiful Prince Edward Island. Although Laurence is from Montreal and Peter from Halifax, many of Peter's family is from the Island and it is where they spend a lot of their vacation time during the year. When it came time to plan their wedding, PEI seemed like the natural fit! Many guests travelled from away so the Island became the home base for a week of activities to thank everyone for coming from afar. 

The picturesque Shaw's Hotel provided the wedding venue on a sunny and warm September afternoon. After the backyard ceremony, we escaped to the beach for photos while guests enjoyed lots of time to mingle, drink, and eat some Island seafood chowder. We all gathered again on the back patio for some stories and laughs before heading inside for their incredible meal and more speeches. Laurence & Peter's friends even surprised them after dinner with a hilarious puppet show depicting how they met and fell in love! Then, it was on to the 'Lobster Trap' barn to dance the night away. 

Thank you Laurence & Peter for choosing Prince Edward Island for your beautiful wedding day! 

2016 Favorites

There are so many Thank Yous to be given at the end of each year. To everyone including all the amazing brides and grooms, the family members who helped organize their family photo sessions, the wedding guests who let me sit with them at their table, the people who showed up nervous to their shoot and left relaxed, the fellow wedding vendors who created beauty, the fiances who helped pick out their partner's outfit, the kids that made us laugh, the limo drivers who took us around, the people that didn't grumble when I asked to take their photo, and to absolutely everyone else who was behind my lens this year......I thank you.

2016 took me near and far, seeing so much and meeting so many. To think of all the amazing experiences and moments I've had the pleasure of being a part of can be overwhelming, but looking back through every folder makes me smile, laugh, and say 'awww' too many times. Thank you to each and every client who trusted me to capture a part of their lives this year. Here's a look back at some of my personal favorites photos from another year of the coolest job ever. 

Enjoy.

Megan & Mitch - St. Dunstan's Basilica Wedding in Charlottetown

Wedding date - September 2nd, 2016

11 years ago back in 2005, Megan borrowed a friend's spare school ID to sneak into Colonel Gray's high school dance. It was here that she first met Mitch. After sharing a few dances, they kept in touch and have been together ever since! Real life high school sweethearts. Wedding planning began 10 years later in 2015 when they got engaged during a Summer trip to Cape Breton. Mitch later surprised Megan by engraving her wedding ring with "it all started with a dance". 

Megan & Mitch wanted their wedding day to be about how everything felt, not how everything looked. This is certainly evident by their expressions, laughter, and happy tears all throughout the day. The amount of emotion was so special to see, and really brought their wedding photos to life. They have the biggest hearts and are loved by so many. Their advice to other couples getting married is to keep things focused on the marriage and not the wedding, as guests are there to celebrate you and your marriage and the rest of the material things will fall into place after that. Very true words.

Congratulations Megan & Mitch!

Number of guests - 170

Ceremony - St Dunstan's Basilica

Hair - mary coloris

makeup - Larissa Faith

Dress - Allure Romance, The Wedding Place

Groom's suit - Dow's

Florals - Island Meadow Farms

Decor - Jenn Maxwell

DJ - Aaron Doucette

Reception venue - Delta Prince Edward

Caroline & TJ - Cliffside Wedding in Cascumpec, PEI

Wedding date - August.28th, 2015

Every time I travel "West" for a wedding, it always ends up being such a fun day filled with the most friendly and fun loving people. TJ & Caroline's day was no exception - including a party bus, oyster bar, and a cliffside ceremony. TJ and his groomsmen even arrived at the ceremony in a pontoon boat, how fun is that?

Caroline & TJ have been together for years and their friendship and love for each other was obvious on their wedding day. I love to see couples who are best friends, and that was the case for these two. Congratulations to the new Mrs & Mr Campbell! 

Reception venue - The Loyalist Country Inn

Transportation - Ultimate Limo Bus 

Photography - Brady McCloskey Photography

Len & Brent - Oceanside cavendish wedding

Wedding date - august 13th, 2015

On their first trip to PEI together, the first place Len & Brent visited after checking into their cottage was the rocks at Cavendish Beach. That evening they took a walk on the path, headed down to the rocks, and enjoyed the views of beautiful Prince Edward Island. That trip was the first of countless times over the years that they would visit Len's home province together, visiting family and taking a break from city life in Vancouver.

After many years together they decided the timing was right and quietly got married on a Thursday afternoon this past Summer. For their ceremony location they thought of no better place to say their handwritten vows than returning to the same spot they had visited that evening15 years ago, the rocks at Cavendish Beach. 

Capturing the love of Len & Brent was one of the most memorable days I've ever had as a photographer. Their excitement, nervousness, and joy to be getting married was so special to see and throughout the entire day all of us could clearly see what a strong bond they had together. What an opportunity it was to capture such a wonderful day. 

Enjoy,

Officiant - Dianna Lariviere

Videographer - Serious Media

Christi & Rob - Floral Inspired Summerside Wedding

Wedding date - July.4th, 2015

In the Summer of 2006, a Newfoundland guy and a PEI girl both moved to Calgary, and after 6 years out West they ended up connecting on eHarmony and in the words of Christi - clicked instantly. A couple years later during a trip to PEI, Rob proposed on the beach and that's what brought us to July.4th, 2015 in Summerside. 

Christi & Rob are the type of people you instantly connect with, trust, and simply want to be around. Their love for their friends, family, and each other drew me in and made me feel as if I had known them years. They were just so happy to be marrying each other and it was such an exciting thing to see. 

Some of you may know Christi's brother Michael who is a partner at Prestige Floral Studio in Summerside, the one behind some of the most beautiful wedding florals I've seen over the years. Christi chose her bridesmaids dresses and stationary, and let her brother handle the rest. Her only request was to incorporate trees, a reminder of her Father who had passed. You'll see from these photos that he certainly achieved a beautiful look any sister would be happy about! 

Congratulations Christi & Rob - wishing you many years of happiness!

The Shipyard Market was decorated beautifully and as someone noted - "looked like the wedding of a celebrity!"

In one of our favorite moments, Christi's Mother was the one to catch the bouquet! 

Hair - Amanda jones

Makeup - Shangri La

Ceremony - Summerside Presbyterian Church

Reception - Shipyard Market 

Florals & Decor - Prestige Floral

Cake - Sweet Pea Creations

Stationary - Hunt + Gather Paperie

DJ - DJ DWX 

Photographer - Brady McCloskey Photography

Kayla & Tyler - PEI wedding at Green Island Getaways

I'm so excited to share this wedding with you all! I met Kayla & Tyler last Fall for their engagement photos and knew right then and there their wedding was going to be fantastic. They are natural in front of the camera and we had so much fun photographing them throughout the day and night. 

These high school sweethearts got engaged during a hiking trip to Mt Washington in the Summer of 2014. This Summer they accomplished their dream of having a fun and relaxed outdoor wedding on PEI! 

Kayla & Tyler dodged the rain and held their outdoor ceremony on the lawn at Green Island Getaways, in Granville, PEI. Afterwards, we travelled to the PEI National Park for photos before returning to the rustic barn for their reception. Going through these photos I'm reminded of the way these two laugh and interact with each other, it's pretty easy to see how much they care for one another. 

Thank you Kayla & Tyler for inviting me to share in your beautiful day!

PS - To see the video of their wedding, click here!

number of Guests - 132

wedding dress - chester & felicity

bridesmaids dresses - the perfect pear Bridal

Hair - Whispers Hair design

makeup - aimee barker

Venue - green island getaways

flowers - Superstore & Flower Buds

Decor - Color Your Event

Caterer - Chef Jeff Stewart

Videography - Serious Media

Photography - Brady McCloskey Photography

Kristy & Lincoln - Spring Wedding in Summerside

After photographing Kristy as a bridesmaid in Bethany & Brad's June 2014 wedding, I was so excited to get an email asking me to be the photographer for her own wedding day May.16th, 2015! There were many fantastic vendors, small details, and friends & family that came together to make it a spectacular day. It was hard to believe that just two weeks before the wedding we were blasted by a freak snowfall! 

Their wedding day included many special touches including a first look with Kristy and her Dad, and a visit to Kristy's grandparent's home before the reception. Lincoln & Kristy are the type of couple who are surrounded by loving families who want nothing but the best for these newlyweds. It was a pleasure to be there for the day and experience the love these two have for each other. 

Thank you Kristy & Lincoln, and to all your family and friends. Congratulations!!

A first look with Dad. 

We couldn't forget their dog, Kimby who was in on the first look too! 

How about these colors?! Kristy is also the talented owner of Radiate Happiness Designs, and handmade her own necklace, as well as the bridesmaid's necklaces.

Kristy & Lincoln chose to have the majority of their photos taken before the ceremony, and then off they were to be married!

Although Kristy's grandparents were unable to make it to the ceremony, they dressed up in their best clothes and waited at home all day for the newlyweds to arrive. It was a very special touch to have them still included, and to hear their marriage advice after so many years together. 

Lincoln is a huge baseball fan so we fit in a quick trip to the baseball diamond before the reception! 

ceremony - St james roman catholic church

reception - shipyard weddings & events

hair - laura morgan

Makeup - Aimee barker

flowers - Prestige Floral

bridal jewelry - radiate happiness designs

Decor - Once Upon a wedding

cake - elaine lock

LIMO - ECLIPSE LIMO

photobooth - instabooth pei

BAND - SUNDAY PUNCH

videography - my moving memories

photography - brady mccloskey photography

tips for a Rainy wedding day

If you're like some couples, you've been checking and refreshing the long range weather forecast ever since your date popped up. You may be disappointed to see rain on the horizon, but with a little pre planning and a good attitude, the rain certainly won't spoil the fun. 

As a Prince Edward Island wedding photographer it is inevitable that I will experience a rainy wedding day at some point. I've photographed many before, and will likely photograph many in the future. However, there's a few things to think about that will make your day go much smoother if rain is on the way.

Of course, umbrellas! Umbrellas are an absolute must if the weather is looking wet. I've photographed many couples under the shelter of umbrellas and they help to keep hair and makeup in tact, and outfits clean and dry. You may want to consider purchasing enough for you and your wedding party so that in the event of light rain, everyone is still able to venture outside for photos. Make sure to keep your receipt so that you return them if you didn't end up using them. 

In many instances I'll photograph the bride and groom under the cover of their umbrella, and then have them drop it quickly for a few photos. This gives a mix of both views, and is quick enough to make sure no one gets too wet. Besides the wet ground, you may never know it was raining. 

Have a back up plan in place for your photos and an alternate location if your ceremony is outdoors. Being prepared for weather can help ease a lot of stress on your wedding day. By having a back up plan in case of rain, you don't have to scramble on the day of and take up time. I've photographed under the cover of verandas, in public buildings, and under heavy foliage. I've even rode along for a long, limo dance party. A professional photographer is trained to handle unexpected circumstances and work in difficult situations, so hiring one will be a big help when it comes to a rainy wedding day. 

Beforehand, consult with your hairstylist and makeup artist for tips on keeping yourself looking picture perfect despite rain and humidity. A professional will know different techniques to make sure your hair & makeup don't change throughout the day. I asked the talented Holly Ryder from Priti Makeup Artistry to give some tips for keeping your makeup in line on a rainy day. Holly says:

• Primer! It will help everything stay in place

• Waterproof eyeliner and mascara

• Choosing creamy products vs powders, ex. a cream blush & liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer instead of powder alternatives

• Good quality lipstick, it has better staying power than a gloss!

Thanks, Holly! 

Be flexible with your timing. If it is raining, chances are there will be a window of time at some point in the day where it stops completely, or it is only spitting/misting. Being able to do some photos before or after you originally planned can be a way to avoid the rainy parts of your day. If the weather is looking sour, consider options like a first look before your ceremony, or some photos after dinner. This gives you more than one opportunity for photos, and makes sure you don't just rely on one specific time. 

However, even on the worst of days you never know when the clouds may break and the sun starts to peak through! 

The most important thing - keep up a positive attitude. Your wedding day is what you make it. You can't control the weather, but you can control how you handle it. Above all, it's important to not let the rain spoil your day. Your shoes may get a little wet, you may not be able to get to locations you planned for, and you may need to adjust your timeline, but after all it's important to remember to have fun. So, take a breather and keep on smiling!

And if all else fails.....have a drink. 

Been caught on a rainy wedding day? What did you do to keep dry and have fun? Leave me a comment! 

2014 Favorites

A collection of some of my personal favorite photos from the 2014 year. For many different reasons these photos stuck out to me as memorable in some way, whether it be the client's expressions, the memory of that moment, or even the technical side of the photo. These photos also document many of the places I've traveled to and the people I've met along the way. Photography has allowed me to capture countless memories shared with so many individuals. From January 1st to December.31st, thank you to everyone who invited me to share these moments with you. 

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! 

This is Your Life, Make it Beautiful

Back in the winter of 2014, a former wedding client of mine, Stacey Wyand came up with an amazing idea to bring some smiles and positivity into the life of several PEI woman undergoing various stages of cancer treatment. Over the course of a few weeks, Stacey gathered the support of her wedding photographer, makeup artist, hair stylist, friends, and family to come together and organize a day of fun and laughter for 4 local women. With no motive and no backing from any organization, we set out just to do some good. 

Based on the viral video If Only for a Second, we had a plan to offer a one day makeover for the women. The ladies were treated to a stylist at Rikki's, had their nails done and hands massaged, and enjoyed free time to mingle with everyone. They were instructed not to look in any mirrors until their hair & makeup were finished. What they didn't expect when their reflections were revealed in front of our mirror, were the ridiculous hairstyles that were created for them! Even it was 'if only for a second', their cares and worries were washed away with the shock and laughter of how they looked :)

You can check out the video from last year, filmed by the talented Lowell Productions. 

Because of the tremendous success of 2014, our team was so eager and excited to bring this event back for 2015. On a sunny Saturday in February we returned to Cymbria Lions Club to do it all over again with 5 incredible new ladies! Our 5 enjoyed mingling among themselves and the volunteers, drinks & snacks, and having their hands massaged and their nails painted. We even had prize giveaways including trailer rentals and camping at Marco Polo Land! 

This year we were excited to have Joel from Serious Media to film the day and the reveals. 

All hairstyling and nails were done by the talented Sharon Keller of Bounce! Hair Studio who also created our wigs for last year's event. 

One was unable to make it but we were so happy to have 3 of our ladies from last year's event come back to say hello again this year! Looking great! 

Holly Ryder from Priti Makeup Artistry volunteered her time again this year as well! 

Finally, after makeup and clothing were finished, our ladies came into a separate room where one by one their wigs were applied and they sat in our stool. Waiting on one side of a full length mirror was Joel filming it all, and on the other was me, photographing it all. 

Remember that they had no idea what to expect when they opened their eyes. Enjoy! 

This sign was found the morning of our event last year, and since it fit the theme of our day so well we had to include it. If you scroll back up, you'll notice one of our volunteers, Gaylene had the words tattooed on her arm in honor of her Mother who participated this year. 

From left to right, the amazing team who brought this event together:

Brady McCloskey, Gaylene Colborne, Joel MacDonald, Sharon Keller, Stacey Wyand, Holly Ryder, Michelle Gallant, Valicia Wyand, and Dianne Wyand. 

Part 2!

In April we invited the ladies back for a 'reveal day' at the PEI Brewing Company where we encouraged them to bring along family and friends to come watch the video and view the photos. We all laughed and enjoyed another happy and fun event!

This event has been an incredible experience for us all and we were thrilled to bring laughter and relaxation to these women who have gone through so much. It's an important thing to help others in need and we are fortunate to be able to do so. Watch out for next year because it will be even bigger and better than before!!

A special thanks goes out to all of those who organized, donated, or gave their support in many ways:

• Emerald Isle Property Management

• Bounce Hair Studio

• Priti Makeup Artistry

• Serious Media

• Rikki's Clothing

• Cymbria Lions Club

• North Rustico Co-op

• Marco Polo Land

• Wyand's Trailor Rentals

• O'Connor Glass

• PEI Brewing Company

To finish off, you can view the video of the event right here :)

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5 Quick Tips for your Engagement Session

Today, let's talk about engagement sessions! It's that time of year where many wedding couples are starting to think about their engagement sessions before their weddings this Summer and Fall. I love these sessions, and have photographed so many couples across PEI in many different locations. Here I wanted to share 5 little tips so you can make the most of your own photo shoot. 

The main reason I include a complimentary engagement session with every full day wedding collection is because it allows us to get to know each other and for the couple to become comfortable in front of the camera. A lot of my clients will show up feeling a little nervous and unsure what to expect at first, and I totally get that. For many, this is the first time they're being photographed by a professional apart from their high school or post secondary grad photos! They may be scared I'll ask them to do a bunch of crazy things, stand in awkward positions the whole time, or be generally uncomfortable. They quickly realize that's not the way it goes. Being photographed is much easier than expected, and quite enjoyable! The truth is, as a photographer my job is about 50% photography, and 50% knowing how to work with people.

You can take incredible photos but if you don't know how to make people feel comfortable, you're not going to achieve the look both you and your clients want. An engagement session introduces you to your photographer with a 'practice run' of sorts, letting you see first hand how they work. I've had many people tell me (even the guys!) how easy and fun their engagement session was and that's what I strive for. 

1. Before the shoot, I often let my clients choose the location so that we photograph somewhere unique and special to them. From baseball fields, to pumpkin patches, to beaches, and farms, I've been taken to many beautiful locations across PEI, all special in their own way. I recommend choosing a spot that has meaning to you such as a favorite spot to visit together, and old date location, or a family member's property. 

2. I encourage clients to add special touches to their session including one of my favorite things.....dogs! Bringing along your dog can help add a fun and light hearted dynamic to your session. Even if your dog runs around and is only in a couple photos, you may enjoy the familiarity of having your four legged friend there with you. Plus, they're a special part of your life so why not have them in your photographs too?

3. In addition to pets, some other objects can be fun to bring along such as handmade signs, a cozy blanket, sports equipment, paint, or balloons. Feel free to bring what you like, or nothing at all. If you do, just make sure to keep it simple and easy to carry. Either way, the photos will be beautiful! 

4. "So, what should I wear?" I get asked this question a lot. I always tell clients to simply wear what they know is going to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. I've had couples show up in everything from dresses and heels, to shorts and sandals - it all depends on what look you're going for, and where your session takes place. Consider bringing along a light sweater or different pieces of jewelry if you'd like a quick and easy outfit change. If you're having a hard time deciding, take a look through my Portrait section on my website for some examples of what others have worn.

5. Lastly, relax and have fun! No part of working with me or any photographer should be stressful. It's a great feeling to come away from a session with photos you're proud of, ones that you will print and hang on the wall for years. Feel free to think outside the box if you want to too. There are no rules, it's your hour to enjoy so have fun with it! 

If you've had engagement photos taken before, what was your favorite part? Any tips you'd like to add? Share them in the comments!

Brady