I love Michael’s patience with photography.  He waits, and sets up the perfect shot. This one of Carly walking up the aisle is a perfect example. He saw exactly what he wanted to do, and got it just at the right time.  Sometimes the person second shooting (him in this case) comes up with the most amazing photo.

The Devonian Gardens are a great place for anyone who wants to incorporate nature into their ceremony.  The setting is stunning.

Now, I love Michael’s work, but we’re a bit competitive sometimes, and I have to say I love this next image (mine!).  I was taking portraits of Carly looking straight in the lens. I wanted a great expression on her face, so I asked her to think back to her first date with Clayton. <click>. I don’t know what her eyes are saying, but at this moment she is looking at him and thinking about their first date. It’s such a pure expression, and she looks amazing. 

We found this awesome bridge just outside Devon.

Bling!

The reception was at the Sunridge Ski Area.  It was a really cool location, and we’d never been before, which was a bonus! 

I love receptions.  It’s so cool for us to see photos from when they were young or first dating, and to hear funny stories about them (like how Carly just got her driver’s licence last month!).  We had a blast at this reception.  Carly & Clayton have warm and loving families, and an awesome group of friends.

Thank you two so much for having us, can’t wait for you to see these photos!

Sunil concocted a very elaborate story to get Venita to go with him to the Devonian Botanical Gardens for the afternoon. It had to do with delivering biological samples to the researchers at the gardens, and he even went so far as to fill an empty box with freezer packs and put stickers on it. The staff at the gardens were in on everything. After delivering the ‘sample’, Sunil and Venita went for a romantic stroll in the Japanese Gardens.

Michael and I thought we were being very inconspicuous, simply taking photos of the scenery, flowers, etc. As Venita passed me, she commented to Sunil “I think that’s Shandro Photo – why are they taking photos of flowers, don’t they do weddings?” Fortunately, Sunil has good powers of distraction, and quickly changed the subject to the beautiful streams in the garden.

At a beautiful bend in the path, Sunil dropped to one knee, and asked the love of his life to marry him.

Of course, she said yes! He was very excited that his plan had worked.  We came out of the bushes – “Smile! You’re on Shandro Camera!”

We spent a few minutes with them taking photos to mark the occasion, and they were all smiles. They couldn’t stop saying “That was awesome!”

Under the bell at the Japanese Garden.

Little did Venita know there was more in store for her.  Sunil had planned a beautiful Mela (meaning ‘gathering’ in Sanskrit) to bring their families together and announce their engagement.  None of the guests knew why they were coming to the Oasis Conference Centre, but a beautiful garden party awaited them.

Complete with wicked fireworks!

Venita is a follower of ours, and was hoping some day to have her photos on our blog. Venita – we are so honoured to be able to grant your wish. Heartfelt congratulations to you both!