Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.

I want this quote tattooed on me somewhere. It's such a huge part of how I live my life. The part about looking around, that's what pushes me towards living a life that is documented and colourful and full of adventure. And let me be clear, adventure looks different for everyone. For my life it's not mountain climbing or white water rafting. It's wine on the back deck with my best friends. It's walking to the market for date night with my husband. It's slowing down and blowing bubbles on the front porch with the kids. 

The summer is my busiest time of the year and if I let it, it'll go by in a flash. I'll find myself smack dab in the middle of October and think...where did my summer go? Instead, I make an effort with every season to set a few goals that force me to have more fun, slow down a little bit, and make each moment count. 

So friends, on this hot and muggy Thursday afternoon, I give you:

ONE // Ice cream party in the backyard

Our kiddos are OBSESSED with ice cream. And let's be real, what's more "summer" than a pair of sticky hands and sugar-filled bellies... Not to mention our new place is just steps away from the Marble Slab and we are constantly subjected to watching other people walk by our porch with sky-high cones.

Oh and speaking of ice cream, here's a photo of baby Jilly from two summers ago:

TWO // Get the hot-tub up and running

Might not seem like the most "summery" activity to hook up a hot tub, but we've FINALLY had our tub delivered from storage after moving just before Christmas. We've missed it terribly over the cold months, and can't wait to spend some cool summer nights with a glass of wine and a view of the stars. 

THREE // Picnic by the canal

We visit the canal pretty frequently, but this one is more specific. A picnic isn't a picnic without a blanket, a basket, some fresh fruit, other snackies, and wine in plastic cups. 

FOUR // Find the best croissant in the Glebe

This one is absolutely going to require it's own post... A little while ago, Ry and I found ourselves with a boring Sunday afternoon and no inspiration to do anything at all. We started making a list of things we could possibly do to pass the time and one of those was: "find the best croissant in the Glebe."

It got us thinking and we've decided to make this an actual EVENT that takes place all summer long. We're calling it:

#TheGreatGlebeCroissantathon

You heard it here first, folks. Over the next few months we are going to be tasting and scoring croissants from all of the bakeries in our little neighbourhood. I promise to post about it on Instagram so that you can follow us and give us your 2 cents along the way ;)

By Fall, we should have our answer! 

FIVE // Brunch at the Wellington Diner

Pretty simply, we've been told it's delightful. I'm torn about whether I'll order my standard breakfast choice (the BLT...), or stray for something a little more interesting. 

SIX // Unplugged cottage weekend

This one is coming up quick! I so rarely find myself with complete weekends off in the summer, so whenever I do we pack up our bags and skip town! I'm excited for crosswords, tanning on the deck, Sommersby and Cranium... 

SEVEN // Throw a housewarming party!

How long is too long to wait until a housewarming party? It's been almost 6 months -- so we're still in the grace period, right? I can't wait to open the doors and welcome everyone into our quaint little home in the Glebe!

In August of last year, I packed my bags and boarded a late night plane from Ottawa to Toronto, only to find out that my connection to Sudbury had been cancelled without notice. Just like that, I rented a car and started to drive. I was frustrated and exhausted, but the wedding that waited for me on the other side was worth every kilometre. 

On the morning of Kara & Kevin's wedding I met and made friends with the videographers, Katie and Dan. We navigated that wedding like champs and worked our sweaty butts off to document it in the best way we could. Upon our first introduction I asked if they were local to Sudbury, to which they replied, "we actually just moved to Ottawa!" I couldn't believe it! I knew it wouldn't be the last time I saw them. And that's when Katie pulled me aside and whispered, "When Dan proposes, you're shooting my wedding."

A few months later, it was official. Katie and Dan were planning a wedding and they'd go from by my side to in front of the camera. I am SO honoured to be there to capture and document every magical moment of their wedding day this July. 

In the meantime, they danced at sunset and held each other tight during their engagement session in Major's Hill park. Enjoy! 

One of my favourites. If I can make someone feel beautiful in a moment like this, I've done my job <3

July is just around the corner. And I'm officially excited.  

It's the most wonderful time of the year -- time to share my favourite photos from the latest shoot with The Dailey Method! Four years later and they keep asking me to come back! 

TDM is such an amazing community with a strong heartbeat that runs through the Glebe. At any given time you can always spot people coming and going from the Fifth Avenue Court. Somehow they always look happier when they've just taken a class; like the weight of the world was left on the cork floor and was replaced with positivity and empowerment. 

Sarah & Jamie have collected the most amazing group of people who are out there changing the world with their winning personalities. Without them, the studio wouldn't shine nearly as bright. They're the sunshine in the room and the sparkle in each day.   


I've been photographing The Dailey Method Ottawa for four years and it seriously never gets old. Still, I was pretty excited to hear that Sarah wanted to shake up our usual shoot and do something totally different... 

This year we're showing the other side of what it means to Live a Dailey Life -- the part that happens outside the studio. It's that pep in your step as you walk through the neighbourhood with a bit of a sweaty glow. It's the coffee date with your best friends after class. It's the family picnic that fills your soul on the weekends. It's the self-love that comes with health and happiness; it's the celebration of finding a balance of both. 


It was SO fun to get these guys outside and into the sunshine for a true Laura Kelly shoot :) It was all about TDM swag, with a whole lot of energy, fun, and happiness. 


Sarah and Jamie invest in content for their business. A 2 hour shoot like this sets them up with HUNDREDS of photos that they can use throughout the year to grow their brand awareness and engage with their followers.


Whether it's for their newsletter, their instagram stories, or the sandwich boards that line Bank Street, fresh content is key. We work hard to figure out exactly what kinds of photos are going to be perfect for the coming months.  





I remember long before the cycle studio even existed, and now there's a big group of amazing cycle teachers!!


Sarah & Jamie are probably the most inspiring couple I've ever met. Starting this business together was far from easy, but when life throws them a curveball, it just makes them stronger. They're probably the most deserving people I know and it's such a pleasure to call them friends.  


Remember when I said that living a Dailey life is meeting up with friends for a coffee after class? Well we are so thankful that Little Victories (our favourite coffee shop in town!) welcomed us with open arms to take a few photos in their café. 






I'm so excited for you to meet Nathan and Kristen. You'll be seeing lots more of them so soon because they're getting married in October and it's going to be out of this world.  



Ughhhh. The most beautiful human being. If you only knew that she's even more beautiful inside. 



You guys are aware that people are going to be asking me to do their engagement photos at LV now...



This photo was an outtake that I actually fell in love with. Ask Sarah Thompson for the story if you run into her later.  



Maybe our next lifestyle shoot should be in Mad Radish? We're touring our way through the trendiest stops in the Glebe... 









We had way too much fun in this random spot at Lansdowne...





I see this next photo and hear Justin Bieber in my head. 





Those fully extended fingers could only belong to a musical theatre super-fan: 


Favourite. This is Sarah's true spirit. 



Our last stop was by the canal just as the sun was going down. Looks like a barre to me ;) 



Until next time, TDM family!! Thank you for giving me all you've got. Thank you for trusting me with your good side and for lending me your energy for 2 hours straight. I love you all!