We just wrapped our first of two Christmas weekends with family, so the holiday spirit is strong over here! I can tell because my fridge is filled with sweets, my recycling bins are filled with wrapping paper tubes, and my kids are completely obsessed with their new gadgets.

It feels like the perfect day to swoon over the most Christmassy shoot you'll ever see -- from the home of my beautiful friend, Melissa Lafleche, also known as "La Maison Bleue." We had so much fun documenting her holiday decor after a massive renovation. I had a hard time pairing down all the gorgeous details, so you're in for a treat!

I get asked fairly often how I fill my Winters with work (one time I was asked in a really condescending way and I sort of flipped my lid and made this salty blog post, which, you should read if you haven't already...)

The answer is a combination of office work, posts like the ones you've been reading from me over the last couple weeks (click here to see more from my year in review series), and branding photography sessions! 

The off-season is the perfect time to pour into my other work as a branding and social media photographer, providing shoots for other small business owners such as Joelle, a spray tan artist who I met a few weeks ago for this beautiful shoot in her magazine worthy home!

My YEAR IN REVIEW series is seriously putting me in the Christmas spirit! Not because the photos are especially festive, but because to me it symbolizes this time of year. I make it such a ritual, drinking peppermint coffee and watching Love Actually while putting together the posts...

In case you'd like to catch up on the posts you've missed so far, here are some links for parts one to three:


Today I'm taking a quick pause in the series to share a few favourites from a recent shoot with Shannon from One Fine Beauty. You've surely seen her credited on MANY of the stunning weddings on the blog, since I work with her team most often for bridal makeup! 

Every year, Shannon arranges a little shoot for her holiday-inspired line of makeup sets! Lips, eyes, and highlighter -- everything you need to sparkle for the season. Enjoy the collection of really pretty (and Christmassy!) photos that I took earlier this week for her shop!

Keeping the year in review series rolling with this gorgeous post I've prepared for you, featuring the breathtaking dress and veil moments from all of 2019...

Starting with one of my FAVE shots -- all hands on deck for Brittany! She looked straight out of a magazine in this gown from With Love Bridal Boutique:



Christine and Jason are the sweetest. It was candids galore for this fairytale wedding day and I had to include this shot which shows off her unique gown by Muse by Berta from White Montreal.



Each bride chooses a totally unique dress to compliment her style, but a breathtaking dress or veil moment is all about the memory behind the shot. 

So while I couldn't possibly highlight all of the gorgeous gowns and details that popped up in this wedding season, the photos that appear in this post are ones where the dresses are pulling the focus.

I am in love with this shot of Julia featuring her With Love Bridal Boutique gown just moments before putting it on: 



Laura's gown even looks gorgeous in black and white! Can you believe it's a two piece?



It's not called breathtaking dress AND veil moments for nothin'! I love this photo of Lauren and Seumas!



Black tulle bridesmaids dresses? So insanely perfect for Cassandra's wedding at Stonefields:


The wedding season started STRONG with Hilary's jaw-dropping back detail... 



Speaking of back detail... Another shot to come from Julie's gorgeous gown by Wtoo by Watters from White Satin Bridal Couture.



When I created the draft for this post I knew this shot of Kate's L'Amour by Calla Blanche gown from Sinders Bridal House would be making an appearance...



I could hardly narrow down my favourite dress shots of Lin's Monique L'Huillier gown from White Montreal -- so fair warning you'll be seeing lots more of her in this post...



I love this getting ready shot featuring Nicole and her gorgeous sheer back dress from Essence of Australia, from Sophie's Bridal.


Scooping up her dress and traipsing through the field with her love! Katelin is my bridal spirit animal. 



Looks as if we placed Rachel's dress so perfectly on each step... when really this shot is a candid transition between photo locations!



How can I make a post highlighting dress moments from the year and not include this killer bridal party shot... 

Look at the legs! The drama! The laugh on my beautiful bride, Hilary!


Juuuust a casual living room that was tailor-made for this luxe bridal gown for Katt!


MVP of any veil photo, that moment when the wind is a total bro. 




Had to give some credit to Christine's style in choosing these gorgeous satin gowns for her girls. Coolest detail to add, Christine actually changed into a white version of the satin dress for the reception!


Quite possibly planning to re-name next year's version of this post to "dress, veil, and leather jacket moments of 2020..."


Just because Leanne didn't have a big wedding, doesn't mean she couldn't wear a dress made for a princess! 





Shannon, this dress is PERFECT for you!! 

Oh my goodness Jules, can't get enough of this shot and this dress... 

Side note to mention that Julie discovered her dress was one button short and the way she rolled with it and just didn't even let it taint her morning was one of my fave memories I'll keep forever from this day. 




THE. DRAMA!! I love this black and white shot showing off Brittany's gown from the back:



I love Veronica's style! This dress looks gorgeous on the hanger but even better on the owner... 



Quick pause from real life weddings to highlight my visit to Revelle Bridal for a branding session! It was so fun to tour the salon and highlight the stylists who help the most stylish women in Ottawa find their gowns... 



Sarah didn't let a little snow keep her from taking some photos outside in her gorgeous dress and cape! 



And speaking of winter brides...





Obsessing over this champagne colour and detail on Kate's dress!




A little effortless lace detail for the beautiful Amber:



Celina's maternity gown needed its moment to shine once more. It's been awhile since I've shared her session but it's one of my faves. 



Each stitch, each section of beadwork, every unique neckline and incredible silhouette -- if there's one thing I know it's that my girls have STYLE. What a pleasure to be able to capture their beauty and their joy. 

One thing I try to do for every client is deliver a bridal portrait that shows how beautiful she really is.  




To all the women who welcomed me into their celebrations, I am so thankful! It's always an honour to be in the room with you while your very favourite people help bring your bridal vision to life with all the little details. 



To learn more about weddings and engagements, take a look at my extensive website, which includes so much information and guidance to help ensure you get the most gorgeous collection of photos from this exciting time in your life.

And make sure you're following along on instagram!