2020 - Laura Kelly Photography Blog :: Ottawa Wedding and Engagement Photographer

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

favourites from 2020 couples

PART ONE: Branding and Social Media Favourites

PART TWO: Lifestyle Family Favourites

We're in that weird week between Christmas and New Years, which is made double-strange with the fact that it's a full lockdown here in Ottawa! All the more reason to dust off a few of my favourite photos from 2020, this time for the couples.

In this post you'll see a collection of my favourite shots from engagements, couples portraits, and anniversaries!

I cannot WAIT to get back into the swing of photo taking in the new year...

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

sweetest lifestyle photography moments from 2020

PART ONE: Best Branding and Social Media Photography from 2020

Yesterday I shared a recap of my favourite branding and social media photos from the year! It was so fun to share those photos again in my stories on instagram, and make a 30 second reel for it! I talk a lot on my podcast for small business owners about how your marketing effort should always be changing with the times.

I gotta say, back in the day a post like this one would have had triple the view count. But the way we've used our phones has changed dramatically! I can't even remember the last time I googled someone's blog URL to read their post -- instead, I'm in their stories daily, listening to their podcasts, watching their videos, and following a few select hashtags to sprinkle new content into my feed!

A post like this serves a few purposes, even if it's not about the view count. One, it reminds me of the incredible people I met this year. Two, I genuinely love to see how my style changes from one season to the next. I hope to always be evolving! And three, for someone like you, who actually reads these words on a blog post, I am so grateful that you're here.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

best of branding and social photography in 2020

In 2019 I did a 10 part year in review series. It was a ton of work and I absolutely loved putting it together. When it came time for me to make my final to-do list before taking two weeks off for the holidays, I trepidatiously wrote "year in review" with a question mark beside it...

Was there enough time to put something together for 2020?

Was there even enough content with it being a weird year of cancelled
weddings and postponed engagements?

Ultimately I knew I couldn't let a whole year go by without documenting it as part of a year in review series -- I've NEVER missed a year. So here I am with part one of four: the best branding and social media photographs from the year!

Starting with mega-talented artist, Karen:

Friday, December 4, 2020

baby bodie | bohemian lifestyle newborn session in ottawa

OH MY GOODNESS, get ready for cuteness overload!

Brittany and Mike are blog favourites already, but now they've added a new ADORABLE member to the family. You might remember their engagement session on the water, or their luxury wedding at the NAC O'Born Room -- but get ready to see the sweetest little newborn session in a magazine-worthy nursery.

Thursday, December 3, 2020

fiona + kat | engagement session at pinhey's point historical site

A romantic engagement by the water on a cloudy Fall day, I'm in. I loved this session with Fiona & Kat and can't wait for their 2021 wedding!

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

candice from ew.we.me gifts | ottawa branding and social media photographer

Meet Candice! She's the face and the business savvy behind the Ottawa brand, EW.WE.ME Gift Boxes! Each of her gift boxes brings together a collection of Canadian made or designed products handcrafted by makers from coast to coast.

We got together for a few quick branding shots of her working in the studio, preparing these lovely packages for mailing. Candice has a beautiful collection that's ready to simplify your shopping list this year. We all know shopping local is a MUST right now (did you see that quote floating around on the internet that reads: "buy local or bye local"? Powerful stuff...)

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

tahmina + marc | chateau laurier elopement with photos at mackenzie king estate

I've seen my fair share of Covid weddings this year, each one different from the last! Tahmina and Marc were no exception. They chose to say their vows on the rooftop of the Chateau Laurier on a beautiful Fall weekday, surrounded by their immediate family and friends.

Just wait until you see all the gorgeous photos we were able to capture before and after the ceremony!

Thursday, November 12, 2020

katt + matt + baby finley | lifestyle newborn session in ottawa

A few familiar faces in this one! Kathleen and Matt were married at the end of 2019 and welcomed little miss Finley into the family a few weeks ago!

It was so fun to get together and take a few lifestyle newborn photos to document this new chapter in their lives. I know it's not the last time you'll be seeing this adorable fam!

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

jenna + brett | arboretum experimental farm engagement photos

I am so jazzed to introduce a new pair to the family of Laura Kelly Couples!! Meet Jenna & Brett -- the coolest duo who think they're awkward in photos but actually look like models.

I swear we were BFF status after 3 mins of shooting, and they let me get real creative with candid posing stuff. I'm grateful for them and so happy to share a few of my faves from their engagement session at the Experimental Farm today! xo

Monday, November 9, 2020

brianna + dan | wellington park engagement photos

When one of my couples is planning an engagement from out of town, I definitely feel the need to step up with some killer location ideas! For Brianna and Dan, the dream location included some gorgeous Ottawa views and lots of Fall leaves!

We had so much fun during this session and I'm now counting down the days to their wedding in 2021!

Friday, November 6, 2020

jessie + luke | backyard wedding in ottawa with sinclair & co. design

We're going to keep the beautiful Covid wedding celebrations rolling today! I am so excited to share a few photos from Jessie & Luke's backyard wedding with immediately family and close friends. It was perfect in every way!

Although it looked different than their original plans, October 10th, 2020 will always be the day their marriage story began, regardless of the guest count. This was also my first time working with Lauren from Sinclair & Co. Design! We had so much fun together and Lauren made sure every little detail was perfect.

Thursday, November 5, 2020

laura + steve | dow's lake wedding at umbrella bar

The wedding & engagement season came out of nowhere this year! We all know 2020 has looked wayyyy different than it was supposed to, but my calendar has been jam packed with clients who are ready to do something different.

I'm all for it.

Laura & Steve were married on their original wedding date at one of my favourite restaurant venues in town! Umbrella Bar was the PERFECT spot for their intimate & safe celebration, that included a ceremony, dinner, speeches, and a first dance.

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

allie + kyle | lifestyle maternity session in the country

This beautiful lifestyle maternity session is set on a private property just outside of Perth. I absolutely loved working with Allie & Kyle and I'm so excited for the next chapter for them!!

Also, I'm obsesseddddd with this colour palette -- perfect for a fall session at sunset. Enjoy!

What a gorgeous Fall session!! My lifestyle photography season is starting to wind down, but make sure you're keeping up with my photography account on instagram to hear about new dates as they're released: @laurakellyweddings

Thursday, October 1, 2020

meghan johnston | branding and social media photography at yoga attic

My sweet and beautiful friend Meghan... where do I even begin??

Meghan is my walking buddy, my sounding board, at times she's my coach, my cheerleader, and she's also a branding and social media client of mine for a few years now. Documenting her business growth has been such a joy!

Meghan is a wellness educator, podcast host, and yoga teacher here in Ottawa, and the other week we captured some new branding photos at one of our fave spots, Yoga Attic. Take a scroll through a few of my favourites!

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

daina + corey | first anniversary session at pinhey's point at sunset

How has it already been a YEAR?!

Daina and Corey are celebrating their first anniversary in style, literally. We popped champagne in the sunset and took some really lovely images at Pinhey's Point last week. I adore an anniversary session! Especially with a couple this fun and willing to do whatever it takes for a cute pic:

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

kayla + henchey | cottage engagement session with canoe at sunset

I've never been so happy for the rain.

Kayla, Henchey, and I had plans to shoot on a Wednesday evening, but the forecast made us rethink it. Instead of our city location, we opted for a Saturday night at the Dinardo family cottage. (Recognize the last name? Kayla is Brittany's sister!)

This shoot has everything. From the beautiful forest, to the cozy hammock and s'mores at the bonfire... it seems too perfect to be true. But it gets even better. Start your scroll now because you're about to fall in love with how we ended the shoot in a canoe at sunset.

I can't handle this one. It's such an honour to capture this amazing couple, in their sweet, endearing, devoted nature. Never have two people seemed to fit together so effortlessly.

Monday, September 28, 2020

dinardo family | ottawa lifestyle newborn session at home

Oh my goodness get ready for a squishy-face newborn session, folks! Marybeth and David are the SWEETEST, so naturally they welcomed the most darling addition to the fam...

You'll love this cozy lifestyle newborn session!

Friday, September 25, 2020

the markhauser family | lifestyle family photography at home

Bringing you a beautiful family session today! Sarah & Tom were recently on the blog for their maternity session, but now after baby Beau's arrival, we're celebrating this family of four!

A lifestyle newborn session happens at home, and includes posed and candid shots, plus little details of your everyday life. This collection is so darling and shows off that combo of posed and candid perfectly -- ENJOY!

essence sesigns | branding and headshot photography for interior designer in ottawa

I'm so excited to introduce Dawn from Essence Designs! Dawn is an Interior Designer in Ottawa and I've been working with her for almost a year now! We took these gorgeous shots a couple weeks ago and I'm so excited to see how Dawn can put them to work on her website and social media.

If you're looking for a designer in the Ottawa area, I totally recommend!! She's so detail oriented and cares so much about bringing her clients' visions to life. Enjoy this little collection of my faves:

Thursday, September 24, 2020

diana + chris | tented wedding at the cottage on big rideau lake

Diana and Chris were married by the water on a private residence (the family cottage!) in August. Every little detail was absolutely perfect, from the dress to the tent to the boats that passed by to watch the ceremony from the dock.

Shoutouts to Wedecor & Dish Catering for bringing the celebration to life!

Enjoy!

Monday, September 14, 2020

taylor sargent | branding photography and headshots in ottawa

At this stage in my business, I so rarely get the chance to squeeze in a day of mini sessions! But this weekend was just the ticket -- I got to work with some truly inspiring local business women to capture some fresh photos for social media.

Each session had a unique take based on their industry, and I love how Taylor incorporated some pieces to show off her work as a branding and design specialist!

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

claire + mark | cottage engagement session near val des monts

My heart can't handle this one...

Up to this point I had only talked to Claire & Mark over the phone in preparation for their 2021 wedding -- but last week I got the opportunity to see their sweet, smiling faces, hear their laughs, and teach them how to rock a few key poses for their engagement session.

And the result? I'm obsessed. This cottage engagement shoot for Claire & Mark is a gorge mix of the forest and the lake. Take a peek and get ready to fall in love with them!

emily + brian + mason | ottawa lifestyle family session at the cottage

Emily and Brian were married in 2015; the same year my daughter was born. Their wedding was actually the very first wedding I shot after Jillian's birth! They were so gracious, so kind, so thoughtful, and had the utmost faith in my ability to pull it off.

What a treat to join them now, 5 years later, to document a little family session moment with their little guy, Mason! I adored my time with this fam at their cottage just outside of Ottawa.

Monday, August 31, 2020

rhiannon + ryan | rockliffe pavillion wedding ceremony

Pretty perfect for a "plan B" if you ask me...!

Rhiannon & Ryan kept their original wedding date after all the ups and downs of 2020, and it was such an incredible experience to document their sweet ceremony at Rockliffe Park last weekend.

It took a lot to get here, but the sun poked through the clouds and allowed for their close friends and family to witness their vows, and the start of the next chapter.

A little piece of magic hit me with this one, friends. What a privilege to be able to capture it all... what a joy to see two people find safety and purpose in one another. Rhiannon & Ryan, enjoy this peek into your larger collection! Your trust in me means EVERYTHING, and I'm sending so much love your way this week to celebrate your first few days as Mr. & Mrs.!

Monday, August 24, 2020

julia + tony | senhor sante cristo wedding with photos at dows lake

Julia & Tony's wedding day was full of laughter and excitement, as all of their closest friends and family members watched the two say their vows and start the next chapter with the peace of mind that they are a PERFECT match.

Her sweet, kind, thoughtful nature is complimented perfectly by his generosity and affection. A better pair, I honestly can't even picture it. I was so excited to see that the pandemic didn't stop them from celebrating the start of the next chapter!

Thursday, August 20, 2020

reagan bradley | cannabis marketing branding session at yoga attic

Be prepared to fall in LOVE with Reagan Bradley while perusing this latest branding and social media session...

It is filled with joy, beautiful outfits, and gorgeous lifestyle photos to help Reagan build her cannabis marketing business! Also sending massive love to Yoga Attic for allowing us to use this beautiful space for the session. I have personally attended Yoga Attic for the outdoor co-working days and it is a real treat! Enjoy!

Branding photography starts at $320 for a mini session or $625 for a full session! I only take a handful of branding clients per season, so if you'd like to learn more go ahead and shoot me a note here!