The Ultimate Canadian Engagement Session!

It’s always fun to add a bit of action to an engagement session, and Stephanie and Matt’s Rideau Canal engagement session was full of fun and action. We shot their photos on a freezing but calm afternoon day, and these two were absolute naturals—so relaxed and carefree in front of the camera! It was so easy to capture their love and show off happy little bits of their relationship.

We spent the afternoon ice skating on the canal (which, for the record, isn’t the easiest thing to do with a ten-pound camera in your hand!), cuddling up, and drinking toasty hot chocolate. They brought the cutest “Mr.” and “Mrs.” mugs that were the cutest details! I love the soft light that this winter afternoon provided us, and the natural vibes it adds to the session. And can you believe the view of the city behind them?! Views like this are definitely one of the best parts of being an Ottawa wedding photographer, in my opinion.

Stephanie and Matt have known each other since childhood; they met on Canada Day in eleventh grade while waiting for the fireworks at Major’s Hill with a group of mutual friends. Stephanie went to the aid of a sick friend and unknowingly cut her toe open in the process on a fence, and Matt came to save the day! At that point, they were complete strangers, but he reached into his pocket and grabbed a band aid {who carries bandaids?!?!}, then got down on a knee to wrap it around her toe. And their relationship has just gotten better since then!

Ten years later, on their first big solo vacation to Greece and Italy, Matt surprised Stephanie by proposing while they were on a hike on the Greek island of Santorini. It was the perfect way to end their trip but begin their new life together!

It was such a pleasure to get to work with these two and shoot these dreamy winter engagements!