Amy Symes Photography

Cute, colourful kiddos!

November 17, 2011

I was thinking that before the snow hits the ground (actually had some flakes hit my windshield today!) I should share a few of my fave shots from a recent fall session. Well, the plan was to shoot a fall session, but as you know, October and November in Ottawa this year have been very warm! The three kids in these photos were real troopers–not only were they expected to stop and smile once in a while, they were also very warm in their oh-so-cute and colourful fall sweaters that their mom meticulously took the time to coordinate for this shoot! They weren’t exactly as cool as a cucumber that day but they were most definitely cute as buttons!

Enjoy, their smiles are infectious!!

Kids just wanna have fun…

Ok just one where everyone is looking and smiling at the same time for mom and dad…please!! We will get you ice-cream after this, we promise!!! Bribe accepted

It may feel like summer, but it looks like fall to me!

Posted in Kids

by Amy Symes

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Waiting for Baby no.2!

October 10, 2011

A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure of meeting up with some familiar faces–Liz and Marco and their little man Liam–who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby boy no.2! If you recognize Liz and Marco, it may be because I shot their wedding and their maternity pics for before Liam arrived!

As Liz said, Liam stole the show that day, but I say why not!? Before long, he’s no longer going to be the baby of the family! May as well enjoy being the centre of attention while he still can

I am really happy with the way the pics turned out! Hope you like them! Thank you Liz and Marco for allowing me to capture yet another special time in your lives!

Some things never change…Liam was on a kawasaki before he was even born…(scroll down a bit)

Congratulations Liz and Marco and have fun being a big brother, Liam! Can’t wait to meet the newest little man of the house!

Posted in Maternity and Child Portraiture

by Amy Symes

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CIBC Run for the Cure Ottawa-Gatineau, October 2nd, 2011

October 5, 2011

As many of you know, I was fortunate to be involved with the CIBC Run for the Cure this year as the official photographer. In June, Paint Canada Pink Week officially kicked off the fundraising and promotion of the Run, which took place at the War Museum-Lebreton Flats this past Sunday. It was a cold, rainy morning but as you’ll see from the moments captured, the spirits of those involved, especially the survivors, could not be dampened by Mother Nature. The turnout was incredible–about 9000 I believe. As there are many photos that I wanted to share, I have created several storyboards and collages to be able to highlight as much of the event as possible! Thank you to Natalie Lyle, Anna Epp, Charlene Burnside and Lou Truss who came out as well to capture even more of the day’s events. Also, a special shout out and thank you to Natalie of NDS Photography who graciously put my name forward to the organizers to be a part of the Run for the Cure!

Stay tuned for their blog posts! This post is for you, mom xo

People of all ages were there to show their support. The lady on the left told me that she is a survivor at 68 and was clearly very happy and proud to be a part of the Run!

Pooches in pink!

The Survivor Photo

Ford Focus sponsored by Dupuis Ford and wrapped by k6 Media This car was appropriately named “Pink Vision”

On your mark, get set….GO!!!! Love the enthusiasm! Look at the expressions on their faces!! haha!

Love this candid moment…

Was thrilled to see some of my former Holy Trinity Trinity students at the Run–they were there in support of a friend’s mom who is currently going through chemotherapy.

The Finish Line

I absolutely love this one–what a genuinely proud and happy moment!

After the Run, the crowds gathered around the main stage to listen to the presentations.

Left: The Honorary Chair of the Committee, Laureen Harper, right from top: Cat Birch, a 31 yr old breast cancer survivor (who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know–she’s got an incredible spirit!), Mary Bellefeuille (from CIBC–She is the VP, Retail Distribution for Ontario East and North) and Paul Lansbergen (one of theVolunteer Co-Run Directors) with Lisa Paquet (Breast cancer survivor and Carleton University psychology professor) and Laureen Harper.

The talented and lovely Samantha Testa was also on hand. She performed two songs for those in attendance and as always, sang beautifully.

And the Run would not have been complete without the one and only Pink Fairy! (also known as Wayne Thompson)

The Ottawa 67′s and the Ottawa Sooners cheerleaders kept everyone smiling and cheering!

None of this would have been made possible without the efforts of the Volunteer Co-Run Directors Paul Lansbergen and Rachel Tweedy. Also a special shootout to Wendy Leung of Beyond Events who organized all of the Paint Canada Pink Week Events.

Paul and Carter Brown (one of the emcees) from 105.3 Kiss FM (official run sponsor)

Bye bye! It was an amazing Run! Hope to see you all again next year!

Posted in Giving Back

by Amy Symes

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Luxe Bridal Boutique turns 1!!

September 19, 2011

Last week, I had the chance to partake in the birthday festivities at Luxe Bridal Boutique on Dalhousie. A year ago last week, Lisa and Madeleine took a leap of faith and opened this charming and modern bridal boutique in downtown Ottawa. To celebrate their first year of success, they held a little shin dig at the store complete with live music and a whole bunch of delicious treats — came home with a sugar coma, but it was worth it! Amy Karlin, of Splendid Events assisted in the planning of this event and asked me to be there to photograph the evening! Thanks ladies for hosting a great little party! Wishing you many of years of success!!

Luxe is such a chic little boutique!! Love all the natural light this store gets! Lisa and Madeleine always have the prettiest gowns on display! You have no idea how badly I want to try on dresses again…

On to the party!!

Goodies Galore!!

Ok so check out these AMAZING cookies created by Sugartown!! Are they not gorgeous!? I can’t believe how much detail there is! You should definitely check out the company website, the cookies are true little works of art! Almost too pretty to eat…but still, eat them, they’re as delicious as they are lovely!

The founders of the company Jaimie and Helen–are you ladies on Twitter yet? @ Sugartown!?? ;)

More treats…I should have taken one of these to go!!! Now that the braces are off…

Loved these little glass bottles–can’t resist a touch of vintage!

There was popcorn too…several flavours and toppings!

Too fun not to photograph :)

Oh my goodness, and what party would be complete without the delectable delights of Sarah J’s Cupcakes!! You may remember these from Lauren’s first birthday! (If you managed to get one before I got to them!)

Ok so there were pretty dresses and sweet treats, but there were people too! Live music by DJ Kamo

Amy Karlin tweeting about the event, of course!

Madeleine and friends

A full house!

Charlene, also known to the Twitterverse as @LeBrandeDiva and a friend

Les boyz

Lisa and Alan Viau, the Wedding Chaplain himself!

and last but not least, a group shot of some good friends!

Hope you enjoyed the pix!! I had a blast at the party–you ladies certainly know how to entertain! And how could I end this without just a few more dress shots! If you’re an Ottawa bride, looking for a beautiful selection of gowns and even better customer service, you should definitely stop in at Luxe Bridal–you won’t be disappointed!

Posted in Commercial Work, Events

by Amy Symes

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Baby Gia!

September 8, 2011

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting beautiful baby Gia, the newest addition to my friend Liz’s beautiful family! I have known Liz for several years and had actually built a lot of my portfolio in the early years with photos from her family events including her bridal shower and wedding! (I was not the photographer but I did take many beautiful portfolio worthy shots of her day!) Liz, Stefano and their 2 gorgeous labs, Gypsy and Mocha, welcomed baby to the family Gia 4 weeks ago and I was thrilled to be invited into their stunning home to photograph Gia. I absolutely love how their photos turned out! As you will see, they are one genetically blessed group! Especially those pooches! Enjoy! Isn’t she precious!?

You have no idea how long it took to get this shot! haha! Those pups are HYPER!! haha!! Had to act quickly when they finally got tired of playing and jumping!

I just love this one She looks even tinier compared to Gypsy!

But I thought I was your baby!??

And two final major faves…pretty much love them all!

Posted in Children, Maternity and Child Portraiture

by Amy Symes

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Jason and Lisa are married! {Ottawa Wedding Photographer Amy Symes}

August 18, 2011

I am so excited to finally be able to blog the photos from Lisa and Jason’s wedding, which took place at St. Patrick’s Parish, Fallowfield, formals at the Museum of Civilization and finally reception at the Centurion Center on July 16th 2011! I have been busy this summer with weddings and will be shooting my last one of the summer this coming weekend, so there will be many more photos to blog and share! In the meantime, I really hope you enjoy some of these photos from the wedding of Jason and Lisa–amazing couple, amazing wedding, amazing photos! (I may be biased, but I think they’re pretty awesome!) Enjoy!!

There are so many that I want to share, so I’m going to blog these as the day unfolded and show you some of the highlights

Pre-Wedding

Flowerstalk, Ottawa, provided all the gorgeous flowers for the day! Lisa is excited about the pomander made up for the flower girl!

and Tania can’t resist the sweet smell of these gorgeous rose bouquets! Seriously, aren’t they just so stunning!

Even the cupcakes had little roses! Precious!

Time to get dressed! Lisa’s McCaffrey Haute Couture gown was simply divine!

And she looked beyond radiant in it!

There’s no place like home…

The bride with her proud parents!

It’s go time!

A very sweet moment between Lisa and her flowergirl, Roya (love!)

Because I couldn’t resist another bouquet shot!

A quick adjustment before hitting the aisle!

The bridesmaids are ready to go!

Here comes the bride!

I do? Do you?

Making it official!

Sealed with a kiss!

Doing a little happy dance!

and off they go!

one of my many faves!

Woohoo!!

The litle cutie patatooties taking a break from all the excitment!

This car brought back so many memories…4 years ago already!!

Next, onto the Museum of Civilization! The whole bridal party

one of just the guys

and one of the girls from earlier in the day that I really like

I just adore the museum’s architecture!

These next several shots by the water ended up being some of my personal faves!

hehe Hot stuff Jason!! Maybe guys should start carrying the bouquet more often!

love this one too

Onto the reception–there was so much food! If I were to post a shot of every course, this post would never end!

Of course I have to include a dessert shot!

The tables were beautifully decorated

and the decor consisted of red pomander balls and stunning strings of crystal that hung from black branches–also the work of Flowerstalk!

Everyone was so excited to see and congratulate the bride

and groom

There was some dancing,

some loving stares

and of course some smooching! (love this shot!)

There were speeches (some of the best and most moving I’ve heard–I was literally getting emotional lol)

a few laughs

and a few tears

and some very special moments shared between family and friends

A family tradition with Lisa and her brothers that I was asked to capture

Look at the picture her brother is holding during the “slideshow”

Jason serenaded his beautiful bride (and all the guests!) with some beautiful love notes!

The daddy-daughter dance–can I just say, I have seen a lot of these, but this one really moved me to tears a bit!! So special!

It is so clear how very proud Lisa’s dad is of her! This is probably my most favourite shot (yes, I have many!)

Of course the mother/son dance is always very special too!

Look how happy she looks! There is so much love between these two families! So refreshing!

A special moment between Lisa and her brother

Jason and his proud papa!

Lisa’s grandpa was the life of the party! The kiddos had to work hard to keep up with him on the dance floor!

Yes, I realize that this is a classic, somehwhat cheesy shot, but they look so cute, don’t they??

a shot in honour of the newly married couple!

Thank you Lisa and Jason for an amazing day! I wish you nothing but many years ahead with as much laughter and love as shared on your wedding day!

Posted in Weddings, love | Tags: bouquet, bridal party, bride, centurion center, classic car, family, gatineau, groom, love, marriage, museum of civilization, ottawa, roses, st patricks parish, sunshine, vintage car, wedding

by Amy Symes

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Thann Skin Care

August 9, 2011

A few weeks ago, a little twitter buddy of mine, Marilou Moles of 20 York Street, started a little trivia contest with Fadi Ghaby, owner of Thann on Bank St. Fadi awarded 3 $50 gift cards to 3 different tweeters who could be the first to correctly answer #ThannTwitterTrivia questions that Marilou tweeted out to all her followers! After my first two attempts, I did eventually win on the 3rd and final question!! I am always on the lookout for good quality products–sometimes I hit the jackpot and other times, not so much, and thus end up with a lot of bad paid for product that I lingers about my bathroom cupboards! I was so happy to win this gift certificate as many people on twitter had been raving about how amazing the Thann Skincare products are! I was hearing quite a lot about Thann’s lip balm, the hair mask and their infamous body butter! With my gc, I decided on the lip butter, which is really quite nice and also the Facial Cleanser with Shiso. I have to say, I have tried many many facial cleansers but none have ever left my skin feeling as smooth and as silky as this one!! I’m told that it is because of the Shiso! I also received a small sample of face moisturizer which I LOVE! The two products combined are like heaven together!! I couldn’t stop touching my face!! haha! Not to mention, the scent, while very light, is amazing-can’t describe it in words exactly, it’s just a touch of sweet and calm…that’s the best way I can explain it! You’ll just have to get some and try it out for yourselves!! So today, another little twitter friend of mine, Shakira Whitton of Little Cakes Ottawa (remember this?) was planning to stop by the Thann store for a visit–a visit with cupcakes! Being one to never turn down free cupcakes, I was definitely excited to also be making a trip to the store! Of course that wasn’t the only reason I went!! I wanted to check out the store in person (I ordered my products online the first time!), say hello to Fadi and Luda (who represented Thann extraordinarily well on ShopNBC.com recently! A huge success for the company!) and also, browse their products and purchase that awesome face cream!! Oh, right and I brought my brand new camera too Here are the shots that I took of their gorgeous store! It’s decorated and styled to perfection and oh my goodness, the aroma in that place–heavenly! The best thing about it, even if you are sensitive to certain scents, you will not be knocked off you feet by it! Think spa. So soothing and calm–I would want to lie down, close my eyes and relax if I worked there! Anyway, you should definitely make a trip to the store, meet and chat with Fadi and Luda and of course, try out their amazing line! It’s not very often that I rave about a product unless I absolutely love it!! I’m officially hooked! Also be sure to visit Thann.ca for more information about the product.

The store’s decor is Asian inspired, as the line is made in Thailand– you almost feel like your in a botanical garden!

!

‘

And as someone who strives for an appreciates an organized, clean and un-cluttered space, their shelving unit really appealed to my senses!

Everything was so neatly organized and presented by collection (Aromatic Wood, Mediterranean Floral, Oriental Essence, Sea Foam (personal fave, touch of peppermint!), Shiso Collection, Rice Collection and Jasmine Blossom)

Love pretty display details and elegant touches

I like pretty packaging too!

Accolades

Couldn’t resist just one shot of Shakira’s scrumptious Little Cakes! Love how she even coordinated the colours to the store! She made gingerbread, banana and brownie!

And last but not least, a shot of the stuff I bought: the face cream and the lip balm Hope you enjoyed the pics–I certainly enjoyed stopping by today!! Thanks again Fadi, Luda and Shakira!!

Posted in Commercial Work

by Amy Symes

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Protected: One Year Old in a Flash!! Pun intended! :)

July 20, 2011

Posted in Family and Friends

Paint Canada Pink–Mall Walkers Edition!

July 10, 2011

I am happy to share the final two events which took place as part of Paint Canada Pink Week, organized by Wendy Leung of Beyond Events for the CIBC Run for the Cure (Oct 2nd, 2011!! Mark your calendars!) The last two events took place at Hazeldean Mall and Bayshore Shopping Centre (both malls are sponsors of the Run for the Cure) and were aimed at getting the seniors involved in the Run! The idea being that a 5k run is no different than doing a few laps around the mall! I have to say going in to the first mall walking event, I didn’t expect to come away with a tonne of great shots, but I have to hand it to the seniors, they really know how to have a good time and wow, they are so full of energy and life! I was fortunate to meet some really inspiring people over the course of PCPW but the seniors really reminded me that you are only as old as you feel, or better yet, you’re only as young as you feel! I love the vitality and positive attitude that the mall walkers had and I hope that I’m in as good as shape and spirits as they are when I hit my golden years! To be honest, I’m pretty sure most of them can out walk me now! I’ve got some work to do!! Enjoy the pics, they really had a great time and so did I!

Hazeldean Mall–June 29th, 2011

A group shot of the volunteers and organizers–Front: Wendy Leung, Marie José Barrette, Manager, Run for the Cure at the CBCF, Nisha Mapara (Mall Walk coordinator) and Marianne Wilkinson (Councillor, Kanata North) Back row from left: Catherine Birch, a survivor and volunteer (check out the this Citizen article I just came across about her!) Susan Enns, a volunteer with the Run for the Cure, and Phil Marsh, Regional Manager at the Running Room.

Getting in the pink spirit! Filling out ballots for a chance to win great prizes!

Cookies from Zia Nadia’s

and Chrystal’s Baked Goodies (a run sponsor)

Some of the inspiring ladies I met!

This is Sophie, she was hilarious! Having a great time! I’m told she’s a big supporter of the Run for the Cure! She loved that boa! (and those cookies too!!)

These hot pink bags donated by the Running Room (National Sponsor) were filled with goodies and given away as prizes

I loved seeing the reactions of the winners–they were too cute!

This was a cute moment when all the ladies huddled to see what their friend had won! (yes, it’s in the collage, but I wanted to post the bigger version too because these ladies were just adorable!)

Decked out in pink and showing their support!

Susan, Marianne and Phil also addressed the walkers and encouraged them to consider participating in the Run on Oct 2nd.

And after all the fun and games, everyone got down to business and actually walked! Who can think about walking when there are prizes to be won and cookies to be eaten!?

Quite a fun bunch!

Bayshore Mall–June 30th, 2011

So pretty much the same concept with different walkers. This time though, The Athletic Club (sponsor) were on hand to lead the walkers in a pre stroll warm up and hand out some prizes and gifts.

From left to right Meg Wilson, Angie Gerretsen, Jenna Ladd and Melissa Collins

The ladies seen here posing with their Timothy’s (sponsor) coffees that were handed out for free! In the picture below: Left: Danielle Sabourin (Franchisee) and right: Laura Buelow

There were also more of Zia Nadias goodies available too! Here she is with Wendy! Thanks for the delicious and cute ribbon shaped cookies!

Mobilicity is another Run sponsor–love those cute pink labels!

Similar to the Hazeldean Mall Walk Event, people were invited to fill out ballots for prizes

a Bayshore Gift Card

These ladies seemed very hopeful to win the New Balance (National Sponsor) running shoes,

but after Wendy and her daughter Jada drew names for prizes,

it was this lovely lady who won them!

Prior to the actual mall walk, Jenna Ladd from The Athletic Club, lead participants in a warm up! Everyone really got into it! Just a few simple stretches make all the difference!

Also, since the purpose of these events again is to encourage the seniors to consider taking part in the Run for the Cure, Catherine Birch spent a few moments telling them about her own survival experience and a little about the CBFC

Enjoying a java while listening

Here are just a few more photos of some of the people involved in making this such a successful event!

Angie Russell, Marketing Director for Bayshore Shopping Centre with her darling little girl!

Wendy and Angie with the Bayshore Team

Catherine Birch, Wendy and Jada Leung and Corey Lock (Run Assistant) A very special thanks to Wendy for all her hard work in organizing the PCPW events!!

Well that’s it! A week’s worth of very PINK events to promote a very important cause! Hope you have enjoyed the recent posts and pics from Paint Canada Pink Week and I look forward to capturing you all at the Run for the Cure on October 2nd, 2011!!

Did I mention that I am also a sponsor!

Posted in Events, Giving Back

by Amy Symes

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CIBC Run For the Cure 25th Anniversary Tweetup!

July 1, 2011

June 28th marked a very special day–my 31st Birthday (where did 30 go, exactly??) and the 25th Anniversary of the CBFC. In honour of such important events, Wendy of Beyond Events planned and organized a fab tweetup at the Hard Rock Cafe in the market! (Ok, so it wasn’t really for my birthday, but…) Unfortunately, the weather was really uncooperative that night (think torrential downpour!) but everyone was in good spirits amd surrounded by good company, so good times were had by all! Besides, there were so many treats, including this delicious (and I mean DELICIOUS) pink fondant cake made especially for the event by Reginna Pastery on Preston.

Isn’t it gorgeous!!

Group shot with the cake

Here is one of the guests of honour, doing the official cake cut–Marianne Wilkinson (Councillor-Kanata North)

Did I mention that the inside was pink/strawberry? Scumptious!! Thanks for the awesome birthday cake

Another special guest who stopped by, Lisa Macloed (Nepean-Carleton PC MPP) Seen here with Rachel Tweedy and her little cutie of a daughter

who was quite the entertainer!

Not only was there cake, but also cookies! These delightful sugar cookies were made by Chrystal Geoffroi (seen wearing the pink scarf) of Dare to Indulge

We were also entertained by the talented Samantha Testa, a young singer–very talented!

A quick word from Rachel, thanking everyone for their support

Lisa, a volnteer, Murray, the man behind @RunfortheCure and Wendy, our organizer extraordinaire!

When the rain stopped and the sun finally came out, we were finally able to sit outside! Seen here, Marilou and Jose of 20 York Street, a fab fashion blog! Check out that hot pink!

Jose is also a photographer

Was reluctant to put this picture up because it’s a bit fuzzy and well, that’s not cool, but it’s the only one I got of them! Murray, Catherine Birch (Volunteer) and Juliana Giraldo, and insanely talented, up and coming fashion designer–Miikali

I don’t know everyone is this photo and most have already been mentioned in this post, except for Meg Wilson (the girl in the front row)–She is a representative from the Ottawa Athletic Club, who is one of the Run’s Sponsor’s.

And I’ll leave you with some fun shots of our resident fashionistas, Marilou and Jose–I told them to “make love to the camera” and they did

Hot stuff!

Don’t forget. the Run for the Cure is October 2nd, 2011! Two more events to post from Paint Canada Pink Week–the mall walkers of Hazeldean Mall and Bayshore Shopping Centre –the seniors are the best, great fun to share soon!

Posted in Events, Giving Back

by Amy Symes

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Amy Symes Photography

The Girl Behind the Lens!

Cute, colourful kiddos!

Waiting for Baby no.2!

CIBC Run for the Cure Ottawa-Gatineau, October 2nd, 2011

Luxe Bridal Boutique turns 1!!

Baby Gia!

Jason and Lisa are married! {Ottawa Wedding Photographer Amy Symes}

Pre-Wedding

Thann Skin Care

Protected: One Year Old in a Flash!! Pun intended! :)

Paint Canada Pink–Mall Walkers Edition!

Hazeldean Mall–June 29th, 2011

Bayshore Mall–June 30th, 2011

CIBC Run For the Cure 25th Anniversary Tweetup!

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