Danielle + Alex :: Engagement

Today was a first for me. I actually shed a tear when I was finalizing this session to blog. Maybe it was the fact that Christina Perri's A Thousand Years started playing on my songza, maybe it's because I'm a sucker for any love story or maybe it's because the bride to be is one of my people. Chances are it's a combination of the three.

You see, I've been friends with Danielle since grade eight when we bonded over our love of all things Hanson. We went through those crazy teenage years side by side, and I'm so thankful to say that our friendship has grown and I still have her in my life today.

It was a few years ago when she told me about Alex. It was clear in the progression of them dating that she was falling deeper and deeper in love. Whenever she would talk about him, her face would light up. Then when I was able to finally meet Alex, he walked into the room and everything else faded away and they were the only two there. More importantly in the quiet times now, I know they are imagining the future where they grow old together, enjoying the life they've built.

Danielle and Alex, thank you so much for allowing me to talk you into doing an engagement session! I don't know if there are any greater gifts than laughter and love, and you two constantly give one another those things. I am beyond blessed to get to spend your big day with you two and witness the beginning of a very long love story. Your love will grow and deepen to something much bigger than anything you can ever imagine. Words can't explain how excited I am for the years to come and see the adventure you two will go on! Much love my friends!

The MacKinnons :: Family

Oh this family makes me smile. Like smile from the heart. And big. Full on teeth kind of smile. A smile as big as this family's heart. And that's HUGE.

This beautiful family might look familiar to some of you. I did their family photos last year and then sweet little Emmerson's photos. Sometimes we get caught up in the year, going about our business and running around in our lives not really paying attention to what's really happening. Then the opportunity comes up to see a family we've worked with and it reminds us of the importance of slowing down and relishing in the fact that everyone's growing and changing. It is truly a gift getting to capture these lives!

Mark and Rachel, your family is beautiful and joyous. I look forward to spending time with you and the kids. I always leave the session feeling peaceful and relaxed, which doesn't always happen. It's because you have this unmeasurable amount of respect for each other and your kids. It's a rarity and I appreciate the way your quiet ways display it. Thank you for giving us the honour of spending the afternoon with you guys again and watching your family grow!

Christmas mini sessions + a bittersweet announcement

I haven't done a more personal blog post for quite some time, and I thought this would be the perfect platform to discuss some things going on. 

First off, I'm so very excited to announce my very first Christmas Mini Session weekend! The sessions will take place at a reclaimed farm house and we'll be able to go inside and out (weather permitting).  There are only a few spots available, so if you're interested don't wait too long!

And now, the very bittersweet announcement! (ooohhh so dramatic!)

As of today, I will not be booking any more regular outdoor sessions until spring 2014 (if you have a session booked or we've discussed one, rest assured you will still be able to spend time with me! haha). As winter arrives (and it looks like it will any day (whomp, whomp!)) it gets a bit more difficult for me to get out and deliver the session I believe all of my beautiful clients deserve!

The holiday season is fast approaching and it's important that I am able to spend this time with my family as well as you spending your valuable time with yours enjoying one another to your fullest.

I am so sad to announce this, but I need to remind myself of the incredible summer and fall I had because of all of you wonderful people welcomed me into your lives and allowed me the utmost privilege of capturing that life. It is a gift that constantly surprises me and fills me with such love and appreciation for everyone around me.

Having said that, please don't completely shut me out of your mind for the winter months! If the weather is nice and setting is appropriate, I would be more than happy to venture out. As well, if you have an indoor location, I'm in! And let's not forget about any events calling for the Photo Booth! Capturing your life moments makes me feel alive and let's face it...everyone needs an injection of life during winter.

So with that friends, I ask you to please keep stopping by here (I have TONS of amazing sessions to blog) and go like Mercer Photography on Facebook. I love seeing how everyone interacts on there!

Until next time, stay cozy! :)

Tiffany + Jason :: Engagement

I was first contacted by Tiffany and Jason regarding their 2014 wedding a while ago, but between work schedules, holidays and just plain ol' life we weren't able to meet up until a little bit ago. It just goes to show that when something is supposed to happen, it will and maybe we try to control things a wee bit too much. 

Tiffany and Jason are the couple that LAUGHS together (and maybe sometimes at each other as well, hahaha). As soon as I met them and saw how they interacted with each other and with us, I knew we were going to have a beautiful evening together. 

Thank you so much for coming out you two! You guys braved the hot summer evening sun, crazy mosquitos and Brandi and me. And through it all, you guys laughed and smiled and rolled with the punches. You're going to have a beautiful rich life together, filled with humour in the most difficult of times. I think it's an attribute that sometimes people lose as they age. Never lose it, you two! It will serve you well in your life together and I guarantee the people around you appreciate it. You have huge hearts and we felt so welcome. Thank you for a wonderful evening!!