Flashes of Inspiration

09/29/2023

Oh wow...I didn't even know I was nominated let alone winning Gold for The Readers Choice Awards for my photography business Flashes of Inspiration. A big thank you goes tout to everyone that voted along either all of my amazing clients that keep coming back for more. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU ❤️

06/26/2023

Despite the hot temperatures Saturday our bride and groom Jasmine Gillyatt and Matthew Perriman were nothing but calm, cool and collected - partly because they were surrounded by their family and friends at their fairytale farm wedding while they said their "I do's".

While the rain came down as they made those vows, and while everyone was dry inside, there was not a single dry eye inside. I also love that one of her bridesmaids told me it was not only good luck to have rain on your wedding day, but also that "Wet knots are harder to unravel". Sage advice to be sure...

This wedding was even more special for Dan and I as Jasmine was one of Dan's former students! Many students want to stay in contact with "Mr. Sheeler", and through that Jasmine discovered my business page and, as she said in her first email to me, she had always admired our work.

Well Jasmine, we are both just so happy and thrilled that you have found your Prince Charming. Congratulations to you both, and here's to a lifetime filled with love and laughter.

02/26/2023

Well this past month has been a bit quiet in terms of capturing people, as I sadly took a bad fall and had to reschedule many of my shoots until later in the month...

Yesterday was my first one back at it and, because of the ice/snow, I brought my main man and second shooter Dan Sheeler along with me for "literal" support on the session - just in case something was to happen to my knee.

Anyway is was the perfect session to have Dan with me as it was an engagement session for one of our upcoming brides this summer, who just so happened to be one of Dan's former students!

We both love catpuring memories for our former students as it's amazing to see them through different eyes and see such amazing growth since they left high school. That was definitely the case with Jasmine Gillyatt, who was just beaming with love for the man of her dreams Matthew Perriman, who clearly was just as in love with her (I mean, he did the entire session without a coat!). And, of course, their dog Darcy wanted to be part of the session (I love when my couples integrate their furbabies into the photos) to lend a 'paw'
of support...and even their cat Nala joined in at the end!

01/03/2023

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season this year! I can't believe that 2023 is finally here...and I have already done a photo session that I am in love with.

I am happy to announce that 2023 is going to bring a few changes to Flashes of Inspiration. As much as I LOVE capturing WEDDINGS...this year I will be only taking on a select few each year and I'll be re-branding my website soon (stay tuned for grand re-opening) to start showcasing my love and passion towards capturing couples, families, and pet sessions.

Prices for the few weddings I take on will be changing, along with the family sessions themselves (both mini and full sessions are changing pricing and packaging as well). Details to be announced soon.

In the meantime here is my sneak peek at my first family session of 2023. It was great getting a message over the holidays from an old high school friend who was in town visiting and wanted some photos with her kiddies and their grandparents; looking back, I've come to truly love these opportunities where kids get to be kids and interact with their grandparents and make some amazing, life-long memories.

So, if you are looking for some good outdoor fun with your entire family this year, please contact me ([email protected]) to set up your own family sessions with both your kiddies and your parents. I hope everyone has a happy and health 2023 filled with love and laughter!

11/29/2022

I just want to say how amazing all of my wedding clients are and have been. This year has been one of our busiest along with being back to doing two jobs again, as I have been back in the classroom since September teaching again, having had covid for 6 weeks in, then since then the flu at least 3 times (including currently as I have been out for the count again since Sunday) plus some personal things going on. Please still be patient with me as I know I am still trying to work away on everyone's weddings. Thank you for your patience and understanding this year.

11/22/2022

Well what a weekend it was...school work (but won't bore you with that), family shoots, editing and more editing and then ending it off with a wonderful winter wedding on Sunday.

I was lucky enough to meet Jen and Alex 3 years ago ironically enough at the snowiest wedding we have ever captured, their friends wedding Zach and Olivia. So from one snow storm in 2019 to the next this past weekend, we were there to capture it all and at times even the fun times in between like bumping into them at wedding trade shows (more than one) and their epic engagement session which had a hint of steam punk to it.

I was so happy that we were finally able to go through with what I believe was there third date change to have the wedding of their dreams...and what a wedding it was. His dad married them, the bride had TWO epic wedding dresses, 12 amazing friends who went out into the cold blistering snow, at the lovely Sherman Falls for some very chilly wedding party photos (I secretly wanted to sing "Do you want to build a snowman?") and some dry ice (not tears) and sparks that ignited not just the dance floor but what turned out to be such a night of fun filled laughs and some epic dance moves.

Thank you so much for allowing us to capture such a beautiful day for two very beautiful people inside and out.

11/06/2022

Before heading out for more photo shoots today. I wanted to share and remind everyone that "YES" dogs are allowed for your mini or full sessions. I love dogs with people or by themselves...but at the end of the day...I LOVE DOGS...

What do you think of Riley and her dog Stella?

10/22/2022

So glad the finger is holding up for all of these Family Sessions both today and tomorrow along with the fact that when I'm not taking the photos I am at my computer as I am now editing away my weddings and sessions. So much to catch up on and then of course teaching photography and history to highschool students....tis a lot but I do love what I do.

So glad I have the best clients and some pretty awesome students too. Even with being this busy if you are looking for some last minute fall sessions or some Holiday photos at the train station please message me and lets set it up...in the meantime some favourites...more to come from more recent sessions soon!!

Enjoy the sun and weekend everyone!!

10/22/2022

Yesterday was honesetly one of the most emotional, raw, and yet fun shoots I have ever done.

Bryan contcted me a while back to set up his anniversary gift for his girlfriend of 4 years; he wanted a photo shoot out on their property on the outskirts of town (in what seemed like the middle of nowhere as from their house you could not see another one in sight).

However, what he let me know is that he had already asked for permission from her Dad and spoke with her twin sister about the fact that he would be PROPOSING to her in the middle of their photo session! I think this type of photo shoot is every photographer's dream, and it certainly was.

We did photos in front of the house, barn, the back yard, front yard, laneway, swing, and fireplace, and then I could tell he was starting to talk to just her, she started crying, he was, (I definitely was) and then he went down on one knee and proposed to the love of his life. And, just to be clear, she said YES!!

From the moment I met them, I have to say that these two just seemed perfect for one another with such easy going humour and a love that had them beaming from ear to ear.

I have their permission to share and announce to the world that Bryan and Andrea are officially ENGAGED!!! Congratulations to you both and wishing you both a lifetime of love and laughter.

10/20/2022

Just wanting to thank all of my amazing clients for being so patient and understanding since spraining my finger (thank goodness it was not broken).

I have not been able to use a mouse properly since falling on the Thanksgiving Friday until today. So, I will be working away feverishly from here on in to get caught up on all my weddings and fall shoots back to everyone as soon as I can.

I am also back and able to actually photograph my sessions now for all my families and couples and to capture these beautiful fall colours out there.

Thanks again everyone for being so amazing and patient.

09/26/2022

Yesterday’s beautiful Sunday wedding was a special day for so many reasons. It seemed like a full circle moment in some ways, as the groom was a former AHS media arts student of a dear friend and colleague Toni Sanders (who, by the way, photographed our wedding and was a key influence in me starting up my own photography business), along with the Bride’s family and friends being long time Caledonia residents…with even a relative of hers being someone that I went to elementary school with and hadn’t seen for years. Earlier in the week what also made it special, was an added photo session where the bride got into her dress to have some photos with someone so special to her, her beautiful husky, Murphy. He definitely tried to steal the show, but in the end, it was Coral in that beautiful dress at her family home where she just seemed so excited with anticipation for what was to come later on that week.

The rain that was called for during the whole day Sunday thankfully stopped, and the sun beamed almost as bright as Zakk Di Sabatino and Coral Di Sabatino smiles (along with a tear from time to time due to the love and emotion that these two clearly both share for one another). In the end sparks were literally flying (thanks to the help of some of their Ti-Cat friends) as these two celebrated their love together amongst all their family and friends.
Congratulations!!!

C Hotel by Carmen's
Carmen's Banquet Centre

09/04/2022

For some, love is fun and games, but for Sara Duffy and Canon Duffy, it was the games that 'spawned' their love...

Whether weathering their own international romance or welcoming friends and family from the USA, it's true that with a love this strong, no distance could keep Sara and Canon apart. For despite a long distance, made worse by COVID, these two made their relationship not only work, but thrive and definitely better once together!

Of course, games are better when played with others and for this couple, their 'party' was always by their side (and ready to party too , especially on the dance floor, of course!).

It was at the stunning, elegant Ruthven Park National Historic Site that Sara and Canon finally got to say their "I do's" in front of theirclose family and friends. For Dan and I, Ruthven is a local venue les than 15 minutes down the road, but for Sara local wasn't just convenient, it was essential. She and Canon made sure that every aspect of their wedding supported local businesses, from getting ready at their home and storefront promoting local artisans and antiques The Yellow Farmhouse, to the delicious dinner catered by Talbot Street Bar-B-Que to the delicious drinks hand-crafted by J&K Wedding Rentals And Services.

So here's to Sara and Canon....a couple who proved without a doubt that love conquers all!

08/27/2022

"We can always be chasing the sun." — Sara Bareilles

Though the sun may seem always out of reach, for newlyweds Katherine Stockman and Justin, their perseverance - fed from their committment to one another - showed that anything is possible.

For while Covid may have cast a long, 3 year shadow on their nuptials, with their love for one another, yesterday's long-awaited wedding didn't just dawn, it shined brighter still. Though the day began with grey clouds and a smattering of rain, blue skies prevailed and, as the song says, 'here comes the sun...'.

The sun was beautiful last night as we escaped to take a few more photos during golden hour, but nothing was shining brighter than Katherine's smile, that just lit up the skies when she looked at what was then, finally, her husband! Her dreams came true as she realized she was with her Prince Charming and her Happily Ever After.

08/21/2022

Last night was a special night catching up with an old highschool friend who I used to play soccer with, back in the day. It was so much fun catching up and seeing her beautiful family...one of which, is a friend of my nephew, so it was nice hearing stories about him as well during the session.

It turned out to be such a perfect night with great light and a light breeze, some fishermen in the background and even trying to get some geese in the pictures.

Thank you so much Kate for letting me have some fun and capture your family in our beautiful town.

08/20/2022

WOW what a spring and summer it has been. If you are waiting for photos please be patient as I have had so many extra shoots that weren't scheduled and am out shooting more than at my computer. That being said I can't believe it is time for back to school prep which means fall is just around the corner.

So with that in mind here is a reminder to start thinking about booking for our fall mini sessions here in Caledonia. These can also be done in September or November.

Stay tuned for Holiday mini's at the Caledonia Train station for November and December.

08/14/2022

Sparks were flying last night when Aaron Burley drove up in a black Mustang to marry the love of his life , who was also chauffeured to meet her husband to be in a matching cream coloured Thunderbird.

Of course, it wasn't just about the cars at this beautiful wedding, which was at the only place she ever considered getting married - her Uncle's property in Waterford; it was also about the horses, which seemed to be everywhere and, of course, a great group of family and friends who came out to support, cheer on, and party with this beautiful couple. Special shout out to their handsome, dancing (including break dancing!) son who was just beaming from ear to ear as, in his own words, now his mom has the same last name as him.

To true love!

If you are in the photos please share and use the photos but please do not edit or alter the photo and watermark - thank you.

08/11/2022

I have loved this property for so long and driven past it for years and always been curious about it. Now I know the whole history of it thanks to the beautiful stories that Sara Duffy told me as her and Cannon and her mum live and run the The Yellow Farmhouse which is just the cutest thing ever, after Sara and Cannon of course. The love that these two show for one another is out of this world and how Sara looks at him is just so sweet.

Looking forward to their upcoming wedding this upcoming labour day weekend at the local property of Ruthven Park National Historic Site. I love how keeping it local has been so important to her and promoting local businesses.

All the love to these two.

08/08/2022

I had so much fun meeting up for a quick family/engagement session with Trish, Aaron and their little guy (oh and I can't forget the beautiful horses and her uncle's dog "Bailey, Bailey, Bailey" jumping into the photos as well).

Dan and I can't wait to capture their love and memories this Saturday at this same beautiful location in Waterford where they will be married amongst their friends and family.

07/31/2022

I always love when we get to photograph weddings when we know the bride and groom from our other lives: "the teaching world"(sometimes it's former students or those that we have mentored by coaching or Student Council), but this time it was friends and colleagues who, similar to Dan and I, met on the job.

When they began their respective teaching careers, neither Nichole nor Djordje thought that love would be on the "lesson plan". But as Socrates said, ‘[e]ducation is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.’, and with that flame kindled these two lovebirds learned as much as they could about one another, and, as is the case with so many of the stories we teach, they fell in love along the way...

But every epic romance has a transformative moment, and theirs was Saturday, July 30 2022. Nichole and Djordje were both radiant as they joined not only in matrimony, but into each other's families as well. After all, with loved ones traveling from across Canada and from the USA and Europe, there can be no doubt that these two are truly loved by their family and friends. Of course, every love story needs a suitable setting, and what better place to welcome old and new traditions than at the always elegant Ancaster Mill, surrounded by lush summer green space and waterfalls. And while there will be other stories to tell and lessons to learn, seeing how these two made each other beam, laugh and love throughout the day and night, they will face them all together. For while this part of their story has concluded, another begins...here's to the next chapter!

07/03/2022

I've had some sessions recently that I have not been able to post on social media so, I'm super excited to be able to share a colleage/friend's session that we did recently and give her a sneak peek of her family photos before she heads off to teach abroad for part of the summer. Thanks again so much for trusting me to capture these memories for you. Brittany Langlotz Tim Langlotz and of course Louie the goldendoodle. Such a beautiful family.

Don't forget as much as I love my weddings that I also love to capture families and our furbabies as well. Send me a message so that I can capture your memories this summer. Ask me about my Caledonia Summer Mini Sessions.

06/19/2022

"'Love is patient. Love is kind… Love never fails.' – 1 Corinthians 13:4-13"

2 Years ago before covid Dan and I had the opportunity to capture a beautiful wedding between two genuinely kind and loving people Kyle and Ainsley. Little did we know, that on that day the best man, which was the groom's brother, would also be a future groom of ours along with his then girlfriend and now wife.

Yesterday we were able to capture this second wedding with that best manfrom before and now groom, Connor, and his now wife, Rachel, who are just as sweet, and kind and loving. Dan and I loved every moment of being around what felt like fast friends and family again and being able to capture their beautiful, albeit windy day, which was just magical as it was filled with love, laughter and light all throughout.

"May the One who brought you together bless your marriage, enrich your lives and deepen your love throughout the years."

06/13/2022

Was voting for someone else today in another platform and went over to photographers and had no idea I was nominated or that these were going on right now. Apparently you have till tomorrow to vote. Would love and appreciate any votes...and a huge thanks goes out to those of you who already nominated. I feel very lucky and thankful.
https://www.sachem.ca/readerschoice/categories/people-professionals/subcategories/photographer

Show your appreciation for the businesses, people, and service providers who make our community great. Choose from the list provided or make a suggestion. Come back often and nominate as many times as you like, until June 13th, 2022.

05/29/2022

Yesterday was such a perfect day for such a perfect couple, and they and their family and friends reminded us each moment that "love is patient and love is kind".

As Ian Thompson and Leslie Thompson vowed their everlasting love to one another, we were grateful to have beautiful weather and a blessed venue Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. As anyone who knows Ian Thompson will tell you, his dedication and commitment to all things Caledonia, family and, of course, Leslie Thompson is only matched by his work ethic. But it was Leslie Thompson's moving words during their speech that illustrated how important it is to be ever-loving, and ever open to love. Truly, this is a couple who will weather any storms together, with both patience, grace and of course un-ending love.

We were also graced to see so many familiar faces at yesterday's wedding - after all, once from Caledonia always from Caledonia. It was lovely to see some amazing community members but it is hard to believe that it was seven years ago that I captured Ian Thompson sister's StaceyLeigh Turcotte's wedding , which is where I was first able to meet the whole family. And as their support and love showed, 'everything should be done in love' because in the end, that is what truly binds us.

So congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson! As so many did last night, allow me to raise a glass in honour of their love and commitment to one another. 💍

05/17/2022

I simply have the best brides ever!!

Beautiful, sweet, kind and understanding beyond measure, is Sarah Nicole who has been patiently waiting for her and her husband AP Laffy sneak peek's. Thank you both for your patience and support during what has been a difficult time.

When possible I always try to encourage my couples to step away from their dinner for some sunset photos. It's a time for them to be on their own and soak up the sun, events of the day, and bask in their true love for one another and with the stunning backdrop of Maple Meadows Farm & Event Centre both this bride and groom were both eager to get out into the fields and hold each other, whisper into each others ears and just have some heartfelt moments together...tears and laughs were had and even by me.

However, we all know that I love to cry at my weddings.

Wishing such a beautiful couple, Sarah and Alex, a lifetime of love and laughter for ever after.

05/02/2022

People know that I cry at everything and every wedding I get to photograph; and I feel so lucky to be a part of people’s “ever after” day and be able to capture their memories that will last beyond their lifetimes.

It means that much more to me though when you get to photograph a beautiful bride that you have known since grade 9, and she is as stunning now as she was then Ellise MacLean

I felt so honoured and humbled that Ellise wanted me to capture their SECRET elopment yesterday at the always stunning The Pillar and Post and man the tears were flowing by both the groom and bride, but they were also flowing behind the camera, as it was so beautiful to see a dear friend who was able to marry her prince charming Emilio Sanfilippo who showcased a love towards her that was so loving, gentle, kind, and of course funny. Being able to be there to document such a special event for these two amazing people was magical bayond belief and was made just that much more special by seeing a love between two people that was like no other, as it was raw, pure and oh so emotional- as it should be!
I am so happy for them both and again just want to say the biggest thank you on earth for allowing me to be a part of their secret day.

A big CONGRATULTIONS to the newly married couple
Ellise & Emilio

03/31/2022

I was so saddened hearing about the fire at the beautiful Hernder Estate vineyard If you have an event at their winery you should email them as soon as you can as they sadly lost their computers and files etc. email [email protected]

02/22/2022

It was so exciting to start off the 2022 wedding season yesterday with one of the most funniest weddings we have ever been to and on top of that it was made even more special as the stunning bride Kate Hatcher was both a colleague and friend. Their intimate wedding captured both tender hearted moments with their daughter Sophie and side splitting laughter from many speakers. However, the two standout performances were definitely the minister during the ceremony who had star wars references, marvel jokes, yoda-"isms" and more and then later on in the evening even the bride herself surprised everyone and roasted her husband Brad Adams like non-other. Even though everyone was in stitches (especially Brad), the laughter came from the all of the love that you could feel filling the room from their friends and family.
To quote two other speakers from last night here is to love and laughter and happily ever after's, for the beautiful couple.

Thank you again for allowing us to be able to capture your memories

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