Golden Hour Magic: David and Jen's Sunrise Engagement Session at Samuel Smith Park
Getting Ready For The Sunrise Session
As a wedding photographer, every love story brings its own unique charm and adventure. When David and Jen approached me for their engagement shoot, they had one request in mind: warmer weather. After a few discussions, we settled on the beginning of May for their session. Little did we know, Mother Nature had a few surprises in store for us.
Location plays a pivotal role in setting the stage for capturing timeless moments, and for David and Jen, it was about choosing a place close to their hearts. They opted for Samuel Smith Park in Mississauga, a serene haven they frequent with their beloved canine companions, Mason and Atreus.
But as fate would have it, the weather had other plans, leading to a series of rescheduled sessions. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, Jen had a brilliant idea: why not embrace the tranquillity of sunrise for their shoot? It was a departure from the norm, but one that held promise for something truly magical.
From a photographer's perspective, I couldn't have been more thrilled. I relish the opportunity to capture moments that break away from convention, and Jen and David's decision to embrace the dawn symbolized a willingness to explore new horizons.
Moreover, the inclusion of their furry friends, Mason and Atreus, added an extra layer of joy and authenticity to the shoot. Pets have a remarkable ability to ease nerves and inject spontaneity into the moment, and their presence proved to be invaluable throughout the session.
The Sunrise Session
We set our alarms for an ungodly hour, agreeing to meet at the parking lot of Samuel Smith Park at 5:30 am sharp. With the sunrise scheduled for 6 am, we wanted to make sure we didn't miss a moment of that golden hour magic.
As expected, David and Jen's furry companions, Mason and Atreus, were up bright and early, their wagging tails and eager eyes a testament to their excitement for the day ahead. But before we unleashed the dogs (pun intended) onto the scene, I wanted to focus on capturing some intimate moments between the couple.
The first few minutes of sunrise are like nature's canvas, painted with the most exquisite hues of pink, orange, and gold. With the Toronto skyline as our backdrop, I encouraged David and Jen to relax and soak in the beauty around them. Despite any initial jitters in front of the camera, a few jokes and some gentle encouragement quickly put them at ease.
And then came the moment we'd all been waiting for: the introduction of Mason and Atreus. It was clear from the start that these pups were more than just pets – they were cherished members of the family. As soon as they joined the photoshoot, David and Jen's smiles grew even wider, their love and affection for their furry friends shining through in every frame.
Before we knew it, the vibrant colours of sunrise began to fade, but not before we captured some truly magical moments by the water's edge and along the park's winding paths. I believe in giving my clients plenty of options to choose from, and this shoot was no exception. From candid cuddles to playful poses, we had a treasure trove of adorable and creative photos to choose from.
Jen and David, thank you so much for trusting me with your precious memories. I couldn't be more excited to have been a part of your engagement shoot, and now I'm even more thrilled for your upcoming wedding day. Getting to know you both has been an absolute delight, and I can't wait to capture even more special moments when you say "I do." Here's to an incredible journey ahead filled with love, laughter, and endless happiness. Cheers to your love story!