PORTRAITS | Aaron

Aaron was the winner of last spring's Grand March Scholarship, and were we finally able to meet up last month to shoot her portrait session, just days before she moved to Nova Scotia to begin college!  The weather was beautiful, the sun was shining is all it's dreamy glory, and Aaron's eyes and personality sparkled.

When planning a session for high school senior I send out a little questionnaire for them to fill out so that I can gather a few her about them. But really my goal is to create some time and reason for her to reflect on her time in high school, the events and experiences that have shaped who she is, and the people most important during this time in her life. This information is also then written into the magazine I design for each of my senior girls!

When asked to write about who she is, what she loves most about herself and the things that are most important to her, Aaron wrote this:

"I love that I'm different. I've struggled with my weight all my life, but I've come to terms with the fact that there is nothing wrong with me. I refuse to let people treat me poorly. It may seem harsh but I'd rather walk alone and do what is right than be one of the crowd. I love that I am never afraid or nervous. I like to jump into the unknown. You only live once, and life is too short to be afraid. Being brave, different, confident and unique is important to me."

Congratulations on your graduation Aaron and best of luck in this next season of your life as you pursue your dreams. Please continue to share you life and wisdom with others. We need more young people who celebrate diversity and inspire others to embrace their unique identity!!

Love & Sunshine,
Shannon-May

WEDDING | Sarah & Alain

Sara and Alain were engaged over a year ago  while hiking in Montana's Glacier National Park. After looking into options for their wedding and feeling discouraged by the roadblocks and potholes in the wedding planning journey, they decided on a small intimate Kingsbrae Garden wedding with only thirteen of their closet family members in attendance, and this was followed by   dinner at the Rossmount Inn.  Though Sara and Alain did not say it, I imagine that this was their dream wedding, especially since two things they love sharing together are the outdoors and good meals., and it ended with them being husband and wife.

The weather was not ideal for a garden wedding however rather than the rain being a damper , it instead represented the joy that poured out of  Sara and Alain and their family as these two became husband and wife. Katelyn, the event coordinator at Kingsbrae commented to me at one point that she has never seen so much happiness during a rainy wedding. So true. During our portrait time together, the rain fell harder and with more intensity, and Sara and Alain's joy intensified right along with it!!

I loved every minute of the three hours I spent with Sara and Alain. But my best moment to witness was when Alain cuddled Sara under the umbrella  while the rain fell and the wind began to kick up. I had stopped to change my memory card and when I looked up I caught a deeper glimpse of the tenderness, respect and admiration these two have  for one another, and how perfectly their fit together.  It would seem that their bubbling joy pours out of a place of comfort and trust.

Sara and Alain, congratulations. Thank you for choosing me to tell your wedding story.

Love & Sunshine,
Shannon-May

{WEDDING} Sian and David

I am not sure where to begin with the story of Sian and David's wedding day. Like everyone else who had gathered to celebrate their marriage, a smile was plastered across my face as I reveled in the joy that both Sian and David exuded all day long. There was not a moment of angst or unhappiness, even when Sian's dress went face to face with a dill aioli and lost (don't worry, two wedding planners and a zip-lock bag of cornstarch worked miraculously to lesson the stain), the smiles were as endless as the wine and champagne!

When Sian and David met each other in the secret garden at Kingsbrae for a first look, I had the privilege of once again seeing the love and adoration these two have for one another. After wiping away a few tears with David's handkerchief, Sian sweetly said to David "I missed you today." David responded by embracing Sian and kissing her every-so-sweetly- on the forehead.  During our portrait time before the ceremony they proceeded to talk about their morning spent apart from one another, how things were going and their kids.

Following their Rose Garden ceremony, Sian and David and their guests celebrated their new union while drinking Canadian-made wine and feasted on locally sourced gourmet delicacies, which included Grand Manan deer meat, smoked salmon and the most delicious gazpacho with basil beads served in a shot glass. Guests toasted the newlyweds with a sparkling wine from Nova Scotia vineyard Blomidon and Sian and David were generous with hugs and thanksgiving. Men and women played lawn games in their finery while others talked business, caught up with old friends or made new ones,  or simply soaked in the joy of the day.  All while local guitarist Bob Bowman played a selection of popular tunes on his acoustic guitar. There were times when I felt like I had stumbled into a movie set as everything was just so perfect and everyone was so absolutely lovely to be around!

Sian and David! Thank you so much for choosing me to be your wedding photographer and inviting me into such an important and meaningful day. It was a sincere pleasure to work with you and to share in your joy. I hope you had a wonderful time in Wales and are now settling into a joy filled married life!!

Love & Sunshine,
Shannon-May

When I first met with them, Sian mentioned that her vision for the wedding was somewhat influenced by her love for Jane Austen. I think Jane would approve of elegant, timeless and taste-filled wedding celebration that Sian envisioned. Moreover, Sian and David strive d to keep a made-in-Canada focus. From the abundance of roses beginning with the Rose Garden ceremony at Kingsbrae , to the pastel coloured bridesmaids dresses, traditional black tuxes, and catered gourmet cocktail reception eats, this wedding was first class and truly Canadian made! Check out the amazing vendor team below:


Wedding Planner: Sarah Redmond, Celebrations by Sarah, Saint Andrews, NB

Wedding Photographer: Shannon May

Ceremony Venue: The Rose Garden, Kingsbrae Gardens, Saint Andrews, NB

Floral Designer: Elaine Bruff, Garden By The Sea, Saint Andrews, NB

Hair and Make-up: Tiffany and Judy, Luxe Day Spa, St. Stephen, NB

Dress:  Canadian Designer Lee Ann Beller, Felicity Bridal, Halifax, NS

Fascinator and Sash: Alice Hart

Bride's Jewelry and Wedding Rings: Canadian Designer Carrie Lamb, Frida Jewelry, Halifax, NS

Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung

Tuxedos: Vera Wang

Reception Venue: The Cafe, Kingsbrae Gardens, Saint ANdrews, NB

Linens and chair sashes: Just Perfect Event Decor and Cakes, St. Stephen, NB

Caterer: Chef Alex Haan, Savour, Saint Andrews, NB

Cupcakes: Amy Greenlaw, Cakes and Creations by Amy, Saint Andrews, NB

Caramel Guest Favours: Lucy Lu Sea Salt Caramels.