The preparation of the bride - Wedding photographer Montreal's South Shore Rive Sud Estrie Cantons de l'Est Eastern Townships Marriages

One of the most intense glimpses into a wedding day are those moments right before it all actually starts. Behind the scenes, the culmination of months of planning is about to erupt, and the bride is playing the day out in her mind. She is at once calm and anxious; giddy and serene. She is ravishingly beautiful, and yet she cannot stop adjusting each and every finishing touch.

She is ready.

Teatime, tutus, and other adventures - Montreal's South Shore family photographer famille Rive Sud

And all this before sunset. (Beautiful sunset...)

Going from 2 to 3 - Montreal's South Shore maternity photographer

And they couldn't possibly be happier about it.

This growing family - Montreal's South Shore maternity photographer Rive-Sud grossesse

It truly won't be long now!

These lovebirds, on the anniversary of their engagement - Montreal's South Shore wedding photog de marriage Rive-Sud

Warmth. Sweetness. Lovely love. It was all in the air that day...

This barn location (Grange Manson Barn) in Magog had such an amazing rustic appeal. And I was swooning over the surrounding landscape, perfect for portraits of the newlyweds.

Favorites - Montreal's South Shore family photog famille Rive-Sud

I'm allowed to have favorites. I mean, photographers aren't like parents. Parents aren't supposed to have favorites. (But some of you do...I know it's true. Don't look at me like that...)

So here are my favorites. For oh-so-many reasons.

Maybe they're my favorites because their eldest is my daughter's bestie for life. Or maybe it's because spending an afternoon with their youngest is more laughs than a set at YukYuk's or the Laugh Factory. It may be because their sweet middle child is the kindest, gentlest little boy you will ever (read: E-VERRR) meet.

Happy together - Montreal's South Shore wedding photog in the Laurentians

What was supposed to be the cutest backyard wedding morphed into an indoor, cozy gathering of beloved friends and family for this beautiful twosome. Heavy rain had its say that day, but this couple came through all smiles, and we made the most of a pause in the wet weather for gorgeous outdoor captures. Enjoy...

Love in the autumn air - Montreal's South Shore couple photographer rive sud

So this was a lovely surprise.

Proud big sister contacted me one day, announcing her sister's engagement. The plan: lure beloved little sister and new fiancé to lovely location. Only big sister never arrived. And I would have the pleasure of announcing I would be their engagement photographer for the morning.

(Seriously, where were the reality TV cameras?)

Here is some of the fun we had...

I meet their sweet pea tomorrow - Montreal's South Shore maternity photographer

...but for now, enjoy the lovely sunset session for this expecting couple in love!

"Red couch series finale" OR "Why it isn't that great to be my sister" - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

Last of the last of the red couch miniSessions all edited. Like a million moons later.

I know, I know. My sister always has to wait longer than anyone else. Always being slotted to the end of the editing queue.

But finally. They're done. And I do love them. Here's a peek...

Getting ceremonial on you all - Montreal's South Shore couples photographer

If you're a photographer, and plan to do only a couple of small weddings a season, do one just like this.

What I mean is, shoot for two of the nicest people you could meet. Make sure they're as smitten with one another as these two are. And while you're at it, have the whole thing happen outdoors.

You know, just a few minor requests. ;)

Dreamy dreamin' - Montreal's South Shore maternity photographer

Sometimes, everything goes right. And this was, friends, a perfect sunset. And a perfectly adorable couple.

Expecting something great - Montreal's South Shore maternity photographer

Awaiting their little one...

Wintry wedded bliss - Montreal's South Shore wedding photog marriage rive sud