I have known Windermere House for years and I keep coming back because of the team there. They run weddings with a rare mix of calm professionalism and genuine warmth. The staff were available, accommodating and courteous at every moment. They made the day run smoothly and kept everyone comfortable from rehearsal to last dance. Big thanks to the whole Windermere House team for continuing to make this venue one of my favorite places to work. (See more about Windermere House: https://windermerehouse.com/.)

A little about Jenna and Chase: they met in college in 2014, dorm-hall neighbors who were friends for years before the timing finally clicked. They lived together senior year and, after a long friendship, realized in 2018 that the easy closeness they had always had had quietly become love. Jenna works as a landscape architect and Chase recently completed a master’s in environmental management. Their shared love of place, nature and simple rituals was woven through the day. They keep sentimental corks from meaningful bottles like the one they opened on the boat ride to the reception, and they love designing spaces together, small traditions that felt at home in Muskoka where the cottage was the place they first said “I love you.”

The look and feel of the day was elegant and refined, exactly the kind of gathering that invites real moments. Tanya List and her team did the floral and decor with subtlety and style that complemented the cottage and the hotel (https://www.tanyalist.ca). Sloan Ladouceur of Madeline Hockley helped pull logistics and the flow together so family and friends could simply enjoy each other’s company. The vendor team including decorators, the planner, the venue staff and everyone behind the scenes turned a beautiful idea into an even more lovely reality.

Highlights I loved photographing included their quiet, easy first look where both of them exhaled like the whole day was taking a breath, small family moments on the cottage dock, a duet sung by friends in the bridal party that had everyone smiling and tearing up at the same time, and the dance floor at Windermere House where people met, reconnected and let go, exactly what Jenna and Chase hoped for.

If you were with us that day, thank you for bringing all the warmth and energy. If you were not there, I hope this collection of images gives you a feel for how special this weekend was: a cottage that holds memories, a hotel that makes everyone feel welcome, and two people who made their closest friends and family feel like the real celebration.

If you are looking for a photographer who can see your magic together, reach out!

Cheers,
Ryan

Credits

• Decor & Flowers: Tanya List and her team — https://www.tanyalist.ca
• Wedding Planner: Sloan Ladouceur of Madeline Hockley – https://www.madelinehockley.com
• Hair + Makeup: Corrie Elle – https://corrieelleartistry.com/
• Venue: Windermere House — enormous thanks to an exceptional team — https://windermerehouse.com/
• Video: Jonathan of Raza Films https://raza-films.com
• Guitarist: Toby Ho – TobyHoGuitar.com
• DJ: High Life Event Group – https://www.highlifeeventgroup.com
• Cakes: Comfort Bakeshop – https://www.comfortbakeshop.ca/
• Photography by Rowell Photography.

The post Jenna + Chase – Muskoka Cottage Wedding at Windermere House first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

Algonquin Park has been a popular destination for camping, canoeing, and spending time under the stars since the early 19th century, and it was the perfect location for Matti and Stephani’s special day. The couple loves spending time in nature, and this was the perfect place for them to exchange their vows and celebrate.

The backdrop of the day was breathtaking, and the views of the lake were a photographer’s dream come true. After the ceremony, we explored the island and captured some amazing group, family, and couple portraits by the dock. It was such a special day, filled with love and laughter, and I was lucky enough to capture it all.

late into the evening, as the reception was well under way, the sky finally let go. It was a downpour like I remember the rains being in childhood, things washing away quickly. The rain kept me there later as my only way home was by platform boat without a roof, but it was a pleasure to watch the rain and listen to laughter while getting some snacks from the kitchen.

The camp on Pathfinder Island is a dream location and one I would have loved as a child going to camp. The canoes everywhere on shore, the cabin platforms that have only a cavas tent on top, and the baseball diamond and all the trails to explore around the island made it a perfect location.

It was an honor to document such an important day for Matti and Stephani. I am so thankful to have been a part of their wedding day on Pathfinder Island in Algonquin Park.

The post Beautiful Algonquin Park’s
Pathfinder Island
Wedding first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

I look at Margie and David as inspiration for what it is to be a couple, to have the strength for one another in their most vulnerable times. This is what seeing the big picture in a relationship is about, this too shall pass, love one another.

Here are some photos from the session, taken on their sail boat, a comfortable place and beautiful setting for teamwork and connection between the two of them.

The post Through Thick and Thin: A Couple’s Story of Love and Cancer first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

The two had been travelling for years and were exploring Quebec City when Lyle decided to surprise Het-Heru with an engagement. He had plotted it out so that I would be there to capture the moment as a portrait session for the two of them.

We met early at the Château Frontenac and wandered the city. As they stopped in front of the Quebec Parliament building, I knew it was time. Lyle got down on one knee and asked Het-Heru to marry him. She was completely taken aback and in shock. After a few moments of stunned silence, she said yes and the two hugged and shared a passionate kiss.

The look of sheer joy on their faces was so pure and beautiful. I was happy to be able to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment for them. It’s not every day that you get to witness a surprise proposal and I feel honored to have been chosen for this special task.

The photos that I captured that day will always serve as a reminder of the love that Lyle and Het-Heru have for each other. When I look back at the photos, I’m filled with warmth and happiness for the couple. I’m sure their future will be filled with lots of love and joy.

The post Surprise
Proposal
in Quebec City first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

We had the presence of the Wenonah II as it passed by before sunset that evening. Sounding it’s horn and leaving a wake of everyone cheering. The fireworks made for a wonderful evening sendoff and start to the dancing. It was a beautiful evening of everyone celebrating into the night.

Thank you Katherine and Jeff for having me capture your Muskoka wedding, it was beautiful.

The post Muskoka
Cottage
Wedding first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

This year marks 15 years in business, and if you were to ask me when I started what I thought 5 years or 10 years or even now would look like, it would have been some prophecy of dreams. I have lived some of my dreams out, travelling and meeting incredible people. I have humbled, in many ways and found awe in places I never would have imagined 15 years ago.

2004, it was a start, we all start somewhere. At that point, I had been a working photographer (being paid) for about 3 years. Only 2 years before I had my start trying to fit all I can see inside a box for later. Back then I could be exigent, thinking I had it all figured out. Looking back on that, I think I was full of drive to accomplish something I was satisfied with, to create art. I was never satisfied, artistically I always had something in my head which I wanted to acheive or make better.

I remember looking forward to opening the envelope in the lab after dropping off the film. I miss the film’s intangible moments that cause thought and reflection. Now the medium has less bearing for me and the end result is all I seek. The patience and care for the process is what is often reminisced about when thinking of film. I still shoot 4X5, 120, and at times 35mm but it’s a novelty to me where it was once a study.

I miss the discovery of what is in the envelope, but I love the discovery on the computer as well. I find the same satisfaction in digital by avoiding the preview of photos. I find it through keeping in the moment as I photograph and interact with my subjects. The review and discovery came later and with it, the elation of capturing that perfect photo among the others. Replicating the process seems to be what happened when I made the transition to digital photography.

Of those who have been there for me since the beginning, they were my parents and grandparents asking me when I will go and find a real job, but then changing their tune when they could see how it supported my life and fulfilled my goals. With their cautious pushing, I learned to be independent to a fault and to stubbornly look forward to prove I could do ‘it’, whatever ‘it’ was at the time. My parents, all four of them, still only want the best for me, and they still support me every step of the way, for which I am grateful.

My larger family – aunts, uncles, and cousins who have all supported me through the years by enthusiastically putting money down for my services, and allowing me to work hard to create memories for them. In the first 3 years of business, I had 4 of my cousins who got married, and they all hired me. Their start with their partners, started my business off in the right direction.

Over the years I have had the fortune of friends who have stayed along for the exciting ride and who have been there for me when I sometimes needed assistant help at a session with a client, or when I hoped they would show up on long days with snacks to keep me going. I can remember the fun times doing dusk-to-dawn photo sessions with friends, running around the city and exploring our creativity, pushing eachother to be daring, while learning to collaborate. Those friendships have been invaluable over the years. Many of my friends are now accomplished photographers in their own right, and I am grateful that they have opened my eyes to new methods, and have driven me to explore and experiment too.

From the inner circles to the outer circles of my relationships, I come to my clients, those of you over these last 15 years that found trust in the vision and wanted to make it feel like we had been friends for a lifetime. I have met people from around the world thanks to you, and travelled far and wide while working. Making incredible artwork from both sides of the Atlantic, from Canada to Europe, Asia and everywhere between. I am thankful to every client that has been loyal to me and have trusted me with their most special moments in life. I love to look back over the years of change that has occurred to the families each new time I photograph them and I am full of honour to have helped them celebrate and remember.

I have no clue what the future holds, but I can feel the little hairs on the back of my neck raise as I think about it. I have started a family, my son will mould me in new ways and hold me accountable, I will be completely responsible in an entirely new way. It will be my greatest adventure without any doubt. I have a second chance at a relationship with a girl, now a woman, that held my heart years ago, and still holds it now only stronger. Second chances don’t come along often, but the connection between us will never be severed. It’s been a year of adjustment and time apart but the connection is still as strong.

I can imagine looking back on this some years in the future, and reminisce over the paragraphs above, just like photographs which would bring me back to those precious moments when things were. I hope the next 5 years don’t fly by as quickly as the last 15 have, but I hope that they are as fortunate. I have to say – thank you, and I am grateful for everything.

Cheers
Ryan Rowell

Below, you will find some of the images from over the years, and if this was paper, you may find a few tears from my crying as I assembled the set of images. I seemed a little like Jeremy Clarkson on his final episode.

The post 20 Years first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

I have been profoundly fortunate, learning along the way to be grateful for what I have, and have built. None of what I have is without the help of many friends and family. It’s the support, guidance and often patient listening that leads me here.

I couldn’t have done it without my partner Kristina, the smiles of my son, the guidance of my parents, the help of my close friends and the partnerships I have had with other industry professionals. Its been a long incredible 15 years and the relationships I have made through all those years have created some really strong bonds in my industry, I am thankful for all of your help.

2019 will be a great year, looking forward to many changes and getting started on ideas that have been sitting around waiting to get off the floor. I will be travelling again, to Europe, and likely the Caribbean too for work. 2019 though will be a year for new beginnings and even more smiles, some will definitely be mine.

I will humbly admit I will always need help going forward with word of mouth, from everyone who has been a client, friend or colleague. If you know anyone that needs my services, I would be thankful if you told them you know the right guy for the job. Your trusted testimonials are what help me the most, and they are the thank you that keeps me going.

Each of you that have believed in me, trusted me to create art for you, or even just wanted to watch me succeed, thank you.

Here are some photographs of the people that have made my year a beautiful one.

Cheers
Ryan

The post Thank You first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

On a beautiful September day, Ryan and Luca were at there to capture the elegance and sunny beauty of this ceremony. The lush fields, rustic wooden fences and glorious sunshine provided a happy and romantic back drop for the outdoor exchange of ceremony. The couple said “I Do” under a wooden beam altar, after the bride was escorted by her father through the bright green field.

We had a wonderful post-ceremony photo session in the fields with the couple, their families and their entire wedding party. Particularly romantic and timeless were the photo we took of the newlyweds, in the grassy fields, in the woods, and against old stone walls – elements, which all made the beauty of the couple and their happiness stand out even more. Having the whole day with the couple allowed us to capture the mood of the day through the changing light, from the bright morning, to the red-orange softness in the setting autumn sun.

The rustic accents of this ceremony continued during the reception, where a barn on the property was transformed into an elegant ballroom with purple and grey accents. Flowers, candles, and a candy bar contributed to the happy mood of this elegant September wedding.

If you plan a fall wedding, contact us. We would be delighted to help you make the most of this rich season’s colours and romantic light!

The post Rustic Barn Wedding Elegance first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

A winter wonderland dream it was; all the elements came out to transform this wedding into a fairy-tale. Large snowflakes fell from the sky throughout the afternoon, and helped transform the entrance of the church into a soft, white carpet for the bride to walk on.

The bride, escorted by her father, wore a traditional custom ball-gown with tulle skirt and a bejeweled lace appliqué bodice. The groom wore a formal blue suit, with purple accents, which were part of the color scheme of this wedding.

For me, the culmination of this wedding photography was the outdoor photo session. There are those rare occasions when the stars align to create the perfect set of conditions for the perfect set of photographs. For Abigail and AJ’s wedding, we had the full cooperation of the weather, and we had a beautiful couple and their happy cast of friends and family to work with.

Photographing on a busy road that is just off a main highway can be difficult, however the road was closed, which gave us the opportunity to have a winter wonderland of snow falling over a canopy of trees which became our stage and photographic studio. The softness of the colors, subdued by the filter of snowflakes helped the subject stand out boldly against it.

As they posed for us in a beautiful curtain of snowflakes, you could see the happiness, calm and emotion of their love come through in the photographs. I was also starting to tell myself that I had found two new models for future shoots too. As they held each other close, or walked hand-in-hand through their winter fairy-tale, I felt happy and satisfied to have been part of their special, magical event.

The evening concluded at the Gibson Centre for Community, Arts & Culture in Alliston, Ontario. I have liked this building for years, and have seen it transform into this warm wood and brick venue that was the perfect space to celebrate the end of a beautiful day.

The Vendors who made this day come together are:

Hair: Pendula Hair
Makeup: Kerry Chambers Archer
Dress: Martina Liana
Bridesmaids Dress: Helen’s Bridal (Barrie)
Cake: Cakes by Beatriz
Day of Planning: Nancy Pennell (friend of the bride)
Video: Andrik Langfield
Photography: Rowell Photography

SaveSave

SaveSave

The post Romantic
Winter
Wonderland Wedding first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

I remember having special moments like these with my own extended family, when we would join my aunts and uncles, my cousins, all of us playing at a hall, in a park or even in one of the families’ homes.

I was having a discussion with a friend recently, about why it is that there seems to be a break-point from these family gatherings at some point; my family had it when my grandmother passed and my friend experienced the same thing. I imagine that family gathering only becomes important when you can introduce your children to your parents, and when your parents are gone, only your children remain as the central focus, and if that happens before you have grand-children, and all of your cousins have fallen away from contact, then the reasons to gather become fewer.

The Wallis family were gathering to preserve the family unity, to unite one another from different parts of the country and to see each other in Toronto where they had grown up before work and education took them in separate directions. Having their photographs taken in a park in Toronto, while they were all together is a wonderful way to commemorate the event. I think that they appreciated having the chance to put down their phones, and not worry about who was going to be the one documenting everything and thought it a wonderful thing not to have that responsibility, instead be free to enjoy the day fully, take part of the games, and be silly too.

I love photographing families, recording those wonderful connections, and the history. If you are thinking of getting your family together for photographs, please contact us.

Thank you, the Wallis family, for choosing us to photograph your beautiful day.

The post Toronto Family Photos in the Park first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

When Laura and Cameron came to us their plans, it was becoming a fantasy in my mind how wonderful everything would be. Thinking about the layout of the hall where the reception will take place, where the portraits will be done, how long everything takes to walk or drive between. I like to imagine all the places along the way that I can do couples portraits and the ways I can use the scenery.

When you fill the room, the hotel, the venue, with characters, all things become interesting and unexpected. None of the planning and ideas can prepare you for when the bride decides to blindfold the groom to tie his tie for him or when the groom exits the building through the window to not be seen. These things are not planned but make the event and day just as much as the characters who are part of it.

Once the ceremony concluded everyone assembled on the lawn of the church for a large group photo, before walking down the road to the Stockey Centre for the reception. The new bride and groom came down the road towards me, followed by the bridal party and then the rain started. I watched them pick up pace, hand in hand and smiles on their faces. 

The reception shortly followed with 200 guests surrounding the couple as they entered the hall. I watched them from the balcony seats, as they zig zagged their way through the cheering crowd. These reception shots are some of my favourite photos taken as they candidly show a new overhead perspective that I am not often privy to at other venues. I loved watching Cameron & Laura’s expressions during the speeches and because I wasn’t too close by with camera in hand, the expressions on them and their guests were completely genuine. 

Thank you Cameron & Laura for having us to document your wedding day, it was our pleasure to be there.

-Ryan Rowell

The post Parry Sound Wedding at Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

Tanya & Dave hail from Barrie,  Ontario.  Two doctors,  with a passion for Muskoka and boating.  These two could not have picked a better day to get married at Windermere House.  It was warm and sunny,  and when the sun was nearly set,  it left behind a gradient of orange,  purple, and pink on the lake and in the sky.  There were quite a few memorable moments from this Muskoka wedding for me,  both of which happened at the reception.  Excitement and emotions were running high during the father daughter dance,  where Tanya shared the dance floor with her step dad.  It took only a few moments before the whole room was in tears.  Then an impromptu kissing game with the groomsmen picking up Dave right in the middle of all the guests tables,  tipping him upside down, and in the air,  to receive a kiss from Tanya.  

We hope you enjoy this lovely Muskoka wedding.  Congratulations to Dave & Tanya.  Thank you so much for choosing us to capture this amazing day. 

Cheers

P.S –  My favorite photo happened during the ceremony.  Scroll through the entire post and then back to the ceremony section to see it.  There is always one super loving and romantic couple at every wedding,  who gets all the feels.  Its a black and white photo during the ceremony with a couple cuddling in the back row.  LOVE!

The post Windermere House Wedding in Muskoka first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

If you love these photos as much as we do, then check out Luca’s latest weddings and engagements here, and connect with us to chat about having Luca and the team document your big day. 

Thank you Shannon & Michael for an amazing photo shoot. We cannot wait for the big day!

Cheers

& Ryan 

The post Port Severn Muskoka Engagement first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

Their skills are vast and their resumes are long, and we couldn’t be happier to share a few of our favourite images from their commercial photoshoots with you today. 

Thank you Carley, Tanya and Tara for choosing us to photograph your the images that will outfit your new websites, and inviting us into your homes, neighbourhoods and kitchens. We cannot wait to see what 2017 brings for you all.

If you are looking for creative, unique and personalized commercial photography, check out the Rowell Photography Commercial Portfolio and connect with us to brainstorm ideas for your next photoshoot. 

Cheers

& Ryan 

Carley Brandon – Designer

Specializing in: Interior/home design.

Tara Pattison – Designer 

Specializing in: Sustainable Building, Event Design and Visual Merchandising.

Check out her portfolio.

“It was sooooo hot! lol I had a great time smiling , trying not to giggle through the whole shoot. Absolutely loved using local backdrops and location throughout Barrie. I was trying to make different smiles but as you can see I have one good one!  I blame my parents for teaching me the big smile rule while taking pictures growing up. Found out that pink is my colour and I do some weird things with my hands, if only you could see some bloopers!” 

Tanya Gibson – Nutritionist

Specializing in: Nutrition and Motivational Speaking

Check out her website.

The post Commercial Portraits first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.

Its no secret that we adore Knox College for photos, this was our 4th time visiting and it still inspires us. The archways, the gardens and the cathedral like ceilings make this a perfect photo shoot location. Its private and quiet and the ideas for photos are endless. Scarborough Bluffs while equally inspiring is just the opposite, with its towering cliffs and beach just buzzing with people.  We love it when couples choose to dress up for their Toronto Pre-Wedding portraits, Jenny and Darren wore their wedding outfits at Knox College and then chose a casual look for the beach. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to meet so many amazing couples. Jenny & Darren were fun, easy going, and even though this was their first photo shoot it was as if they had done this a million times before. 

We hope you enjoy this collection of Toronto Pre-Wedding images, as we sure loved creating them. Congratulations to Jenny & Darren who tied the knot in 2016. 

Cheers

& Ryan

The post Toronto Pre-Wedding Portraits at Knox College & The Bluffs first appeared on Rowell Photography - Wedding.