Francesca + Jake Engagements | Downtown Ottawa

A Downtown Romance

As an Ottawa engagement photographer, I am frequently taking photographs in scenic locations with picturesque nature as the backdrop. So it’s always fun to mix it up when my clients request an urban setting for their photo session. I was so excited when Francesca and Jake chose the Horticultural Building as the backdrop for their Downtown Ottawa engagement session for this very reason! It had been years since I had shot there, and it proved to be the perfect setting that brought low-key but beautiful vibes for the shoot!

Jake and Francesca met in 2015 on New Years at a mutual friend’s house. All of their friends were dating at the time, so they felt like they stuck out like sore thumbs! But it obviously all worked out in the end because they are now set to be married. I loved chatting with them and hearing about their relationship during their engagement session in downtown Ottawa. They really are an impressive pair; Francesca is a special education teacher, and Jake is a military pilot with the Canadian Air Force! Their son, Romeo, is their pride and joy.

Romeo snuck in for a few photos and was absolutely adorable! He brought the brightest smiles to his parents’ faces and also showed off some sweet, shy smiles himself. When couples bring their babies (or fur babies!) to their Ottawa engagement sessions, it always rounds out the session and adds a depth to telling their story and sharing their joy.

Jake surprised Francesca by proposing in March during the cake smash for Romeo’s first birthday, so it was only fitting to include him in their engagement photos too! Francesca said that she was completely blindsided by the proposal and never saw it coming, so it was a truly amazing moment.

Francesca and Jake were so incredible to work with! Landsowne is such a great place to just hang out, and the energy was relaxed and carefree. And these two brought the playful energy; it’s so easy to tell that they are both best friends and in love! The weather and lighting were gorgeous; the sun set right behind them on the walkways. This downtown Ottawa engagement session was my final shoot for 2020 and the absolute perfect way to close out the year.