Engagement Locations
Please take my suggestions with a grain of salt! These are just Ottawa/Kingston (and every where in between) locations that I’ve grown to know and love. If you have a location you’d like to shoot at, PLEASE suggest it! I would rather shoot somewhere brand new if it means something to you, than a location I’ve been to a million times! Heading to Toronto for the weekend? Let’s shoot at one of their gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous parks, or at the Scarborough Bluffs {OMG DREAMY!}. Heading to Florida to escape the cold and would diiiiiiiee to have a beach engagement session? Let me know! I have tons of travelling points and am probably dying to shoot somewhere new!
Places like carnivals, apple orchards, skating rink, a beer at Mill St Pub, coffee at the local cafe, rented canoe/paddleboat, hubbys work {fire-station, baseball field, etc} actually make for the BEST spots! Be open!
Feel free to also Instagram search these locations if you’re wanting to see more photos!
(Please note that these galleries probably range back to 2016, they’re here to give you an overall idea on each location!)
Old Quarry Trail
a little slice of Ottawa that reminds me of Arizona! An area located in Kanata, with trails that aren’t covered with trees. Picture more of a rock and sand trail! You’ll have to check it out yourself to see it’s description, but it’s certainly a location I wish I shot at more often!
Chapman Mills Conservation Area
I’ve only shot here once but it was GORG. This location has green trails, boardwalk that runs along the Ottawa River and boardwalk throughout a few open trails.
Almonte OpenField
Located between Almonte + Kanata! I came across this open field only last season, so I only had the opportunity to shoot at it once! These sessions were shot during the fall, mid day/sun, but i DREAM of shooting during sunset in this open area!
Eaglesnest Lookout
It’s a little bit of a hike… but the views are so worth it. It’s located in Calabogie and the hike is only 1.5KM long! Difficultty level: 1/5… come on people! If you’re planning a Fall engagement session, Eaglesnest is a MUST.
Blacks Rapids
Blacks Rapids is located in Ottawa, kind of near the airport. It’s a boat lock-station, so there are docks and water for us to use! However, there is also a beautiful bridge and other nice areas; including a field to take advantage of during sunset
Stewart Park
Stewart Park is located in Perth and is beautiful no matter what time of the year. It’s very private and actually quite large. There are tons of willow trees, giving off the greenery feel. There are also two red bridges, one green and modern stone buildings. As the park runs along the Tay River, there is a small area for you to be photographed on the water while sitting/standing on the large flat rocks. Stewart Park is close to downtown Perth {very very very small!} with the historical stone buildings that we may also use.
mill of kintail
The Mill of Kintail is definitely a bride’s favourite. It’s located in Almonte, and is very over-used. I swear over 50% of my couples choose this location because it’s the most bang for your buck ;) You’re getting fields, bridges, water, trails, etc. This location photographs the best in the Fall due to all of the huge, beautiful trees giving off a variety of different colour leaves.
pinheys point
This is a location that doesn’t get chosen enough! It’s so beautiful. It’s located in Dunrobin and is again, an all in one location. You have your huge field for sunset, the beach, the docks, the rocks, the historic ruins that are still in great condition, and more.
Petrie’s Island Beach
This is actually located in Orleans! I haven’t shot here in years, but it’s a great spot! There is a beach, greenery trail, and rocks going out into the water for you to sit on as well!
Arboretum or the Ornamental GardensGreenhouses
A classic. Everyone knows the Arboretum! It’s located by Dow’s Lake, off of Prince of Whales in Ottawa. This is another location that is full of greenery, because of all of the trees. There is a beautiful rustic bridge, trails, and of course the famous cherry blossoms! This location is filled with beautiful blossoms in May, and where I’d recommend if you’re having a Spring session. However, it’s also a beautiful location in the summer + fall. Keep in mind that this is a VERY popular location, so there will be a large handful of people + their dogs walking around.
Beaches in Ottawa
Big beach fan over here! Especially at sunset! A few great beaches are: Constance Bay Beach, Britannia Beach, Petrie Island Bech
Ottawa Trails + Parks
Some of my favourite sessions have been in the trails! There is nice, large, tree lined trail off of Slack Rd in Barrhaven and one called Lime Kiln Trail or Jack Pine Trial located off of Moodie/Hunt Club. The Mer Bleu is also a great spot! If you have another one in mind, lets check it out! The trails are great for winter + fall engagement sessions, because of all of the trees! They’re gorgeous when covered in leaves or snow. If you’re wanting to chose this location in the Spring or Summer, lets plan for a little bit earlier as we don’t want the trails to block the natural light from us! If you like one of the sessions below, please email me to ask for it’s location.
If you scroll down to the bottom, youll also see an additional list of trials located on the quebec side
Kaitlyn + Mitch (HOGS BACK)
Cayla + Nash (BASELINE RD TRAIL)
Allison + Josh (Brockville session)
Marlee + Mark (BARRHAVEN PARK/TRAIL
Kalie + Dylan (MER BLEU)
Jessica + Dylan (MER BLEU)
Kim + Kent (JACK PINE TRAIL)
Downtown Ottawa
Being someone who grew up in the country, I never thought I’d say this. I freaking love shooting downtown. Yes I get anxiety every time I have to dread finding parking, but it’s SO worth it!! If you’re wanting to dress in that gorgeous sequins gown you’ve been dying to wear, or something totally extra, THIS is the location for it! I’m a big fan of shooting downtown because of the lighting. It’s basically all buildings, sidewalks and the cement of the Chateau Laurier lookout, which gives off such a clean crisp lighting on your faces! I’m definitely getting too technical. Yes, there will be people. Yes, they are going to watch you. Yes, they also have to do an engagement session at some point in their lives so they can’t say anything. Unless they never find a soulmate. Then no engagement session for them, and they have nothing to point fingers at.
Lansdowne and Horticultural Building
Same goes as above ^^^ This outdoor location downtown gives off a higher end, outdoor vibe. Great for April and November sessions when theyre not as much greenery left!
Merrickville Ruins
This is another location I probably don’t get to shoot at as much, because of it’s location. It’s located in Merrickville, which is probably quite out of town for most. However, it is a great little location! It’s quite, has the old ruins, water, and then the sweet little town of Merrickville for us to photograph in!
Gatineau hills // Quebec Trails
Everybody knows + loves the Gatineau Hills! The Mackenzie King Estates is a VERY popular location during the Fall season due to the lookouts, the historical ruins, and all of the colours! The leaves are super beautiful there. If there is a certain part you’d like to photograph in, I’m down for the hike! ;)
There are also so many hidden gems along the Quebec 5 Highway! Such as the P16 trail, P15 loop, etc
Karine + Evan || Luskville Trail
indoor locations
Sometimes, Ottawa weather can be impossible and totally unpredictable. If you’d rather opt for an indoor location due to the rain or snow, a great option is the NAC downtown. The have an ample amount of underground parking, and is free to use! We could also do the National Art Gallery or the Museum of Nature, but they require a fee to enter. Please call them to make arrangements :)
I can also rent the Skye Studios in Ottawa for an indoor location, they have the nicest looking set ups and props for sure!
Kingston!
I LOVE Kingston!! I get excited when I receive inquires from Kingston couples because that means I get to visit one of my favourite cities again!! My favourite locations there are: Lemoine Point, Confederation Marina, Grass Creek Park/beach, Downtown, and near any of the Queens Buildings! Give me alllllllll of the Limestone buildings and cobblestone streets!
destination / themed locations
The sessions below are some of a my favourite engagements. These locations were really outside of the box, and cannot be repeated because they were THAT special! For example, a backyard vampire an indoor snuggle session in their new house, coffee at the local shop, a beer at the local brew, in the mountains in Banff, on the beach in Costa Rica, in a giant field of lavender or sunflowers, at the baseball diamond where hubby used to play, on their boat in the middle of the lake, etc!
Madelyn + Tim || Outdoor Ottawa Bar
Gab + Matt || TD Place Football stadium Engagement
Rebecca + Andrew || Boat Engagement Session
Rachel + David || Downtown Toronto Waterfront
Melissa + Jeffrey || Banff, Alberta
Rachel + Brandon || Luskville Drag Strip // Field
Marc + Carly || Montreal Botanical Gardens
Jenn + Scott || Sunflower Field
Morgan + Richard || Lavender Field
Brooke + Taylor || Backyard Campfire themed
Chelsea + Nick || At Home session
Holly + Steve || Sunflower field
Taylor + Nathan || Cottage, canoe theme
Allie + Stefano || Mountains in Banff
Kane + Melissa || Florida Beach