It was seriously love at first…e-mail. And second, and third. Then over google chat I fell in love some more. By the time we were chatting on the phone, it was confirmed. She sent me an inspiration board she’d drawn up for their 2011 wedding and I just about died; then, she sent me a preview of what she’d be working on in preparation for our epic, one-of-a-kind engagement shoot and I actually had a little dance party in my office out of excitement. But then Dave and I walked into their ninth floor downtown Toronto condo for their engagement shoot and Sandy was all smiles and in a cute yellow dress and Alex put the kettle on for some tea, and it was over. They had us, hook, line, and sinker.
Sandy and Alex live in a gorgeous condo that they’ve lovingly renovated from top to bottom during their time there. But they won’t be there for much longer. They’ve recently sold their place and will be moving out at the end of the month, so we arranged to do a slightly quirky, not your typical engagement shoot with them that would somehow feature their home and all the hard work they put into it making it theirs. We collaborated and shared ideas for a few weeks leading up to the day of the shoot, and started referring to it as the “anti-engagement shoot” (but then thought better of it as we realized that might not be exactly the right connotation – brings to mind things like “divorce photography” etc.)…basically, we tried to create something kind of different out of Sandy and Alex’s shoot, and I know that from my perspective, I couldn’t be more excited about how it all turned out! And not only are these two totally creative, but they were a ball to photograph too.
I’ve got to point out a few things about the images you’re about to see. First thing, well we walked in and just fell in love with their place. Then I see Sandy’s beloved camera sitting on the table fitted with a 50mm lens – the same lens I could shoot with all day. All the photos in the frames in their hallway that you’ll see in some of the first images are theirs. Sandy is not only a photographer, but is also quite the chef – she keeps Mastering the Art of French Cooking on her bedside table, and created all the yummy treats we used for their shoot (and we even got a doggie bag at the end too!). She writes a little blog about her food adventures (with photos of course) that you should all give a follow (click here to see Sandy’s blog). And not to leave anybody out – Alex comes from the little country across the pond and has a very nice accent. So I ask him how long ago he moved over to Canada (thinking you know, he’d say he came over for university or something like that). But no. Alex moved to Canada at just about the same time that I did from Britain! Difference is, he managed to keep the accent, whereas I most definitely did not. No fair!
If you know them, you love them. I don’t see how you couldn’t. And if you haven’t met them yet, you’ve been warned. Because I think you just might fall for these guys – their absolute grab life by the horns and take in all the world has to offer while loving every second attitude about life just seems to take you in and take a tight hold. The love they hold for the other, you can see it in their eyes and on their faces; in the smallest gestures and the way they hold hands. It’s an inspiring kind of love. Suffice to say, we’re smitten. Sandy, Alex, I couldn’t have dreamed up a more fun engagement shoot! We hope these photos serve to remind you of the place you fixed up together and all the adventures you had along the way. We are so so glad our paths crossed and in more ways than one, we feel like on some kind of deeper level, you guys just get us and our vision.
Enjoy Sandy and Alex’s “anti” engagement shoot!
- Jenn xx
(edited to add: Sandy at this moment is at home dying to see these images…waiting patiently for Alex to join her so they can see them together. I don’t know that I’d be strong enough to do that – sorry Dave! If that isn’t true love, then I don’t know what is! Enjoy guys!)
Very nice work
by JENN
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