It all started with a little red Canon point-and-shoot camera.
As a kid, all I wanted was a camera of my own. My parents gifted me that little red Canon, and I took photos of just about everything around me. A few years later, I realized portrait photography was a real thing, and I was hooked.
To save for my first DSLR, I worked Saturdays at my parents’ bake shop from the ages of 10–12 (yes, really!). Once I bought that camera, I started photographing friends, grads, and families at church. Before long, people began asking me to capture their weddings. What started as a childhood dream slowly grew into a full-time career as a Manitoba photographer.
Why I Photograph with Intention
Now that I’m a mom, weddings mean something even deeper. I see them not just as two people in love, but as a mother’s daughter or a father’s son stepping into a new chapter. I find myself drawn to those quiet, in-between moments: a mom’s face as she sees her daughter in her gown, or the way a dad lingers after walking his daughter down the aisle.
To me, being a photographer isn’t about being “busy” or hitting a certain number of weddings each year. It’s about intentionally choosing couples I connect with and giving them a photographer who feels more like a friend than a vendor. Curious about my style? Learn more about my approach to photography.
A Full-Circle Moment
One of the most surreal moments of my career was when I was watching a slideshow at my couples wedding, and realized I had photographed the bride through nearly every stage of life. From her graduation portraits, to her engagement session, and now her wedding. To see those memories all woven together… that’s when I knew this is exactly what I was meant to do.
From Manitoba to the Mountains
A favorite memory of mine was when a bride called to tell me they were canceling their traditional wedding and wanted to elope instead. I helped them brainstorm locations, and then she asked, “Would you shoot our elopement in Banff?” Without hesitation, I said yes! From there, I got to walk alongside her, helping with locations, accommodations, and planning details. That day was DREAM. Adventuring is probably my favourite perk from my job! Explore elopement photography services I offer in Manitoba and beyond.
Lessons Learned the Hard Way
At one of the first weddings I ever shot, I completely forgot to take a traditional portrait of the bride and groom looking at the camera. Luckily, they had tons of sweet candids, but it was a lesson that stuck with me. Now, I make sure every couple gets a balance of candid, documentary-style moments and those timeless, classic portraits.
A Peek Behind the Scenes
On wedding mornings, I usually make myself a big breakfast (since I never know when I’ll eat again!) and spend the drive listening to podcasts, calming music, and praying for my couples.
When it comes to portraits, I never leave my couples hanging. I’ll give them a base pose and then chat with them to make it feel natural, sometimes I’ll tell them to match each other’s breathing, sing their favourite song in a silly accent together, or laugh at my own ridiculous jokes. There’s rarely a moment of silence because I want them to feel comfortable and relaxed.
Why I Do What I Do
Whether it’s watching the sunrise at Moraine Lake in Banff, or creating laughter during sessions, my job is about creating space for love, joy, and connection. I want my couples to feel guided, comfortable, and like they’re simply hanging out with a friend.
Being a Manitoba photographer isn’t just about documenting weddings. It’s about telling stories that couples and families will treasure for decades to come.
If you’re looking for a Manitoba wedding photographer who will be more like a friend than just a vendor, I’d love to hear your story. Contact me!
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