:: Jessica Blaine Smith ::

Happy Birthday Li'l K!

2009-07-14T07:25:00.002-04:00

It's my favourite little girl's birthday today! It is hard to believe that my niece Li'l K was born three years ago today! Seriously, where does the time go?! On Sunday we had a picnic party for her at Bellwoods Park in Toronto. She was very excited and definitely let everyone know that it was HER birthday. Happy Birthday Li'l K!

My sister gave her a classic wooden wagon which was definitely a hit amongst the kids!

The Perfect Wedding Gift

2009-07-13T07:41:00.001-04:00

Boudoir Portraits make for the perfect wedding gift - your fiancé will love them and you will as well! Here are some new images from a recent Boudoir Portrait session that took place during my last Boudoir Marathon. I still have a few sessions available for my upcoming Boudoir Marathons. Click here for more details!

Nienke + Derek Are Married!

2009-07-10T07:48:00.004-04:00

Sometimes weddings get wild and it is easy to forget the true purpose of them. Everyone gets carried away by the flowers, the food, the dress, the drink and they forget just what the gathering is all about. A wedding should be about you and the one that you have chosen as your forever. It is that simple.

Nienke + Derek acted in exactly this manner. For their wedding, they rented a gorgeous cottage in Muskoka, invited their closest family members and spent a week with them. They chose the Wednesday of their "week away" as the wedding day. Everything about their wedding was welll thought out and very special. I must say, I loved every moment of capturing it for them. Congratulations Nienke + Derek!

I absolutely loved the dinner table! How cute are the lemon placeholders?!

One of the best parts of having a cottage wedding? Hanging out beforehand!

The ceremony was held at the dock and what made everything extra special was Nienke's father officiated it!

Nienke's grandparents traveled all the way from South Africa for the wedding.

Happy Wednesday!

2009-07-08T07:17:00.000-04:00

[from Cheryl + Danesh's wedding, July 3rd, 2009]

After photographing two weddings this past weekend and then taking a couple of days off to catch up on sleep + sanity, I am back at it working hard in the studio. Happy Wednesday!

Camille + Mike Are Married!

2009-07-03T07:45:00.001-04:00

When Camille + Mike announced that they were getting married, I am sure that their family and friends rejoiced! Why, you ask?! Because their wedding day was EIGHTEEN YEARS in the making! After eighteen years of dating, they finally decided to make their relationship "official" and tie the knot!

Their wedding was elegant, urban and a lot of fun to photograph! Camille + Mike's ceremony was held at Hart House at the University of Toronto. We then headed downtown to their 'hood to do some urban portraits before heading to the lovely Canoe restaurant for their reception. The cocktail hour included a steeldrum player and lovely drinks in their wedding colour, Tiffany blue. Congratulations Camille + Mike!

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T07:56:00.002-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am the biggest advocate for Canada. I love all things Canadian. Yes, I obsess over CBC Radio - not just RadioOne but RadioTwo and RadioThree as well. Stuart Mclean is an icon in my heart. I tell everyone I know to go see the Joshua Jackon film One Week. If you tell me you love music, I'll tell you dozens of Canadian bands that you "just have to listen to" (currently: The Stills, City & Colour, Handsome Furs..). I avoid buying food from other countries when I know that we can grow it here. My photo lab is a two block walk from my studio. When I travel I bring gifts of maple syrup and maple cookies to my hosts. I love the Toronto Football Club. And how can I forget our Canadian wines and beers (loving East Dell Black Cab and Mill Street Tankhouse Ale).

Last week I photographed a very Canadian wedding. It took place at a cottage on a lake in Muskoka. Nienke + Derek were married with their guests seated on the dock and a great Canadian flag blowing in the wind. It was truly magical.

Everyday I feel blessed to have been lucky enough to grow up in such a great country. Happy Canada Day everyone!

Monday Boudoir

2009-06-29T07:28:00.001-04:00

Katie + John Are Married!

2009-06-26T07:49:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make: I love urban weddings! When Katie + John first approached me about photographing their June 13th wedding, I was super pumped for it. The details included: downtown wedding held at her family church, afternoon lunch in a tent, portraits to be taken while wandering the 'hood and live music provided by her friends. I loved it! Katie + John are an adorable couple who met in the most unusual circumstance. An online game brought them together and now has them married and living in Chicago! Their wedding took place at the gorgeous Little Trinity Church on King Street West in Toronto. The reception that followed took place in the parkette next door and ended with the lovely bridal couple serving ice cream to their guests! Congratulations Katie + John!

One of Katie's photo requests was getting a photo of the kids all messy with ice cream!

Upcoming Boudoir Marathons!

2009-06-24T07:42:00.000-04:00

I wanted to (finally!) post some new Boudoir Portraits from a recent session that I had in my studio. I know that her husband loved the photos! I still have a couple of session available on my upcoming Boudoir Marathons on Sunday, July 19th and Sunday, July 26th. Please click here for more details and do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in booking a session!

I'm Wild

2009-06-23T10:50:00.003-04:00

This past week has been a wild one for me and will continue to be until Saturday. In the past seven days I photographed seven portrait sessions, a wedding and a Boudoir Marathon! Somewhere in between those I managed to catch lots of live music at NXNE and of course, the MMVA's. I am up to my head in images to say the least and am working as quickly as possible to get everything complete! In the meantime, here is a sneak peek of Katie from the event "Katie + John's Wedding" that took place on June 13th! I am very excited to show more images from this great wedding!

Happy Tuesday!

Sanja + Mich Are Getting Married!

2009-06-19T11:25:00.003-04:00

Sanja + Mich are getting married in July so we were cutting it close when we met up this past weekend for their engagement portrait session! Sunday was a great overcast day that made it perfect for wandering around and taking photos. I met Sanja + Mich in their neighbourhood around Yonge & Sheppard. It is always fun to have your engagement portrait session take place in a location that has meaning to you a a couple. I cannot wait to photograph their wedding in a mere three weeks!

Stacey + Peter Are Married!

2009-06-17T07:26:00.000-04:00

Stacey + Peter are married! Their big day was on June 6th which was a lovely day in Toronto for a wedding. Their ceremony was held at the gorgeous St. Brigid's Parish near Coxwell and Danforth Avenues in Toronto. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and the music throughout it was incredible. I loved Stacey's hair for the wedding as she opted for something a little different. Their reception was filled with lots of emotion - both laughter and tears - and lots of dancing! Congratulations Stacey + Peter!

I loved Peter's reaction to seeing his bride! There was definitely a couple of tears!

Strutting down the aisle, married!

Michelle's Headshots

2009-06-15T07:19:00.000-04:00

I always tell my clients who come in for Headshot Portraits to remember me when they are famous! Michelle, you are no exception!

The Importance of a Wedding Planner

2009-06-12T07:59:00.000-04:00

I wanted to write a little ditty today about the importance of hiring a Wedding Planner for your big day. While I know that I am a person who is pretty organized and who absolutely loves control over everything that I do (which is probably why I work for myself!), I realize that sometimes things come to a point where you have to let it go and get some help.

I believe that some people think that by hiring a Wedding Planner you lose control of your wedding and your vision for it. This is definitely not the case. A professional Wedding Planner will assist you in making the day exactly as you want it. Don't have the budget for a full-out Wedding Planner? Hire one just for the day of your wedding! This way you do not have to deal with ANYTHING on your wedding besides smiling and looking good! This also means that your friends and family can also enjoy the day without having little tasks to complete along the way! A great Planner will take care of everything so that you do not have to worry about a thing - and if something goes wrong, you should not even know about it.

Having said that, there is a big difference between a properly "trained" Planner and an individual who has just jumped into the business. Hire a good Planner who has the training and experience and you will be set!

In the past, I have worked with a number of great Wedding Planners. I highly recommend the following:
Moments that Shine
Platinum Events
On Your Day Events

Marina + Alberto Are Married!

2009-06-10T07:16:00.001-04:00

I originally met Marina when I was in Trinidad last summer for Andrea + Ravi's wedding. We spent quite a bit of time together after the wedding whilst relaxing on the beach in Tobago! Shortly after our return to Toronto, Marina + Alberto went on holidays to Hawaii where Alberto presented a ring and popped the question of marriage to Marina! I was very excited when they asked me if I was available to photograph their wedding. Marina + Alberto's personalities are completely opposite at time and therefore their relationship works superbly! Alberto is always making Marina laugh, even in the most stressful times. Both their ceremony and reception was held at La Primavera in Woodbridge. With the proposal taking place in Hawaii, it was only fitting that they return there for their honeymoon - love it! Congratulations Marina + Alberto!

Alberto could not choose between these two of his friends from back home in Argentina so they both became Best Men.

Here I am with them plus Andrea, Ravi + Daniela! To view more of Marina + Alberto's photos, please click here (password is Alberto's last name, lowercase).

Sarah Bowden, Travel Agent Extraordinaire!

2009-06-08T07:22:00.001-04:00

As you all know, I love to travel. I live to travel! 2008 was my "Year of Travel" with trips to Las Vegas, Mexico, Italy-England-Greece and Trinidad-Tobago. This year is a little "slower" in that I have only been to Mexico, twice. In this day and age, I cannot recommend enough that you book all travel through a Travel Agent. With travel companies and airlines going bankrupt weekly (it seems!), it is best to book your trip through an expert. These people know the insides of travel and can always recommend the best! Having said that, I HIGHLY recommend using the lovely Sarah Bowden! She works at the Flight Centre at St. Clair & Bathurst and she's great. Her contact info is as follows. (And yes, all Jessica Blaine Smith clients get a little discount! Just mention my name!)

Sarah Bowden
503 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto
416-516-7362 / sarah_bowden.on@flightcentre.ca

Sarah loves to laugh almost as much as I do!

The team at the St. Clair & Bathurst location.

Mexican Holgas 2009

2009-06-05T07:41:00.004-04:00

A client recently asked me if I ever photograph any personal work. This is often something that I struggle with as a working photographer. My educational background is fine arts yet I often find it hard to take the time to actually create images for myself. Whenever I travel, however, I always find the time! My Mexican Holgas project is something that I have worked on for the past three years, since one of my sisters moved to that country. These Holga images are from my most recent trip to Mexico which was in April. They are from around both the Mexico City and Chetumal areas.

This gem was taken in one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Mexico City called Coyoacan.

Teotihuacan.

The Angel on Reforma in Mexico City.

Mahahual in Quintana Roo.

Coba.

A natural beach near Tulum. There was basically no one here but us.

Susan + the Fam

2009-06-03T08:03:00.000-04:00

My friend Susan from Moments that Shine is a fabulous event planner/blogger/invitation & jewellery maker. She does it all, and does it all well! When Susan told me that her Mom would be visiting in April from Victoria in celebration of her big 5-0, I was excited to finally meet her! Not only did I get to meet Susan's lovely Mom but I also got to meet her li'l brother. I have always wanted a brother so I must admit that I am slightly envious of Susan for having one. They invited me over for dinner and of course, I suggested we do a mini family portrait session in the park.

Susan looking badass!

Adorable!

And one of us together because we are cute and because Susan is one of the only people in my life that actually sometimes makes me feel tall!

Plastic Bag Bylaw in Toronto

2009-06-01T07:35:00.000-04:00

If you are a resident of Toronto you must be aware that as of today, there is a minimum five cent charge on every plastic bag provided by retailers. I love that the City is making an effort to reduce waste, especially waste as harmful to the environment as plastic bags. You can read about the new bylaw on the City of Toronto's website.

In my own effort to reduce waste, I have had the fabulous ladies at Bring Your Own Bag make customized bags adorned with my logo. This year my wedding clients (and very special friends!) will be receiving one of these. In case you missed the original post about it, you can view it here. Every little bit counts!

Denise + Tyler Are Married!

2009-05-29T07:38:00.001-04:00

Denise + Tyler are a seriously awesome couple. They have it all going on - they are kind, hip, fashionable, intelligent, fun + super hot! But most of all, they have love. They are so in love that it pretty much brings a tear to your eye. The way they look at one another melts your heart. I love love!

Denise + Tyler planned a wedding their way - totally urban and completely unique. They included a bunch of elements to make it truly represent them. Their wedding took place on May 9th, a day in Toronto when the weather was all over the place. We started with "getting ready" shots at their house before heading to my studio near Queen Street East. Their idea was to then wander Queen Street to get some urban portraits. Denise's only requirement was that we end up at their favourite cafe - Mercury - where they serve the best lattes in the city! Their ceremony was then held in their living room with twenty-one of their closest friends and family members as witnesses. Everything about their wedding was special so I must give some shout-outs to some very talented people who assisted with this:

Bouquet + Boutonniere - http://www.princesslasertron.com
Denise's AH-MAZING Dress - Chrissy Wai-Ching
Denise's Necklace - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5507378
Denise's Super Pretty Cuffs - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6043744
Denise's Hairpiece - Fashion Crimes in Toronto

Congratulations Denise + Tyler!

Instead of the traditional pillow for their rings, Denise + Tyler opted to use their favourite book - Tom Robbin's Still Life with Woodpecker. I must admit that it is one of my favourites as well.

Behind Denise + Tyler on the wall is a framed "concert" poster that they had designed for their wedding. They had mini ones printed to give to their guests as the wedding invitation.

Tarasick Family

2009-05-27T07:47:00.001-04:00

I have known Heather + Eric for ten years now - since the early days of attending Ryerson University with Heather. I have spent many a time with them whether it be going to shows, parties at their old apartment in Toronto or taking photos together. I have seen their relationship grow into such a lovely foundation. When I randomly ran into Heather at the Horseshoe Tavern back in the fall and she told me that she was pregnant, I immediately teared up because I was so happy for them. On March 21st, Heather + Eric were graced with their little Iris who is one of the cutest little lady babies ever!

In mid-May, Irina and I took a little roadtrip to London to meet Iris and to see Heather + Eric in parent-mode. It is always hard photographing a photographer because there is more pressure than normal to get kickass shots! Heather had a vision of them being in a field and after that, we were given free range. Here are some of my favourite images from their mini-session. Congratulations Heather + Eric - I cannot wait to watch Iris grow!

Just Two

2009-05-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

from Denise + Tyler's May 9th wedding

[More Images Coming Soon!]

Last Boudoir Marathon of the Summer - July 26th

2009-05-22T12:22:00.002-04:00

Here are some images from recent Boudoir Marathons that were held in my studio! My Boudoir Marathons have been quickly booking up! I currently have only TWO sessions available on my final summer Boudoir Marathon which is on July 26th. Please click here for more information and do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in booking a session!

Tepoz.

2009-05-21T07:08:00.000-04:00

Tepoztlan and Tepozotlan.
Two different towns in two different states.
I love Mexico.

(And Che Guevera was married at this church.)

Haruna + Aran | Cherry Blossom Portraits

2009-05-18T07:39:00.001-04:00

I have known Aran since basically forever. He is the cousin of a best friend and was always around making jokes. As we all grew up, we took different paths and saw each other less frequently. A year ago when his facebook status changed to "married" I wondered who the fabulous woman was that he had married. Turns out, it was the lovely Haruna. Aran + Haruna had a civil ceremony back in Japan last May but never took the time to do proper portraits. Since cherry blossoms are a pretty special thing in Japan, we planned the perfect time and location to do their session: High Park, first week of May, sunrise. The portraits turned out amazing and Aran + Haruna have got to be one of the cutest couples ever! Happy First Anniversary you two!

I love this series! (Click to view it bigger.)