Monday, June 04, 2007

New Blog now live!

Hey everyone;
If your reading this, your reading yesterdays news!!!
But don't worry there is still lots of my favorite pics on here worth checking out.
When your done, be sure and click on over to my new and improved blog!
See you there!
Andrew.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

The Wedding Co. Mini Show and Photo Contest

I have some very exiting news!
I entered a national wedding photography contest by The Wedding Co.
One winner was selected from each Province, and one Grand Prize winner.
Well; I won the Grand Prize!!!
I was completely shocked!
I will be going to New York City this Fall for a portfolio review with the Editor of Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine.
I can't wait!
All the winning photographs will be on display at the Lennox Gallery from June 5th-17th.
You can also see some of the best vendors in the Industry, and get some great ideas for your wedding! So don't miss this unique show!
The Grand opening night is June 7th. 5-8pm.
Check out their site for all the details.
Hope to see you there!
This is the shot that won the Grand Prize.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Gary and Elisha - May 19

Gary and Elisha started the day with a traditional Chineese game.
Gary had to bribe his way into see Elisha.
This was followed by a Tea ceremony.
The bride and groom serve tea the their parents and elders as a sign of respect.
Then it was off to St. Patricks Church in Toronto, followed by the reception
with a full 10 course chineese banquet at The Ruby Restaurant in Markham.
It was non stop food!
A fun day with lots of laughs. I wish Gary and Elisha many, many happy years together.














Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Lisa and Aaron - May 12

Lisa and Aaron celebrated their big day with family and friends at the Bob Rumball Manor in Toronto. A cute little place for intimate weddings. The weather was cool, but that did not stop everyone from having a great time.
Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day.










Saturday, May 12, 2007

Amy and Jason-May 6

A beautiful spring day, for a beautiful wedding at one of my favorite restaurants in Toronto. Auberge Du Pommier.
This was the perfect venue for Amy and Jason to celebrate their big day.
Amy looked radiant, Jason was beaming. You could really see how happy they are together.
I wish them both many years of continued joy. Congratulations!
















Saturday, April 28, 2007

Viva Cuba!

I’ve been shooting weddings for about 12 years now.
And as much as I love being part of these often emotional, and beautiful events. I was starting to feel a need to go out and shoot something different. To recharge my creative batteries and prepare for another busy wedding season.
A trip somewhere new was what I had in mind. I’ve always wanted to see Cuba. So I booked a last minute flight to Havana. I did not want to do the typical resort type package. I wanted to experience the real Cuba.
So I stayed at a “Casa Particular” or private home in Central Havana. Upon arrival I was bit nervous, to say the least.

The Casa was in a very poor neighbourhood far from the tourist area, I was actually a bit taken back with the condition of the buildings, stray dogs everywhere, noise and confusion in the streets. But I soon learned that this was the norm in Havana. Everything is old and crumbling, but the streets are full of life.

And that is part of the beauty of Havana.
What I quickly learned, was that not only
were the crumbling facades the old American cars, that made this place so special. It was the people of Havana, their passion and soul! In a world of repression and distrust, it was amazing
to witness such resiliance.


You hear stories about the lifestyle and difficulties they face given the political situation there.
But to truly understand it I needed to see it for myself.
Not speaking Spanish added abit of an obstacle in trying to
communicate with the locals. But I managed.
Wandering through neighborhoods watching children play stickball, people hanging out in doorways, and balconies,
socializing with their neighbors was a refreshing change from our fast passed hectic lives in today’s modern world. Few people there have televisions, I barely heard a cell phone, and Internet is almost non-existent. It was a great lesson learned to see how happy these people seem without all the material trappings we in the western world take for granted.



I was graciously invited into people’s homes and offered homemade sweets, and fresh fruit; this was amazing for me to see considering how expensive things are for them. I had heard that when you go to Cuba bring things for the locals. I packed my suitcase full of toys, Candy,
teeshirts, even everyday toiletries, were very much appriciated. This woman below shown with her daughter told me how expensive it was to have a photos done, and that not many locals had pictures of their families. We exchanged addresses and I promised to send
photos to all the wonderfull families who were so kind to me.





I had gone to Cuba to capture images of life in Havana. What I did not expect was that
This amazing place and its beautiful people would capture my heart.
Thank you Havana!

Viva Cuba!