Babies experience milestone after milestone their first year of life. You will spend the first 12 months of your child's life exhausted and full of awe!
It is so much fun to photograph your babies first birthday cake smash. Every baby is completely different with their response to an entire cake being put in front of them. Some babies go right for their cake, excited about the colors and the textures while other babies are more tentative about touching the cake at all. Their unique personalities shine through on this photo worthy first.
Some first birthday cakes go home almost in tact and others end up in the studio garbage in a pile of crumbs and icing bits.
Celebrating this first birthday with photography is a great keepsake and definite memory making moment for parents.
All of my first birthday cake smashes are done on white paper as I love to make it bright and all about your baby and the cake. If you think you want to bring decorations to add to the scene you are absolutely welcome.
We will start the session with a few portraits of your one year old and then strip them down to their bare essentials and drop that cake down in front of them and watch the magic take place.
When the photography session is over you will take your baby and I will take the mess.
Everyone is sure to have a nap following this portrait session.
The studio, located in Niagara Falls is a great spot for you to come, make some core memories and leave the sugary mess behind.
Some first birthday cake smashes are done quickly and others take a little time as not all babies are ready to dig in right away or give up once they have experienced their first taste of buttercream. Either way you will have the memories to last a lifetime.
That first birthday only ever comes once and it's one to hold onto.

Baby's 1st birthday cake smash

Being a proposal photographer in Niagara Falls is honestly the best job. I get to share in one of the best moments of your life! If you coming to Niagara Falls and looking to propose I know you want to have the Falls in the background of this life changing moment. Across from Queen Victoria Park is the perfect spot. I spend a lot of time helping people decide which area of the Falls they want to "pop the question" at so I figured I would create a couple of blog posts to help you on your proposal journey (check out my other blog posts on where to propose in Niagara Falls) Queen Victoria Park is a Niagara Parks property surrounding the area of the Niagara Parks Police station and right across the street from the huge water fall that is the American Falls. This is a great spot to take a knee and ask that most important question, will you marry me!! During the non peak season in Niagara Falls this spot is perfect. You can usually get parking at the Niagara Parks police station or some couples choose to walk from their Falls view hotels (please keep in mind it's not as close as it looks online and can easily be a twenty minute walk). During peak tourist months the area can get very busy so if you are looking for a little more privacy I always suggest early in the morning. You can beat the tourist rush and the sun rises at the Falls which makes for a beautiful golden hour (golden hour can mean sunrise too!) photos. If you are here in the summer months and are looking for a bit more privacy but want the Falls in the background of your proposal photos, check out my blog on Oaks Garden Theatre.
After the surprise, the yes, the tears and hugs have been given we can walk across the street to Queen Victoria Park and finish your engagement session. The rose garden is beautiful in the summer months and in the winter months the backdrop of forest is beautiful.
Send me an e-mail and lets get planning. I would love to be your Niagara proposal photographer.

This photo features my friend and violinist Cynthia. Send me a message and see how we can add a romantic violin player to your proposal package.

Proposing in front of Niagara Falls at Queen Victoria Park

The majority of people who contact me for proposals are coming here on a Niagara Falls vacation. The couples who are coming usually have no idea what's around the area but know they want to propose and have the Niagara Falls in the background. This is absolutely something you can do! It's going to make a difference whether you come to Niagara in the winter, or the summer (or somewhere in between). Summer time can get pretty crazy down by the Falls and people looking to have a bit more privacy might want to head down to Oaks Garden Theatre. This Niagara Parks property is just to the left of Niagara Falls and right next to the Rainbow bridge. It's a great spot during the busy summer months because there are less people than directly in front of the Falls and parking is a little easier to navigate.
The gardens themselves are gorgeous and have a ton of variety for your engagement photos immediately following your proposal. Oaks Garden features formal gardens, a lily pond with a bridge and gorgeous architecture. There are several spots in the garden where the Niagara Falls are visible. This means you aren't limited in your options to do a proposal with a bit of privacy and Niagara Falls in the background.
Winter gets a bit trickier as the gardens aren't maintained. However, the architecture and metal gates are still a great back drop for your proposal and engagement photos.
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Niagara Falls Proposals, Oaks Garden Theatre

I just celebrated my 22nd anniversary as a photographer in Niagara Falls. When I say I have the best job, I am not joking. Who else gets a job where everyone around you is celebrating.
In my time as a photographer I have seen a ton of changes in the industry. When I started, I shot film. Digital photography didn't even exist. People would find you in the "yellow pages" of the phone book. Does anyone reading this even know what a phone book is? And there were about 10 of us in Niagara Falls. That statement alone is absolutely crazy to me because as you know, all you have to do is Google Niagara photographers and an endless list of amazing, creative professionals come up. Over the past two decades studio spaces have become popular and then not popular and then popular again. As the style of photography changes so does the kind of space and equipment required. For years I wanted a studio space. I would transform my living room now and again and do marathons of photo sessions. I did tire of carrying my couch out into the garage and eventually turned my garage into a studio space. It was pretty cool. It was so convenient to have a space at the ready and never have to leave my house. It was also pretty awesome to have a heated, pretty garage and the cleanest garage on the block! I didn't like the fact that I didn't have a bathroom for my clients and didn't love the lack of variety the garage studio limited. I also didn't love not having a space for all of those miscellaneous things that garages held. Two years ago I was able to buy a space that didn't limit me in the way a home studio did. There's a ton of natural light, lots of room for variety, a bathroom, yay, and everything is right there where I need it, no furniture moving required (although those of you who have worked in the studio with me know I still move furniture!)
This space has given me the opportunity to photograph headshots, portraits, babies and boudoir (oh how I love photographing boudoir!) Let's not forget about first year cake smashes and adult birthday celebrations! I love creating your art in my space.
Have a creative idea? Need a quick headshot update? Want to brave the world of self confidence and do a studio boudoir session? Have you just had a baby and looking for some new born photos? Or maybe it's winter and you need a maternity session done and hate the cold (me too!) Come and see me and let's get creative together.

The Studio

It's great to have a job where people are always celebrating. Proposals, weddings, pregnancy and newborns are the happiest times. I also photograph headshots. Sadly people do not love having their headshots taken. Most people who come for business portraits come because it's required of them by their employers. They feel vulnerable. Most people feel uncomfortable being the center of attention and when you come for your headshot it's all about you. Headshot sessions can also feel unnatural. Smiling on command and holding poses can make even the most confident people squirm a little. A lot of times people tell me they've had headshots in the past that they aren't happy with. The photos weren't flattering or they feel the images were not a good representation of who they are.
That's all about to change when you walk through my Niagara Falls studio door. Despite the fact that headshot sessions are short sessions I will never rush you. I will definitely give you the time to check your hair and outfit. You can even change if you like! There's a really good chance I'm going to spend the first few minutes getting to know you. This is my secret sauce. Once you get comfortable you start to stand and move in ways that are natural to you. This is exactly what I'm looking for. I want to see the way you stand, the way you hold your hands, your natural smile. When you come in for your headshot it's a collaboration between me and you. Once you relax we can work together as a team to get the best version of you.

If you are questioning your outfit please bring another. I am happy to offer my opinion or just have you change so you have a bit of a variety. Some people like to do a formal and an inform look.

Some people come in with a very specific need. There are many companies that require a certain look, a certain backdrop color etc. That's totally ok, send your specs along ahead of time so I can be prepared for you. If we need to switch up the backdrop we can do that too. All this can be done quickly.

This is Katie. She came in for a headshot session and as she was leaving she took off her blazer and threw her hair up. I thought she looked natural and amazing and I asked her to take her socks off and sit on the floor. In two minutes I got two of my favorite photos of her that day. Will she use them on her business profile, probably not (but some will depending on their business) but she got a couple of fun photos of herself to use as she wishes.

The goal for me in photographing your business headshots is to get you in and out quickly. To make you feel comfortable in the time we have together and have leave confident that I've captured you authentically in a photo you will be proud to share on your business website, linkedin profile or social media platforms.
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Studio Headshots

Erin and Jarrett came from Winnipeg Manitoba and chose Niagara Falls for their intimate wedding. Niagara is known for its beauty and magic, making it a perfect backdrop. Their March wedding was freezing but after they said "I do" at Elope Niagara, we bundled up and headed outside to capture those iconic photos of the falls.

After our adventure at the falls, we went to the Crown Plaza. This place was warm and inviting, just what we needed. Inside, the elegance and sophistication of the hotel added another layer to their story. Each detail boiled down to what matters most&mdash;love and authenticity. Erin and Jarrett&rsquo;s wedding was a beautiful blend of timeless traditions and fun moments. Every photo tells their unique story against the backdrop of one of nature's wonders. These images will remind them of their special day for years to come, capturing not just the sights, but the feelings as well.

Erin and Jerritt's Elope Niagara Wedding in Niagara Falls

Absolutely in love with all our family pictures. Not only is Shelly a talented photographer, she is an amazing person. She was easy to work with and so patient with our 2 year old son. She made our session full of laughs and fun, everything felt so easy. Such a great day full of captured memories. 📷

Jamie Newlands

Shelly did such a wonderful job and went above and beyond for our pictures. We eloped in niagara, she drove us from the chapel to save us the parking headache and dropped us off close to where we got photos done so I didn’t have to walk in heels. She was so much fun to be around and made us feel very special. The pictures are everything we hoped for <3

Brianna Hawley

Shelly is absolutely amazing! Very approachable and professional. She was the photographer at our daughter's wedding in NOTL. She kept the communication flowing and was great to work with. As the MOB and wedding planner, I greatly appreciated how organized and how well she kept the big day flowing seamlessly for photos. She is truly an artist and knew how to get us into our poses and when to take those unique surprise photos. We love love love your work! Thank you so much for a great day! I'll be sure to recommend your services! Now the hard part...picking out photos for framing since they are all sooo good! Take care. Dianne, Cristyn and the family :)

Dianne Franic

Shelly is amazing! I called Shelly on a whim with only a few days notice before my proposal. Not only did Shelly make time in her busy schedule to photograph our proposal but she was also incredibly accommodating, prompt and professional. She helped me plan the location and put my mind at ease knowing that everything would be taken care of.

On the day of, Shelly was knowledgable and knew exactly what my fiancee and I were looking for. She captured our special moment incredibly and I look forward to recommending her to others in the future!

Jared Kirsh

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2025 Christmas MINIS

Platinum Wedding Collection – the ideal photography solution for capturing every moment and detail of your special day. For ten hours, myself and Amy will provide thorough, dedicated photography coverage, ensuring every meaningful moment is preserved beautifully and authentically. I truly adore my job, and weddings are my favourite. They offer a unique, joyous atmosphere that I'm always honored to be a part of. As your photographer, my goal isn't just to take your photos, but to tell your love story – with passion, care, and a genuine commitment to showcasing the beauty of your celebration. From the intimate moments of getting ready to the joy of the ceremony and the excitement of the reception, I will be there to capture every special detail. I also offer several add-ons that might enhance your wedding experience: <ul><li>Extra time: $300 per additional hour: Extend the joy of your wedding day celebrations! Ensure every precious moment is captured, from the heartfelt beginning to the joyful end.</li><li>Photo albums, starting at $600: Transform your cherished memories into tangible treasures! These exquisite albums serve as stunning keepsakes, perfect for sharing with loved ones and reliving the magic of your special day anytime you wish.</li><li>Discounted bridal boudoir: Treat yourself to a special session that captures your beauty and confidence in an intimate and elegant setting.</li><li>Discounted engagement session: Celebrate your engagement with a personalized photo session at a special rate, perfect for save-the-date cards or simply cherishing the pre-wedding excitement.</li></ul> Let me be a part of your journey, capturing the moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

Platinum Wedding Collection

Silver Wedding Collection – the ideal photography solution for couples who don't need full day coverage but want to capture all the important details. For six hours, I will provide dedicated photography coverage, ensuring every meaningful moment is preserved beautifully and authentically. I'm always honored to be a part of your wedding day. As your photographer, my goal isn't just to take your photos, but to tell your love story – with passion, care, and a genuine commitment to showcasing the beauty of your celebration. From the intimate moments of getting ready to the joy of the ceremony and the excitement of the reception, I will be there to capture every special detail. With this collection I also offer a discounted engagement session: Celebrate your engagement with a personalized photo session at a special rate, perfect for save-the-date cards or simply cherishing the pre-wedding excitement. Let me be a part of your journey, capturing the moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

Silver Wedding Collection

Included in this package is not just photography, but my personal involvement and assistance in helping you to plan the perfect proposal. I know most of you aren't from the Niagara area so I am happy to help ease your stress by putting things in motion so when you arrive all you have to do is pop the question. The engagement shoot immediately following is packed full of emotion for both of you (and me too if I'm being honest!) it's all come together and all that's left to do is feel the excitement of it all!! I'm there to share in the excitement and capture some of the most genuine moments.

Niagara Wedding Proposal Package

Weekday Elopements in Niagara Falls Package – perfect for those spontaneous, intimate moments that deserve to be captured beautifully. This package includes one hour of dedicated photography coverage. Need a bit more time? No problem! You can add an extra hour for just $400. This package is great for the couple who want to document their wedding in a quick and fun way. (Speaking of fun, do you know you can get married on a Niagara Helicopter!) Every image tells a story, and with this package, I aim to narrate the heartfelt journey of your weekday elopement. All photos will be delivered to you through a private, password-protected online gallery, ensuring your memories remain exclusively yours.

Weekday Niagara Elopements Package

I'm starting to grow my business and do between $500-$1000 a month in bookings.

Core Plan

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I have had the privilege of photographing numerous weddings in the Niagara Region. And let me tell you, the area is teeming with unique venues that add an extra dash of magic to any couple's big day. Here are my top 5 picks for distinctive wedding venues in the Niagara Region.
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1. <a href="https://vineland.com/weddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vineland Estates Winery</a>: Set amidst lush vineyards and offering breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, this venue is a paradise for wine-loving couples. The Carriage House, built in the 1840s, provides a rustic yet elegant setting for your reception. The best time to get married here is in the fall, when the vine leaves turn a beautiful golden hue. This venue is ideal for intimate weddings with a guest count of up to 56 people.
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2. <a href="https://theharewineco.com/weddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hare Wine Co</a>.: This is another vineyard beauty. What sets The Hare Wine Co. apart is its blend of traditional and modern architecture, making it perfect for couples who want a bit of both. The venue shines brightest in the summer, when the vineyards are lush and green. This venue caters to larger weddings, accommodating up to 150 guests.
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3. <a href="https://npca.ca/weddings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Balls Falls Conservation Area</a>: If you're an outdoorsy couple, this venue is for you. With its historic buildings, waterfalls, and natural beauty, Balls Falls offers a picturesque backdrop for your wedding. Spring and fall are the best times to get married here, when the flora is in full bloom or changing colours. This venue is perfect for elopements and small to medium-sized weddings.
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4. <a href="https://carmenslakeview.com/weddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Lakeview</a>: Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, The Lakeview offers a stunning beachfront setting. The venue features a vintage Grand Beach Hall and a modern Lakeview Loft, both offering panoramic views of the lake. This venue is best for summer weddings, and can accommodate large guest counts.
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5. <a href="https://www.niagaraparks.com/weddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Butterfly Conservatory</a>: For a truly unique wedding, consider the Butterfly Conservatory. Here, you can exchange vows surrounded by thousands of butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting. This venue is beautiful year-round, making it a versatile choice. It's ideal for intimate weddings or elopements.
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I have witnessed unforgettable moments at each of these venues. They each bring something special to the table, just like each couple does. The key is finding the one that resonates with your story, your personality, and your vision for your big day. And remember, what truly makes a wedding special is not the venue, but the love and joy shared among the couple and their loved ones. I would be thrilled to help capture these moments for you.

Top 5 Unique Wedding Venues in the Niagara Region

Capturing life's moments, one image at a time

Video Title

You will find the about page from my existing website between the “” below. You can use this section primarily for tone of voice and style as opposed to content. Make sure that all references to the self are in the first person singular, as I am the only photographer on my team. Please also ensure that there are no references to “our team” or “our photographer”. Instead, all writing should be coming directly from me. I would also like it to be quite down to earth and without lots of fluff and flowery language.

"I am a Niagara Falls wedding, event and portrait photographer and the truth is I love my job. No, I mean I really love my job. I still cry at weddings……I can’t imagine doing anything else.

When I started it was weddings. Allllll weddings. Now, it’s so much more. My brand and I personally have evolved into something I couldn’t imagine. I am so grateful.
It is my job as a photographer to capture your most important moments. Even during a headshot or branding session I need to capture you as you are. I need to be able to tell the world in a single image a story. It has to be an authentic story; those are the only ones I want to tell.
Weddings are still my favourite. I get the opportunity to spend an entire day sharing in some of the most wonderful moments of your life.

Why would you choose me to photograph your event when there are an abundance of photographers in the Niagara Region? Experience and flexibility. My ability to make you feel at ease in front of my lens. Absolute professionalism without being rigid. My ability to easily adapt to your unique day.

My closest friends and family describe me as; Determined, compassionate, articulate, loving and innovative. Demanding and blunt were on that list but I’m going to take those as positives. Ha-ha.
My children say I am caring, funny (thank goodness someone said that!!) outgoing, emotional and focused (I have the best kids. I didn’t pay them to say nice things. They are the reason I do what I do and I am who I am)

Really, when all is said and done, it’s all about relationships for me. I have been saying that for a long time now and it’s the most consistent thing about me. At the end of our lives we take nothing with us but what we leave behind are the relationships we have built with those around us. For me, that includes every person I have photographed who have allowed me to be a part of their lives and for those who have allowed me to remain a part of their story.

I would love to hear from you. I would love to know what you need and how I can help you achieve your goals."

Blog

Baby's 1st birthday cake smash

Proposing in front of Niagara Falls at Queen Victoria Park

Niagara Falls Proposals, Oaks Garden Theatre

The Studio

Studio Headshots

Erin and Jerritt's Elope Niagara Wedding in Niagara Falls