This portrait session was extremely special to me, because it’s with my cousin Samantha and her fiancé Ryan. They’ve been together for years and originally planned to get married last summer in Ottawa, but like so many couples they postponed due to the pandemic restrictions. They’re committed to tying the knot this August, and they decided to take winter engagement portraits. We decided to do their engagement photos in Merrickville and some countryside around the Brockville and Lyndhurst area. Thankfully there was a nice snowfall over the Christmas break and some warmer temperatures – perfect for a winter portrait session.

Merrickville was decked out in all its charming holiday greenery and lights. It’s a small town in Eastern Ontario that’s popular for day trips from Ottawa and the surrounding area. Sam and Ryan also had one of their first dates there. They brought their dog, Gem, who’s loves snow and being with them wherever they go. We walked around the town and found a few photographic spots out of the way of tourists, and the cedar boughs strung on the historic buildings paired perfectly with Sam’s long forest green skirt.

For a change of scenery, we headed to the countryside. Golden hour provided a soft glow at the edge of a cornfield. There’s something so romantic about being all dressed up in a rural setting. I just love it! We finished their portrait session at a clearing in the woods near Lyndhurst, close to our cottage. Photographing this session was a great way to break up my Christmas vacation and get an extra visit with family in. I love the images we got and can’t wait for their wedding this summer!