Cole got a shiner!

So we all went for a walk to the park tonight. Everyone was having a great time. The kids were playing tag while the dog and I were play fighting. Specifically, I was pushing Cody out of the way, and he was growling back at me. All was fine, until Cole decided to get in on the action! Well, I pushed Cody, and Cody bumped into Cole. Before I knew it Cole was crying a sporting a brand new shiner!

Our second couple from our engagement marathon

So, I would like to introduce you to Justin and Laura who participated in our engagement marathon. It was almost high noon (the worst lighting possible) on our super sunny day, and we got some brilliant images. I love these guys. They're hillarious!

One of our engagment marathon couples

Here are a few images from one of our engagment marathon couples. I may be posting more from other couples, as I acquire permission....

What's your happy weight?

It can be difficult to know what a realistic weight goal is. I love this article so I thought I'd share it. I don't think this applies to men though...so I should try to find out if there is a similar article for those of you in the Male gender category.What's your happy weight? Eighty-seven percent of normal-weight women wish they weighed less. Stop aiming for an unrealistic goal and use this formula to get a healthy number that's easy for you to maintain without obsessing. Click here for details on why this formula works. To find your happy weight you'll first need to determine your frame size. Wrap a tape measure around your wrist and consult this chart. Not for use by pregnant women Click here to calculate your happy weight.

Engagement Mini- Marathon - April 19th!!

Ok, so I have decided to run my first Engagement marathon for those of you wanting to have engagement photos done by me, but for a fraction of the price!

The Marathon will take place on April 19th, at Kelso conservation area in Milton and will be 45 minutes in length. The Marathon will run "rain or shine", so dress accordingly.

If it's actively raining or threatening rain, bring your umbrellas and rainboots and be prepared to have a lot of fun!!!

Hair and Make up will not be provided so come ready to shoot.

Timelines are strict so if you are late, your session will still end at the allocated time.

From this session, you will receive approximately 20 fully edited high resolution images on DVD, a copyright release to allow you to reprint these, and an 8x10 enlargement to display at your reception. *

Marathon engagement photos will be $175 plus tax, due on the day of the session. (Full engagement sessions are $350 plus tax).

The following time slots are currently available.

10:00am
11:00am-booked.

12:00pm

2:00pm-booked.

3:00pm- booked.

4:00pm

6:00pm

7:00pm

*If you are late, this number may be reduced.
If you are interested in signing up for one of these time slots, email me at info@jenniferimages.ca

You will be required to sign a contract to book your timeslot.

Thanks.

See you then.

Blog is getting a new look...

With larger images and an easier to read format...so I'm testing out the new look with one of my new favorite images of my dear friend Crystal.

Updated entry.

A. has modified (or added) to her entry so here is the rest of hers:

Hi Jennifer, here is my official, after day 7 entry I liked how CB laid it out so I'm stealing it her idea

Day 1: How far can I stretch $25?* coffee for all!! Bought coffee for all my dance moms (who all are single) who treat me each week to a coffee. This wa my 'thank you' for being cool moms* thanks for the drive mom: I gave some change to two of my student helpers for them to treat their mom to a coffee as a thank you for driving them (coffee from the kids to the mom). I told her that in return they are to pay if forward to someone at the competition* is that change for my piggy? I made the mistake a few months back about telling a 6 yr old where they can find money (ie couches, dryer etc). Well, that kid climbed onto her fridge and took $20 of her dad money. I gave the little girl $4 to put into her bank, and told her dad that was in lieu of the $20 she had to give back ** Her parents came in a few days later and told me how it made her day and told everyone about it *** m'm m'm, pizza: I went to pizza pizza to pick up a slice for me and the fiance. I heard a group of teenagers talking behind me about how they were short $5 for a pizza. I turned around, and handed them $5 bucks and told them I expect them to do acts of kindness for the rest of the day. My coworker was with me, pumped her fists in the air and said "that was so awesome!"

Day 2: Sponsor a child for soccer camp: Fiance and I decided we wanted to sponsor a child and donated $90 to the camp. To add to this (out of scope), I reached out to my dance kids, family, friends a co-workers to donate athletic clothes and equipment to the camp. The donations started trickling in, and once they're all in my hands, mom and I will be driving out to Stoney Creek to donate to the soccer club.

Day 3: Big Ride: The Fiance signed up for the big ride (bicycle fundraiser for the heart and stroke foundation). My family has history of heart disease, so this means so much to me. I'm too out of shape so I'll be raising money on his behalf!!

Day 4: Craigslist: This is my fav .. I was looking on craigslist and saw my calling. Special Olympics Baseball Coach. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! I've been trying to get involved in this amazing organization for years, and here it was! My way in! I met with the guy 2 days ago and looks like this will be a go. I can't wait! Bonus, my father and I were able to do find some baseball equipment from when he coached me that we'll be donating to the team.

Day 5: "I believe you have my stapler": I have a customer who's going through a crappy time at work. You know how it is, "you're imperative to our business, but we won't pay you what you're worth" story. So, I picked up the "Office Space" gift package for him, complete with red swingline stapler, initech note pad (with "work sucks" printed on it) and "we're not in Kansas anymore" flare. When I gave it to him, on behalf of the group, I told him it was for my most disgruntled customer. He laughed and was thrilled. He sent me an email later that night telling me he loved the gift, and would have it forever. "Through rain, snow, and burning buildings (accidental of course)". Its amazing how I started off this challenge to win (I'm competitive) but in the end, I got so much more of this than i could have imagined. When you open you eyes and tune your ears to whats going on around you, there is so much one can do to help someone and make their day.

The fiance have always done little things. For example, we've been sponsoring a child from Haiti through World Vision for 4 years now, and I've been helping out my friend with her new business by working as an admin every Saturday morning, and just being that 'sane person' in her life for her to bounce her ideas off of.

This week long task just reminded me that I should keep my eyes open and ears turned on more often, and that the littlest things make someones not so great day of on their bests.

Thanks again Jennifer. Great contest


Thank you A. I'm so glad that you have done so much, and gotten so much back in return. You guys all make me proud.Jen

Two new entries in our "Big Give" contest.

Here’s my pay it forward story.


Well it took me a while to figure out how to do our big give. We’re in the process of spring cleaning and getting rid of some of our baby stuff and toys that have been neglected because of all the new ones our two boys got for Christmas and their birthdays. We decided to send some of the toys to church day care and the rest went to the local community center for their drop-ins. We ended up giving away about 2 garbage bags full of toys for others to share.


We already do a “pay it forward” thing with our baby clothes since we received a good amount of it from my fiancé’s sister, and we’ve been giving it to a friend/co-worker of his for her little boy. But we feel that we truly helped out someone when we found out that one of our bridesmaid’s cousin was pregnant and with both her and her boyfriend being college students were having trouble affording the big items they needed. We were looking to sell our crib, stroller, and change table in the next couple months ( we’re done having babies due to some medical conditions) now that spring was here and after hearing about them needing them we talked and decided to give them to our bridesmaid cousin. We told them yesterday that its waiting for them whenever they want it and seriously the smiles and thanks we got makes it more than worth it.

J.

I came up with something that I can do to give back. I have always told myself that when I move out on my own i am getting a dog. In October I finally moved out of the family home with my partner of four years. I was still in school for one last semester so money was very tight and we ended up moving into a bachelor apartment downtown Toronto.

Back in December I adopted a rescued dog. He is a 7lb senior Maltese. Poor little thing had to get surgery to remove all his teeth which the rescue organization paid for. I paid $400 for the adoption.
Buddy has some behaviour issues that we are working on but for the most part he is a loving dog that has had a hard life. He shows so much love almost as if he realizes that we would never hurt or neglect him and he is thankful.Having an experience like that is very addictive. I want to help so many more dogs.

I talked about getting another but my partner thinks that we do not have the money or the space to take in another dog. He told me we should wait until after the wedding and until after we at least move into a one bedroom apartment. That does make sense but thinking about all the dogs (I am highly allergic to cats) that need help and not being able to bring another one home saddens me.

I thought for a while about volunteering at a shelter, especially after this contest came about, but it would be difficult right now as I am working Mon-Fri 9-5 and looking for retail part time work just to save enough for a decent wedding. Helping at a shelter would take a lot of traveling and would take a lot of time away from my dog.

Just when I was about to give up I got an email from the rescue organization I got Buddy at telling me they were in desperate need of a foster home for one of their dogs. How could I say no? Yes there isn't much space in our small apartment but this little dog needs me. He is a 22 lb poodle. I talked it over with my partner and let him know that when fostering there is no need to pay for any vet bills and that the dog already had supplies or adoption fee so the only money out of our pocket was for dog food. I also let him know that it is only for a few months until they find a forever home for the dog.
It seems like the perfect way to help. I do not have to leave my home or spend a lot of money, also my dog has a companion for the hours I am at work. I just have to give a warm place to sleep, warm food and lots of love for a few months. If all goes well I plan to continue fostering until we finally move into our one bedroom apartment, then I can adopt one more dog and if ever we move into a house I will adopt one more.

I highly recommend that anyone who has room in their home to do the same. There are so many rescue groups at petfinder.com in need of foster homes so that animals aren't kept in the scary caged up pound with little human contact (mind you this is after their traumatic experience of being abused, neglected or lost).I probably would have done this even if this contest didn't exist. but I am happy that through this contest i can share my story and hopefully inspire others to help, even if I do not win the contest.I know planning a wedding is hectic, time consuming, stressful and expensive but never forget there really are more important things in life.

=)

P.S. If I win the shoot and if it is ok with Jennifer I would love the opportunity to involve my adopted dog, and my fostered dog if he is still with us in order to always remind myself that generosity breeds generosity.

Thanks Jen!

N.

Thank you J. and N. It really makes me happy to see and hear about so much good that's going on right now. Thank you for all you've done.

Good luck in the contest.
Jen

New headshots for Distinct Occasions!

So my dear friend Crystal (of www.distinctoccasions.ca) and her lovely associate Christina, were in the market for some new headshots.
She has graciously let me share some of our favorites with you:

Here is our very own Crystal:


And my favorite:



And the lovely Christina:

Another fabulous entry...

Another great entry to share with you all...

Hi Jennifer

I thinking on what to do for my "BIG GIVE"... I had so many thoughts in my head but couldn't narrow it down. I decided that you gave me seven days, I would try to do something everyday... I didn't make it to 7 but got 5 big things that I'm proud of.

Day 1..... Told my daughter and son(5 & 9) what I wanted to get done this week, they were so happy and wanted to help out as well. We all went to the grocery store picked out some food and took it over to the food bank. LOL my daughter wanted to open the peanut butter on our way there for "just a lick", she said she was hungry like the them and she needed it to.

Day 2.... Cleaned up the kids old clothes and gave them to a lady who really needed it. She had just lost her job, I felt really bad for her. I put a grocery gift card in bag for her. She e-mailed me a couple days ago, and was so happy that a total stranger would do something like that.

Day 3..... We went GREEN ( well tried), it's not just for one person. It's for the world and our kids. I switched to online banking, got most of my bills online, switched all the light bulbs, rechargeable batteries, better cleaners, reuseable bags, I took the kids to get new clothes from a second hand store( we went the next day) no driving just walking all day, and no computer.

Day 4.... Went to my mom's older friend's house and cleaned it. In and out. She was so sweet, she tried to pay me.I told her no, that I'm doing it cause I love her.

Day 5.... How many smiles and thanyou's can you get in one day? Try for the whole day to open the door for people, offer advice, give compliments especailly on woman's shoes!!! lol They will love you. Buy them their coffee, whatever you do, you will feel such power on being a human. I asked my FH who is a police officer in Toronto to be nice for the day, try not to give to many tickets tell them that it's their lucky day. LOL he did, but I don't think he will do that again lol. I got 62 thankyou, and 70 smiles.

I had one of the best weeks.. it's so true that people just don't have the time to give anymore. If you put your mind to it, you can find so many ways to help out and "GIVE BIG". We only had a week to think of something and to get it done.
Everyone can do this...

Sitting here with 70 smiles in my heart
C.B.

I'm really proud of you C.B! That's so wonderful, because now you've made 71 smiles!

Our next entry

Here is our next entry in the Big Give;

Hey Jen!

So I think this Big Give contest is fantastic (as you know) and really wanted to do something. So, my Big Give Entry is for a woman who I’ve known for years who works for Ryerson University. This woman, Dawn, is one of the kindest, generous and passionate people I have ever met and truly deserves to be recognized.

A bit of background…Dawn (who is Caucasian) is a hardworking single mom to son, Tyler (half black).

Countless times on-campus I have seen Dawn have to stand up to people’s racist remarks towards both her and her offspring. Who knew?
I thought the world was becoming more enlightened but often I am reminded that we are still archaic in nature. Dawn was formerly the Ryerson Students’ Union, Events Coordinator, which she loved but in the end she loved her son more. Long hours and often evening and weekend work eventually forced Dawn to switch jobs for a more 9-5 position to be more available to her son.

Her sole purpose in life has been supporting and bringing up this boy. No matter the sacrifices she has had to make in the process.


Today, Tyler is a strapping young adult with a full basketball scholarship to a College in the United States. He has grown from a young child into a man in front of my own eyes and to Dawn’s dismay, in front of her own. This upcoming fall, Tyler leaves the nest for a new home in Rhode Island where he’ll continue to thrive and work towards becoming an NBA superstar, a dream his mother always fostered and supported no matter the cost to her personally or professionally.

That said, I want to honor my “foster mom” Dawn. Someone who always took time to share a smile, a kind word, or a piece of advice with myself and everyone she’s ever met. Because of Dawn I am the strong, independent and fierce female that I have become. Because of Dawn, Ryerson has had a leader, a mentor and friend for over 10 years tirelessly working and giving back to students. And finally, because of Dawn, her son Tyler is seeking fruition of his dreams – an International scholarship, the chance to grow as a basketball superstar and to give back.

I am honored to say that in just over a week young Tyler will travel to Senegal, Africa for a basketball tournament where he plans to not only compete but to give back what he can to those he meets. This young man has packed every item of excess clothing, shoes, jerseys, etc that he can for the children he will meet and interact with on his journeys. This trip is more than just a chance to play; this is a chance to give back.

She has created a core value in people of giving back, being tolerant, and always being accessible. Honestly, this accolade only deserves to go to someone who gives of themselves tirelessly and in my mind that is no truer seen than in the lives of Dawn & Tyler.

As for me, I continue to “pay it forward” in small ways everyday because of their example. We have an office challenge to see how many smiles we can create a day, we often send emails to one another with smiley faces, and we always try to have a kind word and a friendly open space for students, friends and family alike. My current joy is in seeing a mother and sons dream come true – in more ways than one.

C. A

Two of my men....

Sleeping.....

This is when I love them the most!

Our third entry.

Here is our third entry into the "big give". It doesn't quite fall into the rules, as L. started this before the contest, but I think it's a great give, and will leave it upto the viewers to decide.


Hi Jennifer, thanks again for this chance. Just so you know, my Big Give is something I was already doing before your contest came along, so if you don't want to count it, I will understand.

Either way, it's a good story I think and it's something that means a lot to me.

Okay, here's my story: About a year ago, my father, an avid cyclist, former marathon runner, enthusiastic "Who" fan - the youngest - 65-year-old you'll ever know - started to show signs of his age. He was having trouble urinating and experience various other male symptoms. He spent moths floating between doctors, getting various tests and diagnoses, and eventually was told he had an enlarged prostate, a treatable and common condition. But in late summer, after a CT scan revealed that the enlargement was due to an aggressive stage 4 cancerous tumor, his life, and the lives of my family, were changed forever. By September we found out that the tumor was also in his bladder, and were told that bladder cancer has a 50% five year survival rate. In October, a year after he had been biking the Pyranees in Spain, he had his prostrate and bladder fully removed, and is now living cancer-free. I can honestly say that this experience changed my life and has really taught me the value of family and friends. This event, combined with the experience of seeing my a close friend loose his mother to breast cancer only to loose his one his own testicles to the same disease, inspired me to do something big and dramatic.

Defiantely a Big Give. Like most Frugal Brides, I don't have the means to make large donations. But I do have my skills, and one of them happens to be a love of personal fitness and an active lifestyle. I heard about the Ride to Conquer Cancer for Princess Margaret Hospital, a two-day, two hundred kilometer bike ride from Toronto to Niagara Falls, and knew that this was my way to make a difference. My father, once able to cycle, for weeks on end from morning to night, plans to complete the Ride alongside me.

I am about halfway to raising the $2500 I need to participate. Raising the money has not been easy, but if I can get just 100 people to give $25 each, I will reach my goal. Training my body has also not been easy. While I was a 10k runner before, the stamina and endurance required to bike for two days will be a whole other challenge. But the discomfort I might feel froma few (or, 6) hours in a bike seat does not compare with the challenges faced by those who battle cancer every day.

This Big Give is something I am doing for my father and for my friend, and for everyone else affected by cancer. It is not strictly speaking something I am doing to get an engagement photo shoot. However, if this amazing gift would come from my participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, it would be a great honour.

Either way, knowing that I am making a difference and helping Princess Margaret Hospital, a place that has helped so many families, is all the reward I need. Knowing that I am helping to Conquer Cancer, just like my dad did, is worth more than any monetary or material good.

Thanks again for the chance to share my story.
WE CAN CONQUER CANCER IN OUR LIFETIME!

L.

Thank you L. I hope we can conquer cancer.

Our second entry in the "Big Give"!

Our second entry has come in for the "Big give" and here is her story:


Like most other Brides-to-be out there, I'm financially strapped until the big day is over. Any spare change I have is dumped in a "change bucket", and fiance and I are turning our pennies over in our hands in hopes that they multiply (sadly, this doesn't work).

So my "Big Give" had to be something affordable for me, so donating a sum of money to charity wasn't exactly an option. As I wracked my brain for an idea, I realized that I have a skill that I'm able to share with those around me, free of charge, but at the same time very rewarding. I'm a massage therapist and I occasionally teach an adult intro to massage course and an infant massage course at a local community centre (and get paid for it).

I decided to put together a little program for local moms, free of charge, teaching them the gift of massage for their most precious treasures. Their babies. I also gave them a little booklet so they have a reference for themselves, as well as my contact info in case they should have any questions or concerns once they're home.

Moms responded extremely well to my little program and truly appreciated the opportunity to learn something so beneficial for free.
And me, well, I can't express how truly rewarding it was for me to know that I helped some local moms and provided them with a skill that they can use for years to come with their little ones as they grow.
K.

Thank you K. I 'm very proud of you. I think it's great that you were able to give of yourself, despite your finances. Best wishes in the contest.Jen

Our first entry in the "Big Give'.

Ok ladies and gents...we currently have four entries.

Our first one has given her "big give" and written about it.
I will re-post the write ups on May 1st for voting, but wanted to share it with you now.
Here it is:

Hi Jennifer,

I was stressing out what I was going to do for a big give, and today it came to me while at church.

During the sermon, I was looking through the the church program and there it was. Sponsor a child to attend soccer camp. For $85 dollars,a under privileged child will attend a week long soccer camp. Aftert alking the with pastor and his wife, we found out his church is a community based church that gives to his community in many ways (ie...donating boots to children in need, volunteering at soup kitchens etc.)

What makes these donations unique, is they don't just give theseitems/services to those in need. They work with these individuals by educating them on how they can better their lives. Anywho, the fiance and I decided we wanted to sponsor a child (Note,we live in Toronto and the church is in Stoney Creek) and donated $90.

I also came home and emailed the kids I teach dance to and asked them to donate any sports clothing or soccer equipment which will be donated to the soccer club program. I know this isn't anything spectacular, but knowing a child will have a week playing soccer and possibly meeting people who will forever change their life makes me smile. Also engaging my dance kids to give unto others who have nothing,educating them at a young age that something that once made them happy can make another, less fortunate child even more happy, adds incredible wealth to this big give.

Even if we don't win anything, this was worth it.
Thanks Jennifer,
A.

Hi Jennifer, just an update. The girls at the studio are quite gung-ho about contributing to help sponsor our soccer player and the camp itself. One of the girls even announced the donation to her class, and told me almost half of her class wants to donate soccer gear to the cause. I even have people at work wanting to help out! This is so exciting I will let you know what Saturday brings! My 7th day to GIVE BIG!
!A.


Thank you so much A. for doing this. Not only did you benefit one child but all the children you teach as well. I'm so glad that we've improved someones world today.
Cheers
Jen

Good news and bad news....

Well, ladies and gents...I have some good news and some bad news.
The good news is that Sherisse from http://www.theweddingdecorators.ca has very graciously offerred a second prize for our contest.

Winners of the second prize will receive a $50 dinner voucher!!
Thank you so much Sherrise.

On to the bad news.

The bad news is that this "great idea" to give back to the community has remained just that.
A great "idea".

We currently only have three contestants. (odds of winning are pretty good,huh?)
I'm sadly disappointed in the lack of people (exluding the awesome vendors) who are motivated enough to help others.

So.... unless we reach a minimum of six contestants by the time May 1st rolls around, I will have to forfeit the contest.

For the three contestants who have already entered, you can postpone your "big give" until the last week in May. If enough people still have not entered, I will let you know and the contest will end.

Yet another amazing Vendor has in the Big Give.

So today, Dan the dj wrote me the following:

Great Idea Jen, Laura and I are huge supporters in the "Pay it Forward" plan, and have already been practicing that lifestyle since we met!

Seeing as Laura has joined the W.P.I.C.C. ranks we would like to include a one hour consultation with a Certified Wedding Planner to your gift basket.

There are so many out there that are in need and deserving of a wonderful gift, and therefore we will not be entering the contest.

Please know that we are huge supporters of the Big Give ( and is Laura's favorite show) and will be continuing our lifeplan quietly behind the scenes.
Here's the challenge, count how many people you can get to smile in one day!

Dan and Laura

So, if you happen to be getting married and win the "Big Give", you will also receive a one hour consultation with Laura.

Thank you to all the vendors who are truly making the "Big Give" BIG!!!

Our Big Give...is getting bigger

Holy Cow...this contest just keeps getting better! The "Big Give" is growing by the minute, and I must thank all the vendors for their generosity.

Carolyn of In Bloom Photography http://www.inbloomphotos.com/

has just offered a linen-covered photo press book featuring the Jennifer Images photos taken during our session, to the winner.

Value of $75.00





- 11.25" wide and 8.75" high with up to 20 pages
- Genuine 4-color offset printing with real ink on paper just like any high quality book or magazine.
- Extra thick and heavy, archival quality, acid-free paper.
- Professional-quality custom hardcover book-binding just like hardcover books found in bookstores.



So??? what are you waiting for? Register with me today!
info@jenniferimages.ca

A little encouragement

Ok ladies and gents.....I've had a couple of great people register for this competition...but sadly, not as many as I'd like.

Please help me make a difference in other peoples lives. You can do this! This city has some of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet and I just know that you and I can make a difference together.

To help you think about what you can do.....Ask some friends at work, if they know anyone who is in need of some help. (everyone knows someone).

Stop by a local restaurant or church and ask.

There are countless ways to help others, and in return you jut might win a beautiful capture of a moment in your life, that you wouldn't have had otherwise.

And even if you don't win, you will have a huge sense of pride in knowing you've helped someone else, and you might make a new lifelong friend in the process.

Take a chance.

Send me an email and register to win, today.

EDIT:

The Big Give is giving even more!!! The lovely Carolyn McBurney has very graciously offered to add hair and make up services to the winner for the day of their photo shoot!

Thank you Carolyn. You rock!

Here is her info:

Carolyn McBurneyIn Home Hair & Make-Up Design

http://www.hairandmakeupdesign.com/

carolyn@hairandmakeupdesign.com

Toll Free 1-866-268-0335