Ottawa Portrait Photographer | Christmas Photo Session & Surprise Proposal

“Everything that happens happens as it should, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so.” - Marcus Aurelius

I met Nathan & Cass for the first time during a Winter Market at a local community building. We found out that we’re basically neighbours. A few days later, I received an inquiry from Nathan asking me to come to their home for a cozy Christmas card photo shoot with their two dogs. I had let him know that I was actually done taking on any more sessions for the year as the month of December was just way too busy for me. He then let me know that during the photo session, he was actually planning on proposing to Cass.

That changed things.

I moved around dinner plans & important appointments, because I just knew I had to photograph them.

A session that started out as the perfect Christmas card opportunity, turned into a beautiful moment that I’m so grateful I got to witness. 

Everything happens as it should. And nothing occurs that shouldn’t. This could not be more true.

Looking back, I can’t believe I almost turned them down. What a mistake that would have been.

I was the one who was supposed to photograph them. Me.

It’s so strange being a family & portrait photographer. We go from absolute strangers, to being welcomed into your home, and then documenting your huge milestones. Your once-in-a-lifetime moments. It’s wild to me. But I wouldn’t change a thing.

What an honour.

Scroll through to view the magic that I’m talking about. And I dare you not to smile.

Emily VanderBeek is a Niagara, Ontario; Champlain, Ontario; and Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Quebec Photographer who specializes in timeless & candid family, portrait, motherhood, and branding photography.

Love these photos? Click here to start planning your own photo session today. Booking into March 2024 for Champlain & surrounding areas and booking into May 2024 for Niagara & surrounding areas.

Let’s create memories together!