Shannon McKenzie « Ben Lariviere Photography

Posts Tagged ‘Shannon McKenzie’

Shannon & Josh – Engagement [Toronto Music Garden]

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

Shannon & Josh relaxing with their shoes off on a park bench.

“So,” I said, trying to determine the least strange way of making a peculiar request, “how do you feel about taking your shoes off?”

Shannon and Josh chose me as the photographer of their 2013 wedding. I recently met with them to make it official and to shoot engagement photos. As a vague concept for the shoot, I suggested that the couple act, instead of being in a public park, as if they are at home relaxing.

Shannon and Josh relaxing with their shoes off on a park bench. Shannon and Josh sitting by a houseboat on Lake Ontario, with the CN tower in the background.

Shannon asked where I think would be a nice place in Toronto to shoot the photos. I suggested the Toronto Music Garden. It’s located just south of the Skydome. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Perfect for a day by the lake.

Shannon and Josh hold hands by the lake, with the Canada Malting Company in the background. Shannon and Josh hug by the Canada Malting Company Shannon and Josh hold hands while they walk through the Toronto Music Garden Shannon and Josh hug while they walk through the Toronto Music Garden

The Music Garden, which consists predominantly of spiral pathways that lead to various circular resting spaces, is inspired by Bach. I chose this spot because it’s beautiful, like any park, but it’s also an experience. Instead of the afternoon being about taking photos, I would rather it be about the couple sharing an experience, which I document.

Josh leans Shannon against a pole to get close. Shannon and Josh kiss by a pole. Shannon and Josh walk by pirate ships. Shannon and Josh kissing at the harbourfront in Toronto

I love that this space, just steps away from the CN tower, feels worlds away from the big hustle-bustle city. So peaceful.

Shannon and Josh laying in the grass.

I was really excited when I realized that the two photos above, placed together, seem to create a heart shape.

Josh and Shannon relax lay in the grass, under a big tree. Shannon and Josh kissing in the grass, under a big tree.

I think even a quick engagement session is a great idea for the couples whose weddings I photograph, since it gives me a chance to get to know the personalities of the bride-and-groom-to-be and the couple a chance to become comfortable with my style of photography. This should, in theory, produce even more spectacular images on the wedding day, as we’ll all be pros at working with each other by that time.

Josh giving Shannon a piggy-back ride. Shannon and Josh relaxing on a park bench. Shannon and Josh holding hands walking along the harbourfront. Shannon and Josh laughing by Lake Ontario. Shannon's engagement ring.