Sarah & Mark | Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Of St Vladimir | The Art Gallery of Windsor | St. Clair Centre for the Arts | Windsor Wedding Photographer

Sarah and Mark were on vacation in Ireland while touring The Ashford Castle. A tower in the distance appeared to be full of flickering candles and the sights and sounds all around them were straight out of a scene from a romantic movie. They had been together since Christmas Day, 2011 and the thought that Mark might propose at this moment hadn’t crossed Sarah’s mind. She was totally engulfed in the beauty around her and so when she turned around to see Mark with a sparkly, pear-shaped diamond ring she was totally surprised. Despite the romantic setting, she couldn’t believe what was happening, and after asking if he was serious, she said yes and they started back through the castle as fiancés. What talk about a perfect moment *everyone claps for Mark*!

Their wedding day arrived and they were both calm and ready for the day ahead. After 7 years as a couple, they had gone through thick and thin, traveled, and bought their first home together. They could both say with certainty that they had found the one that they wanted to spend their lives with and were eager to make it official in front of the people they loved the most.

Sarah spent her morning with her girls at the house her and Mark had bought together, while Mark got ready with his guys at a hotel not too far away. Sarah’s sipped mimosas with her closest friends, stepped into her Essense of Australia gown and did up the clasp on her grandmother’s pearls. Mark knotted his bowtie, slipped into his shoes and clipped on his watch and they both headed to meet one another at the Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St Vladimir for their ceremony.

The church holds a lot of significance for them – Mark’s grandfather used to be a Priest there. The Ukrainian Catherdral has tall ceilings, ornate details and an insanely talented choir that sang from the balcony. It was beautiful! The ceremony was full of traditions, ending in vows, a kiss, and a joyful walk back down the aisle.

They stopped at The Art Gallery of Windsor for their first portraits as husband and wife along with their wedding party. Sarah’s bubbly nature and infectious laugh were ever present, the joy between the two of them completely apparent. They finished off their pictures and headed down the road to St. Clair Centre for the Arts for their reception. After being introduced into the hall, Sarah & Mark went straight into their first dance as the curtains rose to reveal the gorgeous waterfront.

Sarah & Mark, you two are a perfect match. We’ve loved getting to know and work with you. It was an honour to document this momentous day for you. We can’t wait to see where the future takes you, congratulations, Mr. & Mrs!

“You walked into my life like you had always lived there, like my heart was a home built just for you”. – A.R. Asher 

Windsor, Ontario Wedding Photographers | St. Clair Centre for the Arts | Manifesto Photography

A REVIEW FROM THE COUPLE

“The entire Manifesto family was fantastic to deal with. I honestly do not think our wedding day would have went as smoothly as it did without Arica and Josh. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for photographers. There attention to detail and making sure everyone was perfect in the pictures was beyond anything we could have ever expected.” -Sarah and Mark

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2018 Workshops | Windsor, Ontario Photography & Creative Workshops

Below is a list of your 2018 Photography & Creative Workshops. This list will be updated throughout the year, so come on back to check for new and exciting workshops for photographers and other creatives!


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Laura & Mike | Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre | Mastronardi Estate Winery | Windsor & Kingsville, Ontario Wedding Photographers

Love, when it looks like Laura & Mike’s, is absolutely worth the wait. They’ve known each other 13 years – they met when Mike was working at Starbucks and quickly became friends. 10 years in, they attended a wedding together and things took the best turn possible – friendship turned to a relationship and after three years as a couple, they said yes to decades more together this past month.

Laura is organized and detail oriented, a trait that was reflected throughout her wedding. We arrived that morning to a beautifully decorated house – balloons spelled out ‘LOVE’ on the mantel, a #wifey banner hung below. I gathered her perfume, earrings, and shoes – even those had ‘I DO’ detailed on them – and began to photograph them as Laura and her bridal team were pampered with hair and makeup. Laura sat in the light of the window, letting her makeup artist apply the final touches, and then headed to get into her dress with the help of her mom. Her bridesmaids handed her her bouquet, she slipped on her heels, and headed to MacKenzie Hall Cultural Centre for her first look with her soon-to-be husband.

Mike’s morning was similar – minus the hair and makeup ;) His groomsmen arrived at the house ready to stand by his side for the day ahead. His suit, cufflinks and shoes sat ready to be photographed. The guys helped one another tie their ties and do up cufflinks, and Mike took a few minutes alone to read a note from Laura and get into his into his own suit. Once they were all dressed, they spent the remainder of the morning outside, relaxing on the patio until it was time to see Laura for the first time.

Once at Mackenzie Hall, Mike stood calmly in the upstairs room, only a hit of nerves showing as he waited for his bride to walk in and tap him on the shoulder. Laura arrived and did just that. As soon as he turned around he wrapped his arms around her – it was elation and complete relief to finally see one another, and total excitement for the day of come. After a few photos together, their wedding party joined them and together they rocked their portraits, enthusiastically doing everything we asked and clearly having a blast together as always.

After portraits they headed to Mastronardi Estate Winery for their ceremony and went their separate ways. Guests trickled down the aisle and took their seats, and Mike took his place at the front with his groomsmen standing by his side. When everyone had arrived – it was go time – and Laura took her first steps down the aisle toward Mike to become husband and wife. Their ceremony went off without a hitch – they said their vows, placed the rings they had chosen on one another’s fingers, sealed the deal with a kiss – and just like that, they were husband and wife. Hand in hand they made their way back back down the aisle as everyone stood to congratulate the new Mr. & Mrs.

The reception hall at Mastronardi was decorated with cream and gold tablecloths, tall vases filled with flowers sat on guests tables, and flickering candles throughout the room made it feel cozy and intimate. Guests mingled and signed the guest book,  grazed at the sweets table and had fun in the photo-booth as they waited for the newlyweds to make their grand entrance. They didn’t dissapoint – Laura & Mike entered the room with hands in the air, a spin and a kiss, and took their place at the head table. Dinner was served as their parents gave their speeches. Laura & Mike took the podium to thank all those who came to support them and make their day an incredibly memorable one, before taking the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. They stepped outside for sunset portraits, sparkler photos and cigar shots, before rejoining everyone in the hall to dance the night away.

Laura & Mike, thank you for choosing us to capture your beautiful love story. Your day was so carefully planned and full of thoughtful details that reflected the love you have for each other. We loved getting to document it for you! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs!

“I swear I couldn’t love you more than I do right now, and yet I know tomorrow I will” | Leo Christopher

A REVIEW FROM THE COUPLE
“Arica and and Josh, We can summarize how your work makes us feel with one quote: 
“When people look at my pictures, I want them to feel they way they do when they want to read a line of a poem twice” 
– Robert Frank ( Swiss-American Photographer).
As he describes, your photographs make those who see them want to see look at them again and again and somehow experience something new and equally wonderful each time. 
Thank you so much for being such a big part of our wedding day! You two went above and beyond our expectations with your attention to detail and ability to find the beauty around every corner.  Your passion for what you do shines through in every photograph and you are both truly so gifted at your craft. We feel so privileged to have had one of the most important days of our lives captured through your lens.  Thanks again and keep up the great work!” | Laura & Michael Docherty

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Carly & Steven | St. Francis of Assisi Hall | Low-Martin Mansion | Windsor, Ontario Wedding Photographers

When you hear Carly & Steven talk about how they met, it’s hard not to believe certain people are totally meant to be together. Carly lived in Windsor working a one year contract at a medical office and Steven was in Pittsburg completing his residency. They were far enough apart to believe their paths would likely never cross. Yet somehow Carly’s one year contract turned into three, Steven decided to move back to Windsor despite being offered a position in Pittsburg, and suddenly the distance between them was much less. They worked together day in and day out at the same office, both knowing there was a spark there, and even though they were both hesitant to pursue a relationship with a coworker, Steven invited her out to drinks one night and Carly caved. It’s safe to say they hit it off – they spent 4 hours that night talking non-stop. Carly & Steven are best friends, adventure buddies, and partners who love each other through and through. We photographed their engagement session under a waterfall last November and this past month we were there to photograph the moment they committed to each other as husband and wife.

Carly started her day with her bridesmaids and parents at her and Steven’s home. When I arrived, Carly was glowing, calm, and collected. She looked beautiful (as always!) and the excitement in the house was palpable. Her Essense of Australia dress hung in the living room, and I started gathering her morning details for some detail photos while the girls continued getting their hair and makeup done. Shortly after, Carly stepped into her dress with the help of her mom, slipped her earrings in and slid into her Jimmy Choo flats. She was fully ready to marry the love of her life.

Steven had a more lively morning. Croatians know how to celebrate – the tables were stocked with food and drinks and the house and yard was full of friends and family singing Croatian songs, dancing together and waving flags. Steven snuck inside to get dressed into his suit and open the gift Carly had left for him, and headed back out to continue the celebration.

Their ceremony took place at St. Francis of Assisi Church and was full of rich tradition and meaning. Carly & Steven kept their eyes on each other throughout the ceremony, breaking out in smiles and laughter throughout. You could tell they felt incredibly lucky to be marrying one another. They said their vows and placed rings on each other’s fingers, smiling even as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, before walking back down the aisle surrounded by a church packed with those there to support them.

They headed to Lowe-Martin Mansion for the wedding party photos – the rich wooden details, stone fireplace, and natural light are incredible and complimented their style and vision for the day. After spending some time with their wedding party, they took a few moments alone for portraits together. The excitement and energy that surrounded them all day settled, as they wrapped their arms around each other and cuddled in, enjoying their first few hours as husband and wife.

The calm didn’t last long as they arrived at their reception at St. Francis of Assisi Hall. Their guests stood to welcome them and they entered to thunderous cheers. They walked straight onto the dance floor where their loved ones came to surround them in celebration with traditional Croatian dances. Once the dances ended, Carly & Steven made their way to the head table where they spent the rest of the evening listening to and giving speeches, toasting to one another and to their family and friends, before they opened up the dance floor and partied the night away.

Carly & Steven, your day was full of meaningful traditions that clearly showed the love you have for one another and the love your community has for you. We loved getting to come along this journey with you as you became husband and wife. Congratulations!

“I look at you and see the rest of my life in front of my eyes”. – Unknown

Windsor, Ontario Wedding Photographers | Lowe Martin Mansion | St. Francis of Assisi Hall | Manifesto Photography

A REVIEW FROM THE COUPLE

“The Manifesto team has been such a blessing to us throughout the whole wedding experience. Josh and Arica, as always, went above and beyond to ensure our wedding day was a success. Your talent, organization, and professionalism make you such a dream to work with. We received so many compliments from our wedding party, family and friends about you both. You truly care about your clients, wanting them to have the absolute best day possible and it shows. You not only captured beautiful photos but you helped ensure that we got to enjoy every moment as well. We greatly appreciate all of your hard work and kindness. You should both be very proud of all that you do.” – Carly & Steven

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Amanda & Ryan | The Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast | Mastronardi Estate Winery | Comber, Kingsville, & Windsor, Ontario Wedding Photographers

Ryan looks at Amanda the way that most women dream of being looked at by the person that they love, with sincere adoration. It’s that face a man makes when he knows he can only love her – every bit of her. Her smile, her quirks, her good and bad, that was it, he’d found his perfect match. Amanda returns that love with the comfort, ease and unabashed laughter that is continually present when she’s with him. They’ve been together for nearly five years, and after getting engaged at Disney World (more on that over on their engagement post), they married two weeks ago at Mastronardi Estate Winery.

Amanda spent the morning at the Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast in Comber, Ontario. The bed & breakfast itself is a photographers dream – textured plaster walls, warm wood accents, and the best vintage signs and palette shelves that decorate the walls. Amanda’s Maggie Sottero dress hung in the window, it’s full tulle skirt and beaded bodice fitting in perfectly between the cream curtains that hung on either side of the window. The atmosphere was peaceful and calm with the smells of a delicious breakfast of quiche, waffles, fresh berries, and more hung in the air. Amanda and her MOH got into their dresses and then it was time for the first look just outside the B&B under a big beautiful tree.

Ryan and his groomsmen were living it up at The Grove Hotel in Kingsville, Ontario. The Grove is such a cool spot! Ryan’s room had a typewriter on the desk and letterpress letters that decorated the wall behind the bed. Ryan closed the clasp on his Armani watch, slipped his suit jacket on and celebrated with a high-five and a pat on the back from the ever-supportive groomsmen before heading out to meet Amanda at The Iron Kettle.

Ryan took his place and waited anxiously for Amanda to tap him on the shoulder. As she walked up, his reaction gave his feelings away – he couldn’t believe how lucky he was to marry this girl. They enjoyed a few minutes together before joining their wedding party for portraits, taking full advantage of the orange brick, white trim, full trees and beautiful interior.

Mastronardi Estate Winery was set up for their ceremony in front of the vineyards, and for their reception just inside, which was to immediately to follow. The grounds had rows of chairs for their guests and an arbor covered in greenery, where Amanda and Ryan would make their vows. Inside, cream linens hung ceiling to floor behind the head table, the tables were decorated with gold tablecloths and alternated floating candles and tall vases filled with flowers. A caricature, reminiscent of their engagement story, sat on the guest table for their friends and family to sign, and pictures from their engagement session were framed next to the seating chart, beautifully designed by the talented Kat Bering Design Studio.

Amanda & Ryan took their vows, keeping their eyes on each other, before heading back down the aisle to guests waiting to congratulate them and celebrate with speeches and toasts of congratulations, stopping briefly for sunset portraits, before returning to their reception and a dance floor that would not stop. It was honestly the perfect day!

Amanda & Ryan, your love for each other is indisputable. We loved being able to capture your engagement session and your wedding day, both of which were so thoughtfully planned out with such personal and beautiful touches. Congratulations, newlyweds!

“A sky full of stars & he was staring at her.” – Atticus 

A REVIEW FROM THE COUPLE

“So it’s official—we are married! The day was absolutely perfect, from our first looks to walking down the aisle surrounded by our friends and family, to saying “I do.” I just can’t believe it’s over already, but at least now we will have the most beautiful memories to look back on thanks to Manifesto Photography. Ryan and I are so grateful to have had Joshua and Arica capture our special day for us. We couldn’t wait to see them for our wedding day after the fun we had with them for our engagement session last summer. Their energy, professionalism, and attention to detail was outstanding then and continued to be at our wedding. Their work speaks for itself. It’s more than just the photographs though. Anyone can take pictures, but Arica and Joshua are just incredible people and it is honestly a joy to work with them. The candid moments that they capture are amazing…like they know what to do or say to get those kinds of shots that just really showcase the emotion from their subjects. Words are one thing but to see that in a photo…it is just breathtaking. We will cherish these memories for many years to come and every time we look back at our photographs, we can feel like it just happened yesterday—all thanks to Joshua and Arica. So thank you so much again Josh and Arica! We had such a fun time with you both and can’t wait to work with you in the future!” – Amanda & Ryan 

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The Sciacca Family | Baby Leo | Maternity & In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Photographers

The Sciacca family met me for their maternity session just a few weeks before baby Leo was ready to make his grand entrance. I walked onto the boardwalk at Lakeview Park and met the Sciacca’s, who had arrived a few minutes early to let Nova, their 2.5 year, old explore her surroundings. Kristen was rocking a grey dress that showed off the baby bump that was keeping Leo safe and warm for those last few weeks, and Nova was busy watching the water through the railings. Kristen had mentioned that she could be a bit shy, but as soon as I got down on her level, introduced myself, and asked her to take us to the beach where we’d start taking pictures, she lit up and happily led the way. We spent the next 30 minutes snuggling, dipping toes in the water, chasing seagulls and photographing the soon-to-be family of four.

Leo arrived soon after and we were eager to meet their newest addition. He was so cute with this full head of brown hair, tiny fingers and toes, and bright curious eyes! Kristen had thoughtfully prepared his nursery – his name hung above two paddles on one side of the room, and sea animals decorated the walls above his crib and the rocking chair where they were bound to spend so many days and evenings. Tiny converse shoes, a gift from dad, sat on a shelf and a rose in memory of great grandpa hung from the paddles above the change table.

Their session started in the living room, piling on the couch – Mom, Dad, Nova (cookie in hand – living her best life), and Leo for the first family photo (Oscar, the family dog, included). Nova gave her baby brother a kiss and gently held his hand, before heading off with grandma and letting mom and dad sneak in a few pictures alone with baby Leo.

Sciacca family, we’ve loved getting to document this life-changing time for you. We can’t wait to continue to document your family as you grow together through the years. Congratulations!

“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.” – Robert Munsch 

A REVIEW FROM THE FAMILY

“We had the pleasure of working with Kristle and Arica for our maternity and newborn session and we received photos that we will cherish for years.

Kristle planned our maternity session with a colour palette and location that complements our home and style. We had planned an outdoor session and had to reschedule due to the weather. She was very accommodating with the rescheduling.

Kristle was so sweet with our two-year-old daughter, who at times is shy and does not like her photo taken. We ended up walking away with some of the sweetest pictures of our daughter and our precious baby bump.

Arica captured the most beautiful photos of our newborn son. Our house seemed a little chaotic that day and we were not sure if she was able to capture decent photos of our family. We were blown away when we saw the photos. She has a talent for capturing sincere moments shared between family. We are so grateful that we chose Manifesto to do our maternity and newborn session and look forward to working with them in the future.” – Anthony & Kristen (more…)

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Katie & Jacob | Lakeside Park & Mastronardi Estate Winery | Kingsville, Ontario Wedding Photographers

Katie & Jacob have that crazy-about-each-other, head-over-heels, fairytale love thing going on when they speak about each other because they both know they’ve hit the jackpot. Katie’s an extrovert – she’s bubbly, carefree, and kind. She loves people and is always up for new adventures. Jake is an introvert – but he’s just as easy-going and is considerate not only with Katie but with everyone he encounters. They grew up together, but it wasn’t until one night when they ran into each other at a bar and chatted the night away that they saw what they hadn’t seen before. Soon after that night, they started dating and only a few weeks later they realized they were falling for one another and agreed they were going to be married. They are actually the epitome of ‘when you know, you know’ and of course, the story gets even more romantic. The more they spoke about their wedding day, the more the realized they wanted something personal, unique, and intimate and so after a night out in Toronto, Jake got down on one knee and asked Katie to marry him  – the next day. In their words, “We didn’t have a dress, bands, or shoes, but it didn’t matter – by the next day we had scrambled to put together one of the most amazing afternoons of our entire lives, and tied the knot at City Hall before the few close friends who could attend on such short notice. All agreed it was an incredible, jubilant and beautiful occasion which not only felt right but was a long time coming.”

A while later, Katie & Jacob put together a wedding where they reaffirmed their vows and celebrated with their family and friends. Katie started the day at her sister’s house with her family and bridesmaids. Katie’s Allure Bridal dress hung from the window, while she and her bridesmaids relaxed with a bottle of bubbly in matching robes and ‘bridesmaid’ champagne glasses. As they were pampered, getting their hair done and makeup applied, Arica spent some time photographing the details of her day – her Badgley Mischka shoes, her gorgeous bouquet from Thiessen’s Flower Shop and her beautiful earrings. Once they were ready to go, Katie sat down to open her gift from Jacob – a basket full of thoughtful gifts, an emergency kit, and shoes he had HAND EMBROIDERED himself with ‘Mrs. Merritt’ and their wedding date. Best. Gift. Ever. She stepped into her dress and flats with the help of her mom and bridesmaids and was beaming from ear to ear as we snapped a few bridal portraits.

Jacob’s day started at his parents’ house where the guys were pampered themselves. Jacob brought in a hairdresser to make sure everyone was in tip-top shape for the day, and they took turns between bites of the delicious pulled pork sandwiches. Jacob got into his Calvin Klein charcoal suit, but not before presenting the guys with the most thoughtful groomsmen gifts I’ve seen yet – customized beers with caricatures of each of his groomsmen. Everyone was blown away at the attention to detail!

Once they were both ready for the day, they met at Lakeside Park in Kingsville for their first look and wedding party portraits. Jacob took his place at the bottom of the hill, and Katie snuck up slowly behind him for their first look. She tapped him on the shoulder and of course, was met with a tight hug and admiration from Jacob as soon as he turned around. They barely stopped smiling throughout their portraits as they soaked in every minute together underneath the giant trees the park has to offer. Their wedding party soon joined them for photos before heading to Mastronardi Estate Winery for their ceremony and reception.

The winery looked spectacular, as always! The tables were draped in cream and gold lace linens, white drapery hung from the ceiling behind the head table, blush napkins sat atop gold charger plates at each setting, and dark wooden chairs and gold candles added warmth to the room. Guests mingled, signing the guest book before heading outside to take their seats in front of the vineyards where the ceremony was to take place. Jacob opened his gift from Katie as he waited – an artist’s sketch of a portrait of their city hall ceremony (they are both such thoughtful gift givers!) – before he and his groomsmen took their place in front of the wooden arbor. As the ceremony started, the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle, and then it was Katie’s turn. The guests stood and Katie emerged with her dad and walked confidently towards Jacob to once again affirm her commitment to him and their life together. They had so hoped for an outdoor ceremony and the timing of everything perfectly fell into place (as it always seems to do with them) as the raindrops started to fall as soon as the guests had finished entering the venue.

We made use of their head table’s backdrop for their family portraits and soon the cocktail hour was over and the party was about to start. The dinner, speeches, and dances were all incredible. We were even able to sneak outside just after the rain for the most epic sunset. Overall, it was actually a perfect day.

Katie & Jacob, your love is inspiring. Listening to you tell us your story only solidified the feeling we already had about you two, that you were right for each other. We love how you respect and honour each other with your words and actions. Things just align for you guys and it’s crazy, but makes sense. We’re so happy for you!

“I love her and that’s the beginning and end of everything”. – F. Scott Fitzgerald

A REVIEW FROM THE COUPLE
“It’s been a few weeks but we still can’t believe what an amazing time the wedding was. You two did such an incredible job leading up to the big day, and taking care of all the details along the way. Josh, we’ve had so many good things to say about your genuine attitude, professionalism, and just general awesome service every step of the way. You’ve gained a true skill for taking care of so many of the little details along the way and really made the morning of the wedding roll out beautifully – and thanks to your suggestion we started the ceremony early and were able to have a fantastic outdoor exchanging of vows, as planned. Arica you are so warm and genuine and instantly made us feel comfortable. From the start you were nothing but patient and kind and answered all of our questions and were so accommodating. The day of the wedding went incredibly smoothly because of you both and you made our day more perfect than we could have imagined. It was easy to trust that the two of you would make the day a success and we would – and have – been recommending you to everyone. Our relationship has been life changing to us and getting to spend forever together has truly been a surreal fairytale and we will never be able to thank you enough for capturing our love perfectly.”  | Katie & Jake Merritt

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