Melanie & Robert | Detroit, Michigan | Windsor, Ontario Engagement Photographers

8° Plato in Detroit is the spot where everyone knows Mel & Rob’s name. Being craft beer fanatics and having spent so much of their relationship in Michigan it made a perfect colourful backdrop for their engagement session. Whether it was just being in a familiar setting or the ease each brings to the other, they were ready to give the camera all the smiles, laughs, and smooches.

Rob & Mel met at a mutual friend’s wedding. Melanie’s thoughtfulness and fun-loving disposition had Robert head over heels in no time. His adventurous side and sense of humour added to his rugged good looks, she was sold. They look damn good together and fit perfectly into each other arms.

Rob and Mel, thanks for choosing us to capture such a special time in your lives. I had a blast exploring Detroit alongside you. The countdown is on! We can’t wait for your wedding this weekend! 

“Love has 4 letters. So does beer.” –  Earl Dibbles Jr.

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Kasia & Anthony | Dumbo | SoHo | New York City, USA | Destination Engagement Photographers | Part 2

Kasia and Anthony led the way around New York, one of their all time favourite cities. They got us in a New York state of mind after spending the first day in Central Park (see part one here). On our second day together they took us to SoHo and Dumbo for part two of their engagement session.

We hit the pavement that day, Kasia in a sleek black dress and Anthony looking like a GQ model with his fitted grey suit. SoHo’s cobblestone streets and upscale shops helped us create photos dripping with sophistication with a bit of a paparazzi flare. Dumbo gave us the best view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline of Manhattan’s financial district, the epitome of New York.

Kasia & Anthony, thank you again for letting Manifesto tag along on one of your awesome adventures. It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you over the past year. You have become near and dear to our hearts. We are so excited to document your wedding day this Saturday!

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Six Tips to rock your Family Session (and have fun doing it!) | Manifesto Photography | Windsor, Ontario

Every year, I hear parent’s hesitation to book family photos. I get it. I mean, WHO in their right mind wants to dress their kids up, force them to sit still so they can get JUST ONE good family picture, only to end up with forced ‘cheese’ faces and prooobably a meltdown somewhere in there.

We hear you, so we’ve figured out a way to make family portraits fun, stress-free and get the results we’re all hoping for – genuine smiles, a portrait or two for the wall, and memories of this year that passed way too quickly. Yes, even for those of you who think your children are the exception ;)

On our end, there are a few things we do to make your experience the best one possible. It starts with a questionnaire so we can get to know your family and help you plan your session. During the session, you can expect me to make fast friends with your children, racing them (letting them win of course) and singing silly songs to get the best laughs. After your session, you’re invited into our studio to enjoy a coffee, view your images and choose your products.

On your end, for those of you thinking of scheduling a family session, I’ve put together a few tips to help it go as smoothly as possible.

1. Schedule for the best light.

We love to shoot 1-2 hours before sunset or 1-2 hours after sunrise for the absolute best lighting.

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Kasia & Anthony | Central Park | New York City, USA | Destination Engagement Photographers | Part 1

Kasia thought nothing of it when Anthony drove down to the river to relax by the water while they were out on their date. This was a typical outing for them and the very spot they had their first date. As they sat together sipping coffee, they took some time to reminisce about that first date and mull over details about how they met.

Unaware what Anthony was up to as he struck up a casual conversation: “Are you glad I called you back after our first date?” Kasia replied: “Of course!” Anthony followed that up with another question: “Would you be happy if I asked you to marry me?” Kasia didn’t hesitate with the answer… “Yes!”

Kasia is beautiful. Like, inside and out, through and through beautiful. She’s funny, caring, and exudes happiness. Anthony is a riot. He’s charismatic, thoughtful, and can easily strike up a conversation with anyone. Together they are best friends and a perfect pair. They share a love for caffeinated beverages, globe-trotting, and delicious food. Their love is genuine, their interactions playful and caring.

Upon our first meeting with Kasia and Anthony, the dream of doing a destination engagement session was already in the works. We were so excited to have been able to join them in New York City, one of their favourite places on earth.

We spent our first day shooting in Central Park, a pocket of New York that in itself has so many places to explore. We seriously had no idea just how big this place really was (we definitely got our steps in for the day)! Some of the better-known spots used as a backdrop for the shoot included Belvedere Castle, Bow Bridge, and Bethesda Terrace. Each nook and cranny holding a unique beauty.

Having really only spent time with Kasia and Anthony at their consultation and chats by phone before our trip, we hit it off immediately. They were surprisingly relaxed in front of the camera and got into a playful rhythm that kept us all in stitches throughout the day. Stay posted for part two of their session!

Kasia and Anthony, thank you for making this such an outstanding experience from start to finish! It was incredible to travel to The Big Apple with two of the most down to earth and kind people we’ve ever meet. We are so excited to share your wedding day with you (soon)!

“Turn on every light in new york city, I’d still be blind if you weren’t with me.” – Mona Lisa

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“Choosing Manifesto to come to New York with us was the best decision we could have made. They captured our love for New York City better than we could have imagined. Manifesto provided a personal and artistic touch unlike any other. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for the memories of that weekend. We will be enjoying them for a lifetime to come”. – Kasia & Anthony

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Baby Harper | Windsor, Ontario Newborn Photographers

She has her mom’s slate blue eyes, blonde hair, and the most delicate, feminine features. Her nursery was put together with the greatest care by those who love her most, her shelves already stocked with books for bedtime stories. As we laid her in her crib for some photos, her tiny frame seem even smaller. Her fluffy stuffed bunny off to her side, ready to become her best bud as she grows.

April and Stephane had the glow of new parents, so in love with their baby girl. Harper slept most of the morning away, content to be cuddled up in bed and wrapped in her parents’ arms. She fit perfectly in dad’s hands as I captured her tiny lashes and ten little toes. And as she cuddled with mom, she let out a few sleepy smiles and sighs.

April and Stephane, congratulations on welcoming the most perfect addition into your family! It’s been an honour and joy to document some of your biggest milestones, from engagement, to wedding, your maternity session and now your little girl. I’m looking forward to watching your love grow even more as you embark on the newest part of your journey! May you always remember just how blessed you are to have each other every single day.

“You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.” – E.E. Cummings

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Marie & Andrew | The Armoury Banquet and Conference Centre | Chatham, Ontario Wedding Photographers

When I think about Marie & Andrew together, my heart feels like it could burst. Having known Marie for most of my life and watching her grow up into an incredible woman, seeing her meeting a man like Andrew felt like a dream come true! They deserve each other in the most wonderful way. Oh, and if you haven’t seen their Secret Garden themed Engagement Session, you can check out by clicking here.

Marie and Andrew decided to host their wedding in Chatham, starting off with some getting ready photos at the Retro Suites. As I walked into the girls’ suite there was a sense of purpose and calmness that is usually pretty uncommon on a wedding day. The girls were relaxed, laughing, and filled with joyful anticipation for the ceremony ahead. Marie looked as sure as she’s ever been that today she was making one of the best decisions of her life. The guys’ suite had a similar feel to it. Andrew’s groomsmen and he are a tightly knit group. They share a friendship that goes beyond a surface level bromance. They were there in full force to support and celebrate Andrew’s decision to commit his life to a partnership with Marie.

For a summer day, the weather was just perfect. We made our way to a small parkette for Marie and Andrew’s first look, and the way Andrew looked at Marie as he turned around and saw her for the first time? GOALS. They are both so clearly enamored with one another, evident as they took a moment together to enjoy the reality of this day. They soon joined their wedding party and rocked their portraits. They. were. models.

Their reception continued at the Chatham Armouries (which is now a new favourite venue of ours). The brick walls and tall ceilings made for a unique backdrop, and the warm wood decorations, candles, white drapery and greenery made for a natural and cozy setting for their reception. The speeches were filled with kind words, inside jokes and jabs at one another, a reflection of the comfort and genuine relationships Marie and Andrew have with their friends and friends.

We ended the night photographing their first dance as husband and wife, which they finished off with a bow before the dance floor opened up and they got the party started.

Marie & Andrew, it’s been a joy to walk through multiple chapters of your life with you, and an honour to document this new and exciting one, as you start your lives as Mr. & Mrs! May you have a long life of love, happiness, and great health. Love you guys!

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.”

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“It was a joy and a relief to have Arica and Josh with us for our photography on our wedding day.  Having had the time to get to know them better in front of the camera during our engagement shoot, we were relaxed and comfortable as they took pictures throughout our special day.  We had total trust in their vision and were able to focus on the experience of our wedding day instead of worrying about what memories would be captured.  We knew whatever Manifesto shot would be amazing and our photos exceeded even these high expectations.  Arica and Josh scouted the perfect location for our First Look, as the location we had suggested was not going to work very well.  Their suggestion made our first look experience and wedding party photos extra special and these are among some of our favourites of the day.

 Of all things, we were originally against doing a first look before sitting down with Arica and Josh to discuss it.  They were clear that they respected and supported our wishes, but offered some additional insight to the advantages of a first look that we had not considered.  We are so glad they did- it totally changed our perspective on the first look and we ended up incorporating that into our day.  As a result, we got to spend precious time alone to be with each other before the ceremony- probably the only time we had alone the whole day!  It also gave us the opportunity to take our wedding party photos so that we could spend the entirety of our cocktail hour with our family and friends, many of whom had come in from out of town to celebrate with us.

 Manifesto captures those special moments when you may not even realize they are there- they are photography ninjas and caught beautiful, candid and heartfelt moments when no one realized a camera was on them.  The energy and positivity Arica and Josh brought to the day kept the wedding party feeling great and their organization kept everyone on schedule- they really thought of everything.  We are so thankful to have had Manifesto Photography as our photographers on our wedding day.  The special moments and memories they captured will allow us to relive our wedding day for years to come and are an invaluable keepsake as we reflect on our marriage.  Thank you Arica and Josh!” – Marie & Andrew

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Ryan & Amanda | The Old Harrow Mill | Windsor, Ontario Engagement Photographers

On their first full day at Disney Land, Ryan wanted to get a caricature drawing done. Amanda wasn’t sure why he insisted on doing it at that moment in Magic Kingdom but his persistence won and they sat down for a drawing. The artist explained what she would draw but Ryan didn’t seem to understand her so he went up to the easel to clarify. Throughout the session, Ryan seemed deep in thought and Amanda wondered why he’d been acting so strange all of a sudden. Once the lady finished their drawing and showed them the picture, Ryan’s funny behaviour made sense. Under the portrait were the words Amanda will you marry me? Tears welled up in her eyes as Ryan got down on one knee and she said yes! Amanda had always loved looking through engagement photos done at Disney Land and Ryan wanted nothing more than to make her happy, and in the happiest place on earth no less!

We decided to have our engagement session at The Old Harrow Mill. We explored the surroundings of the Mill with its fun vintage charm and ended our session on a romantic note, sunlight streaming through the slits in the window, Ryan and Amanda settling together as the day started to fade into dusk.

Amanda and Ryan, congratulations on this next step in your lives together! We had a great time getting to know you both during your engagement session and can’t wait for the fun and memories to be made at your wedding!

“Love is the voice under all silences, the hope which has no opposite in fear; the strength so strong mere force is feebleness: the truth more first than sun, more last than star.” -E.E. Cummings

Manifesto Photography | Windsor, Ontario Engagement Photographers | The Old Harrow Mill | Harrow, Ontario

“After Ryan and I got engaged I knew right away that we had to have Manifesto Photography as our photographers for our big day. When Ryan proposed, they were the first people I contacted because I wanted to make sure they were available on the date we were thinking. I knew it was important to try and book with them before even thinking about venues and everything else that goes along with planning a wedding because they are so busy. Photographs are so important to me, I like knowing we will always be able to keep those memories fresh, and I wanted to choose a photographer who I really thought could capture a moment. I knew that would be Manifesto Photography for us. From the moment we met Arica and Josh we knew we made the right decision. They invited us into their studio, and made us feel comfortable immediately. It was just so easy to talk to them and we could tell that they really wanted to get to know us. When it came time for our engagement shoot we were pretty nervous, we had both never had our pictures taken professionally before, and we were worried about coming across stiff in our photographs. After a few photos though the nerves disappeared and we were having so much fun with it, laughing and goofy around, and it was all thanks to them! Now, after seeing the photos and how great they turned out, we can’t wait for them to capture our wedding day, and getting to share that experience with our family and friends. Thank you Arica and Josh!” – Amanda & Ryan 

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