My two favourite things about summer are the flowers and the sunsets. The warmth is a close third, and the evening of Mable & Bogdan’s family session delivered on every account. Mable is a fashion blogger and expert on all things feminine & pretty, so when we were planning her session, we knew we needed a location that boasted the same. A sprawling private property in Kingsville fit the bill – right across from Lake Erie, it had it’s own pond and vineyards, and a flower covered trellis with a wooden swing. The sun set perfectly over the fields as we shot – and let me tell you, I do a happy dance every time we get a gorgeous sunset. There’s nothing quite like that glow through the trees to amp up a portrait.

Elliana, their little girl, was the first to greet me. In her frilly white dress, she wasn’t shy in the slightest as I got down to introduce myself, and she did the same. Niko, her little brother, was a bit more hesitant but warmed up quickly as he jumped out of the van, pumped to explore the vast property they just landed on. Mable was dressed in a white dress of her own – simple with a lace overlay, and Bogdan in a classic white button-down. Mable nailed the outfit coordination, as expected – she kept it neutral but added variety with textures and patterns.

We started their shoot under a grand oak tree. The sun filtered through as Mable and Bogdan cuddle up and the kids chased each other around them. The remainder of the night was as easy going and lighthearted as the beginning. We played games, the children picked flowers for mom, and dad tossed them up in the air. We brought bubbles out, to their delight, and they danced through them, trying to catch and pop them. Mom set up a picnic (which I fully enjoyed with them, after snapping a few shots), before ending the night reading a book together on the swing under the wooden trellis.

Mable, Bogdan, Elliana, & Niko, Thank you for the lovely summer evening full of picnics, bubbles, and sunsets. I’m already looking forward to your next session!

“Time spent playing with children is never wasted.” – Dawn Lantero

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A warm summer evening, a wide open field to run in, buildings full of character as backdrops, and water to skip rocks in – John R. Park Homestead was the ideal backdrop for the Cacilhas family’s portraits earlier this month.

We had the privilege of photographing Monica and Bruno’s wedding, so when it came time to document their growing family, they reached out to Manifesto once again.

We met in the parking lot as they climbed out of the car and greeted us, catching us up on their lives as they made last minute adjustments – combing the littlest’s hair, straightening Domenic’s shirt. The kids showed up full of energy and were ready to run.

The sun had already started to lower and was peaking through the line of trees, creating a beautiful glow as we started our session. Domenic brought the jokes and silly faces, making us laugh right off the bat while Madelyn was more reserved, full of giggles and sweet smiles. Both showed such care as they doted on their little sister, Leilani, who soaked up every ounce of their love (when she wasn’t squirming out of someone’s arms! In true one year old fashion, she liked to move!).

At the end of the session, Monica and Bruno took a few moments to themselves by the water, enjoying the quiet of the empty property as we took a few portraits of them as a couple. It was past sunset by the time we wrapped up the fun and the kids climbed back into the car, everyone a little more tired than they started, ready to head home to their beds. 

Monica and Bruno, thank you for trusting us again with your family’s memories. We’ve loved being with you as your family grows, documenting the love you pour out on your family and getting sneak peaks into the unique personalities each one of your children adds. Together you make an amazing team. Can’t wait until next time!

“We want to thank Arica and Kristle for the amazing experience we had with our family photo session. The entire process was fun and effortless. They are able to take a situation which would otherwise be stressful and awkward and make it relaxed and comfortable.

                    Arica and Kristle were so great with the kids, had them laughing and playing games. The kids are still singing Arica’s improvised song to get the baby’s attention!  I especially love their personalized approach – they really took the time to get to know all of us before and during the session.

We have so many beautiful photos which showcase our emotions and personalities! They are just so talented and genuine, which is why we have kept coming back, and will continue to rely on them to capture these beautiful moments in time for us.”

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We first met April & Stephane at the wedding of Natalie & CJ back in 2015. At that time they were two best friends in love that had known each other since grade nine. Soon after the wedding, April & Stephane got engaged and we had the opportunity to capture their engagement session and wedding day. When they announced their pregnancy we were thrilled to be along with them once again on their new adventure into parenthood!

They radiated happiness throughout their maternity session, laughing together while walking around the Willistead Manor property, enjoying one of their last nights as two before they become a family of three. Little knit booties in hand, our conversation swirled around dreams and hopes for the days ahead.  

April and Stephane, watching you go from a dating, to engaged, to married, to now becoming parents has been one of our greatest honours and joys. We can’t wait to share your adorable newborn session with the world real soon! Congratulations, Harper is absolutely divine!

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.” – Rajneesh

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