Form submitted successfully, thank you.

Error submitting form, please try again.

Kristin Allely Photography — The Blog bio picture

Hello world, here I am!

<-- Pssst.  Over here.  This is yours truly.  Pleasure to meet you :)

Hola to all my blog readers and welcome to my little slice of the internet pie.  The blog is not only the place to take your shoes off, kick back, relax and discuss what's on your mind but also where I'll be posting some of my latest work.  So I hope you'll check back often ; ) (Hint, hint, check back often!)

I guess since we're all friends here, I should tell you a bit about myself.  Let me start by saying, I've always hard a time writing about myself (what can I say, I like to keep it humble) so I'll keep this short and sweet and we can get onto the good stuff: the images!

I'm a wedding photographer based out of beautiful Oakville, Ontario and I asbolutely love what I do.  Seriously, who doesn't just love people in love?!  I love the excitement, the emotion and the responsibility that comes along with being included in what is often one of the most important days in someone's life.

The two loves of my life: of course there's my "Mister" and our little guy, Boston terrier and foot warmer extraordinare Jackson.  Even though at times it's hard to determine who's the favorite, they both help keep life spicy and I couldn't ask for anything more.

Other likes: my iPhone (couldn't live without it), old beaten-up cowboy boots, shrimp pad thai, Judd Apatow flicks, venti Caramel Macchiatos, the ocean (even though I can't swim- crazy, I know)

Lest this start sounding like a personal add, I'll stop there.  Anything questions any of you delightful blog readers might have for me, shoot me over an e-mail and we'll chat!

Ciao for now...


Photo courtesy of Dave and Charlotte - Lifestyle Photographers

Kate & Ian: Part 2

I just can’t say enough about Kate and Ian’s special day, so I think I’ll let the images speak for themselves.  As promised, here are a few from Kate and Ian’s fun-filled affair held at Le Select, downtown Toronto.  

le_select_toronto_restaurant

wedding_at_le_select_toronto

le_select_toronto

wedding_reception_toronto

bubbly_at_le_select_toronto

cake

details_3

wedding_reception_toronto1

janet_mc

saying_grace

ian_le_select

kate_le_select

Kate and Ian, thank you so much for inviting me to play a role in your special day.  I feel so blessed to have clients (and friends) like you.  All the best, now and in the future! 

Till next time,

sig3

Kate & Ian: Married in High Park

Well, just as the weatherman predicted Saturday turned out to be wet and soggy day.  Most people would be miserable to wake up to that kind of weather, but not Kate and Ian.  Why?  Because Saturday was the day they were getting married!

Kate and Ian have two of the most refreshing attitudes I have ever encountered :)  The weather didn’t get them down one bit and in fact, if I dare say, I think it adds to the story of their special day.  It’s something they’ll always remember when looking back in time on their marriage celebration.  

smiling-in-the-rain

There’s an old wives tale that says rain on your wedding day will bring you good luck, but having spent the day with Kate and Ian, and their families, I know they won’t need it.    

Originally, the ceremony was to be held at the beautiful Colborne Lodge located in High Park, Toronto.  Kate and Ian opted to see each other before the ceremony, and I would highly recommend that to many of my couples.  It’s a great way to calm the nerves and to steal a couple quiet minutes with your honey before the hustle and bustle of the rest of the day.

wedding-at-colburne-lodge

kissing-in-high-park

wedding-couple-at-colburne-lodge-high-park

portrait

I absolutely love this series of Ian, well…  Being Ian!  I asked kate to make him laugh for me (by doing something silly behind my back) and did she ever deliver!  Kate, I don’t know what you were doing back there but by the looks of it, Ian like it lol.

ian-having-fun

moments-before-ceremony

bride-and-groom-at-colburne-lodg

blushing-bride

After some last minute deliberation, it was decided to move the ceremony indoors to the Carriage House (which is just adjacent to Colborne Lodge).  One the way back, we were meet by Roscoe, looking particularly dapper for the special occasion.

roscoe-in-doggie-tuxedo

Kate’s father is a minister, and was extremely touching that he was able to preside over their ceremony.  He just looked so proud.

the-bride-and-her-father

wedding-ceremony

After a delightful ceremony, it was time for the first kiss.  Finally Mr. and Mrs.  

first-kiss

the-new-mr-and-mrs

As if right on schedule, the moment the ceremony ended, the skies cleared up and the sun started shining.  Which suit us just fine as we head outside to allow the guests to mingle and congratulate the couple of honor.

beautiful_bouquet

sunshine-after-the-rain

congrats

receiving-line

wedding-in-high-park

Since there are just toooo many juicy images from this wedding to post all in one day, make sure you check back tomorrow for Kate and Ian reception at fabulous Le Select in downtown Toronto.  But I won’t leave you completely hanging.  Here’s just a sneak peek of what to expect tomorrow…

kiss-at-le-select

Till next time,

sig2

Mandie + Marty: Wedding Revived

The wedding dress.  

So much time and effort goes into finding the perfect dress, that I don’t know any bride that wouldn’t jump at a second chance to sport it again -heck, I know I would (and in fact am, much to the dismay of the Mister but that’s another story for another day!)

I’ve known Mandie for a little while now, and when she mentioned that she’d like to get back into her threads and “trash the dress” I was happy to oblige.  What an awesome opportunity to head out to a location one might not have had time to visit on the wedding day and get a little dirty!  

Both Mandie and Marty were troopers, dealing with major heat and and some crazy bugs (I’m still recovering from a few too many bites) but it was well worth it.

happy_couple_oakville

We met at the old CN rail tracks and we rocked it.  Mandie was willing to do almost everything, even invoke her inner monkey.  Climbing up the side of a broken down rail car - no problem!  And she looks like a star doing it to boot.

trash_the_dress

so_in_love

kissing

playing_hard_to_get

This is probably one of my favorite shots of the day.  Beautiful couple + real emotion =  awesome image.  I can already imagine it as a giant canvas hanging in their living room (hint, hint Mandie!)

old_broken_down_train

What a stunner - Marty, you are one lucky guy!

beautiful_bride 

Mandie and Marty, thanks for being such great sports and open to every idea thrown at you :)

Till next time,

sig1

Laurie + Kevin: Adventures in Kettleby!

It’s definitely been busy around here lately, and this blog post is well over-due.

When Laurie and Kevin told they wanted to do their engagement session in Kettleby, I thought ’sure, why not?’ I love to explore areas that I’m not familiar with and expand my horizons.  Laurie explained to me the special significance the area holds for her family (having grown up there) and with that I headed north on a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning.  Little did I know what a diverse little town Kettleby actually is!  

We meet outside the old church and had a ton of fun shooting in and around it, and even shared a few laughs with the minister.  We then headed out to the open fields that line both side of the streets.  I’m always amazed at the tranquility of those pockets of farmland located so close to the city.  It’s so peaceful and quite that one can forget where they are!  It feels like a different world at times :)

gorgous_couple

hanging_out

in_love_engagement_photos

engagement_location_kettleby

Laurie and Kevin were like old pros in front of the camera and I had an absolute blast shooting them.  Kevin, being a jokester had Laurie in stitches the whole time.

so_much_fun

After shooting on the “strip” we headed down to a gorgeous little pocket of greenery by a babbling brook.  I pulled out my 70-200 lens and decided to let Laurie and Kevin a few minutes alone.

awesome_engagement_photo1

You can truly feel the love between these two :)

awesome_lighting

Although it felt like only minutes, we had actually been shooting for a couple hours.  Modeling is hard work after all, and these guys needed a break.  On our way back, we came across some old fence that offered us some shade from the morning sun.  But Laurie and Kevin never stopped working it!

fields_in_kettleby

taking_a_break

engagement_photo_kettleby

A huge heartfelt thank you guys for allowing me into your lives, and allowing me to document your special day and those leading up to it.  See you in August!

Till next time,

sig

Kate + Ian: A Saturday in High Park

Wow, where does the time go?  I just can’t believe it’s May already.  Spring has finally sprung, the birds are out chirping and the sun is shinning (at least most of the time).  When Kate and Ian contacted me for their engagement session in High Park, I kept my fingers crossed for one of these beautiful spring days and the powers that be didn’t disappoint.  We had chatted a couple days earlier about their adorable pup Roscoe joining in on the fun, and this is the mug I was met with when I arrived:

introducing_roscoe

What a cutie.  The little guys will always have a soft spot in my heart.  As we slowly made our way down towards the cherry blossom trees, we cut through an off leash area of High Park, affectionately known as Dog Hill.  Not only were there a million and one dogs there, but the light was fantastic so we stopped to shoot a couple quick and relaxed candids.  Don’t you just love the way Kate looks at him?  You know these guys are having fun.

walk_in_the_park

We finally made our way down to the cherry blossoms, only to discovery that we were a little late and there were already throngs of people there.  No worries though.  High Park is so vast and has so many different nooks and crannies to shoot in that we decided to explore a little more.  We were laughing the whole time and it was great to be able to hang out like old friends.  I absolutely love it when my couples are this comfortable with me :)

just_hanging_out

Kate and Ian are actually having their wedding ceremony at Colburne Lodge, right in the centre of High Park.  It’s definite a pretty cool location with it’s wrap around porch and old canon (yes, you read right.  A canon.  I know, right?) and one I haven’t shot before so I’m really looking forward to it. My creative juices are flowing already.    And, as if you needed another plus, look at the all beauty surrounding it.  We found this amazing old willow tree on the way up to the lodge.  I think we worked it, if I do say so myself.

engagement_session_in_high_park

the_old_willow_tree

Haha, I love this shot of poor Roscoe.  I think at this point he’s over all the kissing and wondering when he’s going to get a little something (namely a treat) of his own for being such a good boy…

kissing_by_the_water

Kate and Ian, thanks again for being such an amazing couple and I can’t wait until the wedding ;)

Till next time,

sig

Invites galore!

So, as some of you wonderful blog readers may know I’m stepping out from behind the camera this summer for my own chance to play a blushing bride- to-be!  It’s going to be both exciting and nerve-racking, but then again I wouldn’t have it any other way.

With the date quickly approaching, it was time to start thinking about our stationary design and I’m so glad that our wedding planner extraordinaire, Sonia of One of a Kind Weddings was able to hook us up with Out of the Box Ideas.  We knew we were looking for a little different (black maybe?), but not so much so that it was out of line with what we’re planning for our special day.  Jeromina was able read our minds and to put our thoughts down on paper, literally, lol.

We totally dig’em and they set the tone perfectly for our hollywood glamour bash :)

 

out_of_the_box_ideas_invites

art_deco_monogram

map_reply_card

awesome_ribbon

Introducing Kiss Wedding Books!

Little know fact about me, I love love love getting mail.  Really, who doesn’t?  Growing up, a colorful envelope containing a card or letter from a far away relative would make my day.  I can’t say much as changed (other then nowadays we just e-mail each other but hey, that’s technology for ya).  To this day, receiving a parcel is a sure fire way to bring a smile to my face — the Mister, not so much as it usually means that I’ve been hitting up e-Bay again.  But that’s another story for another day :)

 So a couple weeks ago, I finally received a long await package — my first Kiss wedding book.  Even I, the self-crowned most impatient person in the world can admit the wait was soo totally worth it.  These albums are absolutely gorgeous, with their supple leather covers and thick pages and are definitely the stuff to make your girlfriends jealous, hehe.

Check it out the awesomeness for yourself :

kiss_wedding_book

Not only is the album to die for, but so is the stylish dust bag that it comes with.  According to the folk at Kiss, no cardboard boxes were good enough for these albums, and I’ve got to agree.

kiss_awesomeness

The 100% full grain, natural leather cover in smoldering brown.  Other colors include sultry blue, forbidden green and redlight red.  Don’t you just love the names?  I can’t wait to order a sample in passion pink.

all_natural_leather

excellent_craftsmanship

The albums are designed to lay flat and, this is definitely the best part, there’s no image loss in the gutter.  Basically, instead of cutting your image down the down the middle, the book is designed as a series of two page spreads with a micro fold.  Micro fold = no image loss.  Yay for Kiss.   

here_is_a_spread

microfold

And the pages, who could forget about the 2mm thick pages?!  The construction of these albums is incredible.

beautiful_thick_pages

kiss_awesomeness_2sample_kiss_wedding_album

A big thanks to the whole crew at Kiss for not only their amazing product, but also their amazing customer service.  It’s hard to find companies that actually value their customers, but these guys do just that and have no problem bending over backwards to make sure the experience is all that it should be.  

Till next time,

sig

Noelle + John :: Married

When I first met Noelle and John, I instantly knew that their wedding was going to be something unique, and they didn’t disappoint.  Held at a private residence here in beautiful Okaville, the vibe was relaxed and love was in the air.  There was plenty of laughter to go around, much of it courtesy of this little guy:

welcome Noelle and John decided to mingle with their guest before the ceremony, which I thought was incredibly cool and definitely added to the imitate feel of their day.  But as six o’clock quickly approached, it was time for Noelle to pull herself away from the party and begin getting ready for the ceremony.

gettingready_1

gettingready_2

What a beautiful bride.  She was absolutely radiant as she headed back downstairs to marry John.

ceremony_1

ceremony_2

ceremony_3

ceremony_4

After a joy filled ceremony, we headed outside to do a few relaxed portraits.  The light was to die for.  Check it out for yourself :)

formal_2

formal_1

These guys were a blast to work (and troopers too!  Trust me, it looks a lot warmer then it actually was) and you can see how much they love each other.

formal_3

Time to party!  I don’t think anyone was as excited as little Benjamin.  After Noelle and John, he was without a doubt the star of the show.

fun

I was blown away by the incredible miniature wedding cakes prepared for each guest by the bride’s sister.  They were some of the cutest little cakes I’ve ever seen and the guests enjoyed them immensely.  She did a fabulous job on the cookie favors as well.

cake1

cookies

Congrats again Noelle and John. I had a great time shooting for you and feel so lucky to have been included in your special day.  All the best in the feature!

Till next time,

sig1

Hello world!

Hello blog readers!  As some of you may notice, there have been a lot of changes around here including…  Wait for it…  A new blog design!  YAY!   Not only does it look smashing (if I do say so myself, teehee) but will allow you, awesome followers the ability to not only better navigate the site, but also to see the images large and in charge, and really who doesn’t want that?  

Stay tuned for a couple other changes I have in the works.  A brand new logo is on the way , as well as some crazy cool new sample albums and a preview of Noelle and John’s inspiring Oakville wedding.

Till next time, 

sig