Karis & Max’s Wedding

05 Jan Karis & Max’s Wedding

To say I was over the moon excited when Karis asked me to shoot their wedding is an understatement. I have worked with both Karis and her husband Max many times doing fashion photography so I knew them both and really enjoyed their company while on set. They are both extremely photogenic and have a really relaxed nature about them so I knew they would be ideal wedding clients. Their wedding would be my second and I was excited and nervous, but mostly excited. Before sharing their wedding portraits, I would like to tell a story about how I met the beautiful couple, and show some of the beautiful portraits we have done together over the years.

I first met Karis on a fun fashion shoot that we later published in a fashion magazine. This was also first time working with the amazing local fashion designer, Michele Beaudoin. We walked around Ottawa and took some portraits and got to know one another. I have worked with both ladies many times since. They are both extremely talented. The three of us later arranged another fashion shoot again, but this time with her partner Max. As an actor, he was a natural in front of the camera as with Karis. We drove around Ottawa and took some glamorous couples shots.

Some time later, when we shot again, it was more casual and romantic. I asked them to bring some pyjamas and comfy clothes for a session and we shot some relaxed but intimate photos at my place. Looking back now, they would be appropriate for showcasing some COVID-19 fashion.

Here are a few more random photos we did together, over the many sessions in the past. It’s hard to narrow down the best ones!

Onto the wedding…

Karis and Max’s wedding plans, like so many others this year, was derailed by the arrival of COVID-19.  Eventually, they decided to hold an intimate wedding on Christmas Eve, while planning on a bigger event when possible later on. Their rescheduled wedding venue was a new photography studio in downtown Ottawa called Studio 20/20. It is on the upstairs level of an old commercial building and is very spacious with lots of hip furniture. The owner, Geghani, and staff were super helpful assisting with all my photography needs and remade the studio exactly as the couple envisioned. I captured their first look before their ceremony. Max was waiting to see Karis and, as the garage door opened, his face lit up with happiness. They are so adorable together.

Their ceremony was candlelit and so romantic. Abiding by the COVID-19 restrictions, their wedding was narrowed to 10 people including myself and the officiant, Jim Emerson. I really enjoyed working with the officiant. He allowed me to get all the shots I wanted and helped me along the way. Here are some shots of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, Max and Karis signed the legal papers and took some photos with their family and friends. To help share their special day with friends and family, the event was filmed and streaming online for all to watch.

With all the legal documents signed, the couple celebrated with a glass of champagne and refreshments. Everyone was in great spirits.  The ceremony was short, lasting a mere two hours, but they made the most of their studio time.

The night winded down with the first dance between the bride and the groom.

We didn’t have much time during their wedding to do proper wedding portraits of the couple so we met in the New Year to take come winter portraits outdoors. As a portrait photographer, these shots are my favourite part of the wedding. Luckily for us, we had very mild weather in the beginning of the year, so the couple were warm for most part, and happy.

I wish Max and Karis a happy marriage and all the best in their move up North!