The Very Best of 2017
2017, what a year! Another year filled with incredible couples and getting to celebrate their love. 2017 was amazing in other ways too! I bought my first, brand new car, went to Miami and saw flamingos lol, started shooting medium format film, and I did a few styled shoots that were published. Oh! And the best thing yet, Joey and I got engaged! Joey, my boyfriend of nine years finally popped the question in July and we couldn’t be more excited, but more on that later!
2017 lead me to new venues that I had never shot at before. I cannot believe that we have all of them gems so close to home! I shot Steph and Joseph at Scotsdale Farm in Georgetown in June and it was my first time being there. I then got to go back to Scotsdale Farm twice after that with 2 different weddings. It is such a beautiful spot for photos. No wonder it’s a favourite amongst us photographers! I did a styled shoot at the beautiful Dundurn Castle in Hamilton where it feels like you have left Ontario and hopped onto a plane and landed in Europe. I got to shoot a first look at the stunning Scarborough Bluffs, followed by a beautiful ceremony and reception at Markham Museum. This spot within the city will make you feel like you have gone back in time and it couldn’t be more perfect for an outdoor ceremony and a tented reception. I was also lucky enough to capture a wedding at Ruthven Park in Cayuga. This estate from the 1800s was sooo sweet and apparently haunted! They host ghost tours and I will definitely be back there this year to do that!
Every time a couple invites me into their lives and to be a part of their wedding day, I am reminded of how lucky I am that this is my job and I am so grateful for every wedding that I get to be a part of!
Ok! So now onto the biggest and best part of my 2017! Joey and I got engaged! We went for brunch on Canada Day, which is nothing out of the ordinary for us, but what was, was Joey brought along his camera. When I asked why he was bringing it, he said in case there was something cool happening that he would want photos of. We went for brunch at one of our favourite places in Oakville and while we were eating I made a joke about getting a ring. Little did I know that in less than an hour I would be getting one! When we were done eating, we headed down to the lake. I instantly go over to the lake (because if you know me, you know I can’t not go in any body of water!) while Joey was a few feet away fiddling with his camera. I didn’t think anything of it and continued on with my regular Brittany antics. Joey then starts over towards me. He hugs me and when I went to hug him back he jerked my arms away and I remember thinking to myself “What the frig’s up with this guy?!” He then starts telling me he loves me and it hit me what was happening. I got nauseas and anxious lol! He got down on one knee and now here we are with less than two months until our wedding! I know 2018 will be incredible and I can’t wait to share everything that happens!
Thank you to the incredible photographers who let me work alongside them this past year!
Some images shot for Paula Visco, Tia Kristina, Alyssa Alkema, Kayla Yestal, Kendra Ruth, Livi Shaw, and Willow & Blush.
To check out other Best Of posts, click here!
Countryside Estate Inspiration at Dundurn Castle
Canadian couples take note: you don't need to fly across the ocean to find the European setting of your dreams! Located in Hamilton, Ontario, Dundurn Castle is a little piece of the English countryside - tucked in a busy downtown core. It is the perfect spot for dreamy photos in the heart of the city and provided a beautiful backdrop for our English countryside editorial. Our talented team of local vendors was inspired by the colours, textures and scents of summer in the country. We were struck by the beauty of sweet cherries on the trees and the warm, caramel glow of sunsets in lush meadows. Imagining a beautiful bride running through a field in the English countryside set our hearts a flutter and we knew we had to capture that magic and share it with stylish brides and grooms-to-be. With this inspiration in mind, we chose a palette of peach, caramel and blush, which were a perfect warm contrast to the stone architecture of the castle. This mix of classic softness and modern, cool elements were carried throughout the editorial and gave it a beautiful depth. The sweetheart table, set in a tree-lined gravel lane, had a perfect view of the castle and the lush grounds beyond. We chose ivory linen with a soft blush runner and accented it with charcoal grey chargers, modern silver flatware and beautiful etched goblets. The stunning florals, golden miniature cakes and fresh local fruit added just the right warmth and texture to the tablescape. The paper goods coordinated perfectly in soft blush and metallic gold with sweet vintage stamps. Naturally, our blushing bride looked absolutely radiant in an off-the-shoulder gown and ethereal jewels as she explored the grounds. Our team loved being transported to summertime in the English countryside! We hope our editorial inspires stylish Dear Gray Magazine readers to share a bit of this feeling with their guests.
-Vivian Lyttle
I am sooo excited to say that you can find this shoot in the pages of the newest issue of Dear Gray Magazine!
Thank you to the incredible team who helped me put this shoot together and for making it as stunning as I had hoped!
Styling: Vivian Lyttle Events
Menus and place cards: Via Calligraphy
Florals: Fiorella Floral Design
Hair accessories: Frilly Bits
Hair: Sarah Baksh
Wedding dress: By Catalfo
Invitation Suite: Little North Company
Makeup: Love Me Makeup
Cake: Sweet Avenue Cakery
Decor: Simply Beautiful Decor
Jewellery: Kim Drosdick
Model: Zoe from Elite Models
Film Lab: Canadian Film Lab