[vc_row row_type="full_width" type="container" bg_select="bg_parallax" parallax_speed="4" p_top="30" border_color="#ebebeb" bg_color="#ffffff" anchor="services" parallax_img="1419" parallax_overlay="rgba(255,255,255,0.87)"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="120"][wbc_heading tag="div" heading_style="heading-1" title="SHOULD YOU" font_size="25" m_bottom="-5"][wbc_heading tag="h1" heading_style="heading-2" title="FEED YOUR |WEDDING| PHOTOGRAPHER?" font_size="40" line_height="40" m_bottom="15"][vc_column_text]A wedding typically lasts 10 to 12 hours. If am photographing getting ready shots and am there all day, I'll try to eat a big breakfast before arriving there, but that only lasts so long. Often I am running around like crazy all day trying to cover the every detail within the wedding, and don’t have time to snack or take a break. I've literally been known to run to 7-11 anytime I'm photographing at Jackson Park. Just to get re hydrated during the drive to the reception hall. All that said, it is important that I get a small break to eat during the day. This is preferably done during the reception when everyone else is eating, which works out because nobody wants to have photos of themselves eating, anyway. I do prefer if you provide a meal for us so we don’t have to leave and find a local food place, or worry about spoiled food that’s been sitting in the car all day. Although it can be what everyone else is eating, I don’t have to have a plated meal as long as something is provided. Many venues offer vendor meals that you can get, so inquire about that when you have the chance. Finally, it is important to feed your photographer because it is hard to stay creative on an empty stomach. Think about if you didn’t get a lunch break at work – it makes it hard to focus the rest of the day because you’re so hungry. You also don’t want your photographer passing out during your reception. Of course, sometimes the seating chart or budget doesn't allow for a planned meal. That too is OK as long as your clear with the communication with your vendors. I am not offended when not offered a meal at a wedding, but with the advanced knowledge, at least I can make arrangements otherwise. Don't be embarrassed, there are a ton of reasons why a meal can not be offered to your wedding photographer... just let me know. So please let us know arrangements ahead of time so we know the plan. Thank you![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" parallax_img="2294" color_overlay="rgba(255,255,255,0.79)"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row row_type="full_width" type="full_screen" bg_select="bg_parallax" parallax_speed="0" bg_color="#091827" p_top="200" parallax_img="1840" parallax_overlay="rgba(255,255,255,0.82)"][vc_column width="1/2"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" font_color="#111111" p_bottom="30" p_top="4%"][wbc_heading tag="h1" heading_style="heading-1" md_font_size="40" title="The Wedding of Matt To Ali" font_size="55" color="#ffffff" m_bottom="20"][wbc_heading tag="div" title="Let's all celebrate together!" font_size="17" m_bottom="50"][vc_column_text]On May 29, I joined Matt & Ali along with their closest friends and family to take in their wedding.  It was a secluded and private affair housed within a relatives beautiful back yard. Back yard weddings are always fun for me as I never know what I'm going to get. And often times, when it's a backyard wedding, the yard has some sentimental value to the couple or family which always makes wedding photography special. And for Matt & Ali, the backyard was perfect. Simple yet perfect. My day began as always, by photographing the wedding dress, which as you'll see I hung within the doorway of the house Ali was getting ready at. I also photographed the wedding rings and bridal flowers and a wedding invitation at this time. When Ali was all ready to go, I did a quick little bridal session for her before she was given away to marry Matt. The ceremony went off without an issue, which while it seems like such simple thing, in today's Covid world, I see so many of my wedding couples are so stressed as they don't know if they or when they get married! Back to the Ali & Matt.... after the ceremony, we went off for a toast and some cake cutting. They did a few dances, which to me was really nice as they tried to keep it as "normal" or "traditional" as possible. I'm really happy that they were able to have these moments. Of course after some formal family pictures, it was time for me to take advantage of the wonderful landscape. And that I did.  I'm especially proud of the images we got alongside the barn, and while the sun was actually directly overhead at 4pm, I was able to magically make the sun appear for them. It really is an iconic wedding photograph. From there, we headed back into the city to Reaume Park for some pictures around the Peace Fountain. The wind caused the the spray from the fountain to head to the west, so I positioned Ali & Matt on the south side... directly infront of the sunlight. Photography wise, I was scared. I had no idea what I was going to get. The sun was so bright, and now shooting right into the fountain spray....  to say it was difficult is an understatement. But the images turned out awesome! Again another set of iconic wedding images. Afterwards we heading to Jackson Park for some more images.... and they too turned out great. Ali & Matt were the perfect wedding couple. They did everything I asked of them, and even had a few ideas of their own which is always welcome. I'm so proud of their wedding images, and am thrilled to hear just how much they loved their wedding collection as well as the entire wedding photography experience. It definitely was a great day with some great people. Congratulations Ali & Matt.... Thank you for allowing me to be your wedding photographer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row row_type="full_width" type="full_screen" bg_select="bg_parallax" parallax_speed="0" bg_color="#091827" p_top="200" parallax_img="1840" parallax_overlay="rgba(255,255,255,0.82)"][vc_column width="1/2"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" font_color="#ffffff" p_bottom="30" p_top="4%"][wbc_heading tag="h1" heading_style="heading-1" md_font_size="40" title="The Wedding of Matt To Ali" font_size="55" color="#ffffff" m_bottom="20"][wbc_heading tag="div" title="Let's all celebrate together!" font_size="17" m_bottom="50"][vc_column_text]On May 29, I joined Matt & Ali along with their closest friends and family to take in their wedding.  It was a secluded and private affair housed within a relatives beautiful back yard. Back yard weddings are always fun for me as I never know what I'm going to get. And often times, when it's a backyard wedding, the yard has some sentimental value to the couple or family which always makes wedding photography special. And for Matt & Ali, the backyard was perfect. Simple yet perfect. My day began as always, by photographing the wedding dress, which as you'll see I hung within the doorway of the house Ali was getting ready at. I also photographed the wedding rings and bridal flowers and a wedding invitation at this time. When Ali was all ready to go, I did a quick little bridal session for her before she was given away to marry Matt. The ceremony went off without an issue, which while it seems like such simple thing, in today's Covid world, I see so many of my wedding couples are so stressed as they don't know if they or when they get married! Back to the Ali & Matt.... after the ceremony, we went off for a toast and some cake cutting. They did a few dances, which to me was really nice as they tried to keep it as "normal" or "traditional" as possible. I'm really happy that they were able to have these moments. Of course after some formal family pictures, it was time for me to take advantage of the wonderful landscape. And that I did.  I'm especially proud of the images we got alongside the barn, and while the sun was actually directly overhead at 4pm, I was able to magically make the sun appear for them. It really is an iconic wedding photograph. From there, we headed back into the city to Reaume Park for some pictures around the Peace Fountain. The wind caused the the spray from the fountain to head to the west, so I positioned Ali & Matt on the south side... directly infront of the sunlight. Photography wise, I was scared. I had no idea what I was going to get. The sun was so bright, and now shooting right into the fountain spray....  to say it was difficult is an understatement. But the images turned out awesome! Again another set of iconic wedding images. Afterwards we heading to Jackson Park for some more images.... and they too turned out great. Ali & Matt were the perfect wedding couple. They did everything I asked of them, and even had a few ideas of their own which is always welcome. I'm so proud of their wedding images, and am thrilled to hear just how much they loved their wedding collection as well as the entire wedding photography experience. It definitely was a great day with some great people. Congratulations Ali & Matt.... Thank you for allowing me to be your wedding photographer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row row_type="full_width" type="container" bg_select="bg_parallax" parallax_speed="0" parallax_repeat="cover" bg_image_postions="right center" bg_image_attach="scroll" p_top="60" p_bottom="25" anchor="about" parallax_img="2258" parallax_overlay="rgba(255,255,255,0.82)"][vc_column offset="vc_col-md-offset-6 vc_col-md-6"][vc_empty_space height="60px"][wbc_heading tag="h1" heading_style="heading-1" md_font_size="70" sm_font_size="55" xs_font_size="30" title="E SESSIONS & PREPARING YOUR |FIANCE| TO CO-OPERATE" font_size="45" max_width="850" m_left="auto" m_right="auto" line_height="60" letter_spacing="0"][wbc_hr height="5" width="120" bg_color="#807154" m_bottom="32" m_left="0"][wbc_heading tag="div" xs_font_size="15" title="Are you stressing out about your upcoming engagement session? Not sure if your fiancé is going to enjoy it or want to participate? Check out these tips to prepare for the |E Session| and help get him to cooperate:" font_size="18" m_bottom="45" max_width="800" m_left="auto" m_right="auto" line_height="1.53486em"][vc_column_text] Make it worth his while. Motivate him in whatever way you think will make him want to participate in your session. If there’s something he’s wanted you to do that you haven’t done, now is the time to play that card. For example, if you don’t like watching football and he’s been asking you to go to a game with him, bribe him with that (or whatever works for your man).   In the time leading up to the session, explain to him what’s going to happen that day. He’s probably never done anything like this before and doesn’t know what to expect. He’s not on Pinterest all the time looking up cute engagement photos or anything like that, so he may not know anything about this kind of session, or even understand what it’s for. Tell him that the photographer is going to have you guys probably hold hands, cuddle, hug and kiss. You want to explain the session to him prior so it’s not scary for him and he won’t feel awkward as it’s happening. Let him know that it will be OK because you’ll be there the whole time and it will all be good.   He can have a drink during your session to help loosen you up. (Not to get drunk, but to ease his nerves.)   Be extra lovey with him before the session. Picture day is super stressful, so it’s easy to get into a fight beforehand. Make a point to be more loving and patient during this stressful time. This will make the photos better because you’re not upset with each other due to something that happened that morning due to stress. You’ll be able to relax and be more affectionate during the session.   Explain the importance of the photos to him. Let him know, “I know this stressful and you don’t want to do it, but I want tomorrow to be all about us. In 50 years I want to look back on these photos. These are important.” This way he doesn’t think it’s just something that is on his checklist that he has to do before the wedding, but that they are important to you. He loves you; he’ll do it for you.   Incorporate his ideas in the session. Ask him if he has any ideas for the session. If he has something he wants to do, then he will be more excited about them because he will feel involved and like it’s about him too, not just all about you. Think about what makes you guys unique as a couple and incorporate those ideas into the session, whether it be a location, props, clothing, etc. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="80px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row match_height="yes" vertical_center="yes" row_type="full_width" type="full_screen" bg_select="bg_parallax" parallax_speed="4" anchor="about" border_color="#ebebeb" parallax_img="1609" parallax_overlay="rgba(255,255,255,0.81)"][vc_column width="1/2" parallax_repeat="cover" bg_image_postions="center center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" parallax_repeat="cover" content_align="text-center" p_left="10%" p_right="10%" p_top="150" p_bottom="100"][wbc_heading tag="div" heading_style="heading-2" align="center" title="ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS" font_size="18" max_width="850" m_left="auto" m_right="auto" letter_spacing="0"][wbc_heading tag="h1" heading_style="heading-1" align="center" xs_font_size="30" title="PDA IS A OK!" font_size="45" max_width="850" m_left="auto" m_right="auto" line_height="55" letter_spacing="0"][wbc_hr height="2" width="120" bg_color="#807154" m_left="AUTO" m_right="AUTO" m_top="10"][vc_column_text]Engagement sessions are about love and romance and the chemistry between the engaged couple eagerly awaiting their wedding. It’s only natural that with love comes PDA. That’s right, folks: public displays of affection. Don’t worry, I don’t mean I’m going to have you completely grope each other during your session – those aren’t pictures grandma wants to hang on her fridge. During your session, I will ask you to hold hands, hug, cuddle, and even kiss! This is part of my normal workflow for engagement sessions. I just wanted to give you a heads up before your session so you know what to expect and have time to practice if you’re currently not OK with PDA.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="80px"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row row_type="full_width" type="container" bg_select="bg_parallax" parallax_speed="4" p_top="120" bg_color="#f8f8f8" p_bottom="100" font_color="#e2e2e2" parallax_img="2210" parallax_overlay="rgba(0,0,0,0.84)"][vc_column width="1/2"][wbc_heading tag="h1" heading_style="heading-2" title="DON'T FORGET MIKE ALSO PHOTOGRAPHS YOUR PORTRAITS" font_size="40" m_bottom="5" color="#ffffff"][wbc_hr height="2" width="85" bg_color="#1ebe87" m_bottom="0" m_left="0"][wbc_hr height="8" width="40" bg_color="#ffffff" m_top="-5" m_bottom="20" m_left="4"][wbc_heading tag="div" title="That's right, many folks forget that Mike Elford can continue to photograph you as you continue on life's journey. Especially if you enjoyed his wedding images, and the way he treated you, there is no need to try and find someone else to photograph you. Below is a list of what his wedding couples typically lean on Mike for in the future." m_bottom="40" max_width="640"][wbc_list icon_type="style-1" color="#807154" font_size="25"][wbc_list_item icon_fontawesome="fas fa-arrow-right"]Maternity Sessions [/wbc_list_item][wbc_list_item icon_fontawesome="fas fa-arrow-right"]First Birthday (Cake Smash) [/wbc_list_item][wbc_list_item icon_fontawesome="fas fa-arrow-right"]Anniversary or Birthday Sessions [/wbc_list_item][wbc_list_item icon_fontawesome="fas fa-arrow-right"]Graduation Portraits[/wbc_list_item][wbc_list_item icon_fontawesome="fas fa-arrow-right"]Renaissance Pet Portraits [/wbc_list_item][wbc_list_item icon_fontawesome="fas fa-arrow-right"]Celebration of Life Portraits [/wbc_list_item][/wbc_list][wbc_button button_text="Sign Up Now!" link="url:pricing|||" width="180" padding_top="20" padding_bottom="20" margin_top="10" el_class="scrollable" font_size="15"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row row_type="full_width" type="container" bg_select="bg_color_section" p_top="150" p_bottom="40" anchor="services"][vc_column][wbc_heading tag="div" heading_style="heading-2" align="center" title="The |Best Way| to |Look Back| is the" font_size="18" max_width="850" m_left="auto" m_right="auto" letter_spacing="0"][wbc_heading tag="h1" heading_style="heading-1" align="center" xs_font_size="30" title="WEDDING DAY |SLIDESHOW|" font_size="50" max_width="850" m_left="auto" m_right="auto" line_height="55" letter_spacing="0"][wbc_heading tag="div" align="center" xs_font_size="15" title="My Wedding Day Slideshow is the perfect way to look back and reflect on your wedding day. Usually created with your first dance song in the background, this slideshow will include all the highlights of your wedding day. Showcasing your wedding day from beginning to end, this three and a half minute slideshow is the preferred method when sharing your wedding pictures with your friends and family." font_size="20" m_bottom="40" max_width="800" m_left="auto" m_right="auto" line_height="1.53486em"][wbc_heading tag="div" align="center" xs_font_size="15" title="Below are some Wedding Day Slideshow examples" font_size="20" m_bottom="40" max_width="800" m_left="auto" m_right="auto" line_height="1.53486em"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/HnQKyp_3xX0" align="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/LBCJYyUp8Aw" align="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/nFmSyS7LwEc" align="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/okkAWwU4K1w" align="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/P-Xz8LhNfcA" align="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/itb9-LVwKSc" align="center" css=".vc_custom_1586716898564{border-radius: 4px !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row bg_select="bg_color_section" bg_color="#f2f2f2"][vc_column][vc_column_text] To see more Wedding Day Slideshows, please click here [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] To book Mike Elford to photograph your wedding, please click here [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row no_innerpadding="yes" match_height="yes" vertical_center="yes" row_type="full_width" type="full_screen" bg_select="bg_color_section" p_left="15" p_right="15"][vc_column bg_color="#2b2b2b"][wbc_heading title="ENGAGEMENT |SESSIONS| :" font_size="45"][wbc_heading title="HOW TO |COORDINATE| OUTFITS" font_size="25"][vc_column_text]Not sure what to wear to your engagement session? I'm here to help! You should bring one or two outfits to your session so I can get a variety of different looks for you. I suggest the following:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"][wbc_heading title="BRING A ``DRESSY`` OUTFIT"][vc_column_text]It’s not every day you get to get all dressed up with your sweetheart and take photos together. Use this session as an excuse to really go all out and get fancied up! I’m not saying you have to wear a gown and tux (unless you want to), but maybe a dress or skirt for you, and a suit or nice slacks and a button up shirt for your fiancé. This outfit will be great for save the date cards, or the announcement in your local newspaper.    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4" bg_color="#333333"][wbc_heading title="THE CASUAL LOOK"][vc_column_text]I also suggest you consider bringing a more casual outfit. This outfit is ideal for your more fun, relaxed photos. Tailored jeans and a nice shirt are always a great choice, especially if we are going to be walking around in nature a lot. Make sure to bring shoes specifically for this outfit, too.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4" bg_color="#f5b802"][wbc_heading title="COORDINATION IS KEY"][vc_column_text]The most important thing to remember is to coordinate. You don’t want to be match-matchy, but you want to coordinate. Choose similar colours and styles that photograph well together. For example, you don’t want to wear jeans if your fiancé is wearing a suit and tie in the same photo. Also remember to dress for the location. For example, if you are doing a natural, rustic or vintage session, you’ll want to stay away from bright colours and opt for neutrals instead.    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4" bg_color="#fbfbfb"][wbc_heading title="THINGS TO AVOID"][vc_column_text]- Logos, unless we’re doing a sports session and you’re wearing jerseys, etc. - Patterns – Try to stick with solid colours or minimal patterns. Plaid shirts are fine as long as your fiancé isn’t wearing stripes or polka dots. It’s a good rule of thumb to only have one partner wearing a pattern at a time. - Fluorescent colours – These don’t photograph well and also can cast bright colour tones on your skin.    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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