The moment when you decide to take the next step in your relationship and propose is one of the most significant and memorable events in a person&rsquo;s life. It's a moment filled with excitement, nervousness, and most importantly, love. But planning such a momentous event can be daunting, especially if you're aiming to keep it a surprise. That's why we're here to help you plan the perfect surprise proposal, ensuring it's a moment neither of you will ever forget.
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The key to a great proposal lies in knowing your partner well, understanding their preferences, and then crafting an experience that they will cherish forever. It's not about the grandeur or the extravagance, but the thought, effort, and love you put into making the moment special for your significant other. As an experienced wedding photographer, I have been fortunate enough to capture many such beautiful moments. I have witnessed the joy, the tears, and the love that fills the air during a proposal. And I am here to share that experience with you and guide you in planning your perfect surprise proposal.
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One of the most challenging parts of planning a surprise proposal is keeping it a secret. It&rsquo;s no easy feat to plan something significant without your partner catching on, especially if you two share everything. But don&rsquo;t worry! I have many tricks up my sleeve to help you pull off your surprise proposal without them knowing. I can't reveal all my secrets here, just in case your significant other stumbles upon this post. But rest assured, I have you covered.
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Reaching out to a professional for help can take a lot of stress off your shoulders. From helping you choose the perfect location, deciding the best time, to capturing the magical moment when you pop the question, a professional can guide you through each step of the process. You can easily get in touch with me through the contact form on my website, and we can start planning your surprise proposal together.
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Remember, every proposal is unique, just like every love story. Whether you're thinking of a romantic beach proposal under the stars, a cozy picnic proposal in your favorite park, or a grand rooftop proposal with the city skyline as your backdrop, we can make it happen. You provide the love, and we'll provide the magic.
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So if you&rsquo;re thinking about proposing, don&rsquo;t hesitate to reach out. Let&rsquo;s create an unforgettable moment together, a moment that you and your partner will cherish forever. Because every love story deserves a beautiful beginning, and what better way to start than with a perfect surprise proposal?
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#SurpriseProposal #ProposalIdeas #YegProposal #ProposalPicnic #YegWeddingPhotographer #EdmontonWeddingPhotographer

Crafting the Perfect Surprise Proposal: A Guide to Creating Unforgettable Moments

Hello there, welcome to my world of photography. My name is not as important as the story I want to share with you, the story of my journey with the lens. I reside in the beautiful community of Sherwood Park, Alberta, surrounded by nature's beauty, which often becomes the canvas for my work. What got me started in photography was a desire stronger than anything else - the desire to freeze time. To capture those transient moments of joy, love, and laughter with the ones I hold dear.
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But who am I beyond the lens? Well, before the camera came into my life, there was another love. The ball diamond. From the tender age of 3, I've played fastball and slo-pitch, and to this day, stepping onto the field brings a sense of joy and nostalgia. The diamond was my first love, and it continues to hold a special place in my heart.
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When I'm not capturing moments or hitting home runs, you'll find me indulging in some of my other passions. I love a good beer, there's something about that hoppy taste that just resonates with me. I'm also quite the line-dancer. The rhythm, the coordination, the collective spirit, it's intoxicating!
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However, the best times are undoubtedly those spent with my family. Playing with my husband and kids, sharing laughter, creating memories, these are the moments I live for. In many ways, they are my constant source of inspiration, my models, my critics, my biggest fans.
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Through this blog, I hope to share with you not just my work, but also my journey, my learnings, and my life in Sherwood Park. So, welcome aboard, let's make the most of these moments, one frame at a time.

Get to Know Me - Your Local Sherwood Park Photographer

If there is one thing that can make a wedding day even more magical, it is capturing moments with the perfect backdrop of a stunning sunset. This was exactly our experience at the Duffus Family's destination wedding. These two lovebirds allowed us to whisk them away from their reception to create some of the most enchanting sunset photos that we have ever taken.
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As a travel photographer, there is nothing more exhilarating than capturing love in the most beautiful corners of the world. The Duffus wedding, held in the radiant Dominican Republic, delivered this experience in spades. Their wedding was a dreamy blend of love, laughter, and the incredible scenic beauty of the Caribbean.
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The real magic began after the ceremony when we stole the newlyweds from the bustling reception. With the sun setting behind us, casting a warm glow over the buildings, we set off to capture some candid moments. Even though the sun was going down, the way it continued to light up the sky and the clouds was nothing short of magical.
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Each photo we took was a testament to their love, illuminated by the spectacular colors of the sunset. It was as if the universe itself was celebrating their union, painting the sky with hues of pinks, purples, and golds as a backdrop. Their radiant smiles and the glow of their love against this backdrop made the photos look like they were straight out of a fairytale.
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The Duffus' wedding was a clear reminder of why we do what we do. It's about more than just clicking pictures; it's about capturing moments, emotions, and love in its purest form. It's about creating memories that families can cherish for a lifetime.
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The opportunity to be a part of such beautiful moments and to be able to capture them is genuinely a privilege. Every wedding, every couple has a unique story to tell, and as photographers, we get the front row seats to these beautiful tales of love.
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In conclusion, destination weddings like the Duffus Family's are a dream come true for any travel photographer. The blend of exotic locations, beautiful ceremonies, and the chance to capture the love between two people against such stunning backdrops is unparalleled. The Duffus wedding was indeed an experience we will forever be obsessed with, and we cannot wait to capture more such magical moments.
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#DestinationWedding #DominicanWedding #TravelPhotographer #YEGWeddingPhotographer

The Magic of Sunset Wedding Photography: A Glimpse into the Duffus Family's Destination Wedding

Photography is an art form that allows us to capture moments and tell stories in a way that words sometimes can't. The beauty of this art lies in the fact that it's so versatile and individualistic; everyone has their own unique style and approach. One of the popular photo sharing platforms, Instagram, has become a canvas for artists and enthusiasts alike, allowing them to share their visual narratives with the world. This blog post is inspired by a simple yet evocative Instagram caption - 'A fav crop ✨ So many ways to capture your story'.
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A 'crop' in photography refers to the act of removing portions of an image to create a desired composition. It's a powerful tool that can change the story your photo tells. So, when we talk about a 'fav crop', we're talking about a preferred method of framing a picture that helps us tell our story just the way we want it.
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Let's delve deeper into the art of cropping and how it can be used to tell your story on Instagram.
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1. Crop for Composition: The Rule of Thirds is a basic principle in visual arts that suggests an image should be divided into nine equal parts. The subject of your photo should ideally be placed at one of the intersecting lines to create a balanced and engaging shot. Experiment with this rule with your 'fav crop' and see how it changes the narrative of your image.
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2. Crop to Highlight: Cropping can also be used to highlight the central element of your photo. Maybe it's a breathtaking sunset, a charming street corner, or a candid smile. By cropping out unnecessary elements, you bring the viewer's attention to what matters most, thereby telling a more focused story.
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3. Crop for Mystery: A carefully cropped photo can create an air of mystery that intrigues your followers and draws them into your visual narrative. Leave out certain parts of the image to spark curiosity and encourage viewers to fill in the blanks with their imagination.
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4. Crop for Aesthetics: Instagram is all about aesthetics. A well-cropped image can significantly enhance the overall look of your feed. With a consistent cropping style, you can create a cohesive Instagram feed that's not only visually pleasing but also tells your story in a consistent and engaging manner.
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5. Crop for Perspective: A different crop can give a whole new perspective to an image. Try cropping your photos from different angles and see how it changes the story you're telling.
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Remember, your 'fav crop' might change depending on what you're capturing, the mood you're trying to evoke, or the story you're telling. There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cropping. So, be flexible, experiment, and find what works best for you.
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Instagram is a platform where you can share your story uniquely and creatively. So don't be afraid to push boundaries and experiment with different techniques. After all, it's your story. And there's no better person to tell it than you.

The Art of Instagram: Crafting Your Story with Your Favorite Crop

There's something incredibly special about wedding photography, especially when it comes to capturing those raw, heartfelt moments that define the day. One such moment that I've always found profoundly touching is the 'First Look with Dad'. This is that magical moment when a father sees his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. This post is dedicated to sharing some of those memorable moments I captured while second shooting for the talented @briar.rose.photography.design back in 2021.
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Let's start by setting the scene. It's a beautiful day and the air is filled with anticipation and excitement. The bride, looking radiant in her wedding dress, waits nervously for her father. This is an emotional moment, not just for the bride and her father, but for everyone present. It's a moment that beautifully encapsulates the bond between a father and his daughter, a bond that's about to evolve as she embarks on a new journey in her life.
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The father enters the room, his eyes fall on his daughter, and there's a pause. A moment of stunned silence as he takes in the beautiful sight before him. Then, the emotions break free - there are tears, laughter, and a whole lot of love. As a photographer, it's an absolute privilege to freeze these beautiful moments in time. They signed "I Love You" to each other and you could tell that she has been dreaming about this moment for a long time.
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Looking back at these photos from 2021, I'm reminded of the raw emotions that filled the room. Each image tells a story, a story of love, pride, and a tiny bit of sadness as a father prepares to 'give away' his little girl. But more than anything, these images speak of a bond that's unbreakable, a bond that's only set to grow stronger.
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During the shoot, I remember being completely drawn into the emotions of the moment. Each click of the shutter captured a unique expression, a different facet of the complex emotions that were playing out. The result? A collection of images that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly emotive. Even now, months later, these images have the power to tug at the heartstrings.
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As a wedding photographer, I've always believed in the power of raw, candid moments. Staged photos have their place, but it's these unscripted moments that truly capture the essence of the occasion. The 'First Look with Dad' is a perfect example of this. It's a moment that's as real as it gets, and one that leaves a lasting impression.
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I'm incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to second shoot for @briar.rose.photography.design and capture such powerful moments. Each wedding I photograph is a new experience, a new story to tell, and I'm eager to continue capturing these beautiful moments.
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Looking back at these images, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with wedding photography in the first place. It's not just about taking pictures; it's about capturing emotions, telling stories, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And I look forward to continuing this journey, one wedding, one moment, one click at a time.
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To all the fathers and daughters preparing for that special 'First Look' moment, here's my advice - breathe, be in the moment, and let your emotions flow. Trust me, it will make for some beautiful memories and even more beautiful photographs.

Capturing Heartwarming Moments: The First Look with Dad

These two lovebirds are getting married a few short months at Sparrow Lane Events near Edmonton.‍Rylee and I go way back to the early 2010’s, when I met my husband. He was dreaming of being a firefighter and was volunteering at a Ukrainian Church Camp at Pigeon Lake. When I started helping out, one of the older kids, Rylee, was already one of us. Smart, funny, athletic, and also had dreams of being in Emergency Services like my husband and I. A few years later, he did it. He worked his butt off and is now a full time firefighter. Normally, I try not to brag about the whole firefighting thing, but I wanted to give a bit of a backstory as to why on earth I would put rings on a smokey log and how we got such GLORIOUS fire for their campfire. ‍HINT: Firefighters always start out as Pyros. Hahah jk‍Before you head over to these gorgeous images, I just want everyone to know that this girl, has got it all. She is beautiful inside and out. Every time I’m around her, I feel better. She literally lights peoples souls up and it seems just so easy for her. The only word I can think of to describe her, is magnetic. Everyone wants to be around her. When I posted a few of their sneak peaks from the proposal last fall, I had people come out and say how much they love her, and again when I posted these, I had more people say how amazing and warm, and nice she is. Can’t forget to mention that my 4 year old daughter, Blake, is BEYOND obsessed with her. HahahSo here’s to you Nicolette. I can’t wait for all of us to make you feel this way on your wedding day. Full of love, (like Derek says “ALL THE WAY TO THE ROOF”)‍I know that your lives are going to continue be filled with love and laughter, just like these photos are.

Nicolette and Rylee | Engagement Session

Tyler and NicoleThis cute church only seats 6 people at a time, in these crazy, COVID times, small intimate weddings are becoming a huge thing in our industry. I am all for it! I love any wedding though so I’m easy to please. JUST GIVE ME ALL THE LOVE!If I had to elope in Alberta (Thank goodness I got married a decade ago and didn’t have to deal with this uncertainty), I would most likely be found in Drumheller. I love the big epic landscapes! (I LOVE the mountains but this just hits different, almost other-worldly!)Anyways, here are some beautiful images to gaze upon!So happy I was able to snag a ticket to this Styled Shoot put on by Ang with @BRZphotography_

Tyler & Nicole | Badlands Elopement Session | Drumheller, Alberta

Urban Elopement in Edmonton Alberta. The Alchemy Bar is a bit of a hidden gem here in the Ice District of Downtown Edmonton. Home of the Edmonton Oilers &lt;3Everyone who was a part of the shoot is listed below! Their emails AND their Instagram Handles so you can contact them if needed! LOVE all these vendors! &lt;3Main Photographer + Lead Organizer: Kensie Webster Photography @kensiewebsterphoto www.kensiewebster.comThese Photos: Mattison Desfosses @MommaPenguin Photography www.mommapenguin.ca Florals: Fabloomosity www.fabloomosity.com @fabloomosityModels: Shantel Saitz + DJ @shantelsaitzWedding Planner: Cocktails + Details cocktailsanddetails.ca @cocktailsanddetailsVenue: The Alchemy Bar www.alchemybar.ca @alchemy.barRentals: Special Event Rentals @specialeventrentalsGrid, Rug, Neon Sign: Lasting Love Events www.lastinglove.ca @lastingloveweddingsPink Panels: Simply Maria Rentals @simplymariarentals www.mariaboychuk.com/rentalsDress + Veil: The Bridal Boutique www.thebridalboutique.ca @thebridalboutiqueThe dress: Rue De Seine Gaia GownBrides Jacket: WinkInk Design Co www.winkinkco.ca @winkinkdesigncoSuit: Derks Formal www.derksformals.com @derksformalsHair + Make-up: Bbeautyboss www.beauty-boss.ca @bb.beautybossInvites: Wedding Design by Anika www.weddingdesignbyanika.com @weddingsbyanikaCake: Northern Atelier by Lindsay Best-Fott @northern.atelier

Urban Elopement Session | Edmonton, Alberta

Daddy Daughter Date | Family Session

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Edmonton, AB, Canada

Mattison Desfossés

1 Extra Hour

1 Min Highlight Video

3 Min Highlight Video

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Your brand is your image, and you want it to capture who you are. We'll work together to make sure your images tell the story of what sets your brand apart.

Branding Session [Hourly]

Looking to elope in Alberta, then this is the package for you! With 3 hours of coverage we'll be there to capture all the love of your intimate ceremony.

Local Elopement

The ultimate experience, the creme de la creme, you won't miss a thing with our Signature Wedding Session. With a full day of coverage we'll be there to capture all the big moments and little details that made your wedding a day to remember!

Bat Flip - Walk Off Wedding Package

Birth is a powerful moment, and one that deserves to be captured. I would be honoured to be present to document your moment, to let your spouse be entirely present, to offer another hand to hold, to cheer you on, and to tell your story.

Birth Package

Limited Edition Sessions

Your love knows no bounds, why should your elopement? With our International Elopement Package we'll capture everything that makes your day so special, no matter where in the world that may be!

International Elopement

We all know life moves fast, and before you know it a moment becomes a memory. Freeze that moment and remember it exactly how it was with a family session! Our hourly rate lets you customize your amount of coverage, create the package that's right for you!

The Works Family Session

Eloping in Canada or the US? We have you covered! With our Domestic Elopement Package we'll be there to capture your day, wherever that may be!

Domestic Elopement

The Playful Family Package provides the perfect solution for capturing memories with your loved ones. With 30 minutes of photography coverage, you can get a range of different shots for your family album.The package includes 20 high-resolution photos, delivered to you in an online gallery. You can easily download the photos, share them with family, and even print them if you would like.This package is ideal for families with small children. The 30 minutes of coverage is enough time to capture your children's personalities and creating beautiful pictures of your family. Choose the Playful Family Package for a fun and stress-free experience. You can trust that I will capture the most beautiful moments of your family, and you can enjoy them for years to come.

Playful Family Package

Out most popular package, with the Classic Session we will be there before and after the wedding to capture all the moments that make your day so unique!

Grand Slam Wedding Package

This package is perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings. We will provide all the essentials you want and need to relive your day again and again!

Matti Desfosses

Hi, I'm Matti

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