janet kwan photography

On an unseasonably sunny and warm Thanksgiving Monday, my super photografriend, Ryan, and I decided to take full advantage of the weather by taking photos to mark Sam and Van’s engagement. But there was so much more to be thankful for.

Sam and Van have had their ups and downs like every relationship, but to see how far they’ve come as individuals and together is really something. I’ve learned so much from them through living life alongside them. They are both willing to work through their struggles together even when it’s difficult. They choose to love when it’s tough. They are honest with themselves and each other. One would think these things come naturally but it’s a choice that both need to make. I can’t express how thankful I am to be able to call Sam and Van friends and I am extremely lucky to have them in my life. Can’t wait til it all comes together next year!

Yup, this is my favourite.

This fierceness would make Tyra proud.

Sam is all smiles. All the time

They met at a party. As with many young people in university. Of course, we know their story didn’t end there. It’s only just beginning. Duncan and Michelle flew back to Toronto to celebrate not only their special day but also to celebrate the baptism of their incredibly cute baby, Scott. On a day where the weather was just about perfect near the end of summer, they made a promise to each other in front of their family and friends.

Duncan + Michelle, thank you so much for the opportunity to capture such a big day in your lives. You guys are so great together and such great parents. I’m so grateful to have been a part of your wedding day and I’m so excited for what’s to come for your new family. Enjoy your sneak peek and slideshow at the end

Just got back from the Dominican, where I realized all the Spanish I’ve learned was from TV shows such as Gilmore Girls and The Office. Don’t hate, ok. Some of the staff complimented me on my Spanish

Here’s a little preview of what’s to come:

Jewellery and I have never really gotten along but in university, we started to develop a friendship thanks to the unending encouragement and constant coaxing of a particular housemate of mine. Thanks Ming. Friends, that was some serious growing pains. Jewellery and I are note quite bosom buddies yet but we’ve agreed to work with each other.

This new-found friendship between jewellery and I came at the right time because I recently had the privilege of photographing a beauty and style event hosted by event coordinator extraordinaire, Bonnie of Bonnie Lui Events. Not only did the day include boutique jewellery by Stella & Dot, guests received special treatment from hair stylist Ming of Puzzle Creations and makeup artist, Vanessa Funtera. Working with Bonnie, Ming and Vanessa is always a blast because they’re all so talented in their respective fields and they just keep it real.

The best part of the event was that donations went to The Centre for Dreams, which provides a day program for adults with a developmental disability. I’ve met some of the members and have witnessed the tireless efforts of the staff and it’s really an honour to work with them in any capacity.

Bonnie, thank you for all the work you put into the event and for inviting me to take part in it. Working with you is always a pleasure and I’m excited for the next opportunity we’ll have to work together
 

The event was held at The Work Republic, founded by Ray Kao and Bonnie.
And by the way, those cupcakes? Had CREAM CHEESE in them. I ate 3 and took 2 home.

The lovely hostess, Bonnie

[Bonus points if you knew the Sunsets and Sushi reference]

It was the perfect sunny day and we spontaneously decided to shoot for fun because those days don’t come by often in Toronto. Cloudless and humidless days are precious in our 2-month summers. I wish i was kidding.

I wanted to find an abandoned farm and a field with tall unkempt grass. And up on a hill. You know, so we get as much as we could from the sunset. We drove to the edge of Richmond Hill then kept driving. We ended up in Aurora where an abandoned house sat alone, surrounded by grass and trees. The gravel road didn’t lead up to the house so we hopped out of the car and worked it out right there.

Can we have this all year round? Pleeease?

So if you’re too school for cool…

Nerds or hipsters?

We tried out Mi-Ne sushi‘s new location in Aurora. Mmm the sushi rolls were so good. Portions were big and the fish was fresh.

Practicing different expressions (Larger version)