Robert Nowell Photographer

Paul and Heidi married at Queens Landing in Niagara on the Lake

Paul and Heidi were engaged in April this year in Paris and decided they wanted to be married this year, so the planning began feverishly to secure a venue, photographer, etc. You'd never know their wedding was planned so quickly as it went off without a hitch (well the couple got hitched but that was the only one).
The ceremony was at 4:00pm and neither Paul or Heidi  wanted to see one another before the ceremony so we had to get all the family photos, the bridal party and the bride and groom photos done in sixty minutes. Oh and did I mention the group photo of everyone attending the wedding as well? In spite of the short timing we got everything done and the couple were on time for the cocktails and their entrance. Great couple to work with and I enjoyed the speeches so much from great family and friends. 
CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE  











 













































 

 

Alecia + Brad Rodman Hall Wedding

Over the years I have chuckled when I mention Rodman Hall to someone here in the Niagara area, and they look puzzled and say "where and what is that?" It astounds me that this priceless architectural gem is often overlooked by it's own citizens. So I was excited when Alecia told me at our first meeting that her plan was to have her ceremony at Rodman Hall outdoors at the back of the great hall. Brock University now owns the property which houses an art gallery.  see Rodman Hall.
I used to photograph dozens of wedding partys at Rodman over the years until wisely they put a policy in place that required a permit to be purchased in order to photograph a wedding there.  
Back to Alecia and Brad, they were very lucky to have a beautiful summer day for the outdoor ceremony and the light was exquisite. The grounds of the estate afforded us so many varied backgrounds and shade from the hot sun. When we finished there it was off to Club Castropignano. We stopped a couple of times on the way to take advantage of some rustic settings before heading into the air conditioned (thankfully) hall. 
Here are a few teasers. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE 







































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Bobby and Yianna Opah!

Love Greek weddings! Bobby and Yianna both live and work in Toronto, but Bobby is a farmer at heart. So no surprise they elected to have the wedding in Smithville, a stone's throw from the family farm. They wanted a wedding that felt like a Greek village wedding and they certainly achieved that at their Smithville outdoor ceremony outside the Greek Community centre. You could smell the sizzling lamb and chicken even as they exchanged their vows. Right after they said "I do" we whisked off for a quick (really it was 30 minutes) photo time with bride and groom and then returned to the venue for some family photos and then it was food music and dancing for the rest of the night. Here's a few teasers.
CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE  

 

Angela and Jeff married in Niagara on the Lake

Angela and Jeff see eye to eye on most things and that's not just because they are both ophthalmologists.
I photographed their engagement session in the Distillery District in Toronto (which I have yet to post) and we  had a great time getting to know one another better. Jeff and Angela had a really great group of friends in their wedding party and we just kept laughing all day. They've just returned from their honeymoon and are anxious to make their selections and get their wedding album going. Here's a sampling from their day. 



















This photo is my ode to Annie Leibovitz ; )  









Ooolala.. Blue Manolos under the dress !!






Jeff is formally inducted as an honorary "Newfie"

 



 

 

Sarah and Matt Queen's Landing wedding

Was that snow in those photos??  Okay a clear indicator that I'm behind in my blog posts. This February wedding was sitting patiently waiting to be posted and today I actually had some spare time in the studio to get to it. So what's kept me from blogging in the past few months ? Not wanting to make excuses because if I have time for Twitter and Facebook I should also have or make time to blog right? Well I have had a lot on my plate as they say . From January to end of April was my final term teaching digital darkroom at Niagara College for the year and it was awesome. I love teaching photography. Add in my position as chair of the Hamilton Niagara Professional Photographers of Canada, my other business EnlightenME with two workshops that I taught locally and in Ingersoll, well it's been a full schedule. Add in a couple of architectural projects, numerous portrait commissions, many wedding consults and album designs.. well you get the picture. 
So glad to have finally posted Matt and Sarah's beautiful winter wedding. 

Niagara Weddings by Chelsea

What a great way to end a Friday afternoon. I just spent an hour with Chelsea Smith who has just launched her own wedding planning service called , "Niagara Weddings by Chelsea". 
I can't think of anyone better suited for a job like this. I first met Chelsea when she came to my studio a few years back asking for my involvement in a Niagara College Foundation fundraiser. More recently I would bump into her at the Casablanca Inn where she worked as the wedding coordinator.  Chelsea is just easy to get along with.  She knows her business inside and out, but is also  great listener which I think is really important in a planner.  I'm excited for her new business, both for her personally but also for the brides that put their trust in her. I know she'll make the organization of a wedding seem easy, but there are numerous details , deadlines, etc. that cause so many brides to be an enormous amount of stress. Admittedly I love talking with her 'cause she laughs at my jokes.  We  spent the last twenty minutes of her visit talking dogs as my dog Morgan jumped all over her and gave away the days quota of kisses.
So I don't mind giving a shameless plug for Chelsea right here and now. If you're getting married soon and want to de-stress the planning part with someone who cares, get in touch with Chelsea Smith

niagara weddings by Chelsea
905 938 2337
chelseaesmith@bell.net  

Amanda + Justin's Wedding at Queen's Landing, Niagara on the Lake

 
Well reception really, Amanda and Justin were already married only a week before in Sandals, St. Lucia. Amanda and Justin still got in the full spirit of their wedding for all the family and friends who weren't able to join them on the island. They dressed in their wedding finery and braved the freezing temperatures to get some Canadian wedding images to add to their memories from the Caribbean. As always their reception venue, Queen's Landing was exceptional in decor and service. Flowers were  by Cathy Martin and makeup was by Lisa Marie of Mobile Bridal Beauty.   I had been away in Punta Cana only days before photographing this wedding and this was a great way to return to our Canadian winter.










































 

Diane + Jason Caledon Wedding at the Royal Ambassador

I think I may have found a new favourite fall outdoor wedding venue! Diane and Jason's wedding was absolutely gorgeous! The big pond with Canada geese, the gazebo by the water with the amphitheatre seating and the huge marquis tent for their reception was just fantastic. Add to that what I think was the perfect fall day and you get an extremely memorable wedding day. Diane and Jason had so much fun planning this wedding and they had so many details that added to the day. I loved that there were apples everywhere and what a nice touch having hot apple cider and hot chocolate for the guests as they waited for the ceremony to begin. I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of the photos. 

 

 I also just want mention what a pleasure it was working with their fantastic wedding coordinator Jennifer Borgh of Jennifer Borgh Events. I'd definitely like to work with her again she was so helpful!

Sherri + Greg Garden Wedding

Another hot and humid start to a wedding this past Saturday but the heat didn't seem to bother Sherri that much. She was focused on her saying her vows with Greg and what a beautiful setting they had in Greg's parent's back yard in Niagara on the Lake.  Sherri got ready at the Pillar and Post  before leaving by horse and carriage for a short ride to Charlotte St., where the wedding guests and Greg waited on  her arrival. After the ceremony they went back out together for a 40 minute private ride before returning for photos. They sat down to a scrumptious catered meal and later Sherri got the dancing started. She and Greg had taken some dancing lessons and impressed everyone with their smooth moves. Thanks Sherri and Greg for including me in your intimate wedding day! -RN  

                     

Stephanie and Kyle- Niagara Portrait Photographer Robert Nowell

Here's a sneak peek of Stephanie and Kyle's engagement session in Niagara Falls. We started at the scene of their first date at the DQ on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. We then walked over to the Secret Garden  and found some amazing light for some portraits. Then we finished up at the Niagara School of Horticulture run by Niagara Parks.  It was hot so they agreed to cool off in the fountain. Awesome!

               

Destination Wedding of Stu + Karli, Turks and Caicos

It's been a whirlwind week since I got back from co shooting the wedding of Stu and Karli at the fabulous Beaches resort in Turks and Caicos. I was honoured to be asked to shoot with Bryan Caporicci, between us we must have photographed close to five thousand images.  I've had mass meetings and photoshoots so I'm only now posting my  images from our four day visit to tropical paradise. Right from the start at the rehearsal dinner both Karli and Stu's families made us feel a part of the celebration and they were just great to hang out with. Stu and Karli were just amazing and gave us all the time we asked for for images. It was an incredible wedding in a picturebook setting and I hope to return to Turks and Caicos in the near future. Here are a few teaser photos , for the full highlights go to my website and select NUPTIALS, then go to Featured, you'll see the Stu and Karli Icon there. Enjoy

 

















                  

The Awaken Photo Workshop for Photographers

I'm honoured to have been asked to attend the Awaken Workshop as a speaker on March 20th and 21st in Toronto at the historic  Gladstone Hotel.  This should be an inspiring event for professional photographers who  specialize in weddings and portraits. I'm very excited to be in the company of such fantastic photographers and look forward to learning myself at this event. We had Dave Biesse speak at our Weddings in Wine Country event last fall and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his philosophy of weddings. I'm really looking forward to hearing from Amina and Justin from Still Motion. They chose a good name for their company 'cause they never stop moving as they roam the world photographing weddings. 

Awaken Wedding and Portrait Workshop for Photographers

Niagara Wedding Photographer Robert Nowell featured in Niagara Weddings Magazine

I am thrilled and excited by the release of the January issue of Niagara Weddings magazine. My photos from a LOVE THE DRESS session were used in a feature on Trash the Dress. I also was asked to submit images from a local couple's wedding and that was too hard to choose from so I submitted a few for the editor's to select from. That resulted in a two page spread that looks great! Add to that my full page ad and it seems to me that I'm very nicely represented in this issue. Thanks to Lori Littleton for thinking of me!



 
And of course I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2010!!  Let's make this a great year for capturing family memories and amazing weddings!! Robert    

Jerry +Jocelyn Niagara Falls Wedding by Robert Nowell

In spite of the rainy day, we had a blast photographing Jerry
and Jocelyn`s big day at Legends Golf Club in Niagara Falls.
We started at the Niagara Falls Hilton where Jocelyn got
ready . She was one of the happiest brides ever and
was really excited to take her vows with Jerry. It was
a real pleasure meeting the family and wedding party.
Such nice people, no wonder Jerry and Jocelyn are
such a happy couple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
We`re lucky to have here in Niagara not only amazing
natural scenery, but also some pretty amazing wedding
venues. Winery`s, golf courses, hotels and more.
It`s no wonder I have so many couples from all over the
world who come to Niagara to have their weddings.
I do enjoy though working with couples like Jerry and
Jocelyn who are local. Thanks for a great day!!

Jason + Tara

Talk about an attractive couple! Jason and Tara enjoyed
beautiful weather on their big day. We started at Tara &
Jason's home and then after church we went to Vineland
school of Horticulture ( part of Guelph University) for
photos. Reception was at the Starlight Room at Club
Roma, where I heard some of the best speeches ever!
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  

Mixed emotions

Sometimes, at weddings not everybody is happy. This
young man was not too keen coming down the aisle.
 
click on the photo for a larger version !

Janey + Lou

Here are some teaser photos from the wedding of Janey
and Lou at Liuna Gardens. It was one of those summer
days where one minute the sun is shining and the next
it's raining cats & dogs. They are a great couple with 
a zest for fun so the rain didn't dampen their spirits 
any. They party'd the night away at the Quality
Parkway reception room. -RN
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 

Ryan + Maria August 2008

  Ryan & Maria had a beautiful and very hot day for their
wedding at Balls Falls in Jordan. I first met Maria at Rachelle
and Darren's wedding a year before and not long after, they
were engaged and wanted me to photograph their day.
The ceremony was held in a very old country church not
far from Balls Falls and the couple were driven in a classic
grey Mercedes. (no surprise there as Ryan sells new Mercedes)
It was a great day with a very relaxed reception in the barn.
Thanks for letting me capture the day for you. Here's a few.
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 

Pam + Jamie August 2008

Pam & Jamie had an awesome wedding day despite the wet
start. They had planned a vineyard wedding at Cave Springs
but the damp ground would have played havoc with all the
shiny new shoes so the ceremony was held indoors beside
the vines. The sun smiled on us as we emerged so we got
to photograph in the vines after all. We moved on to the 
On the Twenty  reception room for the festivities. Pam
and Jamie were so great to photograph and had such a
nice group for their wedding party. Here are a few from
their very happy day!  RN
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Rob's ramblings

Hello, my apologies for the somewhat long gap since my last entry. While
it's always good to be busy, it does impede one's ability to keep up with
blogging on a regular basis. What with photoshoots (er ...I should say
sessions as shoots sounds kind of violent)  and weddings and endless
editing in front of the computer. Add to that the upkeep of facebook,&
emails to return , phone calls to return (not as many as the emails) it
seems to me that daylight savings time is an oxymoron , since I can't
seem to save any time at all.

Since my last entry I have been in New York City and photographed
an intimate Central Park wedding, photographed A&E's Sell This House
host Tanya Memme for an upcoming magazine spread, been up in a
helicopter to photograph the MTO building, and photographed a half
dozen family portraits and weddings. I also photographed for the
second time Henry of Pelham's Shakespeare in the Vineyard.  July 12th
was my class of 78 high school reuinion, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
We held it at the Four Points Sheraton in St. Catharines, and it was
well attended with classmates traveling from as far as Colorado,
Nova Scotia, Indiana, and Ottawa. None of us had changed at all,
of course and all looked exactly as we did the day we graduated.
Ha.. well a few lines and less hair for some , but it was as though
time had stood still as we all had a blast and ended up at Cat's
(that's Cat's Caboose for the uninitiated, best wings around)

Three weeks ago we began work on a small pond in the back
yard directly behind the studio, which initially was planned for
our own enjoyment. Lately I have been casting an eye on it as
a perfect background for portraits of children. Our pond hosts
two frogs, a big white goldfish from our son's aquarium (who
is grateful for the release from his algae invested former home that
was rarely cleaned) and three small feeder fish saved from the future
that their name implies!

A big welcome to two new families that have joined our studio's
Premier Portrait Plan . The Harlan and Whitesell families are now
able to come on a regular basis for artistic family and children
portraits at significant savings with no more session fees.

I am getting closer to launching a new website which I am very
excited about. I believe it will showcase the photography
much better than my existing site does and it will link this
blog directly to the site. I will keep you updated as it progresses.

Today we will embrace the rain (mostly because I have no choice)
while photographing the wedding of Janey & Lou at Liuna Gardens.
Then tomorrow it's a garden wedding reception for Aimee & Arthur.
Monday I'll be photographing at SODA salon , Tuesday the chef
with three signature dishes at Casa Mia (restaurant) and have
a few portraits to round out the week before the next wedding
Marlene and Paul's in Niagara on the Lake.

For those of you who come here to look at the pictures, well
sorry, you'll have to come back for the next post where I promise
you won't be disappointed.   RN