Building your brand and growing your portfolio as a creative business owner

In 2021, I co-hosted a fall brand building day in Port Elgin, Ontario. Working with talented local vendors and artists, we invited photographers from around the province to join us for a day full of creativity and connection where they had the opportunity to photograph two elopement-styled shoots.

The intention behind brand building days is to provide creative business owners in the wedding world, with a unique experience that allows them to grow their portfolios while networking with others in the industry.

Shoot Concept 1 – Cozy & Authentic Bus Elopement 

We began the day with a boho-inspired, earthy-toned, elopement styled shoot on a beautiful 50-acre forested property. Connie – the soulful bus – was dressed up in warm tones with a minimal yet cozy aesthetic. Here, our couple enjoyed some drinks, treats, cuddles, and a vow reading.

Our couple for this shoot – Meet Bronte and Sara 

“Mine and Sara’s story starts with nearly 15 years of just missing each other. We grew up in small towns just 20 minutes apart, and even knew people in the same social circles. Despite this, our paths somehow never crossed as kids. As adults, we both met living in London and have been on constant adventures since! We love spending as much of our time outdoors as possible, hiking and camping, and we love a good road trip with our two pups Lily and Griffin in tow. We also love to travel and have visited both the west and east coasts of Canada, as well as trekking to Machu Picchu. We hope to never stop traveling and learning together.”

Shoot Concept 2 – Simple & Intimate Beach Elopement 

Our second styled shoot consisted of a dreamy/airy elopement set-up on the beach overlooking Lake Huron, with a clean, crisp, and minimalistic feel. Our tones mimicked that of an earl grey tea: neutrals such as whites and greys – a perfect complement to the natural warm autumn colours. Our couple enjoyed their time playing, cuddling, eating, and popping champagne.

Our couple for this shoot – Meet Lauren and James 

“We owe our whole relationship to tiny bladders! When James’ family moved from England to Canada, they rode the train and stopped in random towns to decide where they would live. The only reason they stopped in Oakville was for a washroom break but they loved the town and just so happened to move around the corner from me. Our friendship grew to a relationship after we left for different secondary schools and  we have been together ever since. Now living in Barrie with our dog Bronn, we enjoy traveling, camping and long hikes! Our favourite trip so far was visiting Lake Como in Italy, eating our way from village to village. We dream of owning a home even further north one day to live among the forest… with more dogs of course!”

Thank you to our talented vendors

Lead Designer and Co-host: Nat from @beachbusevents
Florist: Sarah from @serendipityflowerfarms
Stationery, Signs and Vow Books: Krista from @kreativeco.ca
Props Assistant: Randelle from @wildly.inbloom
Cookie Artist: Emily from @roundhousecookieco