Website + Blog - Ottawa Wedding Photographers

Finally! I have been meaning for a couple of years to decommission my flash website in favor of a blogsite (blog +website) that was easy to view on ipad, iphones and other mobile devices.  The new website has wedding photos from my most recent weddings in Ottawa. There is still more lovely weddings and info to come. So as I decommission the old site and my old blog, this will be one of the last posts on this trusty blog...


I invite you to view the new site and I would love to hear what you think of the new look and layout...


Thanks for visiting the new site and blog!

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Wedding at the Courtyard - Historic Byward Market - Ottawa Wedding Photographers

Leanne and Eric have a sweet and quiet love between them - you can just see that they truly cherish each other.  They were married on a Thursday which was a first for me - but in retrospect- why not?! 


The ceremony and reception took place at the Courtyard Restaurant with planner Shannon Kennedy. Leanne's dress was by Olivia Couture -a line recently picked up by the famous Klienfelds Bridal - and it was truly stunning. The lovely florals were designed by Bloomfields and were beautifully composed with varied textures and unique features - and I fell in love with the blue french hydrangeas in the bridal bouquet. Friends came from as near as home and as far as California and Vancouver...who says you can't get people out for a Thursday wedding eh? 


Leanne and Eric are surrounded by loving and proud families and steadfast and true friends that will carry them into their new life together. Congratulations to you both- it was an honor to be a part of your beautiful day. Thank you!




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Ottawa. Montreal. Kingston. Toronto. New York 

Wedding at Eighteen Restaurant-Byward Market - Ottawa Wedding Photographer

Jennifer and Jason found me through their Toronto-based wedding planner and our first meeting took place over the phone, where Jennifer was completing her medical residency in Winnipeg while Jason was completing a fellowship in Texas. It wasn't until a few months later that Jennifer and I would get a chance to meet in person to go through the details of their wedding day at Eighteen where we really hit it off. I felt like I had known Jennifer for years not moments. Her quiet strength, warmth and easy laugh made connecting effortless - and when she told me she wanted to have a glamourous, elegant feel to her wedding - I knew we were a match- 'cause romantic, beautiful and classic are what I do best...and Jennifer brought the glamour without question. I would only learn at the wedding that her soon to be loving husband was formerly known as "Mister Creepy Stares" from Frosh week - obviously Jason was smitten, but it would take quite a while for Jennifer to get close enough to "Creepy" to learn he was going to hold her hand into the future. 


I first met Jason a couple of weeks before the wedding for our engagement shoot. We had a fabulous engagement session that was cut short by an abrupt storm that blew my skirt near over my head! I'm talking sudden! Well we were bonded at that point- no secrets there! We sat over a few drinks at The Sidedoor, where I got to know Jason better - I was in intant fan. Jason, it just so happened, used to run a beer tasting website- I just happen to love microbrews and beers from around the world, so we had something fun to chat about. What impressed me most about these two very talented doctors -other than their truly amazing accomplishments - was the depth of their great love for each other - in spite of the trying past few years of residencies, exams and distance - they had finally arrived at the point in their lives where they could take a deep breath, say they "Dog Days are Over" and begin their lives together - in the same city (of Winnipeg) and take in their great new lives ahead.


It has been an honour guys-thank you...this is for you...



Honourable mention to the staff at eighteen for being so fabulous. The food was simply out of this world! Grand Merci Matt Carmichael for your beautiful menu!

Wedding Officiant/Celebrant: Lynn Langille - Exceptional Ceremonies
Flowers: Mill Street Florists
Wedding Venue: Restaurant 18 (eighteen) 
Hair styled by Showpony (Lori Dyck)
Rings: Tiffany and Co.


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Ottawa. Montreal. Kingston.Toronto. New York

Highlight-Wedding at the National Art Gallery in Ottawa

Jennifer and Pierre has an amazing destination wedding in New York City at the Gramercy Park Hotel surrounded by their closest friends and family and then a couple days later they hosted a beautiful reception for all their friends and family here in Ottawa at the National Art Gallery. I was able to prepare a day-of slideshow for everyone to see so that all could share in the experience of the New York wedding. It was a real treat for me to see the reactions of both Jennifer and Pierre as they watched their wedding day unfold with their guests. 


Here is a highlight from their reception evening...still glowing from their wedding day...

Congratulations J & P!



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Kingston Engagement Session - Kingston Wedding Photographer

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to beautiful Kingston, Ontario for an engagement session. Rebecca and Jonathan will be married in September 2012 at the Renaissance - a former church, now converted to become a very cool wedding venue in Kingston, Ontario not too far from the beautiful RMC -Royal Military College.  
It must have been the most beautiful July day which was perfect because they were hosting an outdoor engagement party after our engagement session. It was an amazing opportunity to meet the wedding party, the families and friends before the wedding. Now we have so much to look forward to!


Here are a couple of my favorites from our time together...

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Engagement Session - L & C - Kingston-Montreal Wedding Photographer

I met Lucia and Carlos together for the first time before their wedding day in Ottawa. They almost didn't hire a wedding photographer! We had a drink or two at the Black Tomato in Ottawa's Byward Market to get to know each other a bit better and there was an instant click among us.  I would be lying if I said that Carlos was over the moon about being photographed at all, but by the time we started shooting we were having a great time and all looking forward to the big day. Lucia and Carlos were married at the National Arts Centre in a Great Gatsby themed wedding that was stunningly decorated by Jenna Majikot of Dahlia Event Production, who inspired Chef David Blackie to even remark, "Wow! Decor that is worthy of my food!". More from their beautiful wedding to come. 

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Some Wedding Inspiration from Engage 11 in San Diego - Ottawa Wedding Photographer blog

I recently attended Wedding Business Summit in San Diego that featured some of THE best in the wedding industry as a whole. It was a wonderful opportunity to see some of the new trends and come face to face with some amazing talent. It was there where many industry people were balking the current candy bar trend that was showing up so strongly last year. However, it's not gone for good...it's the candy car with a bit of a twist.

One of my favorite themed "dessert bars" was the Coffee Bar. It was beautifully dressed in orchids and other exotic florals with down to earth vintage coffee signs which lent a modern elegance to the presentation. It included cold drinks from Starbucks and fresh espresso served hot. The dessert array included chocolate mocha cookies, expresso beans, tiramisu, biscotti and mocha mousse in tasting portions. It also had amazing fresh doughnuts...I can't imagine a coffee bar being a bad idea for the after 10pm crowd that is gearing up for the dance floor. Here are some of the images I captured from this wedding party delight!







Other themed wedding dessert bars included lemon bars served with lemon cookies, tarts, lemonade, yellow jellies and sweets, while another was themed on Strawberries and dressed beautifully with pink peonies to accent.





I just love this inspiration for a new twist on the candy bar. It allows for so much more variety, texture and creativity.

Also, it doesn't have to match your bouquets...simply match the floral arrangements to your theme alone...break the rules, have some fun and be inspired as you create an amazing experience for your guests!

Hope you enjoyed some of this wonderful inspiration for your wedding!

Photography by Melanie Rebane Photography

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Toronto Engagement Session - Ottawa Wedding Photographer

Maria is the younger sister of one of my very dear friends from University. I have known her through the years and now I will have the honor of capturing her wedding at the Richmond Hill Golf and Country Club just outside Toronto this Saturday as she marries the love of her life, Joe. There was screaming and jumping and all the things that ladies do when they hear the big news. I felt like I was asked to be in the bridal party- it's so special to me. I can't imagine any other way to be at a wedding other than capturing all the special moments of so many people I personally care about while doing something I love so much. A very special weekend ahead...I am so looking forward to it!  Here are some of the images from their engagement in the Distillery District in Toronto.

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Inspired by Engage 11 - The Wedding Style Blog for Ottawa

Many who know me, or follow my blog know I am obsessed with weddings and style. I love Vanity Fair, Fashion photography and Vogue. I have spent hours on Fashion Television and too many hours to count watching reality weddings. My friends in the industry know I am crazy about them and their work. There are a number of very gifted floral designers in the area not to mention cake artists. The talent in Ottawa is coming into a new phase that really highlights the personalities of the couples and the experience that they want to create for their guests. I would be remiss not to mention the talent we have in the event design and planning professionals that I have had the honor of working with...once more-talented and wonderful. I love weddings. 

So when I was offered an opportunity to attend Engage 11 at the Grand Del Mar in San Diego recently, I nearly jumped out of my shorts! The best in the wedding industry are there. Their work is showcased for three straight days...and I was in jaw dropping awe the whole time.  So what does this have to do with wedding photography? Directly, not a whole lot. Indirectly everything. It showed me how high to set the bar to bring my clients the best experience possible. That's my homework and I'm excited for the changes to come ahead for my photography studio.

But the other part is that it has inspired me to create an online magazine for local Ottawa and Eastern Ontario brides trying to plan their weddings. A magazine written by industry insiders (wedding planners, photographers, bridal boutiques, etc.). It's to help the mind boggled bride find some of the amazing talent in the Ottawa and Eastern Ontario region. It will also inspire you. I come across so many amazing vendors in my work, I feel it is a great way to pass them along without cluttering my own blog with non-photography related items.

I welcome you to subscribe to the new blog, submit your real weddings and maybe even ask a few questions to our panel of experts. Its a wedding magazine in real time, on demand and with lots of style and inspiration.

Here is a peek at my Engage experience thanks to Cloud Nine Creative ....


Engage 11: Grand Del Mar // Wrap Film from Cloud Nine Creative on Vimeo.

Yes...that's me in there...spot the cameo :)



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Engage 11, San Diego {Among the Best in Weddings!}

It has been a busy couple of jet setting weeks with trips to New York City for a wedding, Toronto for an engagement session and then on to San Diego for one of the most amazing conferences of my life - Engage 11 at the Grand Del Mar.  


It will fundamentally change everything about how I do business and I am so excited for the changes ahead. Over the next six months m photography will be rebranding quite simply to Melanie Rebane photography. I can't wait for that work to unfold.


Additionally, we met with the editors for The Knot, Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings and my personal favorite, Wedluxe and Destination Weddings Magazine to learn more about the trends ahead and the needs of the savvy and sophisticated bride - I can't wait to post some of the amazing trends and details from this 3 day event. 


Here is a peek at day one of this amazing and inspirational conference:


Engage 11: Grand Del Mar // Day 1 from Cloud Nine Creative on Vimeo.

Back to editing! Enjoy!


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{Jen and Pierre} Sneak Peek New York City Destination Wedding

Back from a wonderful destination wedding in New York City. It was barely a 1.5 hour flight from Ottawa or Montreal, which makes it an amazing destination location for an intimate destination wedding. Or in my case, an 8 hour drive (someone had to take the bride's dress and the groom's suit across the border) :)...ahh yes, going a little beyond to make things perfect..why not? 

Here is a sneak peek of Jennifer and Pierre, just moments after coming down the aisle as Mr and Mrs...
This is in one of the many amazing and unique rooms in the Gramercy Park hotel. Just off the rooftop terrace, this spectacular room has a ceiling covered in this stunning array of light bulbs...it was striking to say the least...more to come...there is so much to share.

Thinking of a New York City destination wedding? I say go for it. It was so exciting, romantic and what memories!

Thank you Jennifer and Pierre for letting me share this spectacular time with you and your family and friends.


Gown: McCafferey Haute Couture - Custom Gown
Planner: Allison Turner - Live Love Plan
Floral Design: Adore Floral
Venue: Gramercy Park hotel
Hair+Make-up: Showpony - Style on Site (Lori Dyck)



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{Married in New York City} Destination Wedding Photographer

This is just a quick post from the recent destination wedding in New York City. The Gramercy Park Hotel was an incredible venue for an intimate wedding reception on the rooftop with the new york skyline in Manhattan sparking away in the distance...I can't wait to share more of this beautiful wedding with you....here's a glimpse.


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Lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel, New York City

{New York City Gramercy Park Hotel - Manhatten} Destination Wedding Photographer

The front lobby of the Gramercy Park Hotel. New York City

Today is the final day before I leave to capture an amazing dream come true wedding on the rooftop of the famous Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City. This wedding has been almost a year in the making and with the assistance of wedding and event planner Allison Turner of Live Love Plan, both the ceremony and reception in New York and the reception at the National Art Gallery of Canada later on Sunday, have been flawlessly orchestrated.


I met Jennifer and Pierre late last year when they were still deciding on the exciting destination for their intimate wedding, so it was a bit of an adventure at first. I couldn't have been more excited for them to learn that their chosen destination was New York City - one of the world centres of art, culture fashion and everything chic. Given Jennifer and Pierre's impeccable taste, it was no surprise that they would choose the Gramercy Park Hotel.  The Haute Bohemian heritage (of this hotel) represents a sensuous vision of artful diversity with an original combination of styles, with great pieces of furniture and artwork with an extraordinary use of color. It is a visual feast for the eyes. I just cannot wait to see how the vision of their day unfolds as the romantic ceremony takes place on the rooftop with romantic photos in and around New York City. 


It is an honor to be capturing this wedding in a city that I personally love so much. I can't wait to share the images with you!  


....And when it couldn't be more amazing, while I am in New York City, I am planning to see the incredible Alexander McQueen retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art  called Savage Beauty. Having started my art career early on in fashion design, and having followed Alexander McQueen over the past decade or more, this is a mind blowing opportunity and what better place to be inspired while in New York city but at the MET.  

Alexander McQueen retrospective - Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

I will look forward to tweeting the experience  so I hope you will follow along...


I'm sure I will have lots o wonderful imagery to share with you when I return...wish me safe travels...and I'll be back in a few days! 

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{Featured on Style Me Pretty Blog} Ottawa Wedding Photographer

By far one of my favorite inspirational wedding blogs, Style Me Pretty, has featured a beautiful June wedding at the Courtyard restaurant I captured from last summer...Spring is the time for beautiful peonies, snapdragons, baby roses and hydrangeas -this wedding had it all and an epic candy bar from the Candy Store in Westboro that few will forget...and I would love if you would visit the feature to view the whole gallery. Enjoy!

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{Featured on Wedding Chicks}

Pleased to announce our latest feature on The Wedding Chicks blog was published today...Wedding Wednesday. 

We are shooting another wedding editorial this coming May 15th with even more talented local wedding vendors including the Sophie Bifield Cake Company, Dahlia Decor and Event Design, Julie Barake of Chic Wedding Planning and Design and Luxe Bridal Boutique in the Byward Market.   Also, we will feature Laura Jayne Bridal Design of Toronto. Laura Jayne Bridal Design is a collection of couture veils, hair adornments, jewelry and other fun stuff (sashes, belts & wraps).  Designs are hand-finished in the sunny Toronto fashion-district studio by a team of artisans with skills & specialties ranging from couture sewing, jewelry-making and millinery. We are all so excited to be working with everyone and looking forward to bringing you some beautiful wedding inspiration!
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