Valentine&rsquo;s Day is coming up, which means it&rsquo;s time to start planning a romantic evening for you and your other half&mdash;ouuuu lala. I&rsquo;ve curated a list of my favorite local experiences &amp; gifts, sure to make this Valentine&rsquo;s one they&rsquo;ll be bragging about in the besties' group chat ;)
&nbsp;
<h3><a href="https://eloramill.ca/">Spa Day at The Elora Mill: </a></h3>
The experience at the Elora Mill is worth every penny. I recently went with a girlfriend, and we kept saying, &ldquo;Gosh, we should take our partners here!&rdquo; Having access to all the amenities&mdash;the pool, hot tub, sauna, and eucalyptus steam room&mdash;was heavenly. Then, add a spa treatment on top of it, and it&rsquo;s the icing on the cake. If you really want to knock your partner&rsquo;s socks off, you could plan a weekend in Elora. There are so many incredible shops and restaurants to explore in town.
&nbsp;
<h3><a href="https://www.nathaliemonique.com/package/14d21a43-8004-48c0-b8c8-e782e30c87f9">Couples Photography Session: </a></h3>
When was the last time you had really nice photos taken of the two of you? How fun would it be to get new photos for that gallery wall you&rsquo;ve been pinning to your Pinterest board for the past year? Having your photos taken doesn&rsquo;t have to be awkward&mdash;in fact, I always tell my couples to treat their session like a date night! (Maybe that&rsquo;s a trip to your favorite coffee spot, skating at the Waterloo Public Square, or going on a snowy winter walk in your neighborhood&hellip; The possibilities are endless!)
&nbsp;
<h3><a href="https://www.princesscinemas.com/" aria-invalid="true">Dinner and a Show at the Princess Cinema: </a></h3>
Dining at one of Uptown&rsquo;s amazing restaurants, then hitting up the local theater, has to be the quintessential Waterloo date night. If you&rsquo;ve never been, the Princess Cinema in Waterloo is a cozy, historic venue that often screens independent films or classics. And if you need dinner recommendations&hellip; Don&rsquo;t worry, I&rsquo;ve got you covered. Here are some of my favorites:
<ol>
<li style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="http://www.jinzakaya.ca/JINZAKAYA/index.html">All-You-Can-Eat Sushi at Jinzakaya</a></li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://www.babylonsisters.ca/">Tapas with wine pairings at Babylon Sisters Wine Bar</a></li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://bodegarose.ca/">Handcrafted cocktails and shared apps at Bodega Rose</a></li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://beertown.ca/" aria-invalid="true">Fish tacos, burgers, and a beer at Beertown</a></li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://famoso.ca/">Hand-tossed Neapolitan pizzas from Famoso</a></li>
</ol>
&nbsp;
<h3><a href="v">Hot Chocolate and Skating at Waterloo Public Square: </a></h3>
Dust off those skates and head to the public rink at Waterloo Public Square! If it&rsquo;s been a while, you know you&rsquo;ll have some giggles getting your feet under you again. Once you&rsquo;ve skated your hearts out and had enough of the Canadian winter, grab a hot chocolate from <a href="https://oldfirehallconfectionery.com/">Old Firehall Confectionery</a> or a London Fog from <a href="https://midnightruncafe.ca/">Midnight Run!</a>
&nbsp;
<h3><a href="https://www.discoverchicopee.com/">Ski Date at Chicopee: </a></h3>
I&rsquo;m such a sucker for ski dates, especially when it&rsquo;s night skiing! Although, I do find skiing is always best in groups of four (the perfect number for the chairlift). So, take this as your permission to make Valentine&rsquo;s a double date!
&nbsp;
I can&rsquo;t wait for you to start planning your perfect Valentine&rsquo;s outing together!

Date Ideas For Valentine's Day in KW

Kitchener-Waterloo is home to a seriously impressive food scene, with tons of amazing restaurants perfect for hosting your engagement party! Whether you&rsquo;re looking for casual comfort or something a little more upscale, there&rsquo;s no shortage of restaurant options in KW to celebrate your engagement.
I&rsquo;m Nathalie, a wedding photographer and self-proclaimed foodie here in Kitchener-Waterloo. I totally get how crucial it is to pick a restaurant that offers not only a great atmosphere but also top-notch food for your special celebration. That&rsquo;s why I&rsquo;ve rounded up a list of some of my all-time favorite restaurants in KW&mdash;each with either a private dining room or the option to rent out the entire venue for your engagement party!
So, without further ado, here are some of the best spots in KW to host your engagement party (in no particular order!):
&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.thebauerkitchen.ca/">The Bauer Kitchen</a></h3>
Located in Uptown Waterloo, The Bauer Kitchen offers an industrial yet cozy atmosphere (the building is actually a restored felt factory), perfect for a modern and elegant engagement celebration. The service is always exceptional, quick service &amp; friendly servers. The food is exceptional, offering a contemporary and upscale dining experience with a focus on modern, seasonal dishes. They also have a wide selection of plant based and gluten friendly options.
Bauer has a private back room, perfect for engagement parties. For parking, I recommend using the underground parkade (you can access it from the above ground parking lot) then taking the elevator up to the restaurant!
Take a peek at Bauer&rsquo;s menu <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.thebauerkitchen.ca/">here</a>.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://wildcraft.ca/">Wildcraft Grill + Long Bar</a></h3>
Wildcraft is a very large, rustic yet modern restaurant venue, with a gorgeous open kitchen and floor to ceiling wine display centerpiece. The service is fast and friendly, with staff knowledgeable about wine pairings and menu favourites. The food is exceptional, offering a contemporary and upscale dining experience with a focus on modern dishes from a selection of bowls to steaks. This restaurant also provides a wide selection of plant based and gluten free options.
Wilcraft offers a private dining area downstairs, separating your event from the bustling upstairs. The restaurant has ample parking available.
Take a peek at Wildcraft&rsquo;s menu <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://wildcraft.ca/">here</a>.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.charcoalsteakhouse.ca/">Charcoal Steak House</a></h3>
For a classic and sophisticated engagement celebration, Charcoal Steak House in Kitchener is an iconic option. Known for its exceptional steaks and elegant ambiance, it has a private room that can accommodate a mid-sized group. If you&rsquo;re a fan of classic steakhouse cuisine and want an intimate, upscale event, Charcoal is the place to be. For a steakhouse, Charcoal&rsquo;s also provides a great selection of plant based options.
Charcoal has ample parking behind their venue, sharing a parkade with the neighbouring Marriott Hotel.
Take a peek at Charcoal&rsquo;s menu <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.charcoalsteakhouse.ca/">here.</a>
&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.babylonsisters.ca/">Babylon Sisters Wine Bar</a></h3>
Babylon Sisters Wine Bar offers a cozy, eclectic, lowlight atmosphere with a great selection of wines (with emphasis on supporting female wine makers) and tapas-style dishes. The intimate setting makes it an ideal venue for smaller cocktail-style engagement parties. There&rsquo;s the option to rent out the private back room, or the entire venue for your engagement party. If you&rsquo;re looking for something with a unique vibe and excellent wine pairings, Babylon Sisters is a hidden gem.
Babylon Sisters is located right in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, street parking may not always be available, but there is a nearby large public parking lot located at the <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/aMUsPC2RvBXAuJe5A">Waterloo Town Square Parking Lot North.</a>
Take a peek at Babylon&rsquo;s menu <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.babylonsisters.ca/">here</a>.
&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://bodegarose.ca/">Bodega Rose</a></h3>
This upscale eatery combines a modern, warm, romantic ambiance with innovative culinary creations. At Bodega Rose you can enjoy modern fusion cuisine made from fresh, seasonal ingredients with unique menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. Their beautifully curated wine list will elevate your celebration even further. I would recommend asking about renting the full space for your private event as they don&rsquo;t have a separate room for private parties.
Babylon Sisters is located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, with <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/8eyrwk4H8vVJan3s9">Gillen St Parking Lot</a> located across the street from the restaurant.
Take a peek at Bodega&rsquo;s menu <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://bodegarose.ca/">here.</a>
&nbsp;
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.indulgekitchen.ca/">Indulge Natural and Organic Kitchen</a></h3>
If you're looking for a venue that emphasizes healthy, organic ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere, Indulge Natural and Organic Kitchen is a wonderful choice. Their farm-to-table approach makes for delicious and nutritious dishes, perfect for guests with dietary restrictions. Renting out the entire intimate venue would be perfect for an elegant yet laid-back engagement party.
Indulge is located on off of Victoria North, Kitchener with ample parking outside the event space.&nbsp;
Take a peek at Indulge&rsquo;s menu <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.indulgekitchen.ca/">here.</a>
&nbsp;
Each of these restaurants brings something unique to the table, so whether you&rsquo;re looking for a cozy vibe, an upscale setting, or something in between, KW has options that can perfectly match the tone of your engagement party!
&nbsp;

Best Restaurants in KW for Your Engagement Party

<div>"Wow wow wow!! Nathalie is an absolutely amazing and talented photographer! Having Nathalie as our wedding photographer was one of the best decisions we made when planning our wedding! Throughout the entire process Nathalie was professional and organized, making sure we had all of the details and photo combinations set for our special day. We love all of our wedding photos and would not change a thing. I would highly recommend Nathalie as your wedding photographer, you will not be disappointed."</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>- Rachael &amp; Rhys</div>

<div>"Nathalie is just the best! She is simultaneously the most friendly and the most efficient person to be partnered with. When it came to my wedding, one thing I was never worried about was the photography. I felt only excitement. Getting our preview photos back and then our official wedding photos back just re-affirmed all of the above! She was the PERFECT photographer for us. I cannot recommend her more!"</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>- Abby &amp; Evan</div>

<div>
<div>
<div>"Nathalie has taken both our engagement pictures and photographed our wedding day for us, and we honestly can't say enough wonderful things about her and the quality of her work. Neither my husband or I really enjoy being in front of the camera and she made it so easy-going and comfortable. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Nathalie on our wedding day, or has seen our pictures, is blown away by her professionalism and attention to detail."</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>- Kait &amp; Mike</div>
</div>
</div>

<blockquote>
"If it were possible to give Nathalie 6 stars, I absolutely would! From the start, working with her was an incredible experience. Her photography is stunning, capturing both candid moments and beautifully composed shots that perfectly reflected the spirit of our day. Nathalie is exceptionally organized, and her attention to detail made everything feel effortless and enjoyable. We found Nathalie through a recommendation from our best man, and we couldn&rsquo;t be happier with our choice. Beyond her talent, she&rsquo;s warm, personable, and genuinely invested in making the experience seamless. Our initial intro session and pre-wedding meeting were invaluable. Nathalie has a clear, thoughtful system for identifying the shots that matter most to you, ensuring she captured all the important family moments and special memories we wanted. Nathalie was also extremely professional and went above and beyond for us. She arrived early at our venue, even though it was two hours away, along with her second photographer, who was equally fantastic. Nathalie worked seamlessly with our videography team, which helped everything flow smoothly and made the day stress-free for us. She delivered all our photos within the timeframe she promised, with no delays&mdash;a much-appreciated quality! Her online portal made it so easy to book and manage our contract and later to review and download our photos. It took only one click of a button! If you&rsquo;re looking for a photographer who is not only talented but also dependable, organized, and an absolute pleasure to work with, Nathalie is the one to trust! Looking forward to hiring Nathalie for many other special photo shoots!"
&nbsp;
- Polyana &amp; Dimi
</blockquote>

Planning a wedding in Kitchener-Waterloo and looking for a photographer who&rsquo;ll capture all the fun, candid moments in a way that feels totally you? Well, you&rsquo;ve just found your photographer! My goal is to give you a wedding photography experience that&rsquo;s not just about stunning photos (though you can definitely expect those!) &ndash; it&rsquo;s about making sure you feel relaxed, confident, and totally at ease in front of the camera. Because when you&rsquo;re comfortable, those candid, intimate shots come naturally.
I know how important it is for your wedding day to be captured exactly how you remember it, and that includes how I edit your photos. My style? Think enhanced-true-to-life. That means the gorgeous colors of your day &ndash; from your florals to your d&eacute;cor to your wedding party&rsquo;s outfits &ndash; stay true to how they actually looked, so when you look back on your photos, you&rsquo;ll be transported right back to that moment.
But don&rsquo;t just take my word for it! With over 60 five-star Google reviews, you can see for yourself why my clients love working with me. Check out some of their recent glowing feedback below!

Kitchener-Waterloo Wedding Photographer Reviews

Caleb &amp; Paige's Summer Engagement Session
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.nathaliemonique.com/blog/caleb-and-paige-golden-hour-engagement">View Blog Here</a>

Abby &amp; Evan's Summer Engagement Session
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.nathaliemonique.com/blog/kw-engagement-session-abby-and-evan">View Blog Here</a>

Tori &amp; Justin's Spring Engagement Session
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.nathaliemonique.com/blog/lakefield-engagement-session">View Blog Here</a>

Emma &amp; Michael's Spring Engagement Session
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.nathaliemonique.com/blog/emma-and-michael">View Blog Here</a>

Natalia &amp; Ben's Fall Engagement Session
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.nathaliemonique.com/blog/balzacs-and-victoria-park-downtown-kitchener-engagement">View Blog Here</a>

First of all, huge congrats on your engagement! 🎉 Now, let&rsquo;s talk about what to wear for your engagement session in Kitchener-Waterloo. The most important thing to remember is that you want to feel like you. I want you to look back at your photos and think, "Yep, that&rsquo;s totally us!" So let&rsquo;s get into some fun and easy tips to make sure you look and feel amazing:

Engagement Outfit Tips

<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">1. Comfort is Key</h3>
The last thing you want is to feel awkward or restricted during your session, so choose outfits that allow you to move, laugh, and truly be yourselves. Try everything on before the shoot to make sure everything fits just right&mdash;no worrying about straps slipping off your shoulders or jeans that make sitting uncomfortable. When you&rsquo;re comfortable, you can focus on having fun and enjoying the moment!
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">2. Be Prepared for the Conditions</h3>
Comfort also means being ready for the landscape and weather! If we&rsquo;re going for an outdoor session with uneven ground, flats or running shoes are more advisable. And if it&rsquo;s chilly, layer up with a favourite cozy sweater or jacket!
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">3. Stick to Neutrals</h3>
When it comes to colors, neutrals are always a great choice! Classic shades like blacks, whites, and earthy tones that blend with Kitchener-Waterloo&rsquo;s natural scenery will keep the focus on you rather than your outfits. For example, soft pastels look gorgeous in the spring, while rich browns and deep oranges are stunning in the fall. Plus, neutrals tend to photograph really well and look stunning when printed and displayed in your home&mdash;think timeless and versatile!
<h3 style="margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;">4. Avoid Bold Patterns &amp; Logos</h3>
Bold patterns and logos can easily become distractions in your photos. They tend to pull attention away from you and, depending on the location, can clash with the natural backdrop. Plus, they have a tendency to date your photos faster than you&rsquo;d like! For a more timeless look, neutrals are always a safer bet.

Pinterest Board Engagement Outfit Inspo

Ok so you&rsquo;ll learn pretty quick that I LOVE a pinterest board (they&rsquo;re just so fun to make y&rsquo;know?? 🤪) Check out my engagement photo inspo board here:<a style="text-decoration: none;" href="https://pin.it/4wuKA6PLz"> Engagement Photo Inspo Board</a>.

Inspo From Past Kitchener-Waterloo Engagement Sessions

What To Wear To Your Kitchener-Waterloo Engagement Session

Laura &amp; Kevin
&nbsp;
We are so glad that we chose Nathalie to do our engagement photos! She made us feel so comfortable in the session and we had a lot of fun all together. The pictures turned out so beautiful, it&rsquo;s clear that she has a lot of experience and talent with photography. Thank you Nathalie, we love our photos :)

Marissa &amp; Mateja
&nbsp;
Nathalie was absolutely incredible to work with. She made us feel so comfortable and at ease throughout the shoot which made the photos very natural. We had such a fun time and she is super knowledgeable about lighting, poses etc. Can&rsquo;t wait to see the finished products. Thank you so much!!!

Emma &amp; Michael
&nbsp;
We couldn&rsquo;t be happier with our engagement photoshoot experience. Nathalie is incredibly talented!!! She made us feel so comfortable, confident and guided us effortlessly through the shoot. The photos are stunning and she got them back to us so quickly! We can&rsquo;t recommend Nathalie more. She is an amazing human and photographer! Thank you so much, Nathalie!!!!

Lexus &amp; Thomas
&nbsp;
Where do I even start!! Nathalie is the most kind person I have ever met. She made the process so easy and seamless and guided us through the entire thing! She is very down to earth and has a lot of passion for what she does. I received my engagement photos and was so emotional, Nathalie perfectly captured the love I feel for my partner. I cannot wait to show these pictures off to my friends and family. I will 100% be booking another session with Nathalie!

Kait &amp; Mike
&nbsp;
Nathalie has taken both our engagement pictures and photographed our wedding day for us, and we honestly can't say enough wonderful things about her and the quality of her work. Neither my husband or I really enjoy being in front of the camera and she made it so easy-going and comfortable. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Nathalie on our wedding day, or has seen our pictures, is blown away by her professionalism and attention to detail.

Are you located in Kitchener-Waterloo and looking for a fun engagement session that results in beautiful photos? I always tell my couples to treat their engagement session like a date night&mdash;let&rsquo;s pick something fun and exciting that really represents your love and connection. My goal is to capture your engagement photos in a way that feels totally you, while making sure you have a blast along the way.
&nbsp;
With more than 60+ five-star Google Reviews, read some of my most recent happy clients below:

Kitchener-Waterloo Engagement Photographer Reviews

I always tell my couples that the best way to plan their engagement session is to treat it like a fun date. Kristina and Rob did exactly this, booking a music studio where we could document their photos as they created music together. Having met in theatre, music has been a bit part of their relationship so choosing a music studio for their photos was the perfect way to showcase their connection.
&nbsp;
Located less than an hour away from Kitchener-Waterloo, we documented Kristina &amp; Rob&rsquo;s engagement photos at the <a href="http://www.escarpmentsound.com/">Escarpment Sound Studio</a>. The studio space was phenomenal, with the coziest space to comfortably record music (and such a gorgeous space to capture engagement photos). Keep scrolling to view one of the most fun and unique engagement sessions I photographed this year:

I always tell my couples that the best way to plan their engagement session is to treat it like a fun date. Kristina and Rob did exactly this, booking a music studio where we could document their photos as they created music together. Having met in theatre, music has been a bit part of their relationship so choosing a music studio for their photos was the perfect way to showcase their connection.
&nbsp;
Located less than an hour away from Kitchener-Waterloo, we documented Kristina &amp; Rob&rsquo;s engagement photos at the <a href="http://www.escarpmentsound.com/">Escarpment Sound Studio</a>. The studio space was phenomenal, with the coziest space to comfortably record music (and such a gorgeous space to capture engagement photos). Keep scrolling to view one of the most fun and unique engagement sessions I photographed this year:

Kristina & Rob's Music Studio Engagement Session

Wow wow wow!! Nathalie is an absolutely amazing and talented photographer! Having Nathalie as our wedding photographer was one of the best decisions we made when planning our wedding! Throughout the entire process Nathalie was professional and organized, making sure we had all of the details and photo combinations set for our special day. We love all of our wedding photos and would not change a thing. I would highly recommend Nathalie as your wedding photographer, you will not be disappointed.

Rachael & Rhys

Nathalie was a joy to work with. She took so many lovely photos of my partner and I on our wedding day, responded quickly to every question or request that we had, and will absolutely be our go-to photographer going forward. I highly recommend speaking with her about photographing any special event you're looking to capture.

Matt & Kayla

Nathalie has taken both our engagement pictures and photographed our wedding day for us, and we honestly can't say enough wonderful things about her and the quality of her work. Neither my husband or I really enjoy being in front of the camera and she made it so easy-going and comfortable. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Nathalie on our wedding day, or has seen our pictures, is blown away by her professionalism and attention to detail.

Kait & Mike

Nathalie is just the best! She is simultaneously the most friendly and the most efficient person to be partnered with. When it came to my wedding, one thing I was never worried about was the photography. I felt only excitement. Getting our preview photos back and then our official wedding photos back just re-affirmed all of the above! She was the PERFECT photographer for us. I cannot recommend her more!

Abby & Evan

We are so glad that we chose Nathalie to do our engagement photos! She made us feel so comfortable in the session and we had a lot of fun all together. The pictures turned out so beautiful, it’s clear that she has a lot of experience and talent with photography. Thank you Nathalie, we love our photos :)

Laura & Kevin

Default

This package is perfect for recently engaged couples who are excited to have this moment captured to share with friends and family! Plan your engagement photos like a date night, let me know what activities you love doing together and we can try and incorporate it into your shoot (e.g., Is there a favourite restaurant you always go to? A park you like to visit?) My greatest goal when you work with me is to help you feel confident and comfortable in front of my camera. Everyone deserves to have beautiful photos taken of themselves and have fun while doing it!

Kitchener-Waterloo Engagement Photography (1hr)

This package is perfect for capturing your engagement photos and your full wedding day from getting ready, until the end of speeches and the opening of the dance floor. Engagement photos are a great way for us to get to know each other and help you get comfortable in front of my camera before your wedding day! Plan your engagement photos like a date night, let me know what activities you love doing together and we can try and incorporate it into your shoot (e.g., Is there a favourite restaurant you always go to? A park you like to visit?) For your wedding day coverage, nine hours of wedding photography coverage gives you time not only to get all the photos with your friends and family, but also to really enjoy your wedding day. As a wedding photographer, it is my goal to elevate your wedding day experience. I will help you to create a photo timeline that doesn’t feel rushed, and really allows you to have a great time and not feel like your wedding day has turned into a photo shoot. (If you feel you need more than 9 hours, extra hours can be added on at $350 / hour.) While every wedding day is different, these are the moments we will typically cover over the course of the day: <ul><li>Getting ready candids and portraits</li><li>Wedding day details</li><li>First looks (optional)</li><li>Formal group photos with your family &amp; wedding party</li><li>Ceremony candids &amp; details</li><li>Cocktail hour candids and guest portraits</li><li>Reception details</li><li>Speeches &amp; reception candids</li><li>Sunset portraits and/or evening portraits of the newlyweds</li><li>Dancing &amp; partying candids</li></ul> I know how excited you are to get your photos back after your big day so, within 3 days of your wedding you will receive a gallery of 30 preview images that you can share with your friends and family! You can then expect the full gallery 8 weeks after your wedding.&nbsp;

Kitchener-Waterloo Full Day Wedding Photography + Engagement Session (9hrs)

Whether you’re having a brunch wedding or hosting your ceremony at your favourite wine bar, this package is perfect for smaller weddings (50 guests or less). 4 hours of photography is perfect for capturing the heart of your wedding day from ceremony until dinner reception &amp; speeches.&nbsp; While every wedding day is different, these are the moments we will typically cover over the course of the day:<ul><li>Ceremony candids &amp; details</li><li>Formal group photos with your family &amp; wedding party</li><li>Cocktail hour candids and guest portraits</li><li>Reception details</li><li>Speeches &amp; reception candids</li></ul> As a wedding photographer, it is my goal to elevate your wedding day experience. I will help you to create a photo timeline that doesn’t feel rushed, and really allows you to have a great time and not feel like your wedding day has turned into a photo shoot. (If you feel you need more than 4 hours, extra hours can be added on at $350 / hour.) I know how excited you are to get your photos back after your big day so, within 3 days of your wedding you will receive a gallery with some preview images that you can share with your friends and family! You can then expect the full gallery within 8 weeks after your wedding.&nbsp; If you are looking for a photography package that covers from getting ready photos until the opening of the dance floor, the Full Day Wedding Photography package may be a better package for you!

Kitchener-Waterloo Half Day Wedding Photography (4hrs)

The Focal Essentials All You Need Plan lets you create a beautiful business website with the power of AI. Create Packages, Pricing pages and Blogs. Make booking easy for your client with Focal's Booking System. 5TB of Gallery Storage.

All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

neutral C,B

This past weekend, Addie and Marcus hosted an absolutely breathtaking black-tie wedding at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge, Ontario. After exploring over ten venues, they instantly knew that Tapestry Hall was their perfect match. Its blend of historic stonework, industrial beams, and sleek modern features, including a stunning bar, made it an ideal setting for both their elegant ceremony and a spectacular after party.
Months of meticulous planning went into their wedding, with every detail carefully curated by the couple themselves. Many of the details were projects that they worked on together, including a beautiful seating chart, and all of the table centerpieces. To make their vision truly come to life, they brought in the most gorgeous white florals by Petite Bloom and asked all of their guests to wear all-black. The results? Impeccable.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Yet, one of the best parts of their day were the people. Addie and Marcus have the most incredible friends and family, you could feel how much everyone loved the couple and were so excited to be there to celebrate with them.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Wedding Vendor Team:
&nbsp;
Lead Photographer: Nathalie Monique Photography
Second Photographer: Captured By Kait
Venue: Tapestry Hall Coordinator: Hunter Markle Makeup Artist: Face It I'm Pretty Florals: Petite Bloom Faux Florals: HB Florals Hair Stylist: Sophie from Bamboo Hair Salon DJ: Jess from Nitro Music Pro Cake: Flour Girl Official Officiant: Bill Judge Bridal Boutique: Valentina Gowns

Instead of doing a first look, Addie and Marcus opted to do a first touch. Giving them some time together in the morning, but waiting until the ceremony to see each other for the first time. During this special time, they privately exchanged their vows, adding an intimate and personal touch to their day.

Rather than a bouquet toss, Addie opted for a bouquet dedication. She dedicated her bouquet to her mom in honor of being there throughout her life and helping her at every step of the wedding planning process.
&nbsp;

Tapestry Hall Wedding: A&M's Black Tie Celebration

Abby &amp; Evan&rsquo;s Sunday wedding was one for the books, and I think I just gained two new best friends 🥹 I care so deeply about the couples who&rsquo;s weddings I document, and Abby &amp; Evan are one of those amazing couples who reconfirmed my love for being a wedding photographer.
&nbsp;
Their wedding day was filled with so many personal touches, from getting ready at their family homes to the stunning flowers and landscaping at Evan&rsquo;s family farm. The attention to detail was truly remarkable. I also got to meet their two kitties Lily &amp; Finn - I'm such a cat person and my heart melted a little bit having kitties around while we were getting ready for the big day.
&nbsp;
The rain held out for us, giving us a perfect window for the ceremony under the most beautiful willow tree in Evan's family's backyard. It was a picture-perfect moment as they tied the knot surrounded by loved ones.
&nbsp;
After the ceremony we made our way to Puddicombe house for a beautiful reception. Nestled in the heart of New Hamburg, Ontario, Puddicombe House was such a wonderful venue for their wedding day. The beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and the quaint small town atmosphere of New Hamburg created a picture-perfect setting for their big day (and not to mention the absolute banger of a sunset we got after a day of cloud cover!)
&nbsp;
Not only is the venue beautiful with excellent food (the pasta I had was phenomenal), but the dedicated staff at Puddicombe House are committed to making your wedding day perfect. We had such a great experience with all of the staff on Abby and Evan&rsquo;s wedding day.
&nbsp;
A&amp;E, I&rsquo;m beyond grateful for being invited to document such an important day for you. Can we do this again next Sunday? 🥹💖
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Wedding Day Vendors:
&nbsp;
Lead Photographer: <a href="https://www.nathaliemonique.com/">Nathalie Monique Photography</a>
&nbsp;
Second Photographer: Tamara Rose Photography
Videographer: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lisamaefilms/">Lisa Mae Films</a>
Venue &amp; Catering: <a href="https://puddicombehouse.com/weddings/">Puddicombe House</a>
Florist: <a href="https://lilieswhite.com/">Lilies White Floral Studio</a>
Makeup Artist: <a href="https://www.alanamariemua.com/">Alana Marie MUA</a>
Hair Stylist: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/totalbetty_kw/">Total Betty KW</a>
DJ: <a href="https://www.eardrum-productions.com/">Eardrum Productions</a>
Wedding Dress: <a href="https://www.sophiesgownshoppe.com/locations/kitchener-store">Sophies Gown Shoppe Kitchener</a>
Suit: <a href="https://www.mooresclothing.ca/">Moores Clothing</a>

Puddicombe House Wedding: Abby & Evan's Beautiful June Wedding

When Katie &amp; Stefan reached out to me to document their wedding, I was ecstatic. I shot Stefan's brother and sister-in-law; <a title="Rhys &amp; Rachael's Wedding" href="https://www.nathaliemonique.com/blog-posts/rachael-rhys-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rhys &amp; Rachael's wedding</a> last summer, and I was pumped to be partying with the Eylotte family again this summer!
&nbsp;
Stefan &amp; Katie had a beautiful September wedding at <a title="Cherryvale Weddings" href="https://www.cherryvaleweddings.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cherryvale Weddings</a>, nestled in the heart of Prince Edward County. There's nothing quite like a September wedding - the temperature is perfect, the lighting is divine (truly a photographer's dream), and guests are excited to attend an event as all their summer activities are winding down.
&nbsp;
I don't know if I've ever been as excited as I was rolling up to the Cherryvale Weddings venue. As we arrived, we were greeted by a field of fluffy alpacas and the venue's two very friendly dogs - we learned that their names were Echo and Otis. (Like, how cute??) Walking in, the venue was full of activity. The florists from <a title="Stemz Toronto" href="https://www.instagram.com/stemzflowers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stemz Toronto</a> were meticulously building the floral ceremony arch, and setting up the reception tent (I don't even think this counts as a tent, it's a gorgeous extension of the venue) with a stunning blend of pink and red florals.
&nbsp;
The main building at Cherryvale Weddings was the epitome of rustic elegance and served as the perfect backdrop for Katie and Stefan to get ready for their big day. The warm September sunlight streaming through the windows provided just the right kind of natural lighting that we needed to capture those candid moments getting ready.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The ceremony was beautiful. Katie &amp; Stefan opted not to do a first look and instead met down the aisle. Katie was truly a VISION. She wore the most stunning gown from <a title="Chic Bridals Toronto" href="https://www.chicbridals.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chic Bridals Toronto</a> and a cathedral length veil. Stefan &amp; Katie's daughter wore a matching dress made from the same fabric as Katie's dress... It can't get any cuter than that. After Katie &amp; Stefan tied the knot, guests were handed a glass of bubbly as they exited the ceremony and a toast was made to the newlyweds.

While every aspect of the day was perfection, the icing on the cake was golden hour. As the sun began to set, the September glow gave the venue an ethereal charm. We seized this opportunity and took Katie and Stefan for a walk through the beautiful gardens of Cherryvale. The soft glow of the setting sun, the shadow play, and the vibrant colors of the sky provided a breathtaking backdrop for the most gorgeous portraits. We wrapped up the photoshoot in the nearby fields which offered us the most spectacular sunset view we had seen all summer.

&nbsp;
The day ended with a night full of dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories. (As I said earlier, this group knows how to throw a party). We can't help but feel grateful for being a part of Katie and Stefan's perfect day at Cherryvale Weddings. We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The vendor dream team:
&nbsp;
Photography: <a title="Nathalie Monique Photography" href="https://www.nathaliemonique.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nathalie Monique Photography</a>
Videography: <a title="Leslie Films" href="https://www.lesliefilms.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leslie Films</a>
Venue: <a title="Cherryvale Weddings" href="https://www.cherryvaleweddings.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cherryvale Weddings</a>
Hair: <a title="Ibero Hair Co." href="https://www.alexisibero.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ibero Hair Co.</a>
Makeup: <a title="Jenna Makeup" href="https://jennamakeup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jenna Makeup</a>
Dress: <a title="Chic Bridals Toronto" href="https://www.chicbridals.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chic Bridals Toronto</a>
Florals: <a title="Stemz Toronto" href="https://www.instagram.com/stemzflowers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stemz Toronto</a>
DJ: Tim Durkin
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;