A Family Photo Session at Beachwood Resort

When Pat first reached out to me, she quoted something right off my website that instantly told me we were a perfect match:

“Family photos are so important. It’s a snapshot of your family as they are in the moment... I understand the importance of family, after all, I am Italian (lol). Every family is a unique tapestry of love, laughter, hilarious dynamics and shared experiences. My mission is to freeze these fleeting moments in time, preserving the genuine emotions and connections that define your family. With a blend of artistry, warmth, and a passion for storytelling, I aim to transform your everyday moments into cherished memories that you can treasure for a lifetime.”

That made me so SO excited to work with her family — and it told me this session was going to be something special.

Pat had a vision: a relaxed, joy-filled afternoon surrounded by the people she loves most — and there were a lot of them! Over 30 family members gathered at the beautiful Beachwood Resort in Lakefield, Ontario to celebrate something truly remarkable: Her and her husband’s 25th wedding anniversary. But this wasn’t just any family photo session. It was a three-generation celebration, complete with great-grandchildren. My heart just about burst.

Rather than a full set of posed portraits, Pat asked for only five or six traditional group shots. The rest? She wanted the moments in between, the ones that happen when everyone forgets the camera is there. The belly laughs, the silliness, the chaos, the quiet cuddles… the little things that make family time so meaningful. These are my favourite style of images.

And that’s exactly what we captured.

Over two hours, I wandered with my camera between the dock and the cabins, through games of lacrosse and bocce, card matches, bubble chasing, fishing off the edge of the lake, and even a swim. Kids splashed, cousins played, and the parents bonded over slices of pizza and shared stories. The energy was joyful, casual, and authentically real. Everything you’d hope a family gathering would be.

To me, these are the best kinds of sessions. The ones where you feel like you’re part of the family for a few hours. Where you laugh behind the camera as much as you click the shutter. And where you know, deep down, that the images you’re capturing will be looked back on for decades to come.

Pat, thank you for trusting me to bring your vision to life. Your family is vibrant, loving, and full of personality! I hope these photographs reflect the incredible legacy you’re building together.

Looking to document your own family’s story? Let’s create something real, something heartfelt, and something you’ll treasure forever.

When we started planning a special resort weekend to get together with our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, we had no idea what a memorable event it would turn out to be and thanks to Alana it has been saved in pictures and slideshow.
Our family immediately resonated with Alana as soon as she arrived and it was translated into the Fun, Candid Shots. Our family photo of 39 people will proudly hang in our living room to be cherished always.
Alana is a very talented photographer! I would not hesitate to give Alana a 100% recommendation.

Pat