Downtown Ottawa & Chateau Laurier Engagement Photoshoot

Gemma-Lee and John were the winners of my last giveaway of 2024, and when they suggested doing a downtown Ottawa “city scape” style shoot, I couldn’t have been happier! I’ve been wanting to book a couple’s photoshoot around the Chateau Laurier for a while and so this shoot came at the perfect time.

The couple dressed to the nines, John in a suit and Gemma-Lee in a white dress with dropped shoulders. We met a little before noon and the lighting ended up working perfectly. Long shadows and high contrast added some extra drama that you can see in the photos below.

I was also able to get some inspiration photos from the couple when it came to their shoot, which helped me visualize where the best spot would be to take some of the photos. The Chateau Laurier has stunning architecture and we got some beautiful shots on the side of the building where the couple was backlit underneath the pillar-like details.

There are so many spots right around the Chateau that make it a beautiful spot to photograph couples, and everything is truly a minute walk away. Head behind the Chateau to Major Hills Park and you’ll find a view of Parliament and the Quebec skyline across the water. Cross Rideau Street and right below you’ll find a semi-private view of the Rideau Canal, with a stone overhang and wide steps leading back up that are perfect for some more high-drama shots.

Congratulations to the beautiful couple on their recent engagement; I had a blast with you two and I love how the photos turned out!

Check out some of my favourite shots from our session: