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I am a Niagara Falls based photographer, and I do a ton of proposals. A lot of people travel here from all over the world to propose to their partners and everyone wants to be "in front of the Falls". I recommend one of two parks, Queen Victoria Park and Oaks Garden Theatre. Two totally different parks with different feels and they are a 10 minute walk apart.
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Queen Victoria Park, with its colourful, manicured gardens and stunning views of Niagara Falls, is a photographer's dream. I can't even begin to count the number of times I've been completely lost in the moment, capturing the perfect shot of the falls through a veil of vibrant blooms. The park is teeming with life, and every image captures a different facet of its beauty. It's a place that never fails to inspire awe, and photographing it is an experience I enjoy.
The pros of Queen Victoria Park (or QVP as I like to call it) is that it's directly across from the Falls. You can park at Niagara Parks Police station and you are steps away from all that you came to see! This park is perfect in the winter and non tourist months. It's also stunning first thing in the morning.
The cons to this park, parking at Niagara Parks Police station can be pricey and during peak times, near impossible to get a spot. Often times when events are being held at the Falls they will close this parking lot completely. It's also a tricky park during peak times as it's very busy. You are guarenteed to have a tourist walk in front of you as you take a knee!
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On the other hand, we have the Oaks Garden Theatre, an oasis of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The serenity of this place is something that I find incredibly soothing. As a photographer, the theatre's blend of formal and romantic styles presents a unique challenge, pushing me to think outside the box. The meticulously maintained flower beds, the classic Greek amphitheatre, the ornamental pool - each element adds to the charm of this place. It's a spot that offers a sense of calm, a respite from the chaos, and it's a pleasure to be able to capture that in my photographs.
The pros of Oaks Garden Theatre (or OGT as I like to call it) is that it's a park where people go to relax. To have lunch, a coffee or just to sit and take in the view. While there's a good chance there will be tourists around there are more places to hide and tourists arn't bustling through. There is parking near by but keep in mind it's a bit of a walk. Oaks Garden definitely has more variety for your engagement shoot following your proposal.
The cons of OGT is that it's down from the Falls (this could be a pro depending on how you look at it) so the Falls aren't directly in the background. Sometimes weddings are happening in this park so while it is a public park we need to be mindful and respectful of that.
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I'm not just a photographer, but also a storyteller. I believe in creating genuine connections with the people and places I photograph. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for each opportunity to be part of someone's story, to capture their precious moments. That's what drives me each day - the chance to make a difference, to touch lives through my work.
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If you have questions about either of these spots or your proposal, I am happy to help!!
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Your Niagara Falls Proposal: Queen Victoria Park versus Oaks Garden Theatre

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<a title="Niagara Parks Police" href="https://www.niagaraparks.com/services/">Niagara Parks Police</a>
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At the end of January we had some crazy fog here in Niagara Falls. It was only the second time in my 21 years of being a Niagara photographer that I couldn&rsquo;t see the Niagara Falls!!
 Charlie had contacted me months before about his Niagara&nbsp;proposal. I am always excited to hear where the details of how you want to turn your Niagara vacation into one of the happiest days of your life! We planned an afternoon time and hoped that the freezing winter temperatures were going to cooperate. The temperature was unseasonably warm! Because of the extreme change in temperature and Niagara Falls having so much ice, we had this ominous fog.
 Brittany definitely said yes to Charlies proposal. Millions of people come from all over the world to see the breathtaking Niagara Falls. I have no doubt that Brittany and Charlie were disappointed that mother nature had other plans. What they did get were photos unlike any other post proposal engagement session. I wish they could have got the backdrop they had envisioned but I had so much fun playing in the fog.
 They were troopers and left Niagara with a cool story and some unique&nbsp;engagement photos.

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Proposal in the Niagara Falls fog

I have had the privilege of photographing numerous weddings in the Niagara Region. And let me tell you, the area is teeming with unique venues that add an extra dash of magic to any couple's big day. Here are my top 5 picks for distinctive wedding venues in the Niagara Region.
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1. <a href="https://vineland.com/weddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vineland Estates Winery</a>: Set amidst lush vineyards and offering breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, this venue is a paradise for wine-loving couples. The Carriage House, built in the 1840s, provides a rustic yet elegant setting for your reception. The best time to get married here is in the fall, when the vine leaves turn a beautiful golden hue. This venue is ideal for intimate weddings with a guest count of up to 56 people.
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2. <a href="https://theharewineco.com/weddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Hare Wine Co</a>.: This is another vineyard beauty. What sets The Hare Wine Co. apart is its blend of traditional and modern architecture, making it perfect for couples who want a bit of both. The venue shines brightest in the summer, when the vineyards are lush and green. This venue caters to larger weddings, accommodating up to 150 guests.
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3. <a href="https://npca.ca/weddings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Balls Falls Conservation Area</a>: If you're an outdoorsy couple, this venue is for you. With its historic buildings, waterfalls, and natural beauty, Balls Falls offers a picturesque backdrop for your wedding. Spring and fall are the best times to get married here, when the flora is in full bloom or changing colours. This venue is perfect for elopements and small to medium-sized weddings.
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4. <a href="https://carmenslakeview.com/weddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Lakeview</a>: Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, The Lakeview offers a stunning beachfront setting. The venue features a vintage Grand Beach Hall and a modern Lakeview Loft, both offering panoramic views of the lake. This venue is best for summer weddings, and can accommodate large guest counts.
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5. <a href="https://www.niagaraparks.com/weddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Butterfly Conservatory</a>: For a truly unique wedding, consider the Butterfly Conservatory. Here, you can exchange vows surrounded by thousands of butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting. This venue is beautiful year-round, making it a versatile choice. It's ideal for intimate weddings or elopements.
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I have witnessed unforgettable moments at each of these venues. They each bring something special to the table, just like each couple does. The key is finding the one that resonates with your story, your personality, and your vision for your big day. And remember, what truly makes a wedding special is not the venue, but the love and joy shared among the couple and their loved ones. I would be thrilled to help capture these moments for you.

Top 5 Unique Wedding Venues in the Niagara Region

I am so grateful that Cierra reached out to me about her two dads wedding at John Michaels in Thorold. This wedding blew my mind. It was one of the most emotional weddings I&rsquo;ve been to (and if you&rsquo;ve checked out the <a title="about me" href="https://photographybyshelly.com/page/about">about me</a>&nbsp;page you know that I am emotional to begin with!)
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We did Frank and Zoltans photos first at&nbsp;<a title="Oak Hall" href="https://www.niagaraparks.com/heritagesurvey">Oak Hall</a>&nbsp;in Niagara Falls and as we were finishing up Frank was telling me how excited he was to head to&nbsp;<a title="John Michaels" href="https://www.johnmichaels.ca/">John Michaels</a>&nbsp;to see how the decor was coming along for their ceremony. He started to describe their mirrored, candle lit aisle to me. He explained there would be no other light in the ceremony other than candles and a bit of fireworks.
 It was INCREDIBLE. The atmosphere along with their dramatic entrance and their heartfelt emotional vows had me in tears. Everything about this wedding was perfectly them and completely unique. I am so honoured to be a part of their spectacular celebration.
 Check out a couple of my fav pics from Frank and Zoltans beautiful wedding.
Recognition has to go out to&nbsp;<a title="Style by Sarina" href="https://www.facebook.com/stylewithsarina/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Style by Sarina&nbsp;</a>for the amazing decor.

Zoltan and Franks Wedding

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As a photographer I shied away from boudoir for the longest time. I didn&rsquo;t have a &ldquo;reason&rdquo; I just wasn&rsquo;t interested but I wanted to want to be interested. As my own personal journey of growth, acceptance and body positivity grew I started to begin to look at boudoir more. The problem was me! I didn&rsquo;t believe in my own self image enough to encourage or promote your self image!
 The first time I ever photographed this genre I was completely inspired. The woman that stood timidly before my lens showed such bravery. I walked away from that session knowing THIS genre is for me!! We both left the session with an incredible sense of self!
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I have always been the kind of woman to uplift other women. I recognize the struggle that women have gone through and what we continue to go through. We are caregivers. We are taught to give of ourselves before giving to ourselves. We are taught to work to the point of exhaustion without taking the time to refuel ourselves. I truly believe we have a long way to go but I also believe we are going to get there!! (just a note, men work! And work, and work! I don&rsquo;t dispute the challenges that men face daily. I can&rsquo;t speak to it personally as I strongly identify as a woman. I do have a husband and two sons.)
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On Instagram I recently did a pole asking you guys if you would choose boudoir and if the answer is no, what was your reason? I was not surprised at the results. 56% of you said your confidence was keeping you from doing it. 31% of you said you had nothing to wear. Only 12% of you said cost was an issue.
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I don&rsquo;t have the confidence. I get messages all the time from people inquiring about boudoir and they tell me they are just looking into it as they are on a weight loss journey. They say I am considering this but I just need to hit the gym for a few months. I hear, I just had a baby so as soon as I lose this baby weight I want to do it.
 My heart breaks every time I hear this!! We all have goals, we all have a destination that we want to get to but part of that destination IS THE JOURNEY. If you are on a weight loss journey, that&rsquo;s amazing, I am so proud of you but this is part of it. Why not document this stage of the journey and then come back and do it again when you&rsquo;ve reached your goals. Some of us need to stop looking forward and love ourselves right where we stand.
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I don&rsquo;t have anything to wear for boudoir? Well, you do. I think we all think of boudoir differently. We all have our own idea of the definition of boudoir. The actual definition of boudoir is, the bedroom. I kept searching to try to figure out how it became &ldquo;women being photographed half naked&rdquo; and I literally found nothing. You know what I did find, womans sulking room. That made me laugh!! Kind of accurate sometimes though. It also said it was a ladies private room for bathing and dressing and expanded saying it was used to read or to sew. Just like so many things in the world we have changed its meaning or attached an image to it that was actually never meant to be. So what does this mean for what to wear&hellip;..you can wear absolutely ANYTHING.
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How about your favorite button down white blouse, or pink blouse, or black blouse. What about your favorite tank top (I say this one because that&rsquo;s me!) your favorite band shirt (that&rsquo;s me too!). How about whatever makes you feel amazing. I had one session where they wore their favorite hoodie with boy shorts and long socks. You are welcome to come in the sexiest lingerie you can find. You can bring that amazing pink bra that you love with matching panties&hellip;..or not! You don&rsquo;t have to be naked, you can be naked. Anytime you step in front of my lens I always want you to be authentically you (actually, if we go for coffee I want you to be authentically you too!!)
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If you&rsquo;ve got this far in this blog, thank you! I do tend to rattle on so I will try to sum things up.
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42% of you said you would prefer a mini to a full session. It could be because of cost, it could be because that&rsquo;s a good first step for you, either way I want to honor that!!
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After a great conversation with my cousin and favorite makeup artist <a href="https://www.liannemascia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lianne Mascia</a>. we decided it was time to team up and give you what you want!! A mini boudoir session with professional hair and makeup to get you to see all the beauty that you are!! Come and hang out with us and let us show you how we see you. Let us help you let your guard down and embrace all of your authentic beauty.
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Let&rsquo;s do this!! All of April will be mini boudoir month! April is the month of rebirth! Everything is budding. The sun is up longer and brighter. We are all super excited for the next season. Let&rsquo;s celebrate that together. We wanted to do a whole month rather than a weekend so you aren&rsquo;t limited and can schedule this with ease.
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Send me a message at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@photographybyshelly.com">info@photographybyshelly.com&nbsp;</a>or send Lianne a message at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lianne.mascia@gmail.com">lianne.mascia@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;and say let&rsquo;s do this!
 You can even text me or call me if you hate email 905-329-2902.
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I can not wait to work with you!!!
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Xo Shelly

Boudoir Photography, why do boudoir?

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City Hall in Niagara Falls is one of my favorite spots to photograph intimate wedding ceremonies and Elopements.
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Not only is the staff at City Hall professional and personable, the location is amazing. Whether you love trees and flowers or an edgy vibe. Queen Street in Niagara Falls has it all. Just take a walk down the street and you will find different textures and colors, an amazing backdrop for your wedding photos. You can have your civil ceremony in council chambers or outside in front of the water fountain. Whether its just the two of you or you bring your friends and family, it&rsquo;s a perfect spot for you to say &ldquo;I do&rdquo;!
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If you want to have the rest of your wedding photos taken somewhere else, no problem! We can head to one of the many parks in the city. Iconic Niagara Falls is only minutes from City Hall. Oaks Garden Theatre and Queen Victoria Park are both beautiful spots to add to your wedding photography session. Both locations have a backdrop of Niagara Falls.
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You can check out info on City Hall weddings here&hellip;&nbsp;<a title="City Hall Weddings" href="https://niagarafalls.ca/city-hall/clerks/civil-marriage-ceremonies.aspx">Niagara Falls city hall weddings</a>
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City Hall on Queen Street in Niagara Falls Ontario Canada
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Niagara Falls just minutes away from City Hall
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Outdoor ceremonies at City Hall on Queen Street in Niagara Falls 
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Ceremonies inside council chambers at City Hall Niagara Falls 
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Oaks Garden Theatre in Niagara Falls 
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City Hall Grounds

City Hall Weddings in Niagara Falls

Shelly is absolutely amazing! Very approachable and professional. She was the photographer at our daughter's wedding in NOTL. She kept the communication flowing and was great to work with. As the MOB and wedding planner, I greatly appreciated how organized and how well she kept the big day flowing seamlessly for photos. She is truly an artist and knew how to get us into our poses and when to take those unique surprise photos. We love love love your work! Thank you so much for a great day! I'll be sure to recommend your services! Now the hard part...picking out photos for framing since they are all sooo good! Take care. Dianne, Cristyn and the family :)

Dianne Franic

Shelly is amazing! I called Shelly on a whim with only a few days notice before my proposal. Not only did Shelly make time in her busy schedule to photograph our proposal but she was also incredibly accommodating, prompt and professional. She helped me plan the location and put my mind at ease knowing that everything would be taken care of.

On the day of, Shelly was knowledgable and knew exactly what my fiancee and I were looking for. She captured our special moment incredibly and I look forward to recommending her to others in the future!

Jared Kirsh

Shelly did such a wonderful job and went above and beyond for our pictures. We eloped in niagara, she drove us from the chapel to save us the parking headache and dropped us off close to where we got photos done so I didn’t have to walk in heels. She was so much fun to be around and made us feel very special. The pictures are everything we hoped for <3

Brianna Hawley

Absolutely in love with all our family pictures. Not only is Shelly a talented photographer, she is an amazing person. She was easy to work with and so patient with our 2 year old son. She made our session full of laughs and fun, everything felt so easy. Such a great day full of captured memories. 📷

Jamie Newlands

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Included in this package is not just photography, but my personal involvement and assistance in helping you to plan the perfect proposal. I know most of you aren't from the Niagara area so I am happy to help ease your stress by putting things in motion so when you arrive all you have to do is pop the question. The engagement shoot immediately following is packed full of emotion for both of you (and me too if I'm being honest!) it's all come together and all that's left to do is feel the excitement of it all!! I'm there to share in the excitement and capture some of the most genuine moments.

Niagara Wedding Proposal Package

Weekday Elopements in Niagara Falls Package – perfect for those spontaneous, intimate moments that deserve to be captured beautifully. This package includes one hour of dedicated photography coverage. Need a bit more time? No problem! You can add an extra hour for just $350. This package is great for the couple who want to document their wedding in a quick and fun way. (Speaking of fun, do you know you can get married on a Niagara Helicopter!) Every image tells a story, and with this package, I aim to narrate the heartfelt journey of your weekday elopement. All photos will be delivered to you through a private, password-protected online gallery, ensuring your memories remain exclusively yours.

Weekday Niagara Elopements Package

Platinum Wedding Collection – the ideal photography solution for capturing every moment and detail of your special day. For ten hours, myself and Amy will provide thorough, dedicated photography coverage, ensuring every meaningful moment is preserved beautifully and authentically. I truly adore my job, and weddings are my favourite. They offer a unique, joyous atmosphere that I'm always honored to be a part of. As your photographer, my goal isn't just to take your photos, but to tell your love story – with passion, care, and a genuine commitment to showcasing the beauty of your celebration. From the intimate moments of getting ready to the joy of the ceremony and the excitement of the reception, I will be there to capture every special detail. I also offer several add-ons that might enhance your wedding experience: <ul><li>Extra time: $300 per additional hour: Extend the joy of your wedding day celebrations! Ensure every precious moment is captured, from the heartfelt beginning to the joyful end.</li><li>Photo albums, starting at $600: Transform your cherished memories into tangible treasures! These exquisite albums serve as stunning keepsakes, perfect for sharing with loved ones and reliving the magic of your special day anytime you wish.</li><li>Discounted bridal boudoir: Treat yourself to a special session that captures your beauty and confidence in an intimate and elegant setting.</li><li>Discounted engagement session: Celebrate your engagement with a personalized photo session at a special rate, perfect for save-the-date cards or simply cherishing the pre-wedding excitement.</li></ul> Let me be a part of your journey, capturing the moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

Platinum Wedding Collection

Silver Wedding Collection – the ideal photography solution for couples who don't need full day coverage but want to capture all the important details. For six hours, I will provide dedicated photography coverage, ensuring every meaningful moment is preserved beautifully and authentically. I'm always honored to be a part of your wedding day. As your photographer, my goal isn't just to take your photos, but to tell your love story – with passion, care, and a genuine commitment to showcasing the beauty of your celebration. From the intimate moments of getting ready to the joy of the ceremony and the excitement of the reception, I will be there to capture every special detail. With this collection I also offer a discounted engagement session: Celebrate your engagement with a personalized photo session at a special rate, perfect for save-the-date cards or simply cherishing the pre-wedding excitement. Let me be a part of your journey, capturing the moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

Silver Wedding Collection

I'm starting to grow my business and do between $500-$1000 a month in bookings.

Core Plan

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Capturing life's moments, one image at a time

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You will find the about page from my existing website between the “” below. You can use this section primarily for tone of voice and style as opposed to content. Make sure that all references to the self are in the first person singular, as I am the only photographer on my team. Please also ensure that there are no references to “our team” or “our photographer”. Instead, all writing should be coming directly from me. I would also like it to be quite down to earth and without lots of fluff and flowery language.

"I am a Niagara Falls wedding, event and portrait photographer and the truth is I love my job. No, I mean I really love my job. I still cry at weddings……I can’t imagine doing anything else.

When I started it was weddings. Allllll weddings. Now, it’s so much more. My brand and I personally have evolved into something I couldn’t imagine. I am so grateful.
It is my job as a photographer to capture your most important moments. Even during a headshot or branding session I need to capture you as you are. I need to be able to tell the world in a single image a story. It has to be an authentic story; those are the only ones I want to tell.
Weddings are still my favourite. I get the opportunity to spend an entire day sharing in some of the most wonderful moments of your life.

Why would you choose me to photograph your event when there are an abundance of photographers in the Niagara Region? Experience and flexibility. My ability to make you feel at ease in front of my lens. Absolute professionalism without being rigid. My ability to easily adapt to your unique day.

My closest friends and family describe me as; Determined, compassionate, articulate, loving and innovative. Demanding and blunt were on that list but I’m going to take those as positives. Ha-ha.
My children say I am caring, funny (thank goodness someone said that!!) outgoing, emotional and focused (I have the best kids. I didn’t pay them to say nice things. They are the reason I do what I do and I am who I am)

Really, when all is said and done, it’s all about relationships for me. I have been saying that for a long time now and it’s the most consistent thing about me. At the end of our lives we take nothing with us but what we leave behind are the relationships we have built with those around us. For me, that includes every person I have photographed who have allowed me to be a part of their lives and for those who have allowed me to remain a part of their story.

I would love to hear from you. I would love to know what you need and how I can help you achieve your goals."

Blog

Your Niagara Falls Proposal: Queen Victoria Park versus Oaks Garden Theatre

Proposal in the Niagara Falls fog

Top 5 Unique Wedding Venues in the Niagara Region

Zoltan and Franks Wedding

Boudoir Photography, why do boudoir?

City Hall Weddings in Niagara Falls