“Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.” — Brad Henry

The Botanical Gardens in Niagara Falls is one of my favourite places to visit. It is maintained by Niagara Parks so every garden is beautifully landscaped and the lawn is always perfectly manicured. A great backdrop for an evening of fun, family photos.

I met Miranda, Miguel and their three children on a warm August evening. Something I am missing dreadfully since fall is without a doubt here to stay—I am so not ready for the cold or the snow that will soon be here.

As I would be photographing their engagement at a later date, we really got to focus on the kids as well as the family dynamic, taking time to capture both posed and candid moments. The latter was a wonderful way to really show what great energy they had and just how close they all are. And can I just point out how exceptionally well planned and styled their outfits were?

We definitely shared many laughs and lots of silly faces on our walk throughout the park that you will see below in some of my favourite images from their awesome session.  I absolutely cannot wait until I get to photograph this beautiful family again when Miranda and Miguel tie the knot in 2017!