Diners. Milkshakes. Flirty hair tossing. A return to where it all began. {Laura + Jan}

If you ever want to catch a really authentic glimpse into a couple’s life, tag along on a date with them sometime. Three weeks ago, we had just that opportunity and followed Laura + Jan around the beautiful cityscape of Ottawa, camera in tow, casually clicking away as they laughed, smooched, joked, and gazed lovingly at each other. We even returned to the *scene of the crime*…. also known as how it all began. And it goes a little something like this:

Mutual friends had been hounding them to connect on the hunch they would hit it off. Finally surrendering to the pressure, these two now lovebirds agreed and had their first date at a trendy/cozy little restaurant in Ottawa. Friendship and attraction grew into love and before long the conversations turned to marriage. {Naturally we are WAY oversimplifying this!}

Although Laura + Jan are both very private people, what we do know is that they actually travelled great distances to find each other. Jan was born in Prague, but grew up in Kuwait, later Phoenix and then Ottawa, where he currently works in the medical field for the government. Laura has become the missing puzzle piece in his life.  In between training for his various triathlons, Jan takes great delight in helping Laura with her tennis game. Conversely, she coaches him with his running and now together they are even working on some slick dance moves for their upcoming wedding!

Paramount to Laura + Jan’s relationship is a mutual interest in celebrating their respective cultures. With Laura’s Finnish-Canadian background, Jan is learning to withstand the Finnish Sauna {and we’re told his time *in there* is significantly improving!} and also enjoy frequent helpings of Karjalan Pirakkas {naturally, made by Laura}. And with Jan’s Czech-International heritage, Laura has sampled his famous Schnitzel and is learning to bake the most incredible Czech Christmas cookies.

All this aside, these two busy professionals are now planning the wedding of their dreams back here in Thunder Bay this Fall. And this isn’t just any wedding; in fact it’s kind of special for us, too!

You see Laura’s mother is Rev. Deborah Kraft of St. Paul’s Anglican Church; a church that is near and dear to our hearts. But Rev. Deborah herself is also dear to our hearts. She has performed countless wedding ceremonies over the years and we can personally attest to her caring and respectful nature, along with the passion she exudes in talking about love and marriage. And if that’s not enough to get our attention, Jan’s mother — a classically trained opera singer — will be sharing her special gifts at the church that day, as well.

Laura + Jan, we’re honoured that you’ve asked us to document this momentous occasion. We are counting down right alongside you… In the meantime, please enjoy this handful of images from your Ottawa E-session. P.S. in case you are wondering how Laura’s back bends that way {trust us, you’ll wonder!}, she is a classically trained ballerina who, despite pursuing a career in law, never lost her turnout nor her incredible flexibility!

xo — Alvis + Sam