Welcome to my blog! My name is Melanie Galbrand-Chen and I am the owner and creative force behind Verve Photo Co.

Verve is a boutique wedding and lifestyle photography company based out of Toronto, but available internationally. What this means is I only take a limited amount of weddings per year to give my clients the support and service they deserve. The relationships I build with my clients mean more to me then any accolade or award. Nothing is more rewarding then continuing to share the lives of my clients by documenting their milestones through maternity, baby and family photos years after their nuptials.

Each wedding, milestone or event I shoot is a new and exciting venture, and regardless of race, religion, or orientation, I promise to capture your day with artistry, honor and respect.

Please be sure to check back often, and feel free to comment or share any of my posts with your family and friends. Thanks for stopping by.

--Melanie

magda + steve | the oakville club

Monday, August 8, 2011

Magda and Steve picked the hottest week in history to get married. Wow, was it HOT. The temperature was something like 45 degrees with the humidity . We were all melting, yet Magda and Steve were amazing despite the heat. I think most couples would have trudged through the heat reluctantly for a few minutes before saying “forget the photos!”, scurrying off to find the comfort of air conditioning. Not Steve and Magda – we wandered around outside for a couple of hours, and in the process, were rewarded with some fantastic shooting locations in downtown Oakville. We did manage to seek shelter in a chocolate shop and bakery for a few minutes, enjoying the cool air and the sweet treats that were offered by them (thank you Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut and Black Forest Pastry Shop!). At the end of our walk, we found ourselves on the lakefront, and were blessed by an ever-so-slight breeze, perfect light, and a lovely “field” of lavendar. Oh so pretty! Magda + Steve, we loved being part of your day. Thank you for braving the heat and humidity; we think it was well worth it, and we hope you do too.