My grandma, Isabel, was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her family was used to life in the big city, but both parents were teachers, so they longed to escape the city life in the summer time. Thanks to a teacher friend of my great grandfathers, they discovered Stoney Lake. This lake was one of several connecting lakes where small cottages lined the rocky shore. My grandma's family rented cottages there for several summers until her father, Duncan McColl, found some property there that was for sale. He bought this piece of lake front property for $125.00. My grandma was 7 years old when her father decided that he would build a cottage himself. My great grandpa, Duncan, cut down the trees on the property and used those logs to build what our family knows as "the cottage." He made a wood burning fireplace that is about 20 ft tall out of stone from the lake. He worked so incredibly hard, using NO POWER TOOLS! That is something a person of our time can barely fathom! It took him all summer, but it was worth it for his family. I'm glad that he did! With that being said, I have hopefully showcased to you the importance of this place and helped you understand the special place that it hold in my family's heart. I have gone to the cottage every single summer of my life but two. Shortly after I was born, my Canadian neighbors also welcomed their first little girl, Lonique. She and I grew up there together. We tubed, ate ice cream, had bonfires on the island and played the game of Scattergories! We did everything cottage life had to offer. We were always super excited to see each other every year because there was no Facebook to keep in touch with. Since Facebook, I've been able to keep up with Lonique, her family, and all my other beloved northerners! Last winter, my jaw hit the floor when I saw the photo of the rock that Lonique had posted on Facebook to announce that she and her sweet man, Scott, were engaged to be married! How exciting! When Lonique found out that Blake and I were coming to the cottage this summer, she asked me if I was willing to shoot their engagement photos. Are you kidding me? Of course I was thrilled! Lauren Rinaudo, International Photographer...SIGN ME UP! I couldn't wait to take my long-time friends pictures. Lonique and Scott met through mutual friends and had their first date in Rosetta McClain Gardens in 2008. For Valentine's Day, they got a little dog named Franklin, and they love taking him to the dog parks. In 2013, same park, same place, Scott decided to take Lonique and ask for her hand for the rest of his life. He really did good and is a genuinely great guy to my sweet Canadian sister. They bought their first home in St. Catherine's, but both love cottage life and wanted to do their pictures there. Of course, I couldn't resist either. The rollling hills in the area, the numerous amount of wildflowers are a photographer's sweetest dream. We decided to shoot in a field right off Birch View Road , which is at the top of the hill that our property sits on. We got some great shots even though a swarm of bees chased us down the road! Lonique and Scott weren't against any of my ideas. They even got in the freezing cold lake. My favorite picture was of them, noses touching, whispering and giggling back and forth with each other. It was the most natural connection that I've had in front of my camera to this day. Scott and Lonique, I've seen you together for many years now, and I am happy that ya'll are taking a step to become a family. I can't wait to watch you grow as a couple and see you two together for the many years of happiness that is to come! Thank you so much for allowing me to be your "international photographer!" Love your guys!
