Happily Ever After Starting in Niagara!

By Martine Mackenzie | Photos courtesy of Haskell Photography.

When thinking ‘Photography”, one name stands out above all the rest in the Niagara Region: HASKELL!

David Haskell was born into the world of photography. His father is world-renowned photographer Preston Haskell, of Millipond Photography Studio in St. Catharines. However, David has carved his own reputation in the world of photography as a premiere talent, world-renowned in his own right. Over 30 years ago, David Haskell opened his first photography studio in Toronto, Canada. His unique ability to capture beauty in just about any subject matter, quickly established him as a trendsetter in the photographic field. At the tender age of 19, Haskell’s photographic career began with Revlon. Haskell’s creative world was expanding, as after a few years in Toronto, he moved to the United States, where he worked with some of the largest companies, organizations and high profile personalities in the world.

Haskell has been labeled a visionary and photographer that has a true talent for bringing out the individual personality of his subjects. His credits are a virtual who’s who of the most relevant publications, people and corporations in the world. His work has been seen on the pages of Newsweek Magazine, InStyle Magazine, National Geographic, just to name a few. He has immortalized in photos, the likes of President Bill Clinton; musicians JayZ and Rihanna; actors Kathleen Turner and Arnold Schwarzenegger; celebrities Jay Leno and famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin; professional athletes, NHL superstar Patrick Roy and NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony -- there are just too many to name. The breadth of Haskell’s work extends to ROLEX, Mazda,

Bacardi, etc…and of course, to his roots at Revlon. He has also captured the essence of some of the most beautiful people in the world, working with supermodels Veronica Webb, Inés Rivero, Tyson Beckford and Frederique van der Wal. Haskell’s work has now been published in over seventy countries and can be seen in North America’s major market publications, advertising outlets, and galleries daily. And now, he’s found his way back home to the Niagara Region.

“With the new studio and gallery set and established in the heart of Niagara’s Wine Country, clients of all categories find themselves enjoying the atmosphere and artwork created in my working environment. From small product to football stadiums, and high profile personalities to the person next door, my passion for the creative arts is as strong and relevant today as the day I walked into Revlon”, he says.

David and his wife and business partner, Guen are the consummate professionals and approach every shoot with a spirit of adventure, creative passion, and genuine love for what they do. That genuine love pours into their devotion to their community. They give of their time willingly and very generously, in supporting, D.I.S.H.E.S. (Pediatric Aids), Day of Caring (Breast Cancer Awareness), One Foundation (Cancer Centre Niagara), Community Care (Coat & Food Drives), DSBN (For a Better Learning Centre), Hospice Niagara, and enjoy a Proud Partnership with Hernder Picasso’s Foundation. I am also proud to say that I can count Haskell as not only a friend, but as a colleague, as he is our photographer here at TODAY Magazine.

I can call him at a moment’s notice, and get him to take the best photos ever to grace our covers and to complement our features. It is only logical that he is “my person” when it comes to putting together a feature on the two things he knows best – Weddings & the Niagara Region. Of course, most people think that Niagara is only a great destination for summer weddings, but Haskell and I are about to enlighten you all. Niagara is an excellent all-season destination for weddings. In this four-part series, Haskell and I will be bringing to you the best of the best that Niagara has to offer, starting with the logical choice – summer weddings! The Niagara Region is a very popular choice for summer weddings.

Because of its proximity to major highways and New York State, brides and grooms come from all over to get married surrounded by the natural beauty that Niagara has to offer. From the majesty of the Niagara Falls themselves, to the historic estates, lush gardens, and vast vineyards, you can find numerous romantic, beautiful, and intimate settings. From the wineries along “The Bench” all the way down to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the options are numerous for great summer nuptial locations.

Wineries provide a great backdrop for wedding photos, especially when the vines are in full bloom during the summer season. Niagara is definitely wine country and there are so many wineries to choose from, with most of them offering wedding packages. Haskell is no stranger to shooting vineyard weddings. “Any of the wineries along Highway 55, heading into Niagara-on-the-Lake, or out onto The Bench will provide a very classic, vintage feeling to wedding photos,” says Haskell.

Of course, Niagara-on-the-Lake also provides natural waterfront opportunities for pictures. Shakespeare Beach in Niagara-on-the- Lake is a favourite spot for Haskell to shoot happy newlyweds.

“If you get a sunny day, there is no better place,” he says. Niagaraon-the-Lake is one of the most historic towns in all of Ontario, having been the primary hot-bed of activity during the War of 1812. Picton Street is one of the oldest streets in the province and its cobblestones and architecture provide great backdrops.

Another historic site just a stone’s throw away from downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake is Fort George, the British/Canadian stronghold during the War of 1812. “It’s almost like being on the moors of Scotland,” Haskell shares, “with the wide open field and the nostalgia of battle.”

Further on down on the Niagara Parkway is a site that is filled with wedding parties all summer long as it’s a very popular place for shoots – the Botanical Gardens. If you’re looking for amazing floral beds and arrangements, full of colour, and are wanting a more traditional feel to your wedding photos, these gardens will give you all of that, however, there is a guarantee that the space will be crowded and very busy.

The city of Niagara Falls itself is still referred to as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World”. The small waterfall next to the American Falls is aptly named “Bridal Veil Falls” because of its resemblance to a bridal veil. At night, a white light shines down on the Bridal Veil Falls to honour all honeymooners visiting. Haskell’s favourite venue to shoot in the city is the Hilton Hotel. Not only does this 5-star hotel offer exceptional wedding packages, but the views from the top are bar none, the best in the city. “I love shooting at the Hilton because of the fantastic views and because the hotel itself is very sleek and modern. Brides and grooms looking for the opposite of that vintage feeling,” says Haskell, --- “this is the place to be.”

Moving up river, we find ourselves in the city of St. Catharines. Haskell loves finding unique places to be able to shoot the most eclectic of photos. Rodman Hall offers a historic manor feeling with beautiful architecture set amongst exquisite gardens.

If you’re a couple who has edge, then the graffiti wall on Garden Park Street is a great venue to get that downtown cool, big city vibe. Haskell chuckles as he tells the story of one particular shoot in front of this graffiti wall: “The groom was a rocker just off tour with Iron Maiden. As we were getting ready to shoot, the lead singer of Iron Maiden was texting him, and his bride was giving him a hard time for being on his phone.

Ironically, the mural is of a girl on her phone!” Another popular site is Balls Falls. Here, not only will you find a waterfall, but some of the most historic landmarks in Niagara along with a fabulous, natural backdrop. Trails, valleys and hills all provide a spectacular landscape for bridal photos. “There are so many sites to choose from at Balls Falls. You really get that back to nature, rustic feeling here,” Haskell says.

Summer brings weddings, with warm breezes blowing love all around us. Niagara can give brides and grooms whatever they need for their perfect day. We have ethereal gardens, lush vineyards, a vast array of architectural masterpieces, luxurious hotels, rustic barns, and tremendous views of Niagara Falls and Toronto on a clear day. Romance is definitely in the air. However, stay tuned, as you will soon learn that September is the new June, when Haskell and I take you on a ride through autumn weddings in Niagara. TM