About - Sarah Joan Photography - Intimate Moments in Nature

I'm so happy you're here!

Sarah Joan

VISUAL STORYTELLER

I grew up in Ontario and spent my summers camping in Algonquin Park with my family - this is where my deep rooted love of the outdoors was born. Looking back on old photos from my childhood makes me feel so connected to those early moments of discovery and makes me feel so incredibly loved!

This is my why.

Why I focus on real candid moments, why I exclusively photograph intimate weddings and elopements in the great outdoors, why I work with couples that are intentional about creating an experience for themselves that is authentically them, and why I feel so strongly about telling your story with so much real emotion and authenticity.

Ten facts about me...

I just about live and breath yoga.

I attended my first class with my best friend Taylar and her mom when we were 11 years old - I didn't start doing it seriously until my early twenties though. That probably leads you to think that I can do some really cool poses...I can't! Tripod headstand and Crow's Pose is about as cool as it gets ;)

I'm a fur and feather mama!

My fur baby is a German Shorthaired Pointer named Frankie and she is my world! I am also "Mother Hen" to a flock of Rhode Island Reds and Icelandic chickens...they seriously bring me more joy than I ever thought possible! Does that make me a crazy chicken lady? Probably - but I'm okay with that...

I am definitely an empathetic person.

Don't be at all surprised if you see me tearing up during your vows or speeches - I can't help but get caught up in all the love and intimate moments shared!

I've hiked the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park, twice!

And I'd do it again! It's called the Skyline Trail for a good reason - over half of the 44km three day hike is above the treeline so the views are spectacular! Elopement ideas anyone?!

I'm more of an introvert than an extrovert.

This may surprise you or maybe you're thinking "I'm totally like that too"! I've had couples tell me that they really appreciated my calm presence on their wedding day and it makes me so happy that I can show up just as I am and others really resonate with my personality. I truly believe like attracts like.

I'm a big Lord of the Rings fan!

You probably relate to this completely or not at all. One of the very first books I remember absolutely loving was the copy of The Hobbit that my father gave to me when I was 10 and that really sparked my love for Tolkien - I've read The Hobbit and LOTR trilogy many times since!

I am a coffee lover through and through.

Freshly ground in a French Press is my favourite way to brew but I've also been known to pick up a Cold Brew or Flat White from Starbucks.

I've climbed to the top of Mount Olympus!

Yeah! The Mount Olympus in Greece! It was incredible - it was also completely covered by a cloud so I didn't get any views from the top but I did see some Chamois in the mist which were definitely giving me Greek mythology vibes.

I worked at a fire tower in northern Alberta at 22 years old.

It was a fly-in tower on the edge of Chinchaga Wildland Park - the closest humans were over 60kms away. It was solitude on a whole other level! Honestly, it was an incredible experience to be in nature like that, day after day, for weeks on end. It was peaceful, but also lonely, and even a bit scary at times.

I'm a Netflix binger!

I don't want to give the impression that my life is all outdoor adventures - it's not! I like to curl up on the couch with my babe and our pup, relax, and binge a good Netflix series too!

kind words

— The Tyers

Lake joe — muskoka

My husband and I found ourselves navigating a wedding in a pandemic, shifting our 170 guest list to 15 of our closest family. We found Sarah on instagram (her photos showed evident talent) and were excited to find out she was available the weekend of our wedding. She offered to do an engagement shoot for us right before our big day, it was fun and she thoughtfully sent us quick glimpses just in time for us to see them before we walked down the aisle :) . Knowing the florist I was working with in Muskoka (Molly @muskokaflowergirl) Sarah coordinated with Molly, offering to pick up our bouquets and flower crowns and drop them off before the wedding. She continued to go above and beyond and arrived on our wedding day punctual, professional, and supportive. Blissfully married and driving home from Muskoka, we had to pull over to the side of the road when Sarah sent us a few sneak peeks of our breathtaking wedding photos. I'm talking GORGEOUS! Fall colours, black & white, and just a sense of epicness. We were in awe. Sarah's peaceful and supportive demeanour was a gift It really felt like I was working with my best friend. Thank you for going above and beyond every chance you got! We were so blessed to have found you.