Jeff Cooke Photography » Engagements

A Polar Bear Engagement Shoot

Jeff Cooke — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:02:28 +0000

Alison and Kevin have been doing the polar bear dip together for the past two years, and after they posted a note on Facebook inviting friends to join them, we decided that their third annual swim would be the perfect idea for an engagement shoot (and great way to kick off 2012). So going on 3 hours sleep after an incredible New Years eve wedding, Jenn and I followed the adventurous couple as they braved the frigid Herring Cove waters on New Years day. I have to say, I’ve always thought polar bear dips were for the crazy, but it was such a great group of people with so much camaraderie – all for a great cause and it really gave the start of 2012 a positive vibe. As for our polar bear couple, they’ll officially take the plunge this coming summer. Happy New Year!

A big thanks to my very talented assistant Jenn for camping out with the local media and grabbing the awesome shots from across the cove. And if you’re wondering how everyone else made out, check out this post by my good friend Layton Reid.

Christmas Trees and Holiday Lights

Jeff Cooke — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:22:58 +0000

Note to self: when planning an outdoor shoot in the winter, pack gloves. It was a chilly night and it took a few hours for my hands to thaw out, but searching for the perfect Christmas tree followed by a drive around the city to check out the decorative lights was a great way to get into the holiday spirit. I’m looking forward to seeing Megan + Ian again, hopefully under warmer conditions, at their wedding this coming summer … A hot chocolate at Cafe Rostretto was the perfect way to end our shoot (and warm up). It was also nice to have the whole place to ourselves – we loved all the local artwork showcased on their walls …

October Sky

Jeff Cooke — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:10:45 +0000

It was the perfect setting for an engagement shoot … before catching a movie downtown, we hit the beach and although everyone got a little wet from the waves, it was well worth it. Congrats to Christena + Brad!

Run then Walk

Jeff Cooke — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:58:53 +0000

Kimi and Scott met in the world of Sport. Kimi is an Olympian in snowboarding and Scott trains amateur athletes as one of the Canadian Sport Center’s exercise physiologists. So naturally, their engagement shoot incorporated their active lifestyles with a bit of running and walking around the city…

E+D=F

Jeff Cooke — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:58:13 +0000

It was Fisher’s first time visiting the beach and despite the look he gave us after his first splash from the ocean, he had blast (as did Erin + Davey). It actually reminded of Sadie’s first trip to the beach when she basically froze in terror at the sight of the incoming waves … and now we can’t get her out of the water. It was a really fun shoot with a wonderful family and we’re looking forward to their wedding this coming weekend!

A Strong Foundation

Jeff Cooke — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:14:23 +0000

Newly engaged Leah + Mike had recently closed on their new south end home when it went up in flames. Thankfully it was empty and nobody was hurt. On the plus side, they now get to fulfil my wife’s dream of gutting and renovating an older Halifax home. So with an engagement, buying a home, fire, renovations and planning a wedding, I’d say it’s been quite the exciting year for them.

We’re Engaged … Let’s Go to the Movies!

Jeff Cooke — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:40:08 +0000

Maggie & Waleed love the movies, which worked out to be the perfect setting for an engagement shoot – especially considering the weather we have been having….(I know, I know – at this point we just need to all deal with it and think positive). I love the movies too, and, ironically, a few weeks before this shoot, I ran into them on the opening weekend of a big summer movie. We had a lot of fun during their movie date and there’s no doubt that we’ll have a great time this fall when they get to star in their very own wedding day …

Nicole & JP Engagement

Jeff Cooke — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:06:16 +0000

Nicole + JP met at Saint Mary’s University, so we decided to do a little tour around campus (which has certainly changed since I went to school there) …

A Splash of Salsa … Heather + Tarek Engagement

Jeff Cooke — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:37:08 +0000

Given the weather we have been having lately, it’s a good thing Heather and Tarek decided to stay indoors for a little salsa dancing at Havana Nights. Considering the fact that Salsa is the dance of passion, it was a perfect setting for their engagement shoot … and for someone with two left feet and no rhythm, watching these two move around the dance floor was like watching an episode of Dancing with the Stars – not that I’ve watched it.

Rena & Richie Engagement

Jeff Cooke — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:00:42 +0000

Chasing dogs, marching with the military and dodging trains made for one fun engagement shoot. Congrats to Rena + Richie, I’m looking forward to their big Greek / Lebanese wedding next month!

Rebecca + Clayton Engagement

Jeff Cooke — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:47:56 +0000

For their engagement shoot, Rebecca and Clayton decided to first meet for a celebratory drink and capture a few special moments at the Old Triangle in downtown Halifax. After fishing out Rebecca’s engagement ring from a pint of beer, we left the city and hit the beach, braving an especially windy, not quite spring like day. I’m pretty sure there were a few people who thought we were nuts, but we had a lot of fun with it …

When I first met with Rebecca and Clayton about photographing their wedding, we immediately clicked. They are basically as much fun as a couple can get, the kind of couple that you want to hang out with every weekend and I can’t wait for their wedding this coming September in Halifax.

Destination Downtown

Jeff Cooke — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:16:01 +0000

Although we stopped at a few different spots, it turned out that a stroll downtown followed by a toast at the Carleton was the perfect plan for Jason & Allison’s engagement shoot …

A Wintery Mix

Jeff Cooke — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:21:45 +0000

For their engagement shoot, Marc & Stephanie chose to have me tag along on a coffee date at the Bike and Bean with a stroll outside afterwards. We almost re-scheduled due to the wintery mix, but the rain changed to snow and in between flying snowballs, I managed to capture these two with the beautiful Nova Scotia winter scenery as their backdrop.

I’m looking forward to toasting their day this summer at the Grand Pre Winery.

K+B=B

Jeff Cooke — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 16:15:53 +0000

Jenn and I recently met up with Kristina, Bill and their little man Brayden for their family hike engagement shoot. Although it was a beautiful day, the chilly wind eventually brought tears to our eyes, so we cut the walk short and headed to a nearby playground for some family fun – and I thought my kids were fast!

We’re looking forward to celebrating with them again this coming summer – hopefully minus the wind.

Uncork’d

Jeff Cooke — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:26:28 +0000

Jenna and Jeff’s wedding is set for this fall at the amazing Grand Pre Winery. After learning about their love of wine and cozy nights relaxing on the sofa, combined with the fact that Jeff would soon be leaving for Afghanistan, we decided to keep things indoors and planned an engagement shoot in the comfort of their beautifully decorated home. We had a great time getting to know the couple and ended up staying well past midnight while sampling a variety of phenomenal wines. Proof that it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re having a lot of fun (mixed with a glass or two of your favorite grapes) …