Lights, camera, action! This is where all the baby magic happens.
A brand new newborn photography studio, located here in the heart of Orillia. This was merely a dream I had when I started my business 5 years ago, and now it’s standing right here in my back yard. A dream that manifested itself to life.
We broke ground in Late 2020, laid the foundation, framed and wrapped it up for the winter. Huge shout out to my best friend’s Hubby Wayne from Graves Construction for making this happen. By Spring 2021 the gas fireplace was installed and we picked away at the interior during any free time we had. Let me tell you, hubby PUT. IN. THE. WORK. If your marriage can last through a project like this.. you can conquer anything. LOL just kidding, we were fine but with both of us working full time and 3 kids, it was definitely stressful at times. Mostly for him because I just dream and design and he (meticulously) makes it come to life. I’m one lucky girl.
By late August, the exterior was finished, all plumbing was installed (by Leaman Plumbing & Gas… amazing work) and all inspections had passed.
Now came the fun part… building the shelves and decorating. It’s approx 300 sq ft with 10’ ceilings so I really wanted to utilize the space and make it as functional as possible. We repurposed the shelving from my previous studio, added drawers underneath (IKEA hack using the NORDLI collection) and methodically planned out a spot for all my props. We also repurposed the scrap wood that my siding came wrapped in, and turned it into a bathroom vanity. It's probably one of my fave parts of the studio, besides the bathroom tile.
By September 2021, I was finally moving in. I remember the day I was filling my shelves, colour coordinating everything into a beautiful rainbow and I took a step back and cried. I couldn’t believe that this space was all MINE. Every little detail that I spent countless hours planning out… was staring back at me. I’m not one to boast, but I am damn proud of this accomplishment. I love watching people walk up and gasp when they come in the door “WOWWWW… Mel, this is stunning!” It's such an incredible feeling.
This calming space is equipped with a beautiful washroom, coffee station with mini fridge and a comfy loveseat for parents to relax on while I work with baby. Fully stocked with a large selection of newborn props, accessories, knit wraps and bonnets (which I make myself) and lots of beautiful maternity gowns for my mamas to be. I always have music playing in the background and fireplace on during the colder months to keep baby comfortable and sleepy. You'll find me cranking the tunes and busting a move while I set up for a newborn session and sometimes after my session I just sit there for a few minutes and relax before heading back into the house… shhh don’t tell my family.
So welcome to the studio, I’m excited to share this space with my clients.
Xo
Mel
P.S. Before I go, here is a side by side of my Photoshop rendering vs. The real thing. Pretty wild. This spring we will be laying the patio stone and making a little sitting area with a privacy fence (like in the rendering).
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