a little bit about me
Laura is my first name.
Kelly is the name I doodled after it in Grade 12 when I was dating a boy named Ryan. We were 17 years old when we made our 5 year plan that included buying a house, getting a dog, and having a destination wedding.
I'm a wedding and engagement photographer living in ottawa, counting my lucky stars that I get to have the best job in the world.
MORe >
THESE DAYS, I DIVIDE MY TIME BETWEEN BEING A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, A mindset coach, PODCAST HOST, AND A Mom of two little ones in elementary school.
AND FOR THE RECORD, I STILL SMILE EVERY TIME I GET TO
SIGN THAT LAST NAME.
My husband. We are high school sweethearts and our first date was at the movies when we saw "THE PRESTIGE" for my 17th birthday.
We got married when we were 23 in a gazebo overlooking the resort in Punta Cana.
I love him so much, I tattooed his name on my wrist.
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Mid-afternoon coffee breaks.
When you have a job you love, sometimes it's hard to peel yourself away from the office! I force myself to breathe real fresh air everyday, and a coffee break is the perfect way to make it happen.
My order: Grande Pike Blend with 2 pumps of sugar-free vanilla. (But you know my Nespresso is working overtime these days...)
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I'm blessed with girlfriends who enjoy wine just as much as I do, and every year we take a weekend away for some dedicated girl time. We are lovers of deep conversation, "walktails," and sushi takeout as a pre-dinner snack.
These girls are my cheerleaders, my therapists, my gossip junkies, my adventure seekers, and my business coaches.
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True story: I once drove to Home Sense on autopilot.
We moved into our home in the Glebe in 2017 and I've been puttering away at it with love ever since. I'm part minimalist, part candle collector. And I'm really trying hard to keep all my plants alive.
We are currently renovating our kitchen! It's a bit stalled with Covid, but it's come together slowly!
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My little fam. I'm not a baby person, but I find myself falling in love with my kids more and more every single year as they evolve into incredible little people.
Cooper is almost 9 and he's just like his dad: smart, level-headed, and thoughtful. Jillian is 7 and she's like her mama: funny, free, and sparkly. Together they taught me to work harder and faster and I ever thought possible.
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Telling stories through your headphones!
I started a podcast in the Fall of 2018 called "You Might Not Like It." It is the epitome of a passion project and I'm learning so much in the process. Make sure you tune in, sometimes I share content that's helpful for couples as they're planning their weddings!
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this stuff fires me up
follow your intuition,
BE BRAVE,
TELL THE TRUTH,
"Things I look forward to most on my wedding day: 1) Seeing my groom for the first time; 2) Uniting our friends & family from one end of the country to the other while of course lighting up the d-floor; and 3) Knowing that I am in the BEST hands when it comes to having the most well-rounded, passionate & vivacious photographer in the Ottawa area.
She has gone completely above & beyond throughout this entire process and EXUDES love for her craft -- We are SO lucky (& happy) that she is our photographer!"
MICHELLE & MIKE
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"Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. You were (and are) so amazing.
We got (and continue to get) SO many compliments on you and your photographs. Including how comfortable you made everyone feel in front of the camera. I am so happy we got you as our wedding photographer! If we ever need photos in the future we know who we are going to first.
Thank you for everything!"
VERONICA & MICHAEL
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"Laura is an absolute gem of a photographer and person!
My hubby and I are so glad we hired Laura to capture our September wedding. She's a blast to have around on your day and the photos will leave you swooning and reminiscing forever! Laura is authentic to her brand and what you see on her instagram and website is what you get.
Having been the Bride, Bridesmaid and guest of many weddings I now know the LK difference and can never go back!"
KAYLIE & PEARSON
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"Wow! Thank you so much Laura, they look amazing! Justin and I are so absolutely thrilled with how they turned out!
We both had a lot of fun and I am very impressed that you managed to turn something Justin had been dreading into something he is actually looking forward to now! Very thankful to be working with you and even more thankful you were ready and willing to travel with us to Vegas!"
GRACE & JUSTIN
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I was lucky enough to have Laura photograph my destination wedding and lifestyle newborn shoot and each time I am just blown away her work.
My husband and I are both shy in front of the camera and Laura always manages to get these perfectly candid photos that make it look like we know what we’re doing. She has this presence about her that makes you feel so comfortable, it’s like you’ve been friends for years and she just happens to have a camera in her hand. If you get the opportunity to have Laura Kelly as your Photographer, it will be one of the best decisions you will make!
KRISSY & SHAYNE
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"These photos are everything we could ever dream they would be, Laura!!
Honestly overwhelmed at how amazing they turned out. Your talent is out of this world!
Wishing our wedding day was tomorrow so that we could see those too.
I can't believe I am a Laura Kelly bride...!"
KATE & CAM
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was changed in 2011.
READ MY STORY.
I started a business, taught myself how to use a brand new camera, accidentally sold 406 photo shoots that expired in 8 months on Groupon, and lived to tell the tale.
6 months later, I was a full time boutique wedding and engagement photographer.
CLICK HERE >
my life
LAURA KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY // ottawa kingston montreal toronto