We asked our good friend Scott Rideout - aka DJ Skills from True North DJ Services about what's hot right now and here's what he had to say... 
 
We often get asked, "what is the most requested song at the moment?" In a mutli-aged event, the truth is, there are songs from the past that are far more effective than many recently released songs. Equally important is not what is played but when it is played :)  
 

So, with these things in mind, here are a few of our "top tracks" we use to keep the music diverse, and the dance floors moving: 
 
10. Stand By Me... with a twist ;) (Ben E. King) 
9. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson) 
8. Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars) 
7. Happy (Pharrell Williams) 
6. Wagon Wheel (Old Crow Medicine Show or Darius Rucker) 
5. Fresh Prince of Belair (DJ Jazzy Jeff & the fresh Prince) 
4. You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC) 
3. Push It (Salt n Pepa)  
2. Heave away (the Fables) 
1. Be Faithful (Fatman Scoop & Faith Evans)  
 
Happy dancing! 
True North DJs

Heather and Drew are a fun loving couple who were married in Halifax this summer. Very excited to share some images from their wedding! 
 
Coordination: Elegant Productions 
DJ: True North DJ Services 
Venue: Saint Mary's Boat Club 
Catering: Certainly Cinnamon 
Flowers: The Blossom Shops  

Kayla & Joseph were married in Halifax on June 21st - surrounded by many friends and family. It was a beautiful day from start to finish and here are some of our favourite images.  
 
Venue: Price George Hotel 
Wedding Planning / Event Design: Elegant Productions 
Cake: City Girl Cakes 
Flowers: Brown Eyed Susan's 
Hair: Melissa from the Hair Factory  
Makeup: Vicky Mina Makeup Artistry 
Transportation: Tri Star Classic Motor Tours

While the weather wasn't cooperating - as it often doesn't - Nicole and David's wedding still had a cozy winter feel. White Point was the perfect setting and we had the pleasure of working with some of the best wedding professionals in the business including:  
 
Venue: White Point 
Decor & Coordination: Elegant Productions 
Music and Lighting: True North DJ Services 

We’re very excited to welcome Shannon George to the Alex MacAulay Photographers team this month! We’ve been really lucky to get to know her personally - we photographed her wedding, and we wanted to give you the same opportunity to get acquainted. So, here’s a little interview with Shannon, in which she tells us how she got into photography, shares some of her favourite photo shoot memories, and gives us the lowdown on a few of her favourite things!  

A Nova Scotia native, Shannon tells us a little about her return to Dartmouth after some time away! 
 
I am a Bluenoser through and through:) However, my husband Wyatt and I had the fantastic opportunity to move to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in 2007. After nearly four years, terrific work opportunities, forming wonderful friendships and experiencing the birth of our first son Everett, we returned to Nova Scotia in early 2011. We are happily back to living in our hometown of Dartmouth and have welcomed baby Levi into the mix!

We asked Shannon how long she’s been a photographer, and about what drew her to the field of photography in the first place. Here’s what she had to say: 
 
I am fascinated with people! It's my curiosity about people and what's going on in their lives that brought me to photography. This medium allows me to meet many different types of personalities - people that without photography I would never have the opportunity to spend time with. 
 
I've had a love of photography for as long as I can remember. Though I was probably about 17yrs old when I knew that I wanted to be a professional photographer. After three years of photo school and three more years of assisting photographers first in New York City and then back in Halifax, I formed my own company in 2002. 

Although Shannon’s been fond of lots of past photo shoots, she gives us the lowdown on two in particular that were especially memorable: 
 
There are many shoots that I really love, however my shoot with Clyde and Evangeline definitely stands out. This was a completely unplanned shoot in 1998 yet turned into one of my most important projects. Clyde and Evangeline were retired farmers who lived in Belmont, Nova Scotia. I met them by chance and Clyde asked me to photograph his potato field. I agreed – but only if he would stand in the field (I photographed people after all!) The photographs that were created shaped the way that I moved forward with photography. I think of those photographs as I approach every project, every assignment. They offered such honesty. I learned that everyone has an interesting side to them, an interesting story to be captured. Clyde and Evangeline have both passed on now and I'd like to think that I have become a better photographer since those early days with my Hasselblad and Kodak Tri-X 400 film, but those images will always be very special to me. 
 
Paul and Kathy's wedding stands out too. It was one of my first weddings, and it was the first time that it really hit me that I didn't have to shoot like a traditional 'wedding photographer', that I could incorporate my editorial style into weddings. So I did! Little did I know at the time that photo journalistic weddings were soon going to become so accepted and that I was about to fall in love with The Big Day!! 

Shannon told us about her dream location for a photo shoot: 
 
For years, I have wanted to photograph Newfoundland and it’s wonderful people. Some of my best friends are from Newfoundland and I cannot believe that I have never even been there for a visit! I am definitely looking forward to starting that project one day. 

Since we want to make the most of the outdoors this summer, we asked Shannon if she had any personal stories or general thoughts regarding outdoor shoots. Here’s what she had to say: 
 
Locations play a primary role in my work. I love watching light and location scouting. I draw much of my creativity from choosing just the right place that suits the concept and the person (or people) that I am working with. There is never a dull moment with the ever-changing weather of the Maritimes! 

On what she likes to do when she’s not behind the camera... 
 
I am enjoying being a Mum of a very active 3 year old and a very hungry 8 month old:) Life is very full and very busy with the boys. I am thankful to have an awesome husband who brings laughter into every one of my days. We became friends in grade three and I thank my lucky stars that he is part of my life. I love spending time with my folks, road-tripping with the family, discovering new places and meeting new people. 

On a few of her favourite things... 
 
I love to cook. I love to eat! I love listening to the radio. ‘Q’ with Jian Gomeshi on CBC One is a daily ritual for me. I love music too! Wyatt and I are learning to play the ukulele and I have high hopes of also learning to play my banjo someday. Maybe I’ll have enough free time once my kids move out! Ha! 
 
I love weddings! I love going to them and I love photographing them! My heart skips a beat every time that I am a part of that moment that the couple first sees each other on their wedding day. It’s such a special time in life and I truly love being a part of it. I find it thrilling to know that my wedding clients will look at their images for years to come, that they will mean something to their children and to their families. 
 
I also love wedding dresses!! Even though I happily married my long time sweetie five years ago and I have no intention of ever wearing another wedding dress – I LOVE looking at them!! The style, the fabric, how the light hits them - they are works of art!! 

So there you have it! We’re so happy to have Shannon as a member of our team, and we’re so excited for you to have the opportunity to work with her, too! Do you have any questions for Shannon? Feel free to leave them in the comments section! And of course, here are some of her wedding images... 

Kate and I first met Russ as a DJ at a wedding. He was such a kind and approachable guy. He promised that when he got married, he would look us up. Although many years have passed - he kept his word and we're so glad that he did!

The kiss.

These two were too cute!

Since she wasn't able to come to the ceremony or reception, we made a very moving visit to Brittany's grandmother's home.

On the waterfront - loving the non-traditon foot ware!

Just outside the reception - what a great way to finish the night!

We believe it's important that there is a connection between a photographer and the people that allow them to document their lives. A video that offered some insight into who Kate and I are as photographers, as a couple and as parents seemed to be a good way to potentially start to form that connection.  
 
This video would not have been possible without Jason Lefrense. We've known Jason for a few years but our first opportunity to work with together came this past June where he was producing a video for wedding clients we were photographing. It was like he wasn't there - he's professional and so creative and yet he's able to capture everything without impacting the flow of the day.  
 
Jason is passionate about what he does, really cares about his clients and the work he does for them and I'm just proud to call him our friend. I could keep going on and on but you just need to have a look at his work - some of the best wedding videos you'll see anywhere - Check out Jason's Website 
 
We would also like to thank Danette and Dylan and Charlene & Jeff for letting us document their shoots. To Coleen & Scott for your amazing talents. Jason's beautiful wife Bernadette for sharing Jason with us. To our families for all your support and especially Sophia for your patience with Mum and Dad. And for all our clients whose images appear in the video - couldn't have done it with out you! 
 
We hope you like it.  
 

From January 1st to December 28th we had an amazing wedding season. We continue to be impressed with the wonderful people we attract as clients - thanks to them for trusting us with their wedding photography.

Shanlyn & Damian had a wonderful wedding on Saturday. From the ice-cream bar to Shanlyn's Dad singing their first dance song - there were so many unique details and surprises. We found ourselves getting caught up in the fun and felt more like guests than photographers.  
 
Below, Damian's best man warms up the dance floor.  
 
More images on our Facebook Page.

Megan & Matt were married on Saturday. Their day was elegant but laid-back at the same time - such a fun and gracious couple!  
 
Love this image of Kate's just as everyone readies themselves for their trip down the aisle - the father of the bride and groom are in the background. More images on our Facebook Page.

Newsletter Sign Up Click here to sign up for our newsletter which features photography tips, specials, contests and stories.

Wisdom "Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value." ~Albert Einstein