🎅 Christmas In Merrickville 🚒


December kicked off with a festive outing to the Christmas in Merrickville parade—a cherished event my wife, kids, and I were excited to experience together. It was made even more special by reconnecting with family, including my aunt visiting from Vancouver and my cousin, her husband, and their daughter. We found the perfect spot along the curb to watch as local businesses proudly showcased their creativity through floats. The parade was full of charm, featuring plenty of horses and culminating with a classic fire truck from the Merrickville Fire Department. Perched on top was none other than Santa himself, waving joyfully to all the kids.

A vintage Middleville FD fire truck carries Santa Claus in his sleigh during a holiday parade on a small town street.

Merrickville Fire Department Classic Fire truck with Santa Waving in the Christmas In Merrickville Parade

🎄 Christmas Pop-up Studio 🎄


The final pop-up Christmas studio of the season has officially wrapped up, and all the festive images have been delivered! From twinkling lights to joyful smiles, the holiday magic was truly in the air, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have captured such heartwarming moments. 📸✨


I’m already counting down the days until I return to the Russell Flea Market in 2025 to create even more cherished memories with all of you! 🎅❤️


A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped make this season so special. Your support and excitement have filled my heart with gratitude!

A family poses in front of a Christmas tree with red bows and festive holiday decorations in the background.
A festive family in matching Christmas sweaters poses in front of decorated trees and red bows for a holiday photo.
Family wearing matching Christmas sweaters poses in front of decorated trees and red bows in festive holiday setting.
A family poses together for a holiday portrait in front of decorated doors with Christmas trees and red bows.

The Winter Solstice


As December unfolded, I had the honor of photographing a breathtaking Winter Solstice wedding in Ottawa. This magical day, celebrated on the shortest day of the year, was nothing short of extraordinary. From the couple’s heartfelt “I do” beneath a stunning floral arch to the vibrant energy on the dance floor, every moment radiated warmth and joy—despite the chill of winter. ❄️💍

It’s always a privilege to capture these fleeting moments, and this wedding was no exception. A special thank-you to @whitelockimages for having me photograph such a beautiful celebration of love.

A couple shares their first kiss as newlyweds under a dreamy floral arch, surrounded by winter wedding magic. ❄️💍 | Tim Gowling Photography

Photographed for Sonia Whitelock

The bride and her friends share a joyful moment on the dance floor, celebrating with laughter and energy on the shortest day of the year. 🌟

Photographed for Sonia Whitelock

❄️ Special Family Moments 📸


Another memorable session this month was a family photoshoot at a nearby conservation area. This client was someone I had photographed back in November, but this time, the session had a special twist. His wife, whose parents are local to the area, had her sister and her partner visiting from out east. I was lucky to have my beautiful wife join me as my assistant for the day—she did an amazing job as my scrim holder and reflector assistant, making sure every shot had perfect lighting. It was a joy to capture these extended family moments, especially with their young boy joining in the fun. Watching him and his aunt play together in the snow made for some heartwarming and candid portraits—truly the essence of winter family magic! ❄️📸

Group in matching red and black buffalo plaid scarves pose together on a snowy winter day.
Two people in winter coats and hats stand together in a snowy landscape beside snow-covered evergreen branches.
Two people sitting together on a log in winter snow wearing warm coats and winter hats while enjoying the outdoors.
A group shot of the entire family, gathered closely and smiling against the beautiful backdrop of a snowy conservation area.

After An Exciting Build Up To Xmas 🎄


Christmas Eve was filled with family, nostalgia, and a touch of holiday magic. My "fam jam" and I headed back to Merrickville for a special brunch with my cousin and her family. We enjoyed a delicious meal at the Main Street Restaurant, which holds a special place in my heart—back when my wife and I first met, I lived in the apartment above it! After brunch, we strolled through a few of the Christmas shops in town, soaking in the festive spirit. Over the holiday break, it was time to slow down, step away from work, and fully immerse myself in quality moments with my young children. Disconnecting from the world for a bit to embrace the joy and wonder of the season was the perfect way to round out such a busy and rewarding year.


Children bundled up in winter clothing sit in a bright red vintage sleigh in the snow.

❄️A Boxing Day Love Story to End the Year💍


My final mini session of 2024 was truly special. Just one day after getting engaged, this beautiful couple stepped into the snowy wonderland of Henry Tweed Conservation Area for their session. I had the absolute honor of capturing the beginning of their engagement story during one of my winter mini sessions. The snow blanketed the ground, the air was crisp, and their joy and excitement were infectious. Moments like these are what make my job so meaningful—freezing time for couples as they start this incredible new chapter together.

To this wonderful couple, congratulations on your engagement! Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories ahead.

A newly engaged couple embracing, with the snow gently falling around them, creating a magical winter atmosphere.
A sparkling engagement ring resting on the bride-to-be’s hand, surrounded by soft snow on a winter day.
A sparkling engagement ring resting on the bride-to-be’s hand, surrounded by soft snow on a winter day.
The couple sharing a joyful laugh as they stand together in the snow, wrapped in cozy winter coats.
A wide-angle shot of the couple walking hand-in-hand along a snow-dusted path, framed by winter trees.
A happy couple poses together by a large tree trunk in a snowy winter forest landscape.
A couple embraces while standing between snowy trees in a winter forest setting.
A couple embraces on a snowy winter trail surrounded by tall trees in a serene forest landscape.
The moment of the proposal: the man down on one knee in the snow, holding out a ring box, as his partner looks on in joyful surprise.
A newly engaged couple embracing, with the snow gently falling around them, creating a magical winter atmosphere.

✨ "Happy New Year! Celebrating My 2024 Couples!" ✨


As we welcome 2025, I want to take a moment to celebrate all the amazing couples I had the honor of photographing in 2024. Whether you were newly engaged, tying the knot, or simply capturing your love story, every session was a reminder of why I love what I do.

To my 2024 couples—thank you for trusting me to document these special chapters in your lives. From the quiet, tender moments to the loud, joyful celebrations, every story has left a mark on my heart.


Here’s to 2025—another year of love, laughter, and capturing memories that last a lifetime. Wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with happiness and new adventures!


With gratitude,

Tim Gowling Photography 🥂