Our Approach
Hey Lover is about authenticity. In a world full of beige and sunset photos, we have decided we want to show our (and your) true colours. We are lovers of old family photographs, stories that become legend over time, and letting tears fall as they come.
Our commitment to the candid shooting style is the only way we can authentically preserve your precious memories. We try to intervene as little as possible, focusing on movement, laughter and emotion - momentous moments big and small - so you can keep your focus on what matters most.
We are inspired by wedding photography from a time before pinterest boards and instagram, before anyone could so easily compare themselves to others. Each wedding is unique, and therefore each collection of photos is unique. Our portfolio and instagram feed will never be homogeneous, or fit into a neat palette - to do so would be a disservice to our clients and the vibrancy and dynamics of their lives and personalities.
It is so important to us that you can enjoy your wedding, therefore we bring a calm and collected energy to your day. Weddings can be stressful for the couple - but our experience allows us to remain steady and go with the flow, we are often an anchor in the chaos. Although we remain candid as much as possible, it is also our job to make you feel confident and comfortable - we will absolutely shower you with love and encouragement when needed.
Who We Are
Hey Lover is Jesse Daniel Smith and Elena Samuel. They met through mutual friends in 2016 at Ye Olde Orchard pub in Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood. After one Fat Tug IPA (west coasters know) Elena in a surge of confidence introduced herself to Jesse, and they soon discovered they were next door neighbours. After a year or so that innocent friendship turned into subtle flirting and pointed glances, and their chemistry boiled over into a relationship. Elena & Jesse are getting married this September 2023 in beautiful British Columbia.
Jesse is a renaissance man. Aside from being an effortlessly incredible videographer, video editor and photographer for the past 10 years, Jesse is a recording artist, who is never not thinking about audio. His original music and covers have touched the lives of many (and graced many a wedding for first dances and aisle songs). Jesse also loves to read and learn about philosophy, science and the way things work in general. He actively practices Buddhism and Taoism and is always seeking chillness. Jesse is a great Cat dad, and shows a tenderness towards all human beings that is unmatched in my (Elena) experience thus far.
Elena is a photographer. As a child, Elena would make very serious films on her family’s mini DV camcorder and edit it with music and the most professional effects Windows Movie Maker in y2k times could offer. Having always been the one with a disposable camera in hand at school, parties and documenting family trips - picking up a camera so many years later felt so natural to her. Elena is especially inspired by the family photographs of Linda McCartney, Elliot Erwitt, Ellen Von Unwerth - and all the old photographs taken by whomever on old film sitting in everyone’s closets and framed upon shelves. Elena also loves cats more than the average cat person, flowers, bird watching and being far away from the city.
Another beautiful photo by Britt Menze