Being able to capture a split second in time for her couples is something that Denise Bélanger knows is truly a gift – and one that she certainly has. As the Owner and Photographer of C'est Chic! Photography, Denise views photography as not just a job, but a passion, which she says allows her to work harder to make your wedding day fun and memorable with awesome photographs to show for it afterwards.

With a distinct photography style, Denise thinks it's important that you choose a photographer based on a style that meshes well with your own. She's inspired by graffiti, bright colours, old barn doors and funky architecture and tends to attract couples that love that sort of grungy look, too. She also adds some modern flair to her style and loves to capture many candid photos. "I think they choose me because… they can tell quickly that I am a people person and they like knowing that I will have no trouble rounding up the troops when it's time for those big group shots."

Denise loves being able to make brides "ooh" and "ahh" over her photos, which they certainly do a lot of, according to our sources. From intimate destination weddings to full day gala events, C'est Chic! offers customizable packages that fit each unique wedding with extras brides love, like sleek and modern albums and boudoir and immortalize the dress sessions. After being more than a little impressed with Denise's portfolio, we sat down with her and discovered why brides already (and why more are bound to) love this easy going and flexible photographer. Let us explain…

Personally speaking…

Always a lover of photography, Denise decided to turn her hobby into a career in 2007 when she enrolled in Conestoga College's Photography Program. "I always knew that I would someday have my own business," Denise told The Ring. "Because I love weddings I thought about opening my own wedding gown shop or being a wedding planner. As I fell deeper and deeper in love with taking photos, one day it just 'clicked'." So, she started C'est Chic! Photography later that year and things have been growing steadily ever since.

Never done with learning, Denise says that she makes sure to keep up with new photography trends so she can offer her clients the best quality. She does this by attending seminars, workshops and conventions and through her membership with Wedding and Portrait Professionals International (WPPI).

C'est Chic! Photography consists of Denise, and, well… Denise. She is the CEO, bookkeeper, photographer and the janitor. Though she adds that for long days or large weddings she has an assistant/second photographer help her out. "It really helps the day move along smoothly and helps make sure nothing is missed," says Denise. "We can also get more candid photos when two of us are shooting and couples love that." Denise's second photographer has been shooting on the side for over fifteen years.

A friend and photographer

Couples who hire Denise are usually fun and energetic, like her. "They want to laugh with me. They love fashion and see that in my images," says Denise.

During her photo sessions, Denise really takes control by paying close attention to the way she poses her clients and making sure they're posed in flattering positions in the right light. She adds that she also tries to focus on the details, something that brides who spend months searching for the perfect set of earrings certainly appreciate.

April Wiens says that she truly enjoyed working with Denise for both her engagement and July 2010 photo sessions. Picture quality, flexibility in wedding packages and prices, and her immediate comfort level with Denise were the main reasons that April hired C'est Chic!. "My favourite memory in connection to C'est Chic! Photography would have to be Denise's fun natured personality," April adds. "While we were taking group pictures, Denise did an excellent job keeping the attention of all people involved while keeping it fun and effortless."

Denise feels that her easy going and fun personality are the characteristics that brides love about her (which in our research we found to be very true). "I am also very flexible. I treat my couples like good friends, not just paying customers… by the time the wedding day arrives my brides are like great girlfriends to me."

Such was the case for Jenelle Kuntz who had C'est Chic! photograph her June 2010 wedding and says that Denise was not just a photographer, but her friend. "Denise is such a positive person, and she cares about your wedding day and gets excited like she is your maid of honour."

A love for weddings and eye for creativity

We're sure that Denise's friendships with her clients also have something to do with the fact that she not only loves her 'job', but she also loves weddings and feels that each one is just as important to her as it is to the couple. "I can always sense the excitement in the air on the big day and that gives me energy and makes me excited for the couple," she says. "It may be the tenth wedding of the season for me, but it's the very first time they will marry each other and I never forget that." And while she feels that photographing weddings is hard work (because she doesn't want to miss any of the important moments), "it's such a happy occasion and so I think it's a wonderful place to be when you are 'at work'."

Jenelle found Denise to be traditional, trendy, fun and serious. "She is a total chameleon and does exactly what you ask of her. With her professional advice and creative ideas you get exactly what you had hoped for and more!" She adds that hiring Denise took the stress out of the photography portion of her wedding day. "She makes sure to get to know your wedding party and family and she gets all of the pictures you really want, all with a big smile upon her face."

With a modern, yet classic shooting style, Denise's goal is for each bride to be able to look at their photos in twenty years and not say “wow, that style of photography is so 2010.” Instead, she wants to tell the story of your day with images that "capture the fun and modern look they want, while keeping in mind that the images should also reflect classic elements."

That said, Denise of course loves to put her own creative style into her photos - a style that she says her brides all love and is part of the reason they're drawn to her in the first place. "I'm inspired by graffiti, chipping paint, bright colours, old barn doors and funky architecture," Denise says.

Julija Gee knew just by looking at C'est Chic's! photos online that Denise offered a style that she wanted for her July 2010 wedding photos. "We wanted something modern and classic, yet something a little less traditional," she told us. "We loved the idea of graffiti backgrounds, which was partly inspired by a photo on Denise's website."

Packages & prices

C'est Chic! offers a range of packages and services that Denise says can suit the small, intimate chapel wedding to the full day gala. "Every package is customizable because each wedding is unique," she adds. "The packages are built as a great way to give the couple an idea of what is typically purchased, but because each wedding is unique, I offer the flexibility to customize and create a package together that is perfect for your unique day."

Denise says that most couples purchase packages that come with a high-res disc of all of the wedding images and an album (with your choice of images). Most packages also come with an Engagement Session and an online gallery of your final wedding images, which allows you to easily share your images with friends and family around the world.

Since packages are customizable, you should check out Denise's website, or contact her for more details. But to give you an idea, her lowest package price is $2300 and her highest (out of her four packages) is $3999 with the average bride spending about $2900 at C'est Chic!. Plus, Denise offers a reduced rate for off season weddings from November to March.

"We were thrilled with the package price we received at the time of our booking," says April. "We definitely feel that the value we received was well worth the price we paid. We couldn't have asked for a better deal."

"Most of the brides who seek my services are willing to spend good money on their photos," says Denise. "They have chosen me as their photographer because they love my style and they found something they like about me and my personality."

Walking you through

Denise recommends booking her for your wedding about eight to twelve months before. If you're interested in her photography, you can contact her for a meet and greet. During this first meeting, she'll show you packages, samples of her work and go over wedding day details.

"Typically, I meet with the couple two to four times leading up to the big day with planning appointments in addition to the engagement shoot," says Denise. "By the time the big day arrives we're be like BFF's!"

During your second meeting with Denise, once you've booked her for your day, you sign the contract and pay the $1000 deposit. At this time, Denise gets all of the info for your day, like who the important people are, timing, what shots are must-haves, etc., so she can put together a rough plan for the day.

The third meeting, about two to three weeks before the big day, Denise will finalize details, then seven days before, your remaining balance is due.

A typical wedding day for Denise (which varies depending on the package), starts out at the bride's quarters for getting ready shots. Then, she's off to the church where the boys are waiting. After the ceremony, Denise photographs the family, wedding party and the bride and groom and says she tries to save at least forty minutes to photograph the bride and groom alone.

Denise describes herself as a “relaxed person” – she's organized so that she can make sure the day runs smoothly and everyone is where they need to be, but she also has fun and a lot of laughs throughout the wedding day.

Along the same lines, Denise can't stress enough the importance of making time for great moments on your wedding day. "Capturing great images takes time and I recommend setting aside three to four hours for photos, especially if there is any travel time to hit up funky, cool locations," explains Denise. "Weddings can be stressful and often run a little behind schedule. If you plan a little extra time for photos, the day will be smooth sailing." This will also ensure that the couple makes it to their cocktail hour while Denise captures candids and images of the room.

Another option to save on time is for the couple to have a 'first look' session before the ceremony. "We arrange a special moment where the bride and groom see each other for the first time and capture a private and intimate moment," explains Denise. "Our brides who have opted for this have had no regrets about seeing each other for the first time before the aisle."

If you've chosen a package that includes reception coverage, Denise sets up a highlights slideshow (with approximately twenty images) from earlier in the day to share with the couple and their guests. "Everyone loves that they get to see a few photos right away," says Denise.

Because Denise does some post processing and enhancing to photos to make them pop and look their best, she says they're usually ready within four to six weeks. "I will usually email or post online a few images a few days after the wedding so the bride can show them off," says Denise, but adds that she doesn't "shoot and burn," as photographer's call it.

Along with her family and friends, April was very impressed with Denise's picture quality and the quick turnaround time of the pictures from both the engagement session and wedding day. "Denise is an extremely personable individual willing to go the extra mile. This is something we quite enjoyed about working with her... I couldn't imagine having hired a better, more professional and efficient photographer for my wedding day. She played a major role in making my wedding day as perfect as possible, and most importantly, stress free! Who can argue with such amazing service?"

The 'fun photo booth' was launched this season and was a huge hit. "It's a great way to get the party started," says Denise. Julija had a photo booth at her wedding reception and says that it was a fabulous part of the wedding. "Everyone got so into it. We all had a blast dressing up with the costumes/props."

Denise also says that many brides are adding a Boudoir Photography Session as a flirty gift for their husband-to-be. "Boudoir is a hot new trend and we're going to launch some specials in the off season so stay tuned!"

Still other brides are also choosing to add an Immortalize the Dress Session, which is a great way to wear their gorgeous gown again and model it for the camera once more. "Our destination brides love going in the ocean with it," says Denise.

Details, details, details

• Denise recommends booking C'est Chic! Photography 8 to 12 months before your wedding day.
• A $1000 deposit is required to book with the remaining balance due 7 days before the wedding.
• Packages are customizable depending on your needs and budget with a range from $2000 to $3999; the average bride spends $2900 at C'est Chic!.
• All packages come with a high-res disc of all images, which can be ready within 4 to 6 weeks after your wedding.