i heart niagara- day 1

{documented on January 25, 2010 | people left comments | view all recent posts »

Happy Monday... and it's a dreary one too. I've hit my afternoon lull... No better time then to grab a coffee and curl up on the couch and follow along. I'm going to take you on a little tour about Niagara courtesy of FAM trip tv.
Firstly... let me introduce you to Natalie...
Nataschia Wielink Photography Blog Photo
I met Natalie at a wedding a few weeks back and we hit it off immediately. We've both been living and working in Niagara for many years-Natalie is an Event Planner-and we have friends and acquaintances in that run in the same circles. I'm surprised that we hadn't crossed paths earlier... so glad that we finally met!

She calls me up and leaves this message... "Nataschia... I have a crazy idea... call me."

I was intrigued.

Natalie was planning a weekend of events and dining experiences for the FAM Trip tv host and crew. FAM Trip tv is a collection of webisodes directed to group travel professionals-The host, Jennifer, explores different locations to show Planners what the area has to offer when planning the next conference or convention. Last weekend was Niagara's turn! And why not? With so many different attractions-the golfing, the wineries, the dining... and the new Convention Centre scheduled to open in spring 2011-Niagara is a fabulous location!

Natalie asked if I was available to photograph the FAM trip experince behind the scenes. I met the crew on Friday morning at the Hilton in Niagara Falls and the weekend wrapped up on the Bench in Vineland at Tawse Winery.

Over the next few days I will be highlighting the locations that we visited and introducing you to some pretty fabulous people that I met along the way.

Thank you Natalie for thinking of me for this opportunity. Thank you Jennifer, Graeme, Stephan, Tony and Marek for having me tag along- it was great experiencing Niagara with you! I so look forward to viewing the edited webisode!

So... here we go... Today-the Hilton, the Sheridan and the Convention Centre...

I met the crew at the Hilton in Room 5050... planning a party while in town? This would be a great location with spectacular view! Jennifer interviewed Mary Ann and then showed us a few of the perks to hosting an event at the Hilton.
Nataschia Wielink Photography Blog Photo
Jennifer, the host of FAM Trip tv... having a few touch ups on make up...

The director of sales, Mary Ann...

Views form the terrace...

The location is perfect for entertaining guests as it is steps from the casino and has 4 restaurants on site... we visited Brasa-the Brazilian Steakhouse on the main level...
Nataschia Wielink Photography Blog Photo

Next Stop-we met Kerry at the Sheraton...Kerry is the president and General Manager at the Convention Centre and shared with us the plans for the new building.

Marek has worked his magic on the ladies and they're ready to go up to the roof top to give us a view of the Convention Centre and the progress it is making. This also gave us a good idea of the close proximity the hotels are to the new centre.
Nataschia Wielink Photography Blog Photo
The cameraman Graeme... I enjoyed watching Graeme set up his shots and the lights this weekend... he may have even inspired me to take my reflector out to my next shoot... maybe.

Kerry nailed her interview and we ended the evening with dinner at the Old Winery Inn in Niagara-on-the-lake.
Nataschia Wielink Photography Blog Photo

Love a little live music...

MMMmmmm... dessert... sssss...so delicious!

Come back tomorrow and I'll show you around Ravine Winery and introduce you to a new friend... he's gonna melt your heart.

tags: niagara venues,niagara photographer,visit niagara,niagara tourism,niagara hotels

here's what you're saying ...

Nataschia said ...
January 26, 2010

Jennifer! Now you’re making me blush!! Cheers!

Jennifer L. Wood said ...
January 26, 2010

Natashia, you were a rockstar - we couldn’t have done our shoot without you. I’m thrilled to consider you a friend, and look forward to many more exciting adventures to come. I heart you!!!

Mary Ann Quait said ...
January 26, 2010

This was my first experience at a production like this. As nervous as I was, Jennifer and her crew were wonderful at making me feel like I was a pro, when really I’m sure I’m not LOL!!! but thank you for that! I really enjoyed the day!

diane said ...
January 25, 2010

wow… so much to do there, I miss Niagara, and I heart it too!

Nataschia said ...
January 25, 2010

: ) Was a great weekend! Thanks for everything Nat!

Nat said ...
January 25, 2010

lol - that will teach you to return messages from crazy people!