Our schedules were both so busy and it was less than a week away from her wedding, before I finally met Makala. She is the sweetest person with a warm and bubbly personality and she was also getting married in my hometown. After only a couple of minutes of chatting with her, I was so excited to be her wedding photographer! I knew we would work well together because she was so easy going!
The night before her wedding, I think everyone was feeling nervous jitters as the thunder, lightening and rain storm passed over but the morning brought beautiful warm sunshine! There was hardly a cloud in the sky and the softest summer breeze. The day was everything a June wedding should be.
The morning started with the guys who were all ready, relaxed and ready to have a good time. Jessie appeared very calm but excited! After the guys pictures I headed over to the Granite Town Hotel for the bridal preparations. There were so many laughs between all of the bridesmaids, with everyone oohing and awing over the pretty details of Makala’s dress. The flower girls were being very sweet and so patient while waiting for everyone. Makala told us she had not spoken to Jessie all day and she was wondering how Jessie was faring.
Everything ran on time, Makala’s amazing hair and makeup team did incredible work and had all of the bridal party ready with time to spare. The bride wanted to put on her dress with only her best friend and mother in the room. The girls were completely ready and headed out into the hallway to give the bride a little quiet. When the dress was on and her jewellery in place she invited her bridesmaids and flower girls back into the hotel room for the big reveal. There was gasps, tears, hugs and so much happiness for their beloved friend.
Jessie and Makala were married surrounded by family and friends who loved this couple so much and when she walked down the aisle, again more happy tears were shed by their guests.
My favourite moments? During the bride and groom’s formal portraits I would ask the groom to give a soft kiss and it would last and last. They are so madly in love with each other and their happiness is contagious.
Thank you Makala and Jessie for having me as your photographer, I enjoyed spending the day with with you both and getting to know you and your amazing families. I wish you both happiness in your future!
Our schedules were both so busy and it was less than a week away from her wedding, before I finally met Makala. She is the sweetest person with a warm and bubbly personality and she was also getting married in my hometown. After only a couple of minutes of chatting with her, I was so excited to be her wedding photographer! I knew we would work well together because she was so easy going!
The night before her wedding, I think everyone was feeling nervous jitters as the thunder, lightening and rain storm passed over but the morning brought beautiful warm sunshine! There was hardly a cloud in the sky and the softest summer breeze. The day was everything a June wedding should be.
The morning started with the guys who were all ready, relaxed and ready to have a good time. Jessie appeared very calm but excited! After the guys pictures I headed over to the Granite Town Hotel for the bridal preparations. There were so many laughs between all of the bridesmaids, with everyone oohing and awing over the pretty details of Makala’s dress. The flower girls were being very sweet and so patient while waiting for everyone. Makala told us she had not spoken to Jessie all day and she was wondering how Jessie was faring.
Everything ran on time, Makala’s amazing hair and makeup team did incredible work and had all of the bridal party ready with time to spare. The bride wanted to put on her dress with only her best friend and mother in the room. The girls were completely ready and headed out into the hallway to give the bride a little quiet. When the dress was on and her jewellery in place she invited her bridesmaids and flower girls back into the hotel room for the big reveal. There was gasps, tears, hugs and so much happiness for their beloved friend.
Jessie and Makala were married surrounded by family and friends who loved this couple so much and when she walked down the aisle, again more happy tears were shed by their guests.
My favourite moments? During the bride and groom’s formal portraits I would ask the groom to give a soft kiss and it would last and last. They are so madly in love with each other and their happiness is contagious.
Thank you Makala and Jessie for having me as your photographer, I enjoyed spending the day with with you both and getting to know you and your amazing families. I wish you both happiness in your future!
Our schedules were both so busy and it was less than a week away from her wedding, before I finally met Makala. She is the sweetest person with a warm and bubbly personality and she was also getting married in my hometown. After only a couple of minutes of chatting with her, I was so excited to be her wedding photographer! I knew we would work well together because she was so easy going!
The night before her wedding, I think everyone was feeling nervous jitters as the thunder, lightening and rain storm passed over but the morning brought beautiful warm sunshine! There was hardly a cloud in the sky and the softest summer breeze. The day was everything a June wedding should be.
The morning started with the guys who were all ready, relaxed and ready to have a good time. Jessie appeared very calm but excited! After the guys pictures I headed over to the Granite Town Hotel for the bridal preparations. There were so many laughs between all of the bridesmaids, with everyone oohing and awing over the pretty details of Makala’s dress. The flower girls were being very sweet and so patient while waiting for everyone. Makala told us she had not spoken to Jessie all day and she was wondering how Jessie was faring.
Everything ran on time, Makala’s amazing hair and makeup team did incredible work and had all of the bridal party ready with time to spare. The bride wanted to put on her dress with only her best friend and mother in the room. The girls were completely ready and headed out into the hallway to give the bride a little quiet. When the dress was on and her jewellery in place she invited her bridesmaids and flower girls back into the hotel room for the big reveal. There was gasps, tears, hugs and so much happiness for their beloved friend.
Jessie and Makala were married surrounded by family and friends who loved this couple so much and when she walked down the aisle, again more happy tears were shed by their guests.
My favourite moments? During the bride and groom’s formal portraits I would ask the groom to give a soft kiss and it would last and last. They are so madly in love with each other and their happiness is contagious.
Thank you Makala and Jessie for having me as your photographer, I enjoyed spending the day with with you both and getting to know you and your amazing families. I wish you both happiness in your future!
My darling Rosie-Posie. She is the happiest, sunniest little creature, when well rested (that is the key…woken from her morning sleep or nap before she is ready and she is the polar opposite). She is my baby, my mess maker (amazing how she can destroy a room under 20 seconds flat) and my joy.
The last time I blogged about her we were struggling with her diagnosis of Autism and comprehension issues and in February she joined her older sister, Cecilia, in daily therapy. Cecilia thrived in therapy, she flew at break neck speed through programs. Amazed us daily with every accomplishment and I was excited for Rosalie to begin the same journey and could not wait for her to wow us with every weekly report.
She may be the youngest of five siblings and she may trail behind them while they play but she never tries to keep up. She walks to her own path and her journey is hers alone. The comprehension issues are greater than we wished and her learning curve is large. She struggles to learn new targets and struggles to retain what she has learned. Language is improving, there is more and she is putting words together and we are so thankful for the amazing work her therapy workers do.
However, we were advised it was time to reach out and find more answers, to find out why. I reached out to our family doctor and again found myself feeling deja vu. Wishing my worries would be dismissed as over reacting but praying they listened to our concerns. We have amazing doctors in my children’s lives and he listened and agreed. We now await more specialists, more testing and hope that a solid answer is on her horizon.
I am staying hopeful.
My darling Rosie-Posie. She is the happiest, sunniest little creature, when well rested (that is the key…woken from her morning sleep or nap before she is ready and she is the polar opposite). She is my baby, my mess maker (amazing how she can destroy a room under 20 seconds flat) and my joy.
The last time I blogged about her we were struggling with her diagnosis of Autism and comprehension issues and in February she joined her older sister, Cecilia, in daily therapy. Cecilia thrived in therapy, she flew at break neck speed through programs. Amazed us daily with every accomplishment and I was excited for Rosalie to begin the same journey and could not wait for her to wow us with every weekly report.
She may be the youngest of five siblings and she may trail behind them while they play but she never tries to keep up. She walks to her own path and her journey is hers alone. The comprehension issues are greater than we wished and her learning curve is large. She struggles to learn new targets and struggles to retain what she has learned. Language is improving, there is more and she is putting words together and we are so thankful for the amazing work her therapy workers do.
However, we were advised it was time to reach out and find more answers, to find out why. I reached out to our family doctor and again found myself feeling deja vu. Wishing my worries would be dismissed as over reacting but praying they listened to our concerns. We have amazing doctors in my children’s lives and he listened and agreed. We now await more specialists, more testing and hope that a solid answer is on her horizon.
I am staying hopeful.
My darling Rosie-Posie. She is the happiest, sunniest little creature, when well rested (that is the key…woken from her morning sleep or nap before she is ready and she is the polar opposite). She is my baby, my mess maker (amazing how she can destroy a room under 20 seconds flat) and my joy.
The last time I blogged about her we were struggling with her diagnosis of Autism and comprehension issues and in February she joined her older sister, Cecilia, in daily therapy. Cecilia thrived in therapy, she flew at break neck speed through programs. Amazed us daily with every accomplishment and I was excited for Rosalie to begin the same journey and could not wait for her to wow us with every weekly report.
She may be the youngest of five siblings and she may trail behind them while they play but she never tries to keep up. She walks to her own path and her journey is hers alone. The comprehension issues are greater than we wished and her learning curve is large. She struggles to learn new targets and struggles to retain what she has learned. Language is improving, there is more and she is putting words together and we are so thankful for the amazing work her therapy workers do.
However, we were advised it was time to reach out and find more answers, to find out why. I reached out to our family doctor and again found myself feeling deja vu. Wishing my worries would be dismissed as over reacting but praying they listened to our concerns. We have amazing doctors in my children’s lives and he listened and agreed. We now await more specialists, more testing and hope that a solid answer is on her horizon.
I am staying hopeful.
First wedding of the season kicked off in St Andrews, New Brunswick at Kingsbrae Gardens. I am thrilled that this year wedding season began with such an sweet and amazing couple!
I have been photographing Jenna and Matt’s story from the time they were expecting their first little little, newborn pictures, family pictures, another maternity and the newborn pictures of their second son.
I was driving to the studio one day and Jenna messaged me and told me to look, I pulled over on the highway and it was a picture of her engagement ring! She told her bridesmaids on her wedding day, that I was the second person to find out! I was so happy to be the one, to capture this special day for this amazing couple.
When I arrived at the Blue Heron Inn, Jenna was as relaxed as could be. As her photographer, I was a little bit worried because we encounter HAIL on our drive into St Andrews. before arriving for the girls getting ready pictures, I went to the Algonquin, where Matt and the boys were getting ready and asked the staff about using the empty Rotunda for pictures, just in case the heavy rain did not cease, I wanted to have a pretty back up in place. However, Jenna said she would NOT talk about the rain because the sun would shine! We could see some sunshine in the distance and cross our fingers and tried to share her optimism.
Before she put on her beautiful and stylish gown, Jenna read a packet of letters from everyone who loved her (and there were a pile!) and her eyes were misty with emotion. Her bridesmaids begged her not to cry so she wouldn’t ruin her makeup!
Matt and Jenna opted to have a ‘First Look’, before the ceremony they met privately to see each other for the first time and have their formal pictures. It started with rain but when we hopped on the golf cart, driven by a staff member at Kingbrae, the sun peaked through the clouds and we went throughout the gardens. Rain would stop and start and finally clearing up a little bit and we quickly headed to the Block House.
The wedding party and family met us back at Kingsbrae, we took everyone’s picture by same tree she hoped to be married under. We were rushing because in the distance the black clouds were rolling closer and the thunder could be heard. The wedding party retreated for a short time and we headed into the tent as the storm approached. Everyone stared sadly, from the tent, at the pretty white chairs that were outside, set up for an outdoor wedding. Plans were made to have the ceremony inside but then Jenna’s hopeful attitude prevailed and the cloud split and the sun began to shine brightly.
Staff from Kingsbrae, guests and family sprung into action by wiping down chairs and replacing the decor to its original spots outside…and Jenna was able to have her beautiful outdoor wedding.
Thank you Jenna and Matt for including me in your wedding as your photographer! I could not be happier for you both!
First wedding of the season kicked off in St Andrews, New Brunswick at Kingsbrae Gardens. I am thrilled that this year wedding season began with such an sweet and amazing couple!
I have been photographing Jenna and Matt’s story from the time they were expecting their first little little, newborn pictures, family pictures, another maternity and the newborn pictures of their second son.
I was driving to the studio one day and Jenna messaged me and told me to look, I pulled over on the highway and it was a picture of her engagement ring! She told her bridesmaids on her wedding day, that I was the second person to find out! I was so happy to be the one, to capture this special day for this amazing couple.
When I arrived at the Blue Heron Inn, Jenna was as relaxed as could be. As her photographer, I was a little bit worried because we encounter HAIL on our drive into St Andrews. before arriving for the girls getting ready pictures, I went to the Algonquin, where Matt and the boys were getting ready and asked the staff about using the empty Rotunda for pictures, just in case the heavy rain did not cease, I wanted to have a pretty back up in place. However, Jenna said she would NOT talk about the rain because the sun would shine! We could see some sunshine in the distance and cross our fingers and tried to share her optimism.
Before she put on her beautiful and stylish gown, Jenna read a packet of letters from everyone who loved her (and there were a pile!) and her eyes were misty with emotion. Her bridesmaids begged her not to cry so she wouldn’t ruin her makeup!
Matt and Jenna opted to have a ‘First Look’, before the ceremony they met privately to see each other for the first time and have their formal pictures. It started with rain but when we hopped on the golf cart, driven by a staff member at Kingbrae, the sun peaked through the clouds and we went throughout the gardens. Rain would stop and start and finally clearing up a little bit and we quickly headed to the Block House.
The wedding party and family met us back at Kingsbrae, we took everyone’s picture by same tree she hoped to be married under. We were rushing because in the distance the black clouds were rolling closer and the thunder could be heard. The wedding party retreated for a short time and we headed into the tent as the storm approached. Everyone stared sadly, from the tent, at the pretty white chairs that were outside, set up for an outdoor wedding. Plans were made to have the ceremony inside but then Jenna’s hopeful attitude prevailed and the cloud split and the sun began to shine brightly.
Staff from Kingsbrae, guests and family sprung into action by wiping down chairs and replacing the decor to its original spots outside…and Jenna was able to have her beautiful outdoor wedding.
Thank you Jenna and Matt for including me in your wedding as your photographer! I could not be happier for you both!
First wedding of the season kicked off in St Andrews, New Brunswick at Kingsbrae Gardens. I am thrilled that this year wedding season began with such an sweet and amazing couple!
I have been photographing Jenna and Matt’s story from the time they were expecting their first little little, newborn pictures, family pictures, another maternity and the newborn pictures of their second son.
I was driving to the studio one day and Jenna messaged me and told me to look, I pulled over on the highway and it was a picture of her engagement ring! She told her bridesmaids on her wedding day, that I was the second person to find out! I was so happy to be the one, to capture this special day for this amazing couple.
When I arrived at the Blue Heron Inn, Jenna was as relaxed as could be. As her photographer, I was a little bit worried because we encounter HAIL on our drive into St Andrews. before arriving for the girls getting ready pictures, I went to the Algonquin, where Matt and the boys were getting ready and asked the staff about using the empty Rotunda for pictures, just in case the heavy rain did not cease, I wanted to have a pretty back up in place. However, Jenna said she would NOT talk about the rain because the sun would shine! We could see some sunshine in the distance and cross our fingers and tried to share her optimism.
Before she put on her beautiful and stylish gown, Jenna read a packet of letters from everyone who loved her (and there were a pile!) and her eyes were misty with emotion. Her bridesmaids begged her not to cry so she wouldn’t ruin her makeup!
Matt and Jenna opted to have a ‘First Look’, before the ceremony they met privately to see each other for the first time and have their formal pictures. It started with rain but when we hopped on the golf cart, driven by a staff member at Kingbrae, the sun peaked through the clouds and we went throughout the gardens. Rain would stop and start and finally clearing up a little bit and we quickly headed to the Block House.
The wedding party and family met us back at Kingsbrae, we took everyone’s picture by same tree she hoped to be married under. We were rushing because in the distance the black clouds were rolling closer and the thunder could be heard. The wedding party retreated for a short time and we headed into the tent as the storm approached. Everyone stared sadly, from the tent, at the pretty white chairs that were outside, set up for an outdoor wedding. Plans were made to have the ceremony inside but then Jenna’s hopeful attitude prevailed and the cloud split and the sun began to shine brightly.
Staff from Kingsbrae, guests and family sprung into action by wiping down chairs and replacing the decor to its original spots outside…and Jenna was able to have her beautiful outdoor wedding.
Thank you Jenna and Matt for including me in your wedding as your photographer! I could not be happier for you both!
I love engagement sessions! They are such a fun way for wedding couples and I to get to know each other (after all I am spending their entire wedding day with them!) and to show them how I shoot and explain posing to them. Almost every couple feels a nervous and awkward at first, because who knows how to pose for a camera? How to be romantic with a stranger standing in front of them? Very, very few and I explain that this is my job, to show you how to pose, how to move and what is the most flattering.
Laura and Chris are getting married in less then two months and this engagement session was held at the same location as their wedding will be, Kingsbrae Gardens! Kingsbrae Gardens is a multi-award winning garden with acres to explore! The options for wedding and sessions are endless. We were able to explore the gardens a bit to find some pretty spots for their engagement pictures!
We met in the evening and the had the gardens to ourselves (Chris had some connections to make this happen!) on a beautiful spring night. Laura had really hoped to capture their magnolia tree, which which was only in bloom for a short period. The blossoms were nearly gone but we still captured its beauty without distracting from the couple themselves. They are the nicest couple! We had some laughs and chatted a bit. When I asked how they met and they bother laughed over the question. It boiled down to the fact they were both looking for love at the same time and when connected their romance began.
I am looking forward to their St Andrews wedding!
I love engagement sessions! They are such a fun way for wedding couples and I to get to know each other (after all I am spending their entire wedding day with them!) and to show them how I shoot and explain posing to them. Almost every couple feels a nervous and awkward at first, because who knows how to pose for a camera? How to be romantic with a stranger standing in front of them? Very, very few and I explain that this is my job, to show you how to pose, how to move and what is the most flattering.
Laura and Chris are getting married in less then two months and this engagement session was held at the same location as their wedding will be, Kingsbrae Gardens! Kingsbrae Gardens is a multi-award winning garden with acres to explore! The options for wedding and sessions are endless. We were able to explore the gardens a bit to find some pretty spots for their engagement pictures!
We met in the evening and the had the gardens to ourselves (Chris had some connections to make this happen!) on a beautiful spring night. Laura had really hoped to capture their magnolia tree, which which was only in bloom for a short period. The blossoms were nearly gone but we still captured its beauty without distracting from the couple themselves. They are the nicest couple! We had some laughs and chatted a bit. When I asked how they met and they bother laughed over the question. It boiled down to the fact they were both looking for love at the same time and when connected their romance began.
I am looking forward to their St Andrews wedding!
I love engagement sessions! They are such a fun way for wedding couples and I to get to know each other (after all I am spending their entire wedding day with them!) and to show them how I shoot and explain posing to them. Almost every couple feels a nervous and awkward at first, because who knows how to pose for a camera? How to be romantic with a stranger standing in front of them? Very, very few and I explain that this is my job, to show you how to pose, how to move and what is the most flattering.
Laura and Chris are getting married in less then two months and this engagement session was held at the same location as their wedding will be, Kingsbrae Gardens! Kingsbrae Gardens is a multi-award winning garden with acres to explore! The options for wedding and sessions are endless. We were able to explore the gardens a bit to find some pretty spots for their engagement pictures!
We met in the evening and the had the gardens to ourselves (Chris had some connections to make this happen!) on a beautiful spring night. Laura had really hoped to capture their magnolia tree, which which was only in bloom for a short period. The blossoms were nearly gone but we still captured its beauty without distracting from the couple themselves. They are the nicest couple! We had some laughs and chatted a bit. When I asked how they met and they bother laughed over the question. It boiled down to the fact they were both looking for love at the same time and when connected their romance began.
I am looking forward to their St Andrews wedding!
When Claire called me inquiring about a wedding photographer, I knew after 2 minutes of chatting with her that I wanted to be their wedding photographer! She is the nicest and sweetest person! Ironically, her finance Mitch is also the brother to my July bride Hannah! (so I am going to get to know their family really well this year!). I love when I have a little history with my couples.
Once again the weather was playing games and we didn’t know if we were going to be rained out or not but the day turned out to be gorgeous! We met uptown Saint John and over the next hour got to know each other, had a few laughs and captured their story.
This couple was MEANT to be, their families have always been friends and they have known each other since they were babies! They said they drifted away and their lives did not cross for many years but when it did everything fell into place.
I am so happy for this lovely couple and I cannot wait until their December wedding!
When Claire called me inquiring about a wedding photographer, I knew after 2 minutes of chatting with her that I wanted to be their wedding photographer! She is the nicest and sweetest person! Ironically, her finance Mitch is also the brother to my July bride Hannah! (so I am going to get to know their family really well this year!). I love when I have a little history with my couples.
Once again the weather was playing games and we didn’t know if we were going to be rained out or not but the day turned out to be gorgeous! We met uptown Saint John and over the next hour got to know each other, had a few laughs and captured their story.
This couple was MEANT to be, their families have always been friends and they have known each other since they were babies! They said they drifted away and their lives did not cross for many years but when it did everything fell into place.
I am so happy for this lovely couple and I cannot wait until their December wedding!
When Claire called me inquiring about a wedding photographer, I knew after 2 minutes of chatting with her that I wanted to be their wedding photographer! She is the nicest and sweetest person! Ironically, her finance Mitch is also the brother to my July bride Hannah! (so I am going to get to know their family really well this year!). I love when I have a little history with my couples.
Once again the weather was playing games and we didn’t know if we were going to be rained out or not but the day turned out to be gorgeous! We met uptown Saint John and over the next hour got to know each other, had a few laughs and captured their story.
This couple was MEANT to be, their families have always been friends and they have known each other since they were babies! They said they drifted away and their lives did not cross for many years but when it did everything fell into place.
I am so happy for this lovely couple and I cannot wait until their December wedding!
The year has passed quickly and now he is one! The last time I saw this family was for Jamie’s newborn session. I have been watching this family grow with his parent’s first maternity session for his big sister and all of the milestones in between. They are the sweetest couple and I feel it has been a privilege to watch them grow into the family that they are today! When Mom booked this session and reminded me that he was turning one I was excited to see how big he has grown!
Julianna was extremely helpful and very complying! She want to please and took direction very easily, she really is a dream to work with! Not only is she cute but she gives REAL smiles with the tiniest touch of fun/sass that gives the pictures a little sparkle. Jamie is a typical one year old. Very cute, delightful and very curious! He found little areas in the studio he wanted to explore and we chased him around and convinced him that in front of the camera was the best place to be.
During the ordering session his Mom was surprised we managed to capture certain set ups and that is the typical way it always turns out! It is capturing those split second moments when they look into the camera before they are off to explore. Swinging them back into place so they feel it is fun and photoshopping Mom, who is inches from them, out of the picture. At the end of the time frame everyone is tired and a little sweaty from all of the up and down and back and forth but it is worth it!
I never know what I will get with toddlers but with this family I know I will be able to photograph amazing memories of their little ones at this stage.
The year has passed quickly and now he is one! The last time I saw this family was for Jamie’s newborn session. I have been watching this family grow with his parent’s first maternity session for his big sister and all of the milestones in between. They are the sweetest couple and I feel it has been a privilege to watch them grow into the family that they are today! When Mom booked this session and reminded me that he was turning one I was excited to see how big he has grown!
Julianna was extremely helpful and very complying! She want to please and took direction very easily, she really is a dream to work with! Not only is she cute but she gives REAL smiles with the tiniest touch of fun/sass that gives the pictures a little sparkle. Jamie is a typical one year old. Very cute, delightful and very curious! He found little areas in the studio he wanted to explore and we chased him around and convinced him that in front of the camera was the best place to be.
During the ordering session his Mom was surprised we managed to capture certain set ups and that is the typical way it always turns out! It is capturing those split second moments when they look into the camera before they are off to explore. Swinging them back into place so they feel it is fun and photoshopping Mom, who is inches from them, out of the picture. At the end of the time frame everyone is tired and a little sweaty from all of the up and down and back and forth but it is worth it!
I never know what I will get with toddlers but with this family I know I will be able to photograph amazing memories of their little ones at this stage.
The year has passed quickly and now he is one! The last time I saw this family was for Jamie’s newborn session. I have been watching this family grow with his parent’s first maternity session for his big sister and all of the milestones in between. They are the sweetest couple and I feel it has been a privilege to watch them grow into the family that they are today! When Mom booked this session and reminded me that he was turning one I was excited to see how big he has grown!
Julianna was extremely helpful and very complying! She want to please and took direction very easily, she really is a dream to work with! Not only is she cute but she gives REAL smiles with the tiniest touch of fun/sass that gives the pictures a little sparkle. Jamie is a typical one year old. Very cute, delightful and very curious! He found little areas in the studio he wanted to explore and we chased him around and convinced him that in front of the camera was the best place to be.
During the ordering session his Mom was surprised we managed to capture certain set ups and that is the typical way it always turns out! It is capturing those split second moments when they look into the camera before they are off to explore. Swinging them back into place so they feel it is fun and photoshopping Mom, who is inches from them, out of the picture. At the end of the time frame everyone is tired and a little sweaty from all of the up and down and back and forth but it is worth it!
I never know what I will get with toddlers but with this family I know I will be able to photograph amazing memories of their little ones at this stage.