Ottawa Newborn & Family Photographer,

Memory Quilt Maker and Mama Bear

HELLO!

When you had your child, everyone told you to enjoy the small moments.

They said time goes by too fast.

They said the same things to me.

And they were right.


Time flies, and those long days quickly become years.

They feel like they're slipping through your fingers.


I get it.

Sandwiched between her two kids on the beach, a mom smiles as she is kissed on each cheek.
Reflection to 2 little kids and their mom as they look into a sphere at Canadian Museum of Science and Technology.
With the Canadian Parliament buildings in the background, a woman walks toward the camera with her young son beside her.
Looking at the camera with a 'this ice cream is good' look, at Mooshoo in Ottawa.
A mom lays between her young son and daughter on a patchwork quilt.
BW image of a woman with her arms around her son as they watch fireworks on Canada Day.
With hands outstretched, a mother and her daughter feed the chickadees at Jack Pine trail in Ottawa.
A cake is filled with lit candles as the birthday girl (mom) gets a kiss from her daughter as her son looks on.
Photo taken of a reflection as mom tries to get in the picture too.
Mama baby wearing her little one on her back in a bw photo taken at a pub in Windsor ON.
Kelly Manweiler plays at the open mic at Pressed cafe, in Ottawa, Ontario.
Winterlude family photograph in front of a big snow wall.
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You want to remember the way his little hand rests on your chest,

or how she loves to twirl around.


You want to hold on to that look your partner gives you when you’ve made him laugh.


And maybe, just maybe, you’re starting to see the magic in the everyday mess of it all.


It’s those little moments you’re going to miss.


I know it’s not always easy to stay in a place of gratitude and wonder.


Some days, it feels like a grind.


But it’s a beautiful grind, a splendid mess we get to live in.


If that sounds familiar, I'd love to help you.

Mama smiles at camera as she holds on to her toddler.
Nothing like the Merry Dairy, in Ottawa ON. A family sits out front on the stoop.
BW image of a mama giving her boy a big old kiss on the cheek as he sticks out his tongue.


I used to think I should hide the mess, but that’s where all the real magic is.


So, instead, I’ve started holding onto it. The realness of our life together.


I try not to stress over the marks on the walls, the toys scattered around, the laundry that never seems to shrink, or the endless to-do list. Instead, I try to focus on the beauty in it all.


I don’t always succeed, but I’m trying.


I want to remember this life—the easy and the hard.


I want to be remembered by the people I love.


And I want the same for you.


Family portrait of 4 and their two dogs in a forest in Ottawa, ON
BW selfie of a middle aged woman's face as she lays in a hammock in the sun.
Mom and dad hold each other and dad kisses mom's head at Sauble Beach in September.

I’m Kelly (she/her).


I’m a maker of things, an observer, and a lover of color, texture, and contrast.


I take photographs, I think, and I create.


I’m a mother, a partner, a daughter, a friend.


And, yes, a mighty woman.


I’m a moment dweller and storyteller, always focused on preserving memories.


While I’ve had some pretty adventurous chapters in my life, nothing compares to the beautifully splendid chaos of parenthood – the most meaningful part of my journey.


Being called “mommy” by my two little humans is the greatest honor I could receive, and I’m doing my best to savor every single moment.


I live with my partner, our two kiddos, two dogs, and Neko, the cat.


I cherish this time with them (when they're not driving me crazy).


I’m here to help you treasure your memories too.


Whether it's turning old clothing into treasured quilts or capturing fleeting moments through photography and film, I’m dedicated to preserving the essence of life’s most beautiful chapters.

Winter family portrait in front of a hobbit house at Toits du monde in QC.
A woman and her dog look out at Nigel Pass in Banff National Park, Canada
BW image close up on a young woman with her head on her dog.
Picture of a 20 something Kelly in a helicopter flying into the Tonquin Valley, Jasper AB Canada
BW image of a boat driver with a young Kelly in front of him in his boat in Malaysia.
It's a wombat! says a young woman who's come upon it while walking at her campsite in Australia.
BW collage of photos of a young woman and her dog in Jasper National Park.
Blurred bw photo of a young woman and a young boy as they twirl in a tea cup ride at the fair.
Tonquin Valley horse nuzzles up to Kelly Manweiler in the valley.
BW photo of a newborn being held by her mother.
BW image of a toddler looking down at her mother as she looks up at her from the ground. A beautiful dog is in the back.
Always gonna be you and me against the world. Selfie of a couple.

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