Our Story

Told by Mandy

I’ve always believed that people come into our lives for a reason. Some stay for a season, some help us grow, and some simply remind us of who we are. And then, there’s that one person—the one you’ve unknowingly searched for in every smile, every almost. The one who feels like home before you even realize it.

For me, that person was Randy.
But the universe took its time getting us to each other.

How We Met

August 1997

Randy and I met on the very first day of high school in Mrs. Robert’s sec. one homeroom. We were just kids—but even then, something about him stood out.

He was the kid who came in late, already had a job, and carried this quiet confidence that felt older than the rest of us. Even at 13, there was something mysterious about him. I was painfully shy—always looking down, blushing if anyone spoke to me. The idea of saying hi to the tall, blue-eyed boy across the room felt impossible.

And Randy? He was convinced that if he said hello, I wouldn’t answer.
He wasn’t entirely wrong… but I still wish I had.

A Missed Moment

June 2002

It wasn’t until our final year of high school that we finally spoke—and even then, it was fleeting. I was waiting inside Loblaws, the grocery store where Randy worked, about to head into a job interview. My mom was waiting for me in the car. Randy came through the front in a rush, clearly in the middle of helping a client, but still stopped just long enough to smile and say, “Are you applying to work here?”

I nodded.

“Don’t,” he laughed. “You don’t want to work here. It sucks. You deserve better than this place. But… I’d love to have you here.”

And just like that, he was gone—back to his shift, out the door, and out of my life… for a while.

I didn’t take the job—partly because of what he said, partly because the location was too far. But looking back, I wish I had. I wish we’d had a chance to get to know each other then. It was a missed moment… but not the last one.

Words With Friends

June 2012

Ten years later, we reconnected through—of all things—a Facebook game. Words With Friends. What started as a casual rematch between two old classmates quickly turned into long conversations and something much deeper than a high score.

There was a connection between us—one I had never felt before. It felt real. It felt important.

But life doesn’t always give you what you want when you want it. Our timing was off. We were in different places, living different lives. Still, I knew. He knew. There was something undeniable between us.

I’ve never believed in coincidences. I believe that people come into our lives when we’re ready for them—not a moment sooner.

So we waited—without knowing we were waiting.

Serendipity

February 2018

I was living in Ottawa, thinking about moving to Europe, when one quiet Friday night, my phone lit up.

It was Randy.
Just one word: “Hey.”

I replied: “Hi.”

And somehow, from that one simple message, everything changed. The conversation flowed as easily for hours, as it had all those years ago, only this time, it felt complete—like we had both finally arrived.

A week later, Randy came to visit me in Ottawa. By the next day, we were in a relationship. Things moved fast—but when you know, you know. Less than two years later, we welcomed our son, Gabriel. Then came our daughter Evey in 2019, and Isla in 2025. Throw in two dogs, two cats, and, well—life is full.

And through it all, Randy’s been the calm in the storm. He’s the one you turn to when things go sideways—the one who stays steady and grounded when everything else feels like it’s spinning. He carries a quiet strength, and somehow, always has it under control.

That’s just who he is. And I’m so lucky he’s mine.

Mandy & Randy

Soon after we got together, Mandy & Randy was born. Randy had already been a professional photographer and videographer for years. I came from a creative background in graphic design and fashion, and we quickly realized we had something special—not just personally, but professionally too.

Randy had always dreamed of building something more meaningful, more personal, something rooted in love. I wanted a space to pour my creativity into something that mattered. And so, what began as a few late-night conversations turned into a brand—a studio we’re proud to call our own.

Today, we’re Mandy & Randy, a wedding and family portrait studio based in the Eastern Townships, working across Montreal, Quebec, Ontario, and beyond. We do what we love, and we love doing it together.

We believe that photographs aren’t just images. They’re your legacy.
We believe in love, in timing, in fate.

And we believe your story deserves to be told with honesty, heart, and beauty.