The 1st Black Diamond WPJA Engagement Awards for 2026 are in!
Drum roll, please! The 1st Black Diamond Wedding Photojournalist (WPJA) Awards for Engagement Portraits for 2026 are in, and Valerie Rosen Photography has received recognition for 3 new photos from the same amazing early morning snowy engagement session! What started as an 8am surprise proposal at the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout on Mont-Royal, evolved into the sweetest, most heartwarming engagement session in and around the landmark 1930’s chalet. So thankful for them!
Awarded photo #1: As we transitioned from the surprise proposal to their engagement session, Marston gave Hailey a dozen red roses, his add-on detail, I ordered from Sky Fleurs. It was lucky that the roses held up in the extreme cold that morning! This photo captures their “just engaged” joy, through the glass door of the chalet.
Awarded photo #2: Toward the end of the session, the snow started falling softly, as they embraced outside on the chalet balcony. It was too perfect! And cheers to that incredible ring!
Awarded photo #3: At the end of the session, the fog rolled in, and gave us a perfectly dreamy view of Montreal. It was an irresistible backdrop that begged for one more frame through the glass door of the chalet, now from the inside, as they shared a moment together. Given that the couple are from Ontario, they couldn’t have been happier with how their engagement at Montreal’s beautiful summit turned out. What an honour to witness and to contribute to!
Check out this gallery share of highlights from their beautiful surprise proposal!
And more faves from their engagement session!
“Valerie went above and beyond for our engagement shoot. Not only did she scout out the location we chose (as we do not live in Montreal), she advised me on what time of day the photos would turn out best. For the photos after the proposal, Valerie was excellent at creating candid moments and setting both my fiancée and myself up for nice photos as neither of us had been photographed like this before. Could not recommend her services more, she made the engagement truly something for us to remember.”
