Lifestyle & Wedding Photographer
who's behind the lens

Hey, I'm Nicole!
I'm the founder of Magnolia Design Studio.
My journey with photography didn’t begin in a studio, it started in my youth at my grandparents, where summer days were spent gluing seashells to questionable art projects and filming “wedding” videos starring family dogs. My childhood was filled with creativity, encouraged by wildly imaginative grandparents and parents who let us turn the ordinary into something magical.
get to know me a little better...
Even though I have always been heavily involved in the arts, I had never intended to start a photography business. At the beginning of the pandemic, someone asked if I could take maternity photos for a friend that hadn’t planned on hiring a photographer. Naturally, I agreed to do it for a bottle of wine. All it took was one session to open my eyes to the world of photography and I fell in love. I built myself a website and an Instagram page that night and thanks to friends, family, and all the families I used to care for as an Early Childhood Educator, I am now over five years into my career as a photographer and one year ago took the plunge to step away from my full-time job to focus on my business.
Outside of photography, I am a nanny for a wonderful family and a bartender at Walkerville Brewery (my partner calls me a beer wench). I fill every day I'm not slinging beers or nannying working on my business!
I don’t allot myself much spare time so wherever possible, I spend it with friends and family, or making it to one of my partner's music gigs. If I'm not working, there is a good chance you will catch me at whatever gig Jeremy is playing. To me, there is no better feeling than seeing the love of my life light up on stage doing something he loves and performing with other incredible local musicians.
The most fulfilling part of being a photographer is the ability to capture moments that matter, turning fleeting emotions into lasting memories. I get to create something tangible that might be cherished for generations, helping people hold onto moments they might otherwise forget.
I was fortunate enough to photograph a friend and her family just before she passed and the photos I had taken were on display at her funeral. That moment really reinforced why I do what I do. These images aren’t just pictures, they’re memories that last forever. Years later her mother reached out to tell me how much those photos mean to the family and honestly, they mean a lot to me as well. I got to encapsulate her essence.
I believe photography isn’t about taking pictures, but capturing feelings and telling stories in a way that feels authentic. If you’re looking for a photographer who leads with empathy, makes you feel comfortable in your skin, and captures your story honestly, I’d be honoured to work with you.