Bhavna and Family

I recently had the opportunity to do a maternity photography shoot at Kariya Park in Mississauga by simply catching up with a former colleague of mine. I mentioned to her that I was getting back into wedding photography in Brampton and the of course in the surrounding areas and was looking to start taking photos to get back into the swing of things. Her sister was looking for a photographer to do a fall maternity photography session and voila! Within a few days, I was photographing her sister!

The Kariya Park sign outside of the gated park in Mississauga

The beautiful mom-to-be, Bhavna, chose to have her fall maternity photography at Kariya Park. With her were the daddy-to-be and her lovely mother-in-law. This session happened in October just weeks before she was due.

Bhavna at the top of the Kariya Park entryway stairs

This was the first time I had the pleasure of photographing at Kariya Park located in downtown Mississauga, Ontario.  I actually used to live just a few minutes away and had driven past the park countless times. My partner currently also works directly across the street from the park and he also never set foot into the park! I only ever enjoyed its splendour from pictures and finally, I have a chance to capture the wonders hidden within.

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The Kariya Park stairway to the secluded park

The park is cleverly enclosed from the outside world but in plain sight at the same time. Located nearby is a residential area, shops, schools and across the street is Square One Shopping Centre.  It is a hidden gem that reveals its beauty only to those who dare go past the bamboo walls.  In a concrete jungle, this ever-growing city has this surprising oasis.

Japanese artwork in honour of the twin city relationship between Mississauga and Kariya, Japan

Not just ducks in the duck pond! Cute little turtles too!

The park honours the twin-city relationship is shares with Kariya, Japan. Before you enter you will notice the gatehouse architecture and bamboo walls that encase this serene hideaway. Inside are lovely ponds, bridges, weeping trees, floral arrangements and in the spring you can enjoy the cherry blossoms that this Japanese inspired park has to offer.

The couple loved the beautiful flower beds at Kariya Park, Mississauga

Stone Artwork from Japan located inside Kariya Park

The flower beds make a lovely canvas for this couple’s portraits

In the fall, when my pictures were taken, you can take advantage of the lovely changing colours. The Friendship Bell, which is rung on ceremonial occasions, has a grand presence and is one of the main attractions to the park. There are ponds, rivers and waterfalls to relish. Winding pathways, hills and turtles! Stone art, park benches and something to enjoy at every turn. Maternity photography at Kariya Park is definitely to be considered by any new mommy to be in the Mississauga area!

The Friendship Bell

Hugging the Friendship Bell!

In closing, if you are in the heart of Mississauga, please do not overlook this place! Go up those stairs, enter through the archway and take it all in!  It’s a great place for pictures (you’ll want a permit for wedding photos) or a nice walk, even a picnic – and don’t forget to feed the ducks! I would love to be your Wedding Photographer the next time I visit Kariya Park!