A picture is worth a thousand words, and this statement couldn’t be truer here at Langdon Hall. Each corner of our property tells a story, and it’s up to our Marketing Coordinator, Bradley Macklam to capture it all.
Many of the images you see on our website and social pages are taken by Bradley, who spends hours each week getting the best shots that showcase the beauty of Langdon Hall. “I’ve loved photography ever since I was little,” says Bradley. “I still have some of my old disposable cameras from when I was a kid.”
Bradley began his journey with Langdon Hall in November 2020, but we’re going to go a little further back first. Relais & Chateaux has nearly 562 member properties in 67 countries worldwide, and Bradley has arguably been to more of these properties than most could ever dream of. “When I was about 8 or 9 years old, I moved to Switzerland with my sister and her husband,” explains Bradley. “I spent time living in a bunch of different places throughout Europe and got to go to some of the most amazing places I’ve ever seen.”
Bradley spent the next 10 years travelling with his sister, 12 years his senior and her family, taking care of his niece whenever extra help was needed. It was the perfect life filled with adventure, but it all came to a screeching halt when Bradley was 18 years old.
Bradley’s brother-in-law, a wealthy entrepreneur had built quite the empire for himself and his family, but was duped by his business partner at the time. “His business partner had been embezzling money behind his back, and we lost everything,” recounts Bradley. “It was like a real-life Schitt’s Creek episode. We had to start from square one.”
At 18 years old, Bradley moved back to Paris, Ontario. Along with his sister and her family, they moved back in with their mother. “All of a sudden, I had no idea what I was doing with my life,” laughs Bradley. “At this point, I had never had a real job and didn’t know where I should start.”
Over the next few years, Bradley worked a few different jobs. He spent time working at a factory, managing a photo studio and even working in car sales. He was selling Cadillac vehicles when the pandemic hit. “I was miserable, because I felt like I wasn’t passionate about my work,” says Bradley. “A friend of mine suggested I go to the Langdon Hall job fair and it was the best thing I ever did.”
From there, Bradley started working with our Front Desk team in November 2020. If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Bradley, you know his bubbly personality is infectious. He has the ability to make everyone feel special in his presence and can always deliver a good laugh. Bradley’s excitement for Langdon Hall was clear from the start, and he was always looking for ways to improve the property.
“I had created this room guide for myself to help me learn more about each room on property,” explains Bradley. “I presented it to my boss at the time and ended up finding out a Marketing Coordinator position was available.” Bradley’s enthusiasm and eye for detail led to him being offered the job. He started as our Marketing Coordinator in May 2021.
Bradley’s journey before Langdon Hall had its ups and downs and many changes along the way, but photography was always the one constant. “Photography is something I’m so passionate about,” says Bradley. “I love being part of someone’s special day or capturing the beauty of my surroundings.”
Now, Bradley has a job he’s passionate about. If you see him around property, he almost always has a camera in his hand, ready to capture the next moment. When he’s not doing that, he’s designing the menus you hold, updating the signage that helps you navigate our property, or simply lending a helping hand.
Bradley is always willing to help just about anyone. Even if he doesn’t know how to do it, he’ll learn in order to be of assistance. “I don’t think I’d be the person I am today if it hadn’t been for my upbringing,” says Bradley. “It’s taught me so much and it led me here. I’m so thankful for that.” Bradley’s drive, kindness and enthusiasm is second to none, and we’re so happy to have him as part of our team.
Now when you take a look at some of those beautiful photos we post, you know the face behind the lenses. Say cheese!