The Dirty Apron Cooking School

My foodie friend Sarah and I decided to check out the Dirty Apron Cooking School here in Vancouver.  We wanted to gain some additional culinary skills, learn some tricks from the pros and come away with some incredible recipe ideas.  The class that we decided to take was the "Meat Eaters Unite" class where we learned how to make some absolutely stunning dishes.  The menu that we prepared was a 3 course meal consisting of the following:

1st Course:  New Zealand lamb chops with an olive and sun-dried tomato tapenade, with a herb panko crust.  Over a bed of slowly sweated red onions and sherry vinegar, topped with an arugula salad and balsamic drizzle.  *This was our favorite dish*

2nd Course:  Kurobuta (black pig) pork wellington, on a creamy, grainy mustard sauce.  Topped with a pepper, chive and apple slaw.  A dollop of apple mustard on the side for some zing.

3rd Course:  The perfect rib eye steak...  This steak was marinated in some rosemary, thyme, garlic, soy & maple syrup for 2hrs then sent to the grill.  To accompany the steak, we had some green beans, porcini mushrooms and white truffle oil, mashed potatoes.  To finish the dish a shallot, garlic & red wine reduction.

4th Course:   Grand Marnier Créme Brûlée (provided by the staff at the Dirty Apron)

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The Suzick Family

I was asked by Alissa Suzick if I would be interested in doing a photoshoot with her and her family.

Of course I was thrilled to plan out this shoot... especially, since it would be my first outdoor fall shoot of the year.  I met up with Alissa, Chris, Sean, Jackson & their adorable dog Whiskey at a near by park.  The weather couldn't have cooperated better, even with some blue sky peaking out near the end of our shoot.

I had a great time with the Suzick family, playing in the park and even getting a formal invite from their son Sean to come to "Nanna's" Thanksgiving dinner.

Here are my favorite photos from our shoot...

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Pregnancy shoot with Kristina

I spent a lovely afternoon shooting with one of my oldest and most favorite (and very pregnant) friends...  Kristina and I have been friends for over 18 years now and she will be the first of us girls to have a baby.  She is the cutest pregnant lady I have ever seen and shooting with her was so much fun!
I can't wait to meet her special little girl.

Here are my most favorite photos of Kristina and baby Aubrey...

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The Lazy Gourmet

I was thrilled to be asked by General Manager of The Lazy Gourmet, a Vancouver based catering company, to shoot their fall menu.

For those of you who know me, know that I am a huge foodie...  When I was presented with this opportunity, I jumped at the chance.  I had a great time working with the LG crew and loved sampling their delicious creations.

Here are my favorite photos from the shoot...

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Carey & Guy's Post Wedding Reception

On Saturday evening, I was asked to shoot a stunning wedding anniversary for Carey & Guy, on their rooftop patio.  Their event was decorated to the nines by Sweet Beginnings with a very chic Tuscan style decore.

This fully catered party with an illuminated bar, had the guest wining, dining and laughing the evening away.  It wasn't hard to see the love that these two newly weds had for one another.

Here are my favorite photos from the evening.

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Sarah & Ronnie's Wedding

This was the wedding that I was looking forward to shooting all summer!

Chelsea of CBR Photography once again, asked me to accompany her in being her right hand lady, in shooting this magical day.  The ceremony took place in Stanley Park's Rose Garden, with the reception following, at the Vancouver Aquarium.

The last time that I visited the Aquarium, was probably my grade 5 elementary school field trip, so I wasn't really sure what to expect.  It was simply magic.

We were invited downstairs to do a private photos session with the enchanting beluga whales and it took my breath away...

This was a shoot to remember.

Here are my favourite shots.

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Cari & Colin's Wedding

Last Saturday I spent the day with Chelsea of CBR Photography, helping her out as her second shooter for this beautiful summer wedding.  We started out at the Langley Canadian Reformed Church then made our way to Fort Langley for some photo fun.  Braving the heat, the lovely couple and wedding party paraded in and around "The Fort" where we were able to capture some amazing moments.

Here are my choice shots of the day...

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Chris & Mikayla

I was asked by Chris if I would do a photoshoot of him and his beautiful daughter Mikayla for her 2nd birthday.  We decided to spend an afternoon playing in the playground.  From slides to swings to monkey bars, Mikayla had a go at everything!  It wasn't hard to see the beautiful bond between this father and darling daughter.

Please enjoy...

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Vancouver Pride Parade 2011

I headed downtown Saturday, towards English Bay with some good friends, to experience the 2011 Gay Pride Parade of Vancouver.

Each year Vancouver hosts this parade which floods the streets with hundreds of thousands of people in support of the gay, lesbian, and transgendered community.  This colourful display of human rights for respect and equality showcases the diversity of our beautiful city and why I love it so much.

Please enjoy a few of my favorite photos from the day.

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    Everything about this photo makes me giggle...                        

Caribbean Day & the Kits Festival

My good friend Miranda and I decided to head out for a fun filled day of photo opps!

We started out taking the sea bus over to North Van, then made our way just past the Quay.  There we found woman and men dressed in some very elaborate costumes, tons of cool trinket booths, loud Caribbean music, stage performances, Jamaican patties, corn on the cob, curries and our favorite... the mini doughnuts.

From there, we made our way back over the water and headed towards 4th and Yew for the Kitsilano Festival.  Again, there were a bunch of little booths, a live dj spinning vinyl, a mini half pipe and live music. We were there to check out this local band from Kelowna, Yukon Blonde.  They were absolutely fantastic!  Their EP comes out this month, so be sure to get your hands on a copy.  You won't be disappointed.

Here are some of my captures...

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    I don't know why, but I have an obsession with pocket watches...

  

The Juice Truck

If you're in and around the Vancouver area, be sure to keep your eyes open for the Juice truck!

Not only will you get your daily dose of vitamin C, but it will be served to you with a smile from two very handsome guys.  Zack & Ryan have started up their very own juice company which cruises throughout Vancouver providing the tastiest and freshest juices.  If you see them be sure to check out the avocado pineapple (a fan favorite).  I caught up with them at the Kitsilano Festival where they gave me a tour of their truck and a sample of their house fave.  I've tried them first hand and boy are they delicious!

Here's what to watch for...

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    The Menu

    Meet the Boys

    Another happy customer

Bri & Alec's Wedding

was fortunate enough to be asked by my wonderful friend Chelsea (CBR Photography) to accompany her as her second shooter for Bri & Alec's wedding.  It was absolutely gorgeous!  The setting took place in Alec's grandmother back yard in Whiterock BC.  As it poured all morning, mother nature decided to cease the rain for the occasion.  As the bride and groom sealed their wedding vows, the clouds parted and allowed a beam of sunshine to fall upon them.

Here are a few of the moments that I captured on their special day.  Enjoy!


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Yoga on the beach

I met Laurel during a prior shoot in which she bid on one of my sessions at a friends fundraiser - http://www.wamsfoundation.com/ (for MS - check it out).  After my initial shoot with Laurel, we discussed the idea of a yoga shoot on the beach.

I was excited and up to the challenge to capture some of her stunning poses and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Enjoy!

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