Laura & Geoff

I absolutely LOVE fall!  In Vancouver it is often anticipated that the weather will be grey, wet and dreary.  However, this wasn't the case this past weekend with the amazing "bluebird" day were lucky enough to enjoy.  Not only do I love a crisp and dry fall day, but the colours that the changing leaves bring, are spectacular.

Laura and Geoff were also thrilled with the weather.  To not have to pull out the umbrellas they purchased as a back up, they couldn't have asked for more.  With nothing but blue sky and sunshine it was an absolutely perfect afternoon for capturing love.  I had a great time with the wedding party laughing and snapping away.

Here are a few of my favourite photos...

Post Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9zpnLBtwwg

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Sharmila & Trevor

I had an incredible time capturing the marriage of Sharmila and Trevor the other week, in the heart of downtown Vancouver.  This beautiful wedding took place upon a rooftop patio, that capture my favourite city, in all of its summer glory.  With a handful of clouds in the sky, their wedding had the perfect blank canvas to commence their new journey.  Sharmila looked stunning in her saree, palleted in a gold and pink, and Trevor looked equally dapper in his pressed suit.  It was a lovely ceremony to capture and witness.  It is always enjoyable and refreshing to be able to capture and take in a new cultural experience, especially with such a lovely couple.

I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

Enjoy!

Post Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ_1HMAGb4k

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A little light

I spent this past Friday evening with my most favourite person in the world, my Mom...

I dragged her out into the -8 degree evening to the beach of Spanish Banks.  I was dying to shoot the paper lantern festival and Mama (the great sport that she is), came along with me to check it out! Reflecting on this past weekend, it meant even more to me than it had when I was there initially experiencing the festival.  Our family unfortunately lost a very special member and I would like to dedicated this post to her.  I have been so lucky in my life to be surrounded by the most incredible women.  They have all shown me what it means to be emotionally and physically strong.  While this post goes out to one of them in particular, I would also like to dedicate this to all of the strong, smart and beautiful women out there.  Thank you for continuing to be your authentic selves and teaching others what it means to embody strength.  That is truly beautiful.  xo

Blog post song:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgE3AengS0A

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The Aarts Family

You can tell a true Vancouverite by their disregard for the rain.  Living here we become so used to the drizzly days that we don't let it impact our everyday routine.

It was no different for my photoshoot with the Aarts family this weekend.  Regardless of the rain, we set out for our photo adventure.  Their little boy Emry was full of energy and exploration and was the one to set the tone for our shoot.  We ran around, got a little wet and dirty, but none the less had a great time.  I really enjoyed capturing the dynamic of the Aarts family!

Here's a song for rainy days when you'd like to be on a plane heading somewhere sunny and warm...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTvbcNhEgc

Enjoy!

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Jen & Josiah's Engagement Shoot

It was my second time capturing the love and hilariousness that is Jen & Josiah.  These two are so much fun to work with and our shoots are always such a blast!

We headed back to the location of Kit's Beach in Vancouver where Josiah originally popped the big question!  We started off our shoot by digging our toes in the sand and making our way to the water's edge.  From there, Josiah and I walked up to the lush park while Jen was carried by piggy back, courtesy of Josiah.  Eventually we reached our final destination of the large Anchor near the docks.  The exact location where Josiah had gotten down on one knee and asked Jen to marry him.

I absolutely adore these two and I can't wait to be able to capturethe couple on their wedding day as they begin a life filled with love and happiness.

Song post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh1S3Gj8f

Love this band and thought I would share a track that I really like from their new album.

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Fireworks with Friends

Man am I spoiled...

Not only have we been having incredible summer weather here in Vancouver, but I have had the privilege of experiencing it under the best conditions!

Another flawless blue bird day and another day out on the water.  Amazing.

One thing that you should know about me... I LOVE the water and I LOVE boating!  Put me in a dingy on a nice day and you will have one happy camper!  Uh, I mean... sailor!

A group of us headed out in the afternoon from Coal Harbour, into some rather choppy waters.  We cruised up the Burrard Inlet, routed towards English Bay to anchor a prime spot for observing the fire in the sky show... The Celebration of Lights. 

If you're from Vancouver, chances are you have probably pushed your way through the crowded streets of Denman and Beach.  Or, you've tiptoed over people's blankets on the sands of English Bay, hoping to snag a seat to catch this colourful display of explosions.

I have to say that being on a boat away from the chaos, is for sure my favorite way to enjoy.

Though having experienced both, being amongst the crowd does allow for some  very "interesting" entertainment.  So whether you're hoofing it or paddling along, the Celebration of Lights is something you don't want to miss during Vancouver's summer.

I loves this song and I thought that it would acompany these photos perfectly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdP2q88rw3U

Here are some photos from our boating adventure and the winning light display of team Italy...

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Stacey & Sarah's Wedding

 It doesn't happen every day when one of your best friends marries her counterpart.
Over the past couple of years, I have had the privilege of getting to know Stacey and I couldn't think of a better person to balance Sarah out and complete her.

They both share incredible whit and a great sense of humor.  Which means, in their company I'm usually bent over, holding my gut and trying to contain my laughter.  The evenings that we have all spent together sharing bottles of wine and great meals are countless.

I was pretty heartbroken when they moved away to Winnipeg late last year... Sarah followed her love Stacey, so that she could finally obtain her dream career.  I've had to put my selfishness aside and refrain from begging them to come back on a daily basis.  But we make up for our time apart by having frequent Skype (wine) dates, filling each other in on our crazy lives.

I could not have been happier watching these two amazing women exchange vows and promise to love each other indefinitely.

Stacey and Sarah I wish you both the world. 
Love you two. xx

A special thanks to my good friend Rob for being a fantastic second shooter.

I chose this song to accompany this love-filled post:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kh6lLHlXYI

Here are my favorite shots from their beautiful day...

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Kayaking in Deep Cove

What better way to spend a sunny Vancouver afternoon, than Kayaking in Deep Cove...

With summer finally underway, I decided it would be best to take full advantage of the sun & heat by packing a picnic and hitting the water.

It had been quite a while since I tucked into a kayak, but my paddling skills came back to me just the same as riding a bike.  Once you learn, you never forget!

The water was a tad on the rough side that day, which made for a more of a workout.  This also helped aid our appetites as we made our way to a cliffside to set up shop.  We snacked on some fresh fruit, veggies, cheeses, deli meats and my favorite Terra bread (pistachio & cranberry).

After we had some time to digest, tan and explore, we headed back out in our kayaks and continued our excursion.

All in all it was a fantastic day and I can't wait to get back out there more this summer.

If you are interested in kayak rentals, check out: http://www.wakeshorerentals.ca/
They are most accommodating and well priced.

Here is my song pic for this shoot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob6kXOGfHPE

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Like a Fine Wine

Oh my...

Well another year has passed and I don't feel any closer to wherever I imagined I would be in this whole "life" thing.
I should probably spend some time reflecting and figuring out how I can self improve this year.  However, at this point I am who I am or I am figuring out who I am and when I get there, I'll let you know...

If I could spend an evening doing anything, this would be it!  Having an AMAZING chef whip up 6 courses of expectation exceeding edibles and having fantastic bottles of wine flowing into my mason jar cup like water.  All of this while being surrounded by a group of my favorite people, what more could a girl ask for?


Here's to being 26 and hoping that this year will be better than the last.


Since this is my birthday post, I am picking one of my favorite songs to accompany it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZs6bISLyPM

Enjoy!

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   Mmm... Albacore tuna tataki with green beans, potatoes, olive slices, a quail egg and pecorino cheese.

           My best

   

Hiking in North Van

The weather in Vancouver has been beautiful recently.

That being said, I decided to take advantage of it and head to North Vancouver, to spend a few hours hiking through the conservation forest.

I grabbed the dogs, packed up some sandwiches and some water bottles, then headed into the lush.

I couldn't help taking my camera with me on our hike.  I knew there would be a lot to see and so much to capture.  Moss draped like streamers from the branches.  Tree roots surfaced like veins through the earth.  It was absolutely incredible.  Mother Nature really does "out do" herself sometimes. 

A song for your listening pleasure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IKxZm7FiQU

Here are some of my favorite shots from our little adventure...

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