Steph & Pat's Wedding

"It's like raaaaaain, on your wedding day..." are lyrics that most would hope never to become a reality on their wedding day.  However, this is how the morning started out on Steph & Pat's wedding...

I got in my car and made my way to Harrison through the torrential downpour.  I knew that there was a break in the clouds behind me but, would it make it our way in time for the ceremony?  Thankfully, yes!  As the ceremony commenced, the rain had dripped its last drop for the day.

The evening was full of familiar faces, friends, food and lots of laughs.  Both bride and groom looked lovely in their wedding duds.  The evening could not have been better.

Congratulations Steph & Pat!!

Post Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ3KLBIDT48

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Brit & Jeremy

It doesn't often happen that you find yourself becoming such great friends with your new clients...

Well, this is exactly what happened the first time I met Brittney & Jeremy.  It was near impossible not to fall in love with the two of them.  We had an instant connection.  I think we all new that going forward, we would forever be friends.  After our first time meeting, I had the privilege of capturing these two incredible souls, during their engagement session.  We had so much fun sharing wine and laughs after our shoot, that we lost track of time and had to call upon a friend to rescue us from being locked in at the park.

Thanks to my new friends, having an "in," we managed to escape unscathed and created our fist adventure story.  Going forward, I knew that these two were not just clients, that they had left an imprint on my heart and I was so excited to watch our friendship grow and more importantly, their love.

Fast forward to their beautiful wedding...
The tone was set at such a different pace than I was normally used to.  It truly was an insight into their personalities.  Jeremy and Britney are such fun loving people.  Their friends, family and acquaintances were so welcoming and lovely, I felt like I had been part of this incredibly circle for so much longer...

Britney looked absolutely breathtaking.  Her beautiful bridesmaids were stunning and made me laugh from the moment we met.  This followed suit with the groomsmen and of course the incredibly handsome and charming, Jeremy.

I could go on and on, however, I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Congratulations Britney & Jeremy, I am so excited that you are both my special friends and I can't wait to watch you grow as a couple and family. <3

Enjoy!

Post Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlNQD98lfUY

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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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Mark & Mish's Mehndi Party

Of all the wedding festivities I have had the privilege of capturing over the years, this was my first ever mehndi party!  It is absolutely fascinating for me to watch the traditions and rituals of other cultures.  I would say that is probably one of my most favourite parts of being a photographer.  This party was no different.  I was able to get my first dose of some henna action.  I had anticipated that this would be something that would take quite a long period of time.  However, the image of my hand below with the henna on it took the lady about a minute to complete.  I don't even think I could complete a stick man in the time she completed the incredible design on my hand.  

The first evening of Mark and Nimisha's 3 day wedding celebration was a great way to kick things off. Celebrating with their closest friends and family the evening was full of laughs, food, wine, dancing and fun!  After a delicious meal consisting of pakoras, chicken tikki masla, poppadoms and much much more, we danced the night away with drums, tambourines, shakers and lots of singing.  It was a riot!

Best wishes to you both Mark and Nimisha on your beautiful wedding and new life together as a married couple.  xo

Post Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJ5BXfXUYwM

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Stephanie & Ryan

I headed out to Harrison Hot Springs this past weekend to capture the beautiful wedding of Stephanie & Ryan.  

The back drop for their ceremony is one of the most incredible views I have had for a wedding location to date. The view was spectacular!  Both Ryan and Steph were so incredibly warm and inviting, they made you feel right at home.  Their friends and family were equally lovely and I couldn’t have enjoyed myself more.  Stephanie looked flawless in her 100 year old, family laced dress and Ryan looked equally dapper in his plaid vest & bow tie.  The unique fishing influence that made its way so tastefully into the details of the wedding, was my absolute favourite.  Other than those pesky mosquitos, the day and evening went along seamlessly.  The weather was perfect, the food was amazing and the dancing… well even I couldn’t resist busting a move.

Congratulations Steph & Ryan on your perfect summer wedding!

Post Track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppC5bfJduhE

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Jenn & Derek's Engagement

I had a wonderful time yesterday afternoon capturing the love and humour that both Jenn and Derek brought to our shoot.

We strolled through a beautiful, lush path which led us to a private beach where we were able to enjoy the incredible view without another soul in sight.  Jenn and Derek are an absolute hoot to be around. They were both game for anything so I took full advantage of their willingness.  Whether it was climbing up a huge hill and posing at the top for me, or walking the plank on a slippery log with nothing but mud and water to cushion their fall, they were always up for it.

I have know both Jenn and Derek for many years.  I absolutely adore them both.  They are great friends of mine and I can't wait to celebrate their marriage in 2014!

Here's wishing Jenn & Derek a wonderful engagement!  Love you guys!

This song is for Jenn & Derek track:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0SyUgw98tE

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Amelia & Quoc's Wedding Reception

It was a beautiful September evening where friends and family gathered in the Nguyen's backyard to celebrate the marriage of two special souls who have committed to sharing a life together.

Quoc and I have been friends for over 8 years, 5 of which were spent being roommates and band members.  I was elated to see my friend with a woman who truly makes him happy, challenges him and has also become my friend.  Amelia looked incredible.  There is not really any other word to use to describe her.  Her cheeks were glowing from smiling and her dress was absolutely gorgeous.  Quoc also cleaned up quite nicely in his handsome pinstriped suit.  It was a great day to share laughs, eat amazing Vietnamese cuisine and clink glasses of tasty wine and spirits.

The backyard decor was simply stunning with strung globe lights, bird cages and lace upon lace.  Everything looked elegant and beautiful.  The cake table was probably my favourite.  It was an array of incredible homemade cakes, cookies, cupcakes and decadent delights.  I'm not usually one for desserts but I really have a hard time saying no to cheesecake...

All in all it was a beautiful evening.  I was able to catch up with many old friends and some extended family members whom I hadn't seen in far too long.  I love these two and I can't wait to watch their family blossom and grow.

Best wishes to my dear friends Amelia and Quoc.  xo

Post Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfNVfiqKBeM

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Visiting two lovely ladies in Ladysmith

I spent a weekend away from the busy city to visit my good friends Stacey and Sarah.  It had been quite a while since we had spent a decent amount of time together catching up.  They had recently moved to Vancouver Island from Winnipeg which they had left Vancouver for the year prior.  I was beyond thrilled to hear that we would be located in the same province again!  After they had settled, I planned a visit to come out their way to celebrate Sarah's birthday.  We visited Coombs where they have a ton of cute shops and the famous "goats on the roof".

The visit was filled with great food, wine and there was no shortage of laughing fits.  I had such a great time and I look forward to my next visit!

Enjoy some of photos from our trip.

This is the song that I chose to go with this post:

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Matt and Heather's Engagement

It's not everyday that one of my best friends gets engaged, nor is it, that I have the opportunity to do a photoshoot capturing such a wonderful occasion.  Yesterday I had too many laughs to count with my dear friends,  Matt and Heather.  Our playful photoshoot consisted of lightsabers, lego men & suspect literature.  This makes me really appreciate the job that I have where I get to be creative and spend so much time laughing and smiling, especially in this case where it's with people I absolutely love and adore.

I can't wait to witness and be a part of Matt & Heather's wedding.  It will truly be an evening to celebrate.  Congratulations you two.  I can't wait to watch you both grow old together and continue to fight over the remote.  <3

A suiting song post for M&H:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhUkGIsKvn0

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Catered Party at Papi's Market

I was privileged enough to be a part of a friend’s private birthday dinner party that took place at Papi's Market in Steveston.  By day, this shop holds an array of European cheeses, pre-made edibles, dried pastas, spices, sauces, cookies, oils and much more.  By night, the owners Ken & Claudette put together a long table setting and fill it with 5 courses of delectable dishes.  It was a ton of fun and I am so glad that I was able to enjoy this evening with some of my favorite people.

Enjoy the eye feast!

Song post - One of my favorite bands of the year 'Daughter' has come out with an incredible new album.  Here is one of my favorite songs:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUWrcFpmI5U

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Tamara & Ian's Wedding

I was asked by Tamara and Ian to capture their St. Patrick's Day Wedding.

The wedding took place at Van Dusen Gardens in Vancouver, B.C.  It was the first wedding I had ever shot at that location and it was stunning.  The restaurant with its simple, yet elegant décor and seasonal winter plants in bloom made for a charming venue.

The groom and groomsmen were decked out in lovely green Kilts.  Another first for me and I loved it!
The bride had her own contribution to the day of green by changing into a pair of emerald green pumps.

As we made our way in and around the garden we stopped at numerous spots to snap off a few photos and take in the beautiful winter's bloom.  It was quite a bit colder than we anticipated so we wrapped up our outside photo session and joined the party inside.

It was great to meet so many lovely people.

Congratulations Tamara and Ian!!

One of my favorite songs and the song that Tamara walked down the isle to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN9n1bAahg4

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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Mae & Jared's Wedding

 I don't think these two could have asked for a more perfect day to exchange vows...

At Burnaby's Hart House, Mae stole the air out of everyone's lungs as she made her way down the aisle.  She looked absolutely stunning and Jared's eyes lit up like a 5 year old boy's on Christmas morning.

It was really nice to come as a guest and not be led by my lens.  However, who am I kidding? There's no way that I could refrain from being a shutter bug, especially at a wedding as beautiful as this was.

Mae & Jared arrived in style with their aviator shades and wicked dance moves out in full force.  If there is anything that these two know how to do, it's having fun and looking good while they're at it. 

I was so lucky to be a part of their special day and I look forward to watching their love and family grow.

Congratulations Mae & Jared! 

I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness!

This is a great song that I thought would compliment these magical photos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvCBSSwgtg4

Here are my favorite shots from my beautiful friend's wedding...

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