Dancing in the rain with Jen & Josiah

If you live in Vancouver, you know that it's raining about 80% of the time and sunny, the other 20%. While most people aren't thrilled with our exorbitant amount of liquid sunshine, we've also become fairly accustomed to it.  Though, I didn't think my beautiful bride Jen was going to let the rainy day of her wedding, roll so easily off of her back...

We spent so much time laughing in our gumboots, running around Fort Langley while clinging onto umbrellas, that we didn't really pay much attention to it.  But that's not to say that a stop for a hot chocolate afterwords, wasn't in order to warm up!

This was my third time photographing Jen & Josiah.  After our first photoshoot together of their family as a whole (they had just adopted their rescue dog Topper), we became instant friends.  I have so much fun with these two, it never feels like work when I'm shooting.  I couldn't have been more thrilled when they asked me to capture and be a part of their special day.  It was a lovely, intimate wedding with perfect little touches that reflected both Jen & Josiah.  There was enough food to feed an army, one of the coolest wedding cakes I have ever seen and some of the loveliest family, friends and guests I have had the pleasure of meeting.

If life has taught me anything (and continues to teach me), always make the most of a moment.  I think back to when I was a kid and never once did I ever worry about getting dirty, being late or having awful hair.  Life is fleeting...  So don't ever be afraid to get messy and if ever you can, go dance in the rain.  That's what they made towels for.

Congratulations Jen & Josiah!! xox

Blog post song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2XPDP6KkkE

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Nicole & Nick's Wonderful Wedding

I have been to a LOT of weddings, due to my line of work.  Each one has been beautiful and special in its own way.  Though, it's not often that I find myself getting "misty eye'd" behind the lens.  The incredibly emotional ceremony and nature of this couple had everyone reaching for a Kleenex.  Their personal vows were incredibly heart felt and passionate.  You could easily see how much these two truly love each other.  I have known Nicole for quite a few years and it was very heartwarming to watch her marry the man of her dreams.  I have also had the pleasure of getting to know Nick and he too, is a beautiful soul.  I couldn't be more happy for them both.

Here are a few of my favourite photos from their special day and a song that I have chosen to go along with this post...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRAF9DxT1Os

Enjoy!

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James & Michelle's Victorian Wedding

It was a very foggy weekend in Victoria where I captured the beautiful wedding of James and Michelle.

I couldn't have been more excited to shoot a wedding at one of my most favourite places, in all of BC.  The incredible and charming Fairmont Empress Hotel located in Victoria, BC has such stunning architecture and classic Victorian Decor.  The Library was reserved for a small wedding party of twelve.  It was the perfect setting for an intimate wedding.

Michelle and James looked fabulous.  We had a wonderful time using the fog and parliament buildings to create a spectacular backdrop for our photo shoot.  The eery yet magical mist, gave a fairytale effect to complement Michelle's reflection of a princess and James' of a prince.

I had a great time shooting this gorgeous wedding and want to wish both James and Michelle a wonderful life together.

Decor by: Sweet Beginnings

Post Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxCWPk85d74

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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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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

Brix Wedding Setup

It has been quite a while since I last posted anything new.  My apologies.  However, it was nice to take a bit of a break from the world of job juggling and spend more time with my family and friends.

I was asked by Sweet Beginnings, Wedding Consulting & Event Planning to photograph their beautiful  decor set up at Brix Restaurant, in downtown Vancouver.

With elegant glassware, table linens and more candles that I have ever seen, it looked incredible.  The lucky couple due to wed at this location was sure to be in for a spectacular surprise upon arrival.

It was an interesting change to be shooting decor instead of the people at the wedding.  Though, I must say that I did enjoy it.

I have been absolutely obsessed with this song lately.  It's one that I can't seem to let go of and I listen to it every day on my drive to and from work.  It is hauntingly beautiful yet sad but there is something just breathtaking about this guy's voice.  Yes.  I said guy.  You'll see why...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnhJ4Ceor_M


Enjoy :)

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Christina and Allan's Wedding

For a September wedding, I don't think Christina and Allan could have had better weather.  It was hot, beautiful and there wasn’t a cloud in sight!

We started off the day a little "unconventionally" by shooting some fun bridal party photos at Westminster Pier Park.  This was the first time the bride and groom saw each other in all of their stunning glory.  
They both looked incredible.

This group of guys and gals were full of energy and they were so much fun to work with.  We were able to capture some stunning shots and had a ton of laughs while in the process.  After having some fun in the sun, we decided to escape the heat by cooling off at a local lounge, drink.  Here, we had a chance freshen up and the group shared some cocktails and nachos.

As much fun as we were having at the lounge, it was time to make our way to Glenbrook Park & Amenities for the ceremony and reception.  This beautiful "Vintage" style wedding had so many cute and personal touches of both Christina and Allan.
The ceremony was filled with both tears and laugher.  Both the Bride and Groom recited their own vows which were witty, funny and heartfelt.  After an exchange of rings and a kiss, Christina & Allan now shared the same last name!
 
Following the ceremony was the reception.  
There were some absolutely hilarious speeches that had the crowd in an uproar.  A perfect belly warm-up before dinner was served.  
This was my kind of wedding... a southern style BBQ complete with pulled pork, Cajun chicken, cornbread, corn on the cob, coleslaw and much more.  Absolutely delicious!  Once dinner finished, we had a chance to digest over a few more speeches and then the "Pie Table" was set.  This was something I had never seen before and I thought it was a fantastic idea!  A variety of beautifully crafted, locally made pies, covered the table.  Accompanied with real vanilla and strawberry ice cream of course!
 
With full bellies and smiling faces it was time for some music.  Christina's sister Lisa, got the night started by preforming a beautiful rendition of "a thousand years" (by Christina Perri).  A hard act to follow but the dj's pumped up the tunes as the couple had their first dance.  They were then joined by the majority of the room and continued to dance the night away.
 
I had an incredible time laughing and capturing the Muir wedding.  
I wish both Christina and Allan a happy and beautiful life together.
 
Here is to "a thousand years" together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtOvBOTyX00
 
Below are my favorite photos from the Muir's beautiful wedding...

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Chris & Gemma's Wedding

Firstly let me start off by saying, wow!

I had an incredible time in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island.  It was absolutely blissful.  If I ever get married, this is the kind of wedding that I would want...

I was thrilled when Gemma asked me to be the photographer for her get-away wedding.

Overlooking a kiwi orchard and incredible landscape, Kiwi Cove Lodge is a perfect place to wander around with a glass of wine in hand and take it all in.  The acres of lush green land are filled with apple trees, kiwi orchards and even a community garden.  It was easy to fall in love with this place. 

I arrived on a sunny Saturday morning at the lodge.  I was able to have a bit of down time after being up bright and early to catch the ferry over.  While taking in the overwhelming beauty of the scenery, I scouted a few choice locations that would be perfect for some wedding photos. 

After a short while, I realized that it was time to start getting ready for the ceremony.

The ceremony was flawless. 

Gemma looked stunning in her simple, yet sexy wedding dress, while Chris mirrored Prince Charming in is jacket-less suit.  Sun beams poured through the orchard creating a misty hue.  After the "I do's"  we rushed into the lush to create some wedding party, photo magic.

That evening at the reception, there was an uproar of laughs from incredible speeches, amazing dance moves (some of which were my own) and conversations around the campfire. 

I loved how small and intimate this wedding was.  It gave everyone the opportunity to meet one another and even make some new friends.

I had an incredible time at the Evan's wedding.  I met some wonderful people, made some new friends, all while taking in an incredible setting. 

I wish both Gemma & Chris a very happy and healthy life together!

Here is a song that I hand picked to accompany this picturesque shoot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvD7a2fRV7A&feature=relmfu

Please enjoy my favorite photos from our shoot...

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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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