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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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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Family Fun

My sister came to visit me for the weekend and the two of us decided to have a little photo shoot fun!

Unfortunately we were unable to complete the shoot that we had initially set out to do, due to the lack of day light and weather.  However, that's something we will just have to save for the springtime! Here are a few of the fun shots we did just playing around.  We also ended up dragging her boyfriend into the mix as well and finally their dog Cici.

It was so great having them hang out for the weekend.  nothing better than family love!!

Here's a great song to be the ice cream to your photo pie... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfihYWRWRTQ

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Changing Colours

With the seasons changing colours to shades of orange, yellow, red and brown, it reminds me that another year is coming to a close.

I was doing some reflecting while I was going through these photos of my amazing niece and nephew.  They have grown up so fast over the years and even seeing how much they change in just one year is unreal.  It makes me wish that life had a pause button at times.  However, days keep coming and seasons keep changing.  This is why sometimes you just have to stop what you're doing and make time to play!  

This is how I spent my afternoon...

Post Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S2eTV2v3V0

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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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Hiking the Joffre Lakes

Wow!  I don't think that there is any other word that I could use to start off this post other than, "wow"!

For years I have always wanted to hike to see the Joffre lakes, but for some reason I have never committed myself to doing it.  That was the case until yesterday...

My friend Kim and I decided to make our way up to Pemberton the week prior.  We wanted to be able to do the hike before the winter weather fully set it.  I was nervous and was feeling a bit under the weather when I got up in the morning.  However, without hesitation, I went and met up with Kim and we started on our drive.  About two hours later we arrived at the base of Joffre.  We packed up all of our gear and headed towards the first lake.  It was beautiful!  Simply stunning.  The lush yellow reeds popping out from the crystal blue water...  Gorgeous!  Then it was on to the second lake.  The hike between the first and second lake was pretty intense.  I was worried that for the next 2-3 hours I wouldn't be able to make it if it continued at such a challenging incline.  Nonetheless, we made it! Over rocks, boulders, waterfalls, streams, mud, trees and stumps we finally came to the second lake.  It was even more beautiful than the first!  Not only was it beautiful but it also held an amazing little surprise!  We whistled and as we turned, little Whiskey Jacks flew from the trees and onto our hands.  We laid out pieces of bread for them and shortly after two birds turned had turned into twenty!  They came from all different angles and proceeded to feast from our hands and heads.  It was quite an experience.  One for the books.  Once we arrived at the second lake we started to cool down quite quickly.  After having some fun with the birds we decided to carry on towards the third and final lake.  Now, the first two lakes were incredible, though I must say that my eyes filled with tears when I saw the third and final lake.  It was one of the most stunning views that I had ever laid my eyes on.  Being so blessed to live in such a beautiful country and even more so, an incredible province, the view took my breath away.  The calm lake was the colour of a jewel that has yet to be seen.  The mountains surrounding the lake made up some type of amphitheater for the waterfalls.  Then at the very top to the right I could finally see in clear view the glacier.  It was spectacular.  I felt like I was watching a National Geographic documentary, though it was through my own eyes.  We finally sat down to enjoy our sandwiches and celebrate our victory hike with a delicious oatmeal stout.  Well deserved if I do say so myself.  As much as I would have loved to have stayed and enjoyed the scenery for longer, it was very cold.  We had to keep moving.  So, we started our descent back to the bottom.  Though it was steep in some areas and we really had to watch our footing, it was much faster going down than it was going up.

All in all we had an incredible hike and saw so much beauty.  But, boy were we happy to be back in the car with the heat blasting!  An amazing experience!  If you live in BC you must do this hike.  I know that I'll be back again.

This is the best track for this blog post:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXDZA9y1flg

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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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