Sunshine Island with Elaine Lil'Bit Shepherd & Paka Music

I don't know what's better...  Being able to reunite with a friend that you've lost touch with after 10 years, or finding out that they have been so incredibly successful in following their passion.  Well I would have to say both!  Not to mention having your own personal concert on the beach.  I was asked by Juno winner & recording artist, Elaine Lil'Bit Shepherd to capture some photos of her for a promo-shoot to launch her new song, dropping this August.

The first time that I heard Elaine sing, we were both competing against each other in RichCity Idol's singing competition.  I knew the second that I heard her voice fill the room, that it was game over for me.  Now, her amazing voice can be heard all over the world!  Let's also not forget the extremely talented Lance Panerio of Paka Music, giving up some smooth vocals that will also be featured in the August single.

Here are some of my favourite shots from our sunset shoot...


Post Track:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp1UltbdKsI&feature=youtu.be

click on any photo to view entire album

Jenn & Derek's Secret Wedding

After spending an evening with Jenn and Derek to capture their engagement, I was so excited to be a part of their special day...

The day before these two were set to exchange their vows on a beautiful beach in Cabo, they decided to get things sorted out on this side of the border first.  To make it official, Jenn and Derek had a mini ceremony outside of a little chapel in Richmond, while their two best friends gave witness to the magical evening.  Ask dusk set in and a spectacular sunset started to take place,  I was able to capture their love radiating much like the rays of light through the trees.

Here are a few shots that I wanted to share.  Enjoy!!

Blog post song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ_1HMAGb4k

engagement post: http://jennicahookstraphoto.blogspot.ca/2013/10/jenn-dereks-engagement.html

click on any photo to view entire album

Aly & Adam's Engagement Shoot

I had a fantastic time this past weekend capturing the love of Aly and Adam.

These two have been together for 8 years and are getting read to tie the knot in Mexico!  It was absolutely heart-warming to see the way these two looked at each other.  I don't think Aly stopped smiling the entire time.  We had a great time wandering around an old airforce base, weaving our way through tall grass and trees.  It was simply beautiful.  Congratulations you two on your engagement, I wish you both a life of love, laughter, health and happiness.  

La heim! 

Blog post song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2JSUXaY-tw

click on any photo to view entire album

Lilly Grace

On Sunday afternoon I went over and visited with Courtney and Jason to capture their new little bundle of joy.  In all of her glory, Lilly Grace was simply too cute for words...

Being patient is hard enough as an adult when you're trying to capture a good photo.  When you're a baby, it's a whole other ball game.  I was honestly very surprised with just how good little miss Lilly was.  Not only was she absolutely adorable she put up with a lot of poses including sharing the lime light with her fur-siblings, Carlos and Sanchez.  Courtney and Jason were very lucky that I didn't go home with of their fur babies.  They both would fit in very well at my house!  Their personalities were too funny for words and it took me a solid few minutes to get to my feet after Carols (the smaller of the two) greeted me so lovingly at the door.  He managed to intwine himself into my scarf and I thought I might have had to start sporting a new fashion statement. 

I had a wonderful time meeting beautiful Lilly Grace and I can't wait to watch her grow up!

Thanks for all of the fun Nicolas!

Blog post song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFbEANGNVGg&feature=kp

click on any photo to view entire album

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

click on any photo to view entire album

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

click on any photo to view entire album

Amelia & Derek's Family Addition

Amelia & Derek were such a blast to photograph!

These two are truly like peas in a pod.  Their hilarious and goofy antics made for a beautiful yet, cheeky photo shoot.  Derek didn't quite measure up in his "Hubba Bubba" bubble gum blowing skills.  With many attempts to get that perfect bubble, it seemed like an impossible feat.  I must admit I even tried and failed miserably!  Blowing a big bubble under pressure is a LOT harder than you would think!  Sometimes you just have to know when to throw in the towel...  ;)  All in all we had a ton of laughs and I had a great time capturing the love and the beginning of the new Reid family chapter.  I can't wait to meet this little one!

Congratulations Derek & Amelia!!

Enjoy this blog track:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv7WllrZOcI

click on any photo to view entire album