Helen and Mark - August 12, 2006

What a fantastic day we had with Helen and Mark! We started off with some getting ready shots of Helen, and after putting on her gorgeous ivory gown, tiara, and cathedral-length veil....well, she was just stunning. Every part of her ensemble was perfect, and she truly looked like a doll (with the personality to match)! After that it was off to the church for the ceremony and then into the church hall for a luncheon and cake cutting. We then proceeded to Gastown, where we found our very popular photo spot occupied by three other bridal parties! No worries though - while we waited for them to finish, we took advantage of some very cool purple doors and columns made especially for a movie set. We then headed to a beautiful beach and park in Richmond, where we made use of the fantastic weather and sunshine. In fact, we were so taken with one of the shots from Helen and Mark's day that we are using it in our Complete Wedding Directory ad (with the blessing of Helen and Mark of course!) The image isn't posted here, so you'll have to check it out in the magazine when it hits newsstands January 2007!

Jenna and Keith - August 11, 2006

Jenna and Keith's big day was all about family and friends. It started with a beautiful ceremony at Jenna's parents' home - a wooden arbour was built especially for the occasion and served as an altar in the treed backyard. The theme continued through the family photos and into the reception, where many guests took the opportunity to make speeches about Jenna and Keith - honestly, these were some of the most heartfelt speeches we have ever witnessed! It was truly fantastic. During the photo session earlier, we went to a nearby heritage home, which just happened to compliment the bridesmaid's gowns perfectly! After that we turned to a local movie theatre, for a funky and colourful backdrop. At the reception at the Richmond Golf and Country Club, everything looked amazing - the theme colours of copper, magenta, and green ran throughout the decorations. Their "cake" was also very cool; in fact it was multiple tiers of tiny cakes - so neat! Thanks again to Jenna and Keith for having us photograph your day - it was an honour!

Elmira and Anthony - August 6, 2006

Elmira and Anthony's day was quite neat for us, because they got married where Chris and I got married - at Richmond City Hall! Chris and I actually got married inside (since it was October), but Elmira and Anthony got an amazingly sunny day, and were married in the beautiful plaza area outside. After the ceremony, we shot some images in and around City Hall, and then proceeded to Iona Beach. What I love about Iona is that it is always changing; the area is relatively untouched and thus the flowers and trees grow freely. Everytime we go there, it looks a little different - which makes for great photo opportunities! However, Anthony actually broke his ankle in a hockey accident several weeks prior to the wedding, so getting across the sand wasn't easy on crutches - his groomsmen saved the day by physically carrying him to the beach! After the photo session we went to the reception at Gala Seafood Restaurant in Richmond, where guests were treated to a full Chinese banquet. Thanks for letting us share in your day, Elmira and Anthony - we wish you both the very best!

Angel and Jeff - August 5, 2006

Angel and Jeff had a beautiful, cloudless summer day for their wedding, and so we took full advantage, shooting their photo session at Minoru Garden, Yaletown, and outside the Wall Centre, where their reception was to be held. They also had one of the most unusual wedding motorcades I have ever seen - a combination of silver Yaris (complete with pom-poms) for the bridal party, and Jeff's convertible BMW for him and Angel. I don't know how Angel managed to fit her full, beaded gown into that tiny Beamer, but somehow she managed! After the photo session we began reception coverage inside one of the Wall Centre's amazing ballrooms. There were speeches, dinner, toasts; but the most unique moment of the evening came right at the end - Angel and Jeff stood and sang a duet together with the live band! Needless to say we were impressed! I don't even have the guts to do karaoke in front of strangers, but these two performed in front of a couple hundred of their friends and family! So cool! Thanks again to Jeff and Angel for having us photograph your amazing day!

Sheheen and Rahim - July 29, 2006

Sheheen and Rahim's wedding was unique and so beautiful. We've done weddings at the Ismaili Muslim Jamatkhana Centre before, but never one at night! The Centre is an amazing building with a gorgeous courtyard garden, and it was all lit up for Sheheen and Rahim's evening ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, we were at Sheheen's parents home for photos of her getting ready. It was here that Rahim saw her for the first time (see the second pic below for that moment). Sheheen truly looked like a supermodel - she simply glowed in her white and gold sari! We then proceeded to the Centre for photos, followed by pictures with family. After the evening ceremony, everyone was invited inside the mosque hall for a fabulous buffet and desserts. The evening started off with the traditional Ismaili ceremonies, which includes the breaking of the sapatia (small decorated clay pots). The bride and groom stand on a small bench and then step down at the same time to break the clay pots - the tradition is that the one who breaks their pot first will rule the household - so as you can imagine, the competition is fierce! After that it was an evening of speeches, mingling, and of course, delicious food! We even managed to sneak Sheheen and Rahim outside for a couple of shots in front of the beautifully lit mosque. It was a great day, full of originality and personal touches.