Mission Accomplished!

Paul, curator of the Rainforest Reptile Refuge, with Laura and Spud the Tortoise (who was a little camera shy!)

Back in October, we decided to do a fundraiser we called "Portraits with Pumpkins" (see this entry for details). Our goal was to raise $1000, and I'm proud to say we made that goal and actually even exceeded it! It was with great pleasure that we delivered a cheque to the Rainforest Reptile Refuge for $1100.00. We are so grateful to everyone who participated in Portraits with Pumpkins - the support was overwhelming, especially from our own Blue Magnolia clients.

We'd also like to thank the Richmond News, who came out and did a story on our project, and G. King Photo, who kept our costs low by giving us a very generous discount on prints. Of course, thank-you's would not be complete without thanking the Rainforest Reptile Refuge, simply for existing and taking on the care and conservation of these animals.

Paul Springate is the curator of the Refuge, and it was an honour to meet and talk with him about the animals he cares for so very much. I don't think we have ever met a more passionate person - to say this man is dedicated to his cause would be an understatement. Paul explained how the Refuge is a symbol of much larger problems in our society - it represents the need for conservation of endangered species, tougher laws against the exotic animal trade, and protection for our own native environment and species. With increased awareness and education, change can happen - and that's something we're very proud to support! If you're interested in learning more about the Refuge or would like to donate, you can check it out online.

From us, from Paul, and from the animals - thank you so very much to everyone who made this event possible!

A few photos from the Portraits with Pumpkins sessions:

Nooneh and Chris - October 21, 2006

What a great day we had with Nooneh and Chris! These are two of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and photographing their special day was a delight! It started off with Chris going with the guys to photograph their getting ready time, and me with the ladies doing the same. When I walked in and saw Nooneh's dress hanging there, my jaw dropped - it was truly an amazing gown, and I have never seen one quite like it (check out the photos to see what I mean!) Chris and I met up at the ceremony inside a very colourful Greek Orthodox Church, and after that it was off to Yaletown for the photo session. Nooneh and her bridesmaids braved the October chill in their strapless gowns, which were a yummy dark chocolate colour. The flowers by Bloom Room were gorgeous, and complimented the pink-green-brown colour scheme perfectly. After the photo session we headed to the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club for family photos, Armenian dancing, and a fabulous reception. Thanks to Nooneh and Chris for having us photograph your wedding!

Dave and Kathy - Engagement Session

We had an amazing evening for Dave and Kathy's session - the light simply glowed! We took full advantage of the warm fall sun as we shot around Steveston Village. If you're familiar with village, you'll know it's not very big; and yet, we manage to find new photo opportunities every time we shoot there (and we have shot there a lot!) It's great when you have clients who are familiar with the area as well, and can suggest some cool spots - Kathy thought it might be neat to shoot around an old green boat which is now part of a park; it was a great idea and worked out beautifully! We also braved some very thorny branches and a rather steep descent towards the water to get a gorgeous image of Dave and Kathy on a curved tree. We're really looking foward to their wedding in April (and I promise, no thorny branches this time!)

A Shout-Out to Crow Toes Quarterly

Attention - the crow has landed! It's time for a shameless plug for Crow Toes Quarterly (CTQ) magazine, Chris' new little project. When he's not working for Blue Magnolia (which is rarely these days!), Chris is working on CTQ, a children's literature magazine. The magazine features works from authors and artists across the country, and is geared towards 9-13 year olds. This won't be your typical children's magazine - think Tim Burton-esque, darker, intelligent literature that will challenge a child's imagination. The very first issue will be out in January by subscription only, with news stand circulation beginning on the second issue in the spring. Needless to say, we are very excited - if you are too, check out www.crowtoesquarterly.com.

Berry Family Portrait Session

As an anniversary gift, the Berry kids decided to get Mom and Dad a family portrait session with us - what a great idea! The plan was October 1 at Centennial Beach, which sounds good in itself; but add in a cool retro couch, and you've really got something special! The French Provencal couch (which I found free by the side of the road - yippee!) was just shabby-chic enough to be perfect for the environment at Centennial. We did the big family portrait on the couch, and then individual shots of each son/daughter and their respective significant others. We then proceeded to the beach area (sans couch) to have some fun in the sand and the surf. It was a great session and I think we got some very memorable images of this fabulous family!

Mark and Julia - September 24, 2006

Normally couples book with us up to 18 months in advance. Mark and Julia however, bucked the trend - they booked us three weeks in advance of their wedding! Fortunately we were available and happy to photograph their incredibly beautiful day. Julia looked absolutely fabulous in a very unique wedding gown; Mark looked equally great in a neutral suit and shirt - not too casual, not too formal - just right! The ceremony was held in the park area right outside the Sequoia Grill in Stanley Park. On the grassy hill where their 30 guests gathered, the ceremony overlooked the mountains, the ocean, and the amazing blue sky. After the ceremony and a photo session, it was back to the Sequoia Grill for an intimate dinner. Thanks to Julia and Mark for having us as your photographers!

Raff and Christine - Engagement Session

We were supposed to be doing Raff and Christine's engagment session around the Vancouver Library. However, we arrived to find a book festival taking place, which basically engulfed the exterior of the library! So, we compromised - walking around the Yaletown area, we found some great architectural backdrops. Christine and Raff were great to work with - easy going, fun, and of course very much in love! We're really looking forward to spending more time with these two on their wedding day next February!

Wendy and Mike - September 23, 2006

Yes, it is November and I am just blogging September weddings! But better late than never, right? I promise that the weddings we had through September and October will be worth the wait! We're starting with Wendy and Mike, who got married at the gorgeous Mayfair Lakes Golf Club in Richmond. We had a perfectly beautiful day - not a cloud in the sky - and an equally beautiful bride. We got a sneak peak at Wendy while she was getting ready at the River Rock Hotel, and she looked stunning. After the outdoor ceremony, we took off to a favourite local spot for Wendy and Mike. Along the river, the leaves had just started to change and complimented the red bridesmaids gowns nicely. After the photo shoot, it was back to Mayfair Lakes for the reception. It was a fantastic day and we thank Wendy and Mike for having us there!