Thursday, September 20, 2007

Monique and Chris - August 25, 2007


It was another rainy day at beautiful Westwood Plateau where Monique and Chris got hitched! The drizzle didn't dampen their spirits and they were still determined to have their ceremony outside in the garden - and would you believe it? The rain held off just enough for the ceremony to take place - perfect! Monique and Chris are a really fun, playful couple, and it's amazing how their personalities fit so well together. For their photo session we managed to get over to Belcarra Park as well as Newport Village (all in the Port Coquitlam/Port Moody area) which gave two very different looks to their photos. Thanks again to Monique and Chris for having us with you - hope you're having an awesome honeymoon in Hawaii!




Karla and David - Engagement Session


Having never met Karla and David before (they booked us from their home in New Zealand 20 months before their wedding!) I wasn't sure what to expect. Being friends of some of our former clients, I had a feeling they would be a great couple - but I didn't expect how incredible they would be in front of a camera! Photogenic would be an understatement! Besides being two very warm, friendly, lovely people, Karla and David are just plain naturals when it comes to being photographed. I had a great time taking them around Steveston Village and talking with them about their big day. Karla and David got married on September 1, so watch the blog for their wedding images soon!



Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Shameless Plugs, Comin' Up!


So everyone knows we're photographers, but did you also know that Chris is a published author? He's also the publisher of his own magazine! Yes, he wears many different hats (whereas I just wear one very large, colourful hat)! Chris just had his first book, "The King of Arugula", published this past June. It's a weird and wonderful Tim Burton-esque story for children ages 9-13, and it is the first of five in a series called "The Hole Series." You can buy it anywhere (local bookstores, Chapters, online, etc.) and of course I highly recommend it (not that I'm biased, or anything.....) :>


Chris' passion for the written word continues into the magazine he created and publishes called "Crow Toes Quarterly" (www.crowtoesquarterly.com). We believe this magazine is the first of it's kind in that it is a literature magazine specifically for children ages 8-13. Each issue features short stories, poetry and artwork by talented people from Canada and beyond. We're especially proud of the current issue, available at small bookstores and Chapters everywhere. If you'd like a free copy, let me know and I'll bring one to my next meeting with you!

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Carolyn and Chris - August 18, 2007


Not every couple would stand out on a cliff or scale large rocks in wedding attire for photos - but Chris and Carolyn were up to the challenge! They were willing to do just about anything for a great photo, and I think the results were well worth the effort! Their big day took place throughout West Vancouver, so picture big white cliffs and huge views of the ocean, combined with a happy, great-looking couple (Carolyn is a classic beauty) and you have photo magic. In addition to the amazing scenery, there was an incredible feeling of togetherness throughout Chris and Carolyn's day - their family and friends were clearly so happy for them, and it created an atmosphere full of warmth and joy. Thanks again to Chris and Carolyn for having us with you, and for being so enthusiastic for our more "creative" photo ideas!





Rebecca and Kairns - August 11, 2007


What can I say except I loved shooting this wedding! Fabulous couple, fun bridal party, and a fantastic venue! Kairns and Rebecca had their big day at Farmhouse Lifestyle, one of my absolute favourite venues. The place is amazing - think country-chic, with endless photo possibilities around every corner. The couple also incorporated many personal touches, from beautiful parasols for guests to use, to framed photos of them all around the reception room, to writing their own amazing vows. My favourite moment of the day (besides spending time with Rebecca and Kairns of course!) was just before the ceremony began. As always, things were running just a couple minutes late. I saw a Farmhouse Lifestyle employee carrying something fluffy to the ceremony site, which she then plopped down near the altar area. It was the biggest, fluffiest Angora bunny I have ever seen! Needless to say the guests were tickled pink by the adorable fluffball, who soon tired of being on display and hopped away just before the ceremony started. Congrats again to Kairns and Rebecca!





Thursday, August 23, 2007

Laura and Lance - August 4, 2007


As we all know, wedding days are almost always late - the ceremony starts late, the reception starts late, everything is late, if only by a few minutes! Well, not on Lance and Laura's big day! In five years I have never photographed a wedding that was so on time! Truly, it was a remarkable thing to witness! But I digress - with fabulous weather that day we were able to shoot at several different outdoor locations around Richmond. The cool thing was that although I have lived in Richmond almost my whole life, photographing weddings here allows me to see the scenery in a different light - it's challenging and inspiring to take the common and make it uncommon, and I love that! I also loved the quiet but strong connection between Lance and Laura, and the way they exchanged subtle, loving looks throughout the day. August 4 was a great day, and thanks to Lance and Laura for having us share it with them!





Anne-Marie and Matt - July 28, 2007


Anne-Marie and Matt's day was all about family, friends, and good times. Both of their families are very close-knit, and this was evident in so many aspects of their day. In fact, Anne-Marie's uncle flew all the way from Italy to perform the ceremony at the beautiful Holy Rosary Cathedral. Later that evening, both Anne-Marie and Matt's parents and siblings gave very touching speeches that left everyone a little weepy! Family and friends were able to take advantage of super-fun carousel rides, since the cocktail reception was held in the Carousel Pavilion at Burnaby Village - and let me just say that antique carousels go a LOT faster than what I'm sure is the safety standard for today's carousels! The party continued with Anne-Marie's fathers' band, Killarney, performing traditional Irish music, which was fabulous! This is the same band that performs at the famed Blarney Stone in Gastown, so it was a real treat to hear them play at the reception. True to her Irish heritage, Anne-Marie got up with several other ladies and performed some amazing Riverdance-style Irish dancing. It was a fantastic day and we were honoured to be a part of it!





Laura and Ashley - July 21, 2007


Laura and Ashley's beautiful wedding took place at the very scenic Westwood Plateau Golf Club. Unfortunately it did rain off and on (and at times, it was torrential!), but we made the most of it by sneaking outside in between showers and then using the amazing architecture inside as a background when needed. Laura and Ashley are a very sweet, quiet couple, but after spending just a few minutes with them anyone can see how very much in love they are with each other. And what's a bit of rain when you know you'll be with the one you love forever? Thanks again to Laura and Ashley for having us with them on their big day!




Friday, August 03, 2007

Sharon and Andrew - July 14, 2007


Sharon and Andrew have such an amazing connection between them, and it was an honour to witness the joy and love that they share. Their wedding ceremony took place at the beautiful Brock House on Jericho Beach, under an archway hand made by Andrew. As the couple exchanged vows they had written for each other, the Folk Festival down the beach started up - but even with all the music, these two were in their own world - nothing could phase them! The ceremony was followed by a photo session, then a fabulous reception under a beautifully decorated tent on the lawn. Through all the speeches, mingling, and delicious food, Sharon and Andrew rarely took their eyes off each other - they clearly adore each other!




Thursday, August 02, 2007

Elisicia and Theo - July 1, 2007


West Coast scenery and an Edwardian glam theme came together to create Elisicia and Theo's amazing wedding day! We started off with photos of the bride and groom getting ready at the beautiful Hotel Le Soleil in downtown Vancouver, then headed up Grouse Mountain for a tram ride to the top. Since Theo is from England, the couple wanted to show their out-of-town guests some distinctively West Coast scenes and traditions. The incredible mountain view of Vancouver highlighted the scenery, while members of the Salish First Nation performed a dance for the guests. The Edwardian glam theme was represented in the amazing florals by Bloom Room (the bouquets and arrangements incorporated peacock feathers!) and in Elisicia's jewellery and very funky red sparkly shoes. The intimate ceremony was followed by a fabulous reception, where guests danced the night away. Thanks again to Elisicia and Theo for having us photograph your beautiful day!