Dena and Ryan - August 15, 2008

It was off on a little road-trip of sorts to Harrison Hot Springs for Dena and Ryan's big day, with bright blue skies, sunshine, and - oh yes, the scorching heat! It was a toasty 35+ degrees out at lovely Harrison Lake, and although I was feeling it, I can't imagine what it was like for a groom in a black wool tuxedo - probably something like standing next to the sun. :D I loved the colour that Dena chose for the bridesmaids' gowns - a vibrant coral tone - it stood out beautifully in the photos and provided a great accent to the blues and greens of the lake environment. The evening reception at Harrison Hot Springs Resort was filled with speeches, trips to the candy bar, and dancing - and also the most memorable bouquet toss I have ever witnessed, where Dena managed to wing the bouquet right over the all the single ladies and onto the table behind them - no easy feat considering that it was at least a 30-foot distance!

Secret Session (Boudoir) Marathon!

It's baaack.... the first one was so much fun we're doing it again in October!

Need a great wedding gift for your future hubby?
Maybe an anniversary present?
Or perhaps something just to celebrate YOU!

A Secret Session is perfect!

What is it: a sexy, Vogue-style photo shoot in your favourite lingerie
Who is it: you, Laura Millin, professional photographer from Magnolia Photographic, and Tara Lasko, professional make-up artist, from Paint by Numbr
How much is it: $345 includes make-up, a one-hour photo shoot,
$100 towards product of your choice (ie. a Secret Album, custom prints, etc.), and a private online gallery to view your images
Where is it: a luxe suite at a posh Richmond hotel
When is it: Saturday, October 18, 2008 - times available are
9:15am - 10:30am - 12:00pm - 1:15pm - 2:30pm - 3:45pm

To book your session time, please contact Laura at Magnolia Photographic:
604.277.7452 or magnoliaphotographic@gmail.com (prices do not include taxes)

To see samples of past Secret Sessions, please check out the Intimate gallery at www.magnoliaphotographic.com (we've just recently updated this gallery with lots of new images!)

To see samples of Tara’s makeup, check out www.paintbynumbr.ca

UPDATE: all times are now booked except the 9:15am - if you'd like to have our last session time, get in touch soon!

Nicole and Brian - August 9, 2008

Nicole and Brian's beautiful and elegant wedding was held at the always lovely Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club. Nicole and Brian are down-to-earth, easy going, and were up for any photo idea we had - they also had a wonderful bridal party that kept us laughing throughout the day. I absolutely loved Nicole's dress - it was perfect for her: mermaid-style with lots of interesting design elements and a very funky hairpiece to complete the look. We were fortunate to get some great outdoor shots before the rain started, and pour it did throughout the reception. Needless to say the guests inside didn't seem to notice, as they partied the night away!

Heather and Shawn - August 2, 2008

Heather and Shawn's special day was intimate and relaxed, and full of friends and family and good wishes. I started off at Bear Creek Park with a little photo session of the bride and groom. Both Heather and Shawn were so calm and easy going, it was clear that they were confident and comfortable in their love for each other. Afterwards we headed to the lovely home of a relative for the wedding ceremony and tea reception, and an afternoon of touching speeches, delicious cake, and great memories.

Adrienne and Pete - July 19, 2008

Oh wow, where to start?! This was a truly beautiful wedding, with lots of personal touches, unique and creative details, and a wonderful couple. This wedding was extra special for me because I actually grew up with Adrienne - we attended elementary school together and lived just a few houses apart. We haven't really seen each other since we were about 12 years old, and she has turned into a gorgeous and strong woman, who is perfectly complimented by the lovely and sincere Pete. Their wedding was held at a relative's farm in Aldergrove, with many of the flowers, decorations, and even the cake created by talented friends and family. We even had the chance to take some photos with one of the resident horses - now, not being too familiar with these animals, I expected, you know, a regular horse. Well, out comes one of the largest beasts I have ever seen (and I have stood beside an Asian elephant!) and I must admit I was a wee bit intimidated. But that intimidation soon faded to admiration for such a beautiful and regal animal, and I must say she was a perfect lady and very photogenic! The evening speeches brought many laughs and a few tears, and as the light faded the tent and barn behind it were illuminated and glowed warmly. Thank you to Adrienne and Pete for having us with you - it was an honour. We hope you had a great time on your honeymoon in Columbia, and can't wait to show you the rest of your images!

Ley and Len - Engagement Session

Ley and Len have a great sense for style and just the right amount of flare, and I have to say they looked fantastic for their engagement session in Yaletown. I loved Ley's cute dress and red shoes and jewelry, and Len looked pretty fly too! It was especially "fun" (some might say "life-endangering") running into the middle of the road between traffic lights to get the classic romantic dip shot in the middle of the road - it's a lot trickier than it looks! Ley and Len are two of the sweetest people you could ever hope to meet, and together they are positively delightful. We're really looking forward to shooting their wedding in September (at which there will be no running into the road for "just one more shot" - promise!) :)

Julia and Kevin - July 12, 2008

It could not have been a more beautiful day for Julia and Kevin's wedding - warm sun, wispy clouds, and a reception at Brock House overlooking the amazing scenery of Vancouver. Julia looked radiant and glowing in a gorgeous princess-style gown with a long, flowing veil sparkling with crystals. I loved her colour scheme as well - green and white - which was carried through to the reception with amazing florals by Granville Island Florist. Later on the dance floor was filled with guests (particularly during "YMCA"!) who partied well into the night. Julia and Kevin's wedding was unique for us, because it was the first time we've ever documented the bride and groom leaving the reception - and they made a grand exit, out the front of Brock House and into a very cool vintage car from A Stylish Arrival. Thanks to Julia and Kevin and their families for a beautiful and memorable day!

Stephanie and Michael - Engagement Session

Michael and Stephanie chose Coal Harbour for their engagement session, and though I've shot there a few times this year, I was amazed at how easy it is to find new and interesting photo spots. In fact I was thinking about this more and how we often do shoot in the same locations yet find new ways to interpret them, and I think it has a lot to do with the couple's personality and how it "directs" us to different spots. Michael and Stephanie are a fun, sweet couple and I really enjoyed wandering Coal Harbour with them, looking for "their" photography spots - I think we found some great ones! Stephanie was a bridesmaid in Christa and Kevin's wedding (click and scroll down to "Christa and Kevin"), so we're looking forward to seeing the gang again in August!

Jessie and Jo - Engagement Session

I think I've mentioned on this blog several [hundred] times how much I love it when people bring props to their engagement sessions - obviously Jessie and Jo took note, because they brought a super-cool silver scooter! We had so much fun zipping around Granville Island - well, actually, they zipped, I walked - and there were only a few times where Jessie had a definite look of fear while Jo piloted the little scooter. ;) I loved the way these two interacted with each other - there were lots of laughs and giggles, but also those quiet sweet moments of just being together. We are really looking forward to their big day in September!

Something a little different...

Not only was this shoot fun, but fascinating too! Our former bride Sharon needed some promotional shots of her naturopathy clinic for her website and advertising, and I was honoured to be chosen for the job. It was so interesting to see the different therapies and treatments provided at the Port Moody Naturopathic Clinic - acupuncture, live blood analysis, oxygen therapy - it was all very intriguing. Thanks to the patients and staff at the clinic who were so cooperative for all my photos!