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.

Sheheen and Rahim - Day After Session

Sheheen and Rahim were having a luncheon with family and friends the day after their wedding, and so decided to have us do a quick session with them and their bridal party in downtown Vancouver. Everyone looked very fabulous, especially Sheheen in a gorgeous ivory and pale gold dress. Rahim had Darryl, his other best man, with him for this day (Rahim's friend Amin got to be best man on the wedding day) - I thought this was a great way to share the honourary position with two close friends! After the session Sheheen and Rahim went to the Fish House in Stanley Park, where their guests awaited their arrival. Thanks again to Sheheen and Rahim for having us along to document your two special days!

Last-Minute Schedule Opening!

Hi everyone,

Due to some recent scheduling changes, we now have Saturday, September 2, 2006 available for one lucky couple! If you are getting married that day or you know someone who is, we're your photographers! Please contact us by email or phone via our website, www.bluemagnolia.ca

Christa and Kevin - July 22, 2006

Christa and Kevin got married on the hottest day of the year (so far) - yes, it was toasty, but in a full wedding gown and black tux these two braved the heat! Quite honestly, I think they were so overwhelmed with love for each other that they could have been on the surface of the sun and not noticed! Okay, maybe that's cheesy, but these two really were full of joy and it was such a pleasure to photograph them and their entire bridal party. After the ceremony in Richmond, we proceeded to a few nearby locations. One was a very uneven field, which was not easy to traverse in the shoes Christa was wearing (see the pic below and you'll know what I mean!) Somehow all six bridesmaids (who were wearing high heeled shoes as well) managed to make it into the field too - we really appreciated their efforts, and I think it paid off in the photos! We also stopped at a local beach, where I ended up rolling around on my stomach on the sand to get the beach shot posted below (I'm sure the locals thought I was nuts!) After the photo session, we stopped at the Radisson Hotel for reception photos. The room looked absolutely beautiful! We had a fantastic day with Christa and Kevin, but the best part was the email I received from Christa after we posted their online highlights gallery - it read "I LOVE THEM! I LOVE THEM! I LOVE THEM!"

Thanks again to Christa and Kevin for having us!