In any favorite photograph it might be a quiet about it, a sweetness, maybe the light, the colors, the feeling. The people always draw me in as well, their stories, their connections and passions. Or it could be the wind, the movement, the joy, swollen anticipation or emotions… but it’s always about some breathtakingly beautiful… stolen moment. Frozen in time.
I have favorites from 2011.
Here are some.

Saturday October 22 made me believe that everybody should have fall weddings. Everything is better in the fall. The colors, the air… the climate. Everything.
Nicole and Steve were precisely who I needed to wrap up an amazing 2011 wedding season with. Nicole has always been “real”. She’s awesome. I try and come up with another word for her, but “real” it is. A bit nervous, anxious to get on with the good times, and all the while radiating total beauty. We graduated high school together, almost burned down her parents back yard together, and played sports and always laughed together. So, when I met Steve at Melanie’s beautiful wedding this March, I knew that they were a great pair. I am not sure (at Mels wedding) that me trying to force him to drink tequila was all that professional, but Nicole assured me that, that is why they love me and hired me. YIKES. In any case, their wedding was perfect. A beautiful, sunny Sunshine Coast Wedding. Full of gorgeous autumn colors and beauty. It couldn’t have been more amazing. I am grateful for such an beautiful ending, to such a fabulous season.
Nicole and Steve! May you always have sunshine… even when there is none for miles around.
Much love ox.

I always say that I love my people. Saying “my clients”, just seems weird. The intimacy, connection and shared moments of their wedding days often brings me to tears, and reduces me to a puddle of smiley faced nostalgia as I sit and edit their images, post them online, blog about them, print them… deliver them. After the dust has settled from their wedding, I go through their images. Searching for the ones that tug on my heart strings and bring back their day with the most clarity. I am working, however I am also spending moments of my life with them and with that, I choose to do so as passionately, lovingly, creatively and honestly as possible. I may fumble around, pop buttons, trip on myself and occasionally say awkward things (ok more than occasionally) but, I am fully aware that I am creating a cherished heirloom. I am a wedding photographer, their chosen wedding photographer.

They could have chosen anyone, but they chose me. That is divine intervention, in my opinion. That, is beautiful.

My brides this year have been stunning, caring, kind wild and also daring. They’ve laid down in wet leaves, stood on the edges of very scary cliffs, and have climbed through barbed wire for me. Seeing their trust in me, their belief that we are doing something wonderful… is truly more than I could ever ask for. If you trust me, we have far better chances of making magic together.

I said, “well, it’s locked… we’d have to climb through the barbed wire.” Selena looked at me as if thinking “that’s it? No problem.” and she hiked up her dress and without doubt or hesitation, climbed right through as did the entire wedding party. The fellas were willing to set aside their beers (somewhat reluctantly at first) and the gals were willing to do just about anything. I am lucky. The day before the winds ripped the tent down, breaking things, causing panic. However, for us, and our photos the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Being the second to last wedding of my 2011 season, I can’t help but think about all of the weddings that have come before this one. All of the couples, all of the images. All of the love.

I am so… totally appreciative of all of the shared moments.
These are my impressions of a beautiful wedding.

Thank you Selena and Trevor. ox

Wedding Venue: Shelter Point Distillery (Just fyi…. this is an AMAZING VENUE! If you are searching for a wedding venue in Campbell River, I’d be checking on their availability! Beautiful!)
Getting Ready Venue: Timberlane Beach Resort, Saratoga Beach.
Hair: Sharne’s Hairstream (mobile hairdressing studio! GENIUS)
Make up: Lisa @ Elements Esthetic Lounge
Flowers: Amy @ The Willows Market

PS… Coley! You’re next!!! xoxo

Laura is also a bit of a DIY queen. Handmade boutoneirs, decor, hooray/yay signs for guests, monster card boxes… the works. All made for a perfectly delightful backyard Campbell River wedding. The rain was light and brief, the bathtub of beer was full, and everyone there had a huge smile on their face. My face was actually sore after the ceremony from my (likely weird looking) perma smile. And, while we’re on me looking weird… to all of the wedding guests who may or may not of seen me fumbling with my blouse (popped a button), tripping over myself, and covered in dirt and grass stains and marveling over bear dung, I assure you, none of the following images were possible without my awkward craziness err… quirkiness. Promise, its just all part of my artistic process.

Paula and Jordan’s wedding was simply stunning.
They had a recipe that could only lead to amazing things. Campbell Rivers most amazing (in my opinion) wedding venue, Dolphins Resort. She had perfect little Vera Wang flats, a two piece wedding dress, a stunning veil, homemade sangria, fresh oyster station and sushi, dahlias everywhere, hundreds of candles in mason jars, homemade (gorgeous) wedding cake, bridesmaid skirts (handmade by the bride) , a helicopter ride to a mountain top and a whole bunch of people who love them dearly.

Dolphins Resort is my favorite for so many reasons, but the rustic charm, the stunning views, the perfect beach/dock and the incredible culinary magic of their dining room (courtesy of Chef Joe Volk) makes this resort the perfect place to host a flawless event. I love that although I’ve photographed many weddings there, each one is exquisitely unique and personalized to the couple.

Love this couple. Love this place. Love this wedding.

Venue/Catering/Event Planning Dolphins Resort
Bridal/Wedding party flowers Willows Market
Dahlias Auntie Terry
Helicopter Ride Grizzly Helicopters

When you’ve known a family for as long as I’ve known this one… you completely “get” it. You know to not pay too much attention to little Juvio at first, because he gets overwhelmed and a bit shy. You know that all it takes for Sole to loosen up and be more comfortable in front of the camera is to tell her to shake those little Chilean hips. You know that it will be incredibly important to the amazing Auntie (Tia) Sole to have images with her beautiful nieces and nephews. You know that it will be your main job to ensure that her father doesn’t hijack the photo session. It was all incredible. I had many silent tears drip down my cheeks seeing Sole so happy, seeing Dan full of anticipation. Seeing them both in love, so young, so vibrant, so full of life… getting married, in front of Hatley Castle. It’s the sort of thing, dreams are made of.

May your lives be full of joy, adventure and endless blessings. So much love to you both.
ox

They waited 12 years to get married, and they arrived at their wedding full of stories, full of life and swimming with love. There is so much you could say about Jacquie and Pat, but I feel the looks on the faces of those they love and cherish most… say it best.
They are loved.

Jacquie is described as being an amazing healer, working as a nurse with children who need her. Pat can make even the most stern face… burst into laughter. I think everyone who was a part of their wedding, and is a part of their lives, know how valuable and emotional their wedding memories are, and will be forever. A true testament to living life presently, in each moment and savoring every delicate, fleeting instant as it happens. When you live with intention and love, your moments will all be treasures.

May you both be surrounded by life’s blessings always, and may the universe wrap it’s expansive and warm arms around you always, but especially right now. I am forever humbled and honored to have been a part of something so beautiful.

In loving memory of June Hole.
In Jacquie’s words… “She was an incredible woman. She would do anything and give anything to anyone. Her spirit is unmatched. ”
Savor each fleeting moment.

She looked impossibly stunning when I arrived and not to mention calm. Her bridesmaids buzzing around the house, her dad looking on lovingly. Doug was smiling and ready, surrounded by his handsome fellas and gorgeous flower girls. It was a beautiful day in Campbell River and they were ready to finally “tie the knot”.

They had a vision of big trees for her wedding images. So, where else should we venture, but Elk Falls just moments outside of Campbell River. Although I’ve shot there many times before, I’d never shot a wedding there. I LOVE that it was so well suited for Karla and Doug, and I love the results.
Wishing you both, nothing but love.

The flowers were all by the infamous “Amy” at the Willows Market in Campbell River. She’s the best!
The decor rentals were by The All in One Party Shop.
And decorating services by Krylea Creative Solutions.

Laurie said “Dolphins” and I said “Absolutely”.
She was doing ok, composed and calm… but also pacing a bit. Nervously looking at the clock, but still breathing and looking impossibly beautiful. She was doing ok, until her mom came in with glistening tears in her eyes. Then no one was doing ok, including me. So touching, so quiet, so peaceful and so sweet. Kiel was quirky from the moment I saw him, and I knew our time together would be full of fun, laughter and “did I just say that” moments.

It poured rain during the ceremony so it was indoors. No problem.
Rain doesn’t scare me, so we set out for the beach under umbrellas. No problem.
The rain stopped the moment we set foot on the beach and held off for us until I released the shutter for Laurie and Kiels last image together on the dock at Dolphins.
I’m not going to go on about luck, but…. that was lucky.

May you both share a beautiful and blessed life together. I’m grateful to be a part of your story. xo
No more words… only images.