They wanted a simple and beautiful backyard wedding in Victoria, BC. That is exactly what they had.
Surrounded by people who love them.
It was, in a word… perfect. (well, aside from the new driver that backed into our parked limo)
But… who doesn’t like a little excitement.

So honored you chose me.
(p.s. If you are getting married in Victoria BC, you really should be booking the AMAZING Melanie Baird for your makeup. She is just beyond awesome.)

Maybe it was a way for me to try make sense of life, love… everything. It was a way I could connect the little things, that were always big things to me.
The slow motion way I saw the world. The way the light moved across the room as the sun rose and set. The way dust settled on things untouched, unused.
The way my imagination sparkled as the rain danced off the rooftop, spilling down from the gutter outside my bedroom window.
It might explain why I was the girl who dramatically hid up in the branches of my grandparents plum tree, and why I might sit on the window edge in my room daydreaming about love and heartache at the age of 10. I was always full of of thoughts and words.

It may have started with words and somehow ended up in photographs.
Holding life still. Being able to savor little delicate pieces of life that might otherwise be missed.
Like, the beauty in a pair of butterflies dancing around her, while she is unaware.
The look in someone’s eye when they think no one is watching, a gaze across a crowded room, a glance at something beautiful, someone beautiful.
The way life is either a whirlwind or a slow motion segment in a movie.
The way a photograph can hold you captive. Draw you in. Make you feel something.

A photograph can be full of a silent stories.
Like all of those stories I compiled in my head for so many years. Silently, within the walls of my imagination.
I feel like I am pouring out the stories, the thoughts, those feelings into images.
One story, one image at a time.
Or at least, that’s how I sometimes see it.

He has been running hockey training camps for Campbell River youth now for a few years and I couldn’t be more proud of how he runs his camps and how much effort and heart goes into them. He works so hard behind the scenes to make sure his kids in the power skating and elite hockey camps are getting the very best of his knowledge and experience. His hockey camps are geared towards North Vancouver Island hockey players from Novice to Adults.

When he started his camps and training sessions a few years ago he had just two amazing little guys on the ice with him. Last year, the ice was full of the most amazing Campbell River hockey players. I know how hard it is to put yourself out there. It isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. If anyone knows what it takes to make a career out of playing a sport you are passionate it is Bryce. He would never want to brag about himself or his hockey resume, but come on… it’s impressive!!!!
He grew up in Campbell River (we dated in grade 9, that’s a big deal right? ha!) and then he went on to play Junior hockey in Nanaimo, BC where he received a 4 year NCAA scholarship to Northern Michigan University. After 4 years of University Bryce spent the next 4 seasons playing professionally in New Jersey, Germany and Illinois, where he won an ECHL Championship in 2005 and a UHL Championship in 2007. He knows good hockey and has a passion for passing on the skills he has.
Why not learn from a pro, someone who has been coached by some of the best coaches in the world. (His coach in Trenton, New Jersey Mike Haviland is now the assistant coach for the Chicago Blackhawks, his time in New Jersey resulted in the ECHL Kelly Cup)

If you or anyone you know is hoping to amp up your hockey skills this summer there is still space in his 2012 summer camps, at Strathcona Gardens in Campbell River, BC. If your kids are looking for a way to get them ready for rep try outs, the upcoming hockey season or just looking to get some amazing power skating skills from an amazing line up of local talent… then you may want to follow these links for more information.
Next Level Training on Facebook
Next Level Training in the NEWS
There will also be a registered dietician Tiffany McFadden (who is super excellent) and an amazing lineup of coaches to help him such as former professional players Peter Trumbley and Mike Stutzel. He also has Ken Bueckert who has experience as a head evaluator. You just don’t want to miss out!

Everyone who participates in the camps will come away with a seriously great Next Level Training practice jersey as well as all kinds of new hockey skills. (Our awesome logo designed by Shannon Andrews Design) We decided to suit up our best model for a few photos in the jerseys.
I think she looks a little on the absolutely adorable side!!

If you are in Campbell River or the North Vancouver Island and are looking for Power Skating and Elite hockey preparation camps… I think you’ve found the right spot.
The camps run end of July 2012 to August 2012.

Email Bryce for a Next Level Training brochure here nextlevelbc@gmail.com

My girl Shannon took the above photo of me yesterday morning during a really special family photo shoot. A seriously wonderful family. The mom, (hugging me here) has just gone through some major health issues over the past few months. Her three sons and their beautiful families live from Campbell River to Fort McMurray. Everyone got together. To just ‘be’ together. The gratitude poured out from everyone, but mostly from Bev. Their beautiful mom. It makes me an emotional wreck when I see her burst into tears when I suggested doing a photo of her with the grand babies. So, when the shoot is over and she comes in for the biggest hug ever, you know… that what you are doing, means something. The photo above, pretty much sums up my “why” I do what I do.

I’ll share more from this beautiful session soon.
But this morning, I’ve just got to play with my wild two year old who is currently playing (or something like playing) her toy piano with fishing plugs. This girl’s got personality. Me on the computer this morning is just NOT going to fly with her.

But, just before I go, I am also INCREDIBLY excited to share that
Stacey and Eddie’s breathtaking wedding is being featured on Style Me Pretty today. As if that isn’t a great way to start a week.

So grateful, so blessed. So honored.
Have an amazing week.
I’ll be back.
oxxo

Our session was beautiful, graffiti everywhere, broken glass, trash… the works… but the light… ah the glorious light from the sun, and from the people. There is so much that goes into their images. Their light, their magic, their hearts and their love for each other. All highlighted in an hour of our lives. I am so lucky we have found each other. ***Amazing note… the appearance of their family Van “Paris” is extra special. This is the same van that they (over dinner one night years ago) decided to sell their house and drive to Chile in.***
These people are awesome.

Kim wrote:

Hi Erin
I’m a Pediatric Palliative care nurse I work with dying children and their families, it’s what I do and I love my job. I’m constantly inspired by strength, resilience, perseverance and overwhelming love of the individuals I work with. Sometimes I get caught up in trying to take away the pain, nausea, bleeding or managing of the lines but usually at some point I can’t ignore the magnitude of the feelings around me I have to open myself up to them, they just can’t be ignored.

I worry that one day I won’t remember every single little soul I’ve said goodbye to and I wonder if their parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles feel the same. If I could give each family a gift I’d give them and hour with YOU and your profound ability to capture true love in your photos so they could stare at their pictures the way I have been at mine for as long as they need to forget the pain, sadness and all the rest of it and see they will always be surrounded with love.

These parents truly know the meaning of priceless and in return make me appreciate the undeniable value of your work. It’s worth every penny and a hundred times more.

Sometimes people say “Life is too short to have regrets” and I think yes, yes it is too short but having regrets is just learning from our mistakes. I regret having waited so long before stepping in front of your camera with my family. We surely will not wait so long ever again.

Our photos are unreal, a treasure I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Endless thank yous!

Much love
Kimberlee

(Thank you so much to Kimberlee for allowing me to post your email. It means so much to me to have you write such incredibly heartfelt words. I appreciate you. oxox)

These beautiful Metis children are infused with a long lineage of inspired Metis people. I am truly honored to be able to capture a small piece of what makes them so unique, so spirited and full of wonder.

Besides having a strong family history on their mothers side (and a strong and passionate mother), their father Leander Dumont, comes from an incredibly strong Metis family. Leander’s dad Bruce is the President of the Metis Nation-British Columbia. His father, Ambrose Dumont was a great, great grandson of Isidore Dumont the first Metis killed at Duck Lake, Saskatchewan at the beginning of the Riel Resistance of 1885. Ambrose was in-turn, a great, great nephew of Gabriel Dumont, brother to Isidore.

Gabriel Dumont (1837-1906) is widely known as a influential Metis leader. I found this on Gabriel Dumont – “the name conjures up a host of images: the diminutive but courageous “chef métis” who led his people in armed struggle against the Dominion of Canada; a nineteenth-century Che Guevara passionately concerned with his people’s self-governance; the quintessential l’homme de prairie who lived freely as a bison hunter and entrepreneur and a humanitarian who shared his bounty with the less fortunate. Gabriel Dumont was a man of action, whose many admirable qualities, including his selflessness, courage, sense of duty and love of his people, have inspired generations of Métis.” (found HERE written by Darren R. Préfontaine, Gabriel Dumont Institute)

On the Metis BC website I found this and thought it well suited to these kids. ‘Young people are the hope of our future. They must not only be nurtured to embrace and learn their languages and cultures, but also be mentored to embrace both worlds and to equip themselves with the tools needed to function in both worlds. Language and culture provide the tools to build good character – a character that emulates the values of respect, humility, kindness, empathy and good leadership.”

I find family history fascinating. If you are lucky enough to know a little of where you come from, you should celebrate it. If you have no idea, you may want to start digging. It’s incredible the inspiration or explanations that you might get from a little family history lesson.

I find this family heart meltingly beautiful and I love being a part of documenting their cherished bonds. I love these three kids. I love their pride in their heritage. Love love love being able to give them gifts like photos to celebrate their family bonds. These three gorgeous children with their undying and limitless love for their father. Seriously. It is just so incredible to know you all. I am richer for each moment spent with you.
Much love.
xo

My grandma (we call her Grannie Goodheart) is 86 years old. I spontaneously decided to do a four generations photo shoot on the day Goodheart gave birth to my mom, and many years later I gave birth to my little girl. The whole week sort of turned into birthday week, it was awesome. Goodheart was dragged around to all sorts of events, and we didn’t have to have another family dinner, or gathering, or anything. But we could, so we did.

If YOU DO, you could end up getting a text from your sister (who lives with your grandma in Victoria, BC) of a photo of Grannie Goodhearts calendar after she came home from her week stay with you.
{See image below}

My sister Kaylee texted that photo to me and said “Looks like Grannie had a good time in Campbell River.”
My heart nearly exploded. I had no idea it meant so much.

You don’t have to do much really, you can go on with your life, just doing what you have to do. You don’t have to make someone’s day. But if you do… it might end up being the “best week of {their} life”. Or yours. The photo above left my entire family speechless. We all have family obligations, we all do what we do daily. Sometimes we realize the effect it may have on someone, other times we are completely unaware of what our impact might be. Another amazing thing to me, is that Grannie wrote that, on her calendar. Kaylee could have just walked right by it, and never cared or bothered to look at it, but she noticed, she let me know, and know I feel seriously moved to pass it on. Amazing. We are all intricately connected. All of us.

You don’t have to, but if you do {something sweet, kind, meaningful}… it just might brighten someone’s day, or life.
Love you Grannie Goodheart, we are all so lucky to have you in our lives. xoxo
(one million thank you’s to Shannon for being extra amazing and helping us make these photos happen. You are a part of the awesome. oxox)
And, I’ve also just announced a spontaneous mini session to happen on April 22 (this coming Sunday) info on my Erin Wallis Photography Facebook page! (few spots still left)