I met up with everyone at The English Inn in Esquimalt, (which is not only beautiful, but incredibly charming as well!) The building is old, and creaky, yet beautifully modern as well… We put Tara in her dress immediately and everything flowed so perfectly from there.

It’s not uncommon for me to get emotional during ceremonies or speeches, I’m just that kind of gal… but this was ridiculous… maybe it was the way each bridesmaid had nothing but absolute love for Tara, maybe it was the groom AND groomsmen with tears in their eyes… maybe it was the music, perhaps the way Tara’s dad took her hand when they were about to walk down, whatever it was, I had tears rolling down my cheeks (more than once) With each moment in life so fleeting, I just feel so incredibly honored to be given the chance to capture split seconds of love, joy, and all things beautiful… There are moments when I am overwhelmed with beauty and emotion and this was one of them.

Tara and Mike wanted a variety of images, and gave me so much time to create them! I was in creative heaven, with images @ Beacon Hill Park, Ogden Point and along the way from Esquimalt I also tucked away the possibility of using the old train station for some images too (should the bride and groom comply) and much to my utter delight… they not only agreed but were beyond my wildest imagination with “we’ll do anything”… They were both dirty after climbing onto teeny tiny ledges against dirty garage doors (which created some hilarious out-takes as well)

While at Beacon Hill Park another interesting thing happened, I noticed that I wasn’t choosing locations that I later saw other photographers shooting weddings at… I was far off the beaten track and was down in behind washrooms and all sorts of weird places? Why do I do that? I truly can not explain it… Inspiration is a strange thing, and at the time I just go with it. I love the idea that 20 different wedding photographers can be at work in the same town, and we all come out with different images, locations and end results. I used to love that about working on cruise ships with 15 other photographers on any given ship… we could all be in the same country, same tour even and every one of us would see something different, create images completely diverse in feeling/lighting/composition… I came across this quote a few months ago,

“You have no competition because there is only ONE of you on this earth. Embrace that fact and let it carry you in your art, your business, and your confidence!” — Mike Colon, Photographer.

After my time was up with Tara and Mike it was on to the reception at the Fireside Grill in West Saanich. Another stunning location! Where the guests were all smiling, and the decor nothing short of amazing.
When I was finished up for the evening, saying goodnight to Tara was … EMOTIONAL! We both, like silly schoolgirls, had tears in our eyes. Everything was just so perfect, and I was so honored to have been such a special part of their magical day.

Congratulations Tara and Mike, and may all of your days be as magical as Saturday was!
(p.s… there are A LOT of images that follow… I COULD NOT CHOOSE)

At Ogden Point,

Boys will…..

At Beacon Hill Park

And then… the Abandoned Train Station

The aftermath of our time scaling walls…


And what shoot would be complete without a train track walk…

Here is what I saw.

They had traveled far, worked hard, and were ready to enjoy their day! My favorite moment may have been when Sarah pulled out Ruby Red Shoes, and said…. what do you think??? WHAT DO I THINK??? Let’s do it!!! So we did.
The gals got ready @ Fernwood B&B just outside of Ladysmith. Tucked away in a little cabin in the woods, it felt like I was in a blend of the Wizard of Oz with the Ruby Reds, and Goldilocks with the perfect little cabin in the woods. Jan of Fernwood was great, and I even had an up close and personal with one of her resident raccoons (with one eye). Quite the experience.

Sarah and Dave were so wonderful to work with, putting complete faith in me, succumbing to all of my wild request…. ‘don’t worry, just lay down on these rocks’…

Such a fabulous day. Such a great couple!
Let me know if you have any favorites!!!

I’m not talking about the kind that come and go, the kind that you’re kinda/sorta friends with… I’m talking about the kind of friends that you’ll hold a certain bond with until, forever.

For my lil sisters grad present I couldn’t think of anything better than to put Kaylee and her pals in their grad dresses and let them loose in a field! I had a vision of just that a few years ago, and thought it would be a perfect way to commemorate the beauty of their friendship, and to wrap up their high school days together.

However, I didn’t realize that I was going to well up with tears while watching them all out there in the field, laughing, twirling, hugging, and being 18. It was for a number or reasons but mainly because I can relate, we all can… when something we love… comes to an end. With everything in life being so impermanent, I find it incredibly beautiful to think that these girls, bursting with youth and joy, and excitement for what their futures hold, will be able to look back on these photos one day… and think about what an incredible time in their lives it was.

What I was witnessing through my camera lens last Sunday night, was that high school had just ended for these girls, who have grown up together, who have shared ice cream and tears together. They have endured memorable teachers, hysterically funny moments, concerts, and even formed an undefeated dodge ball team (well ok not undefeated). These girls have curled each others hair, spent hours obsessing about relationships (with fellas, with parents, with teachers) they’ve comforted each other during times of loss, and sadness. They’ve been each others best friends since grade seven… and now, high school is over. Just like they never thought it would be.

So with happy/sad tears in my eyes, I photographed them being friends, none really knowing where their lives will take them, or how near or far away. I saw them being so beautifully pure, and only hope that they are able to bring that same joy and passion for life with them always.

Ladies, may you always carry sunshine right along with you. I wish you nothing but joy.

OH! The Places You’ll Go!!!

Their wedding took place at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville, and everything was flawless. On my way driving down, (in the pouring rain) I just somehow trusted that the weather would co-operate for them. The clouds were out, but parted, when Alicia and her dad walked down the isle.

She was absolutely radiant!

Cody confessed before the ceremony, that he wasn’t nervous at all, just so excited to see Alicia walk down the isle. He said, he knew she was going to look incredible… the tears in his eyes, proved that he was overwhelmed when he saw her. I believe everyone was!

It was such a beautiful day, with such amazing people. I feel completely blessed to have been given the honor of photographing such an important event in Cody and Alicia’s lives. You two are amazing, and I wish you a lifetime of laughter, blue skies and mountains of love.

As soon as I saw Natalie, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with excitement at the images I knew were possible. Leon was so relaxed (or so he said) and was patiently awaiting his bride at the Filberg Grounds in Courtenay as well. It was a small but wonderful bunch, and I could not stop myself from photographing everyone! There was beauty everywhere… from the gorgeous children, to the proud parents, and musical friends… there were bits of magic floating all around. I loved sneaking a few images of Natalie unaware before her walk down the isle. The whole day was full of joy, laughter and many moments that I had the pleasure of capturing. The reception was held @ Tomato Tomato which, again, is somewhere you shouldn’t miss out on!

Beautiful Venues, Beautiful People…. Beautiful Wedding… Photographers Dream.
Thank you Natalie and Leon for allowing me into your lives, on such an incredible day.

Let me know which image is your favorite!!!

The weekend began with my baby sisters graduation.

The same baby sister that I held for the first time two days before my 11th birthday.
The same one I used to ‘baby dance’ in front of the fish tank to get her to stop crying, the same one I used to sing baby beluga to RELENTLESSLY in more efforts to quiet her active vocal chords.

She was born with a perfect diamond of peach fuzz on her forehead. She hated when I french braided her hair (which was often) She did not like car rides, she was my favorite side kick. She cried for a month, and ripped my heart out when I left to work with Princess Cruises. She is the most sensitive human being I know. She has the bluest eyes, the biggest heart and has incredible dance moves. She brings laughter, joy and life to all of those around her (when she has had enough sleep) and is my favorite 18 year old ever.

18.
Graduating.

Her grad just made me cherish all of our 18 years of memories together, and look forward to many, many more.

I am incredibly grateful to see that my baby sister has grown into a wise, energized, comical, loving and kind human being (truth be known, she has been all of these things all along).

Congratulations Kaylee Marie! I love you more than anything.

My baby Sis and I

These two (disgustingly happy) love birds will be married at April Point this summer, and I can barely wait to photograph this wedding!!! Going along with the way the session started, we ventured to Freddie’s Pub along the water to polish off the evening with Tequila Caesars and Wings. (ROUGH LIFE) I absolutely can NOT wait to see Susan in her dress!!!
Stay tuned for images from their August 1st wedding.

Together with their beautiful little girl Jenna, they were married @ the Maritime Heritage Center in Campbell River. The reception followed @ the brand new Quinsam Hall (which I never knew existed, but was gorgeous!) Alana from the All in One Party Shop headed up the decor and everything was perfect! This wedding to me, was all about moments. There’s nothing better than that!

Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!

Who doesn’t love flower girls!!!
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