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

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

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.

I was inspired before I even got to them, and was so excited to create images with them. “We get to make art today” I told Sara. It’s a beautiful thing.
He watched her walk down the isle with tears in his eyes and they exchanged heartfelt, emotional vows in front of all of the people who love them the most.
Vertical blinds leaking light, a rose garden, beautiful home, amazing old cars and big full dark rain clouds that waited to release the rain until my last portrait was taken (last one in series here).

In one word. Magic.
It was the perfect day for Sara and Chris to be married.
It just was..
May you two be surrounded by blessings, always.

Here is a very small taste of what is to come!
Jeremy and Bridget, a seaside ceremony and a Campbell River back yard affair.

Alisia and Marc, a sweet ceremony at the little church at Cape Mudge on Quadra Island.

Ana and Aaron, an exquisite (like… are you kidding me) Vancouver wedding, at Stanley Park.

Hopefully I will satisfy your photographic hunger with Rob and Veronica… and try and get a few more up here this week as well!

Its been an interesting few weeks. To be honest, I’ve wanted to be curled up in bed most of the time. (more on that later) I believe I’ve shot 20 weddings so far this season. Which means, I’m trying my hardest to stay rested and away from cameras as much as possible, until the next wedding… so I can stay fresh and full of creativity. So Sunday/Monday amounted to Bryce and I being the laziest I think we’ve ever even been. It was awesome. However, back to work today.

Meet Rob and Veronica. They booked me over a year and a half ago for their August 1st wedding. I was thrilled to be a part of it. They were all so much fun, had an amazing time laughing and making fun of each other and their happiness is infectious. What a great day!

Love this one of Veronica waiting to get into her dress.


A float down stairs

At Painters Lodge in Campbell River, Rob waits patiently.

Kisses for Veronica’s niece Sienna (who you may recall from this post)
A brief and intimate ceremony results in a happy bride and groom. Love this ‘just married’ image.

We snuck off for some wedding party shots, the guys… hilarious.

The ladies? Stunning.

Then we stow away with the newlyweds for some more intimate images of the two of them, on their wedding day.

And then, onwards to the reception held at Sequoia Springs Golf Course.
For some more wonderful moments.

A father/daughter dance that had me in tears (and Veronica too).

And I’ll leave you with this image of a beautiful bride on her wedding day.

Katie and Kyle.

The girls getting ready consisted of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. The guys getting ready? KFC and Lucky. Hilarious and very entertaining!

Katie looked at me, and said when I arrived “You can fix this right” (the pouring rain) My response, “Absolutely I love it. It doesn’t even phase me”.
In fact, these days rain + wedding= inspiration overload. If you can deal with a bit of dirt on the dress, a bit of water… well, I’m in. I’m your gal.

It was sprinkling with rain, then it was pouring, then it was really pouring. Then it was silver light and dramatic clouds and a bit of blue sky. None of it could have been more perfect. In my mind, if I can feel the rain, it means I am alive. If I am alive, I have the opportunity to create. If I can create, anything is possible.

And besides, if there is no rain, there is no dramatic clouds or light. If there is no dramatic clouds or light… life is no fun. Here are a few of my favorite images from Saturday.

Katie has a radiant smile. Truly.

Kyle

and Katie.