Erin Wallis Photography Blog

Yesterday was a less than perfect pregnant day. Not a catastrophic day, just a less than perfect day. A day where I likely allowed all of the dark and twisty thoughts and fears creep in just a bit too much. Being a person who is always searching for the silver lining, it is difficult to allow yourself to feel anything but grateful. But… when these days happen (or hours or moments). There are ways to work through them, and to come out smiling.

What I learned yesterday was.

When you are having a bad moment or two, reaching out to friends is actually ok. I don’t like feeling like a burden, or like I’m passing on negative vibes to a cherished friend (or two). But, sometimes it boils up and spills over in unwanted ways, so sharing can be a good thing (so long as its not every single time you chat).

The moral of my little story this morning is, there are three things I now know for sure.

#1: When having a bad day, reaching out to friends can bring you surprises in your mailbox the next morning.
#2: Homemade treats from friends taste better than any other in the world.
#3: Have a coffee, eat a cookie and count your blessings.

I know that I’ve posted a whole lot about little Landon lately… see last two entries, but I just can’t help it!
Here is little Landon at two weeks old, with his mom and dad.
What a love. (Can’t possibly tell you how excited this makes me to meet our little girl! Not long now…)

This one cracks me up… somewhat like..”Yahoo, I made it to the world!” So cute!

****Remember until December 10th 2009, your comments= cans of food being donated to our local food bank… so be sure to leave a comment! Its an awesome way to give a little blog love and in return, I’ll give a little food bank love. A wonderful thing!****

Carrying on with the Best of 2009 series… I bring you, my twelve favorite family images of 2009. (I can barely believe that I could narrow it down to twelve)
In any case, here they are. All bursting with love, laughter and joy. Beautiful.

Today, after much anticipation, I celebrate a facelift for my Vancouver Island Photography blog. I’ve had this look to the blog locked in my head for months, and I’m so happy it has now come together.

The header image and the ones here, was a vision I have had for ages. I wanted something that was different from a usual headshot of myself. I wanted to portray who I am, what I do, and how very precious my images are to me. To capture my photos, my canvases, my art, my soul, in amongst the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.

I conveyed my vision to the ever amazing Shannon Andrews, (my incredibly talented sidekick/graphic designer/artist). Unsure how to prop up all of the photos, I didn’t want real easels (however that was my original thought) So, Shannon proclaimed, ‘we can make driftwood easels’. Surely my crafting abilities would not create something like this? But of course, Shannon can do basically anything, and in one night with the help from her ‘crazy with a drill’ helper Ryan… they created me the most beautiful, rustic display easels made with driftwood from right here in Campbell River.

We were ready for action. These images were created near Oyster River in Campbell River. With my wild vision, and Shannon behind the camera. Here is what we created for my updated website and blog. Thank you Ryan and Shannon for all of your help!

All of the old post images will have to stay the same size, unfortunately I just can’t justify the millions of hours it would take to resize each and every one of the thousands of images that are already on here. But, all posts from here on in, will have these gloriously larger images. Fabulous.

Of course, as usual, none of this would be possible without Jeremy Latham Thank you for everything.

I am constantly grateful. I push myself to always keep my attitude in check. To always appreciate what I DO have, instead of constantly lusting over what I don’t have. I believe in it. I can’t imagine living any other way.

When I’m laying in my bed, I often take a deep breath and truly appreciate my big comfy bed. That I have somewhere to lay my head safely at night.
When I’m in the shower. I am thinking about how lucky I am to have hot running water.
Lately, when my back hurts and shoots pain down my legs… I feel lucky to have legs.
When I’m eating dinner. I am thankful for a fridge full of food.
When something strange happens like forgetting something at home, making me turn around to go get it… I choose to believe I am possibly avoiding some unforeseen danger down the road, I always try and choose gratitude. You get the idea.

It has lead people in my life to let me know that at times “You’re too intense”, “its too much”, and that I shouldn’t expect others to think like me. And I don’t… and I try not to preach… but… my amazing and cherished friend Momma Mady used to always say to me, “Pull your boots up girl. You’ve got two feet and a heartbeat”. It’s a beautiful way to live.

So, when I meet someone who lives the same way, and shares the same views. It makes me happy. Really happy.

When I met up with Jennifer on her wedding day, the first words out of her mouth were. “I am just so blessed, so lucky. It’s amazing.” She couldn’t get over having all of the people she loved most in the world, in one place. For such an amazing celebration. She would well up with tears, just thinking about it. She lives in a massive amount of gratitude and it shows and is absolutely beautiful. The autumn season, was a perfect fit for their wonderful wedding.

Look at these images, and know, that these two are wonderful. Jennifer and Pedro, been together twelve years, were married this past Saturday at the amazing Dolphins Resort in Campbell River. Anyone looking for a different, rustic, beautiful destination wedding on Vancouver Island… should take a serious look at Dolphins. What a wonderful crew of people and what a beautiful place to have all of the people you love celebrate your wedding.

One of Jennifer and Pedro’s guests at the reception asked me, “so how long have you and Jenn been friends?”, I responded, “oh since forever”. We’ve only met one other time, for their engagement photos. I love my clients. (Especially Jennifer and Pedro) I love my chosen profession. I love living in gratitude. As cheesy as it may sound, if you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out.

I think beauty makes you beautiful, but only your attitude can make you radiant.

Some girls get excited about Manolo Blahnik footwear, others are thrilled with the classic elegance, of Hunter Gumboots.

Jennifer’s mom lives on a beautiful little farm property that we decided to have a ‘first look’ at and create some images on the property before the ceremony.
Here is Pedros first look at his beautiful bride.

The handsome ring bearer at the ceremony.

Love this one of Jen and her dad.

I’m in love with this photo of Jen through the crowd.

Down to the beach for some more images, love the colors in the trees here.

The Dolphins Resort with Jennifer’s amazing autumn decor, looked perfect.

I told you it was rustic.

The little ones were partying hard, minus their shoes.

You have to be special to have the ever auspicious rainbow make an appearance at your wedding.

No wedding would be complete without small people, passing out all over the place.

Wishing you both nothing but happiness.