Helicopter Elopement-Vancouver Island

2020 was shocking wasn’t it. I personally felt completely unprepared for a global pandemic. Hard to wrap my brain around the thought that the NHL could even be shut down, or that Disneylands doors could even close. The impacts were far, wide and deeply felt by everyone. Some industries hit harder than others. So devastating for so many. Including my business initially as well.

The wedding industry was initially shut down entirely with travel restrictions and gathering sizes limited. The impacts were felt by our entire industry, instantly. With so many uncertainties and questions about when in person packed dance floor weddings would resume, it was overwhelming for all to attempt at rescheduling or cancelling or deciding how to proceed with bookings. It was a lot. (For vendors, for venues, for brides, grooms, families, for me as well) Just a LOT. I think everyone would agree.

As things slowly opened back up in the early summer I was fortunate to be able to photograph a few micro weddings and elopements. It was inspiring to see how some couples chose to celebrate their love despite their dream weddings being cancelled. Some eloped and chose to postpone their celebration to another year. Some postponed. Some, reimagined what an epic day could look like all together.

Danielle and Reid had their Quadra Island celebration all mapped out, guests scheduled to come from all over. Visions of friends and family eating and laughing and celebrating together. When that wasn’t possible for the foreseeable future they decided to say “I do” in an epic way.

It was so wonderful in fact that 49 North and I have now teamed up to create helicopter elopement packages. It was truly spectacular and really did get me excited for all the reimagined elopements and celebrations in the future. I’m a fan of making the most of a situation (and when clients do too) I am so grateful to have been a part of their sweet mountain top elopement.

Each celebration is so deeply personal and each couple so different. This way to celebrate isn’t for everyone, but it is certainly one that I am a huge fan of.

If you’re interested to see or hear more please check out 49 North for packages with me.

Quadra Island Wedding Dreams

This year (and always) I have been blessed with the most amazing brides.  Seriously.  This amazing soul has been dreaming of her wedding since Grade 9.  Every detail was so carefully thought out.  Not painfully... but lovingly.  Truly.  Not only that but Mandy and Brad both... just oozed happiness and joy.  That kind of wedding, that kind of love... really gets me excited to be a wedding photographer.  Not only that, but this wedding was held at Gowlland Harbour Resort on Quadra Island and for any of you who don't have the pleasure of knowing Carmen.... she is the mastermind and powerhouse creative wedding magic maker behind making this all come together so flawlessly.  This wedding was last night, (and no, I didn't really sleep last night) but I just wanted to share some of what I saw as their wedding highlights (I haven't even looked through all of their images yet) but I just HAVE to share. xo

Much love and thank you beyond words to Mandy and Brad, for choosing me. xo I am the lucky one.

The end of 2010

If I were to sum up how I feel right now. It might be the above image.

On Saturday I finished my last photo shoot of 2010. I can scarcely believe I made it at times. I have mixed emotions about the whole year. It was quite the journey. Quite the adventure. Quite the ride. There was no way I could have predicted any of it. However in 2009 I was faced with booking weddings on the assumption that I would be ok. That I could shoot weddings 2 months after giving birth to our first baby. I had no way of knowing that I actually could juggle breast feeding, and pumping, and emails and working, and not sleeping and whacked hormones and being creative, and being in the moment, in your moments... that I could be inspired. I made it.

I would have never made it, even one step without Bryce. At times, we were barely making it. At times, we were flourishing, but in the end we made it. Together. Our own journey. Together.

I also wouldn't have made it without Shannon (aka Thelma). You really are a spectacular being. Your energy, your light, your joy. Beautiful. Thank you for lighting your hair on fire with me and being ready for anything. For doing the impossible along side me, and for always, being normal, awesome, alive, creative, inspired, careful, thoughtful and ridiculously selfless. You are a rare bird my friend. Incredibly rare. Thank you for an amazing 2010.

I also need to thank all of you, anyone reading now, YES YOU! for your support, encouragement... blog comments and emails. I am seriously grateful.

The reason for all of this, with these images is because I loved their session so much. I also, loved what Shannon said about her upcoming session while we were corresponding about it initially "This photo shoot is very special to me because it not only celebrates Cypress turning one but also the fact that we all got through the crazy, unpredictable, emotional, and truly amazing first year together... as a family." You may remember the stunning Shannon from our maternity session HERE. I know what you mean Shannon. I truly do.

I'm officially on Holidays. Christmas Holidays. Starting NOW. Yes, I'll blog and update a bit. But, most of all... I might not. I will be doing a Best of 2010, so stay tuned for that!

In 2011 I'll be back, full of all sorts of wild ideas, inspiration and images. A girls gotta charge her batteries and fuel her fire somehow.

a bit of recognition never hurt...

Well folks its official. Erin Wallis Photography has placed second in the WedComp International Wedding Image contest, under the "Portrait" category!!!

Generally, I don't enter contests, don't join photo groups, forums or clubs. Although I realize its a wonderful way to network and learn. At times I find it all a bit like information overload, and its all a bit hard to swallow. But then again, I did spend a great deal of my life working around 15 different photographers at all times, from all different backgrounds and walks of life... so I am not opposed to the idea. I'm just blazing my own little path here, I suppose.

Last year, I decided to enter a photo contest randomly. Much to my surprise, I placed second in the portrait category. It was certainly unexpected as the sheer volume of submissions are overwhelming, but I am truly honored to place at all. (not to mention the talented photographers that entered)

For so many reasons the above image of Kim Black is an instant favorite, and although I know I love it, and my mom loves it... it certainly is nice to be recognized by my peers, and some of the leading photographers in the industry. Thank you!!!

I've also just noticed that another image of the beautiful Katy, placed 15th as well. Maybe I should enter more competitions? Off to a wonderful wedding tomorrow in Parksville... beaming with joy.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WINNING IMAGES

Recharged Batteries=Inspiration Overload

I LOVE shooting weddings in the not so busy season. Talk about being excited to shoot a wedding. I was vibrating, ready to create art! Ready to see magic, and to let it seep through my cameras, and through my bones. I was ready, delighted by the chilly March air, the beautiful bursts of sunlight, and the giant fluffy clouds. I was compelled by the sweet, and lovely bride, and moved by the handsome and gentle groom.

I am so lucky to have such fabulous people in my world. I truly couldn't imagine doing anything different with my time, my life, or my energy. Amazing.

Thank you both so much for inviting me into your world and trusting me with your wedding photographs. What beautiful people you are, and what beautiful people surround you as well. Here is what I saw. I love this image, the long winding road, the tone, the way they are walking...