Best of 2009: Weddings

Of course, there is no way I could choose only twelve images from my 2009 wedding season. So, here are twenty of my very favorites. But the problem is, there are so many more. Maybe another post another time full of more.. but, for now.. Here are twenty of my favorites.

It was an amazing year, full of truly beautiful people. Not only typically beautiful, but people with the most beautiful hearts, amazing personalities, oozing with creativity, love and soul. Thank you all for such an incredible year.

On a cans for comments note.... So the wonderful Tara Lewis steps up to match my donations, and then... I receive this comment from a big heart named Simone. "I was so inspired by Tara’s generosity as well, that my family and I will also be matching your final contribution to the food bank. It is such an important lesson to share with our children. The true giving spirit. Thank you Erin and Tara for the inspiration. As always Erin, your work is impeccable."

Now you tell me that people aren't wonderful! Be sure to do something awesome this year, something extraordinarily kind or giving. If you already do, may the world shower your generous heart with love. If you don't normally get into giving... Be wild! Be awesome! Share the love! Do something kind! Give money, if you can, if you can't, donate your time your energy and your spirit. It will make you better. Happy Monday everyone!

****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!****

Fleeting moments

From the moment I spoke to Raya on the phone, I was hooked. Absolutely.

I knew their wedding would be different, spirited, beautiful. I knew that by the sound of her voice. When I met her on Sunday, in Powell River, BC. I knew, without a doubt in my mind, that her images would be among my favorites. She didn't want to sit still. In fact, she couldn't really. Raya didn't want what everyone else wanted. She didn't want to focus on 'photos' or doing things the way you think they should be done. Not only did she challenge those around her to do things the Raya way, but she challenged me to melt into her day, to not do what I usually do at a wedding. (ie: have some control over when the photos are happening) but rather rely solely on my photojournalistic roots and absolutely go with the flow. Move with the crowds, blend in, the entire time. Even during 'photo time' it wasn't in my hands.

To be honest, it was absolute magic really.

I kept thinking, "oh, I hope this is what she wants" and I really hoped she wouldn't be disappointed with my images. Her email to me just now, confirmed that we were all on the right track. Her email in fact, may be the most candid and touching I've ever received from a beautiful bride. So much so, that I actually burst into big beautiful tears while reading it, a few times.

My word for Greg would be solid, and for Raya... fleeting. Catch her if you can.

Meet Greg, Raya, their family and friends. Enjoy their wedding images, I certainly do.

We photographed the first look between Raya and Greg before the ceremony, here Raya is making her way towards Greg. Which I loved, as after the ceremony it was all about celebrating, connecting and enjoying the day. p.s...She doesn't wear shoes while in Powell River. Yes, this place is real.

So stressful.

With Neil Young on the Ipod, the shoes are bound to come off. Greg's dad warmly and emotionally welcoming Raya into the family. Raya and her nephew and, niece.. Swimming? in the ocean? at a wedding!? AWESOME.

Some of the best speeches I've ever heard, came from this wedding. Soulful, sweet, and not to mention absolutely hysterically funny. This was during Raya's friend Erin's speech... "again, I was in awe of my friend Raya." Congratulations to you both.