It was pouring rain on Friday in Sechelt, BC. The Painted Boat Resort looked amazing, even in the rain. The leaves were amazing, the scenery divine. I was prepared for rain. I woke up Saturday to blue skies and sunshine. I believe I used up every bit of 2011 luck for my weddings this year.

Saturday October 22 made me believe that everybody should have fall weddings. Everything is better in the fall. The colors, the air... the climate. Everything. Nicole and Steve were precisely who I needed to wrap up an amazing 2011 wedding season with. Nicole has always been "real". She's awesome. I try and come up with another word for her, but "real" it is. A bit nervous, anxious to get on with the good times, and all the while radiating total beauty. We graduated high school together, almost burned down her parents back yard together, and played sports and always laughed together. So, when I met Steve at Melanie's beautiful wedding this March, I knew that they were a great pair. I am not sure (at Mels wedding) that me trying to force him to drink tequila was all that professional, but Nicole assured me that, that is why they love me and hired me. YIKES. In any case, their wedding was perfect. A beautiful, sunny Sunshine Coast Wedding. Full of gorgeous autumn colors and beauty. It couldn't have been more amazing. I am grateful for such an beautiful ending, to such a fabulous season. Nicole and Steve! May you always have sunshine... even when there is none for miles around. Much love ox.

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.