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.

Katie and Kyle

I have so much to share. I have no idea how to get it all on here!A really awesome post containing images and story (history really) of a long line of photographers in my family. Of which I was unaware!! Then we have a gorgeous family, a wonderful couple, a recent grad, and a new baby.... 2 weddings... So... lets start with Saturday's wedding.

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.

Sonora

Sonora Resort is nothing short of spectacular. Joanne and Dan are wonderful. The weather was stunning. I had a really great time. In fact, so much so... that flying away in the float plane overlooking our amazing scenery, I thought... that didn't feel a thing like work.

The forecast the day before was calling for 90% chance of rain. 90%, thats a pretty good chance it will rain. I could have been stressed out, like I would have gotten a few years ago. Could have obsessively checked the weather channel, could have. But didn't. As I started to reflect on why I was so incredibly calm about the weather I realized that most of my favorite wedding images, have had a little bit of rain in them. (some a lot of rain)

In any case, rain? There was none on Saturday. (Today, however there is rain and wind and wild weather) Favorite images from Sonora... there are a lot! Have a look at Dan and Joannes amazing wedding I had the pleasure of photographing on Sonora Island.

They got ready together, non traditionally. Which i loved. On the short trip to the ceremony, to say their vows.

90% chance of rain.

I just have to upload this image, before I whirl around arms open wide shouting 'yahooo'. Joanne and Dan's wedding was amazing. Sonora Resort, is out of control beautiful. My weekend was perfect. (aside from the fact that dear sweet Franko dug a hole in my parents back yard.) The studio is almost ready and looks incredible. I am nearly beside myself with excitement.

In any case. That image, is all you get today. I have so much to share! Stay tuned!

Tina and James

Monday morning wouldn't be complete without a new post.

Brace yourselves for Tina and James amazing wedding. Located at the Haig Brown House in Campbell River. The sun was shining, the breeze was light, the flower girls adorable, the day.. wonderful.

Also you may want to brace yourselves and wiggle in anticipation of a new website update and brand new blog, coming soon... very soon!!! I'll keep you posted and just so thrilled to be working once again with the amazing Jeremy Latham, who is now is living in Campbell River!!! What does this mean? Besides that I will have instant harassing access, to him and his lovely fiance! (background info HERE) It means that any of you Campbell River businesses that are looking at having your website or blog more incredible, professional and all together better, the BEST has just moved here! Give him a call. You will not be disappointed.

Now, back to Tina and James, and their wedding.

And a few favorite reception moments. This little guy tried forever to blow out the candle through the glass, so sweet. Everyone LOVES when grandma can out dance everyone on the floor!

And a few of my non traditional trademark favorites.