Michelle and Martin.

At times I feel like it's incredibly hard to put into words what it means to me to be a part of such intimate, personal moments in people's lives. I just feel so deeply honored. Especially during an elopement. THEY CHOSE ME. And, virtually no one else. WOW. I mean. Wow. So so so honored.

I put a lot out into the world. Personal stuff. Emotional stuff. Things that make me a little vulnerable and sometimes just downright uncomfortable. Why. Well, ideally...I do it to connect with and attract the perfect clients for me. Clients who, when I first meet them, feels like I've known them forever. Emails between us seem like they are between old friends, not complete strangers.

My photography business is not just a way to make a living. I view it as my profession, yes and I am so grateful to make a living from it. But, 'work' is also 'life' and my life. I value my time. My time here on earth, my time away from my family. If my time at 'work' is more meaningful, more beautiful and spent with people who 'get' me, and love me before even meeting me. Well, then I'm onto something really incredible.

If, in the whole process, I can capture something meaningful. Something magical. Something precious... for my clients. Then, that is just remarkable. I felt an INSTANT connection to Michelle and her desire for an incredibly intimate Tofino, British Columbia elopement. On the beach. Just them. LOVE IT. LOVE THEM.

On a private beach, with not a soul in sight... they shared heartfelt vows, laughed, cried and even pinky swore. It was absolutely inspiring and lovely. I was swept off my feet. To top everything off... we headed to "Tacofino" a mexican food truck just outside of Tofino. BEST. IDEA. EVER. Seriously. Seriously. Best. If I were to say how I wanted my eventual "wedding" to be... this, is likely it.

If you were interested in what amazing things Michelle said to me after viewing a gallery of my favorites from our time together.... check out HERE. I hope you are swept off your feet by them as much as I was....am. ox

Sarah and Blake

There is so much to say about Sarah and Blake. I fell in love with her instantly. So caring and sweet and just oozed warmth. When we met, I saw how amazing her and Blake were together. Just so natural together, and so much fun. A few things were clear to me immediately. These families knew the real value of life, and are experiencing some really challenging circumstances, but were determined to make their event special for everyone involved. Knowing the sensitivity of their situation, I don't think I've ever cried harder during a father daughter dance. Completely unprofessional tears, huge ones, rolling down my cheeks. Just knowing how much all of these images mean to this beautiful family makes me so grateful for a profession that allows me to creatively and passionately capture moments that can never be replaced. I am so humbly grateful to have been invited into your beautiful wedding at Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay, BC.

On the morning of their wedding, there was sunshine clear skies and a half an hour before the ceremony it started to rain. Many couples would have freaked out, had fits... been upset. Sarah and Blake may have been a little disappointed to not have the ceremony outside, but you'd never know. I am a west coast girl. Have photographed likely over half of my fabulous wedding couples in the POURING rain (I will do a post eventually with my rainy day favorites just to prove it) Of course it is easier to photograph in the sunshine, or clear skies... but a little rain (or a lot) guarantees you get some unique moments! I'm not afraid to shoot in the rain. Rain is beautiful, reserved for the most intimate and lovely moments. Promise.

Sarah and Blake you guys rocked it. xoxo

Julie and Scott

I love Tigh-na-mara. I love photographing weddings all over our beautiful Vancouver Island, and really love Parksville weddings. Tigh-na-mara is nestled along the seaside in Parksville, BC. Truly an amazing venue for a Vancouver Island wedding.

Julie and Scott were amazing from the moment I met them. So in love, so grateful to be surrounded by all of their family and friends. Their love for each other seeping out of every moment. Every card he had sent over for her. Every bracelet, locket and sweet reminder that she, was beautiful and his true love. It's pretty hard to not be inspired by a couple still so madly in love.

A few things stick out in my mind about their wedding last weekend. The weather was magnificent. Everyone was incredibly happy and was so happy for Julie and Scott. The staff and especially wedding co-ordinator Suzanne and Tigh-na-mara was seriously wonderful. The flowers from Petal and Kettle in Parksville were remarkable, and the couple couldn't stop smiling. As fluffy as this is going to sound, I really love, love.

Congratulation to an amazing couple. As always, I am grateful for your trust in me.

Michelle + Andrew

They met outside a bar. The connection was effortless. 6 months later they moved in together. 3 months after that they bought their first home. 1 year and a half after, they were engaged. 2 years and three months... married. Beautiful really. Sometimes, you just know.

They wanted a simple and beautiful backyard wedding in Victoria, BC. That is exactly what they had. Surrounded by people who love them. It was, in a word... perfect. (well, aside from the new driver that backed into our parked limo) But... who doesn't like a little excitement.

So honored you chose me. (p.s. If you are getting married in Victoria BC, you really should be booking the AMAZING Melanie Baird for your makeup. She is just beyond awesome.)

Style Me Pretty Canada Feature

I'm really excited to have such a beautiful wedding featured on Style Me Pretty Canada today! CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL FEATURE A fabulous way to celebrate my upcoming 33rd birthday! May your weekend be FULL of all things extraordinary.