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On Monday I had the pleasure of venturing off to Cortes Island, for a simple and beautiful Hollyhock wedding. It was a small group of 6 but not short on emotion and love. Amanda looked goddess-like, and Casey couldn't stop smiling.
Here is what I saw.
Dave contacted me over a year ago from his home in Australia. He and Sarah had met while Sarah was traveling in Australia, and they were getting married here on Vancouver Island.
They had traveled far, worked hard, and were ready to enjoy their day! My favorite moment may have been when Sarah pulled out Ruby Red Shoes, and said.... what do you think??? WHAT DO I THINK??? Let's do it!!! So we did.
The gals got ready @ Fernwood B&B just outside of Ladysmith. Tucked away in a little cabin in the woods, it felt like I was in a blend of the Wizard of Oz with the Ruby Reds, and Goldilocks with the perfect little cabin in the woods. Jan of Fernwood was great, and I even had an up close and personal with one of her resident raccoons (with one eye). Quite the experience.
Sarah and Dave were so wonderful to work with, putting complete faith in me, succumbing to all of my wild request.... 'don't worry, just lay down on these rocks'...
Such a fabulous day. Such a great couple!
Let me know if you have any favorites!!!
Girlfriends.
I'm not talking about the kind that come and go, the kind that you're kinda/sorta friends with... I'm talking about the kind of friends that you'll hold a certain bond with until, forever.
For my lil sisters grad present I couldn't think of anything better than to put Kaylee and her pals in their grad dresses and let them loose in a field! I had a vision of just that a few years ago, and thought it would be a perfect way to commemorate the beauty of their friendship, and to wrap up their high school days together.
However, I didn't realize that I was going to well up with tears while watching them all out there in the field, laughing, twirling, hugging, and being 18. It was for a number or reasons but mainly because I can relate, we all can... when something we love... comes to an end. With everything in life being so impermanent, I find it incredibly beautiful to think that these girls, bursting with youth and joy, and excitement for what their futures hold, will be able to look back on these photos one day... and think about what an incredible time in their lives it was.
What I was witnessing through my camera lens last Sunday night, was that high school had just ended for these girls, who have grown up together, who have shared ice cream and tears together. They have endured memorable teachers, hysterically funny moments, concerts, and even formed an undefeated dodge ball team (well ok not undefeated). These girls have curled each others hair, spent hours obsessing about relationships (with fellas, with parents, with teachers) they've comforted each other during times of loss, and sadness. They've been each others best friends since grade seven... and now, high school is over. Just like they never thought it would be.
So with happy/sad tears in my eyes, I photographed them being friends, none really knowing where their lives will take them, or how near or far away. I saw them being so beautifully pure, and only hope that they are able to bring that same joy and passion for life with them always.
Ladies, may you always carry sunshine right along with you. I wish you nothing but joy.
OH! The Places You'll Go!!!
Cody and Alicia were magic from the start.
You may remember them from our engagement session (in the pouring rain), they were so much fun then... and were even more amazing on their wedding day!
I have no idea how, but I do believe I am blessed with having the most amazing couples... ever.
Their wedding took place at the Tigh-Na-Mara Resort in Parksville, and everything was flawless. On my way driving down, (in the pouring rain) I just somehow trusted that the weather would co-operate for them. The clouds were out, but parted, when Alicia and her dad walked down the isle.
She was absolutely radiant!
Cody confessed before the ceremony, that he wasn't nervous at all, just so excited to see Alicia walk down the isle. He said, he knew she was going to look incredible... the tears in his eyes, proved that he was overwhelmed when he saw her. I believe everyone was!
It was such a beautiful day, with such amazing people. I feel completely blessed to have been given the honor of photographing such an important event in Cody and Alicia's lives. You two are amazing, and I wish you a lifetime of laughter, blue skies and mountains of love.
Sunday June 29 was such a beautiful day. For so many reasons.
The sun was shining, I had a great breakfast (one in fact that I didn't spill my coffee) along with a beautiful country drive down to Courtenay to meet the lovely Natalie on her wedding day. Getting ready at the Old House Hotel in Courtenay, along with her girls... everything was very serene, elegant and beautiful.
As soon as I saw Natalie, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with excitement at the images I knew were possible. Leon was so relaxed (or so he said) and was patiently awaiting his bride at the Filberg Grounds in Courtenay as well. It was a small but wonderful bunch, and I could not stop myself from photographing everyone! There was beauty everywhere... from the gorgeous children, to the proud parents, and musical friends... there were bits of magic floating all around. I loved sneaking a few images of Natalie unaware before her walk down the isle. The whole day was full of joy, laughter and many moments that I had the pleasure of capturing. The reception was held @ Tomato Tomato which, again, is somewhere you shouldn't miss out on!
Beautiful Venues, Beautiful People.... Beautiful Wedding... Photographers Dream. Thank you Natalie and Leon for allowing me into your lives, on such an incredible day.
Let me know which image is your favorite!!!
