A Stanley Park affair

When Ana contacted me last year regarding her wedding in Stanley Park for 2010, I was drawn in by her warm engaging energy. I instantly knew, we were a perfect match. A lot happens in the course of a year. On my end, I was busy planning baby rooms. In Vancouver, Ana was busy planning her dream wedding.

I arrived at L'Hermitage Hotel, along with my little family, with a distinct small town girl in a big city feeling. Would I be able to shoot here? Would the city swallow me up whole. I don't shoot a whole lot off the island, besides destination weddings. It is even more challenging now with a 3 and a half month old baby girl. However, I knew I had to be a part of Ana and Aarons wedding. I just knew.

Bryce and Maisie were all set up in our room, I was busy getting ready... Maisie having a small meltdown, me having never shot in the hotel or Stanley Park, or downtown Vancouver before, admittedly nervous. Would my images stand up. Would they be enough. Would I be able to remain composed in a new venue, new locations. Would I be inspired.

I entered Ana's room. Everything began to melt away. I was immediately submerged into a sea of exquisite details, beautiful energy, and was truly in awe of Ana's beauty. It's true that I see beauty everywhere. Even when it doesn't appear pretty right away. I was attacked by pretty on Saturday.

Ana and Aaron, thank you for having faith in my photography. For inviting me into your worlds, into the most intimate details of an extraordinary day. Your wedding was straight out of a magazine. Infused with all sorts of amazing. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of it. Ana... seriously? SERIOUSLY? STUNNING.

On a side note, it could have been easier, shooting here in Campbell River last weekend. But, challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zone this weekend... reminds me of something that I learned while traveling all over the world. I am a small town girl and photographer, but I can be anywhere in the world, and eventually feel right at home. I love this image of Ana touching up her moms makeup. I know this next spot in the rose garden is likely hugely overshot for weddings, but... I still like it.

Wedding Update

I have 3 amazing, and I mean amazing weddings to share with you. But, for now... in order to maintain some sort of state of sanity, I need to sleep. Lets hope Maisie feels the same. Any requests on which wedding to blog first?

Here is a very small taste of what is to come! Jeremy and Bridget, a seaside ceremony and a Campbell River back yard affair. Alisia and Marc, a sweet ceremony at the little church at Cape Mudge on Quadra Island. Ana and Aaron, an exquisite (like... are you kidding me) Vancouver wedding, at Stanley Park.

Leah and Mike

Blue skies and a wild bride. A great combination. Leah and Mikes engagement session lead Leah to climb out on fallen trees 20 feet in the air, so it was no surprise that she was completely thrilled to kick off her shoes and jump into the sea on her wedding day. Congratulations Leah and Mike!! I believe this one was pure elation at how great the cold ocean felt on her feet!

3 months old

It may not seem like a milestone. In 3 years, it may not even seem important. Right now, to me... it is.

3 months ago little Miss Maisie took her first breath in this world. Wiggled inside of my belly one last time, and burst forth into this world. When I think about it now, it all seems surreal. Like it was someone else cursing being pregnant, uncomfortable, awkward, bigger than before. Like it was someone else sitting on that ball in our living room, breathing through contractions. Already, it seems like it wasn't that bad. Already a bunch of the weight of the pregnancy has melted away (I said a bunch... not all). All of you that gained 25 pounds and wore bikinis a minute after your babies... well... I am not you. But, I am in love with our little girl. Sleep, bah.. who needs it.

3 months ago, Maisie was born. I can't say that I can pinpoint what changed. I can't say, "yes, this is what is different"... but everything is different. I am no longer only me. I am me plus Maisie. Granted Bryce is a part of that we as well (and Franko of course) but, its something extraordinary to become more than just you. To give up yourself to be a we. Maisie is part of me. She just is. I'm not sure that will ever change. 3 months ago seems like a second ago, and a hundred years ago.

Soaking up as much as my baby girls rolls, and smiles, and bubbles and chatter as I possibly can. Not to mention shooting like crazy in between. More sessions will follow! I promise, (I am actually about 15 behind on posting, no lie)...but for now, I celebrate our little peach and her 3 months in the world.

Playing Catch up

It's official. I'm playing catch up. I try desperately not to. But alas, here I am. I have so much more to share with you. But, for now... I'll leave you with a sneak peek from a session on the weekend with a few of my favorite girls. (more to come)