Cherie and Jamie

I instantly loved Cherie. Instantly. There was no warming up, no gradually getting to know each other. I saw her, and was instantly like "Oh, Hi!" Like we'd known each other for a long time. She has the kind of smile and energy that makes you want to know her, want to be around her. Jamie is equally warm and you also want to know him. They are awesome. You'll see.

Cherie and Jamie were married at the Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, BC. This resort, ranks as possibly my favorite wedding venue around. It is dreamy. Rustic. Elegant. You should go. You should see it. Misty west coast trails, jagged rocks climbing out of the sandy shores. A resort snuggled right in the heart of it all. Amazing. Go.

Cherie and Jamie, you both were warm. Engaging. Charismatic. Wonderful. Thank you, for sharing it all with me. See... you love her already. See, you love them. Don't you.

Just Because

Shannon and I were driving (with our wild dogs in the backseat) to Uclulet for a fabulous Black Rock Resort wedding (more on that to come). We tend to get all Thelma and Louise, when we're on the road. We got talking.

I had bought her a pendant a few days prior. A"Party Girl" pendant. It was supposed to be for Christmas.

I looked in my wallet, while Thelma was behind the wheel... "I got you a present!!!!" and gave it to her. We had a good laugh and got to talking about how we can't ever wait for Christmas, and how I am the queen of ruining surprises. I can't keep secrets either. If I have a present for you...you can be pretty sure, it will be tucked away somewhere clever, hiding. Then, the moment I see you, I have to root around and dig it out and give it to you rather enthusiastically. Just because.

In my mind, just because is right now. Just because means you are standing in front of me, and I love you. I thought of you, I got you something. I need to give it to you right now. Because these Thelma and Louise adventures happen, and have been happening for a while now... we are at the point that we rationalize instant gift giving, early Christmas spoiling etc, by knowing, that life is short. Life is fragile, and there are absolutely no guarantees of a tomorrow. Bryce hates that I talk like this, but I do it anyways. I believe it. Because of this, the party girl necklace brought a laugh and a smile to my friend Thelma. It is not sitting in a bag in my closet, waiting for Christmas.

I like Christmas, I just like it better, when its every day. When its giving, just for the joy of giving, and when you spread love... just because you can.

(Thought these images suiting, as no one knows how to live in the moment, and be totally wild, like Sako and Frank) Sako fights back!

Heather and Andy

It was an intimate, casual wedding in Mexico. The intimate, casual wedding of two people I've known and loved forever. I didn't make a speech, but I suppose, these photographs, are my speech...

My elementary school was within walking distance. I would walk up the road, picking up my pal Andy... we would venture down the road and pick up the neighborhood twins, Matt and Mark. Some times we would stop at the local corner store, get some one cent candies... and eventually we'd wind up at school. Somewhere on the other side of town, Heather was also in elementary school making fun of a boy named Bryce. They lived within walking distance of each other. As the fates would have it, Bryce and I wound up together, as did Heather and Andy.

Heather and I have been friends since forever, that is no secret. But, Andy was always a good friend to me, someone I looked forward to spending time with. We lifeguarded together and I always valued sharing a laugh with him. In fact, in my diary from elementary school I wrote "Andy is the funniest". Heather always looked forward to Bryce coming home each summer from his far away hockey adventures. We were all connected in different ways. But connected always.

On Friday in the beautiful Mayan Riviera, Heather and Andy exchanged vows in front of an close group of family and friends. Of course, I was there to photograph my fabulous friends look into each others eyes and announce their commitment and love to the world. It certainly is nice to see dear friends, happy. With such deep connections to so many people involved... it was moving, beautiful and exactly as it was supposed to be.

Wishing you all, a long and joyous life together.

With love from Mexico

No, I'm not crazy enough to be working from Mexico... really. But, I do feel the need to quickly share my favorite photo ever, of my little girl (so far). Soon, I'll be home, in the much cooler climate... but for now, another cool drink in the hot sun. Hope this image, brings a smile to your face. It certainly does for me.

Meg and Troy

My baby cousin got married!!!

My auntie Marie was always the one I wrote letters to as a child. She was also the one, who wrote letters back to me. It was always her house we all gathered at. It was the most fun at her house. You just wanted to put on your jammies and hang out there forever. She is my dads little sister, and of course a favorite Auntie! (don't worry all my other Aunties, you are all my favorites too!!!)

Auntie Marie and Uncle Mark have three daughters. Michelle, Melanie and Megan. Not only are they all "M" names, but they are all silly gorgeous. I couldn't imagine not being a part of our little cousin Megan's wedding day at Olympic View Golf Course in Victoria. I knew she would be beautiful, but I had no idea she would be smoking hot too! It was a gorgeous wedding full of amazing people and glorious light. Meg and Troy, sometimes you just know that two people are supposed to be together... we all just know, that you two are forever.

Thank you so much for including me in your wonderful wedding! Sisters (or in our family, better known as 'seesters' watching their baby sister get all dolled up. Loving looks from the mothers of the groom and bride. I love love love the way these girls love their dad! Look at the pure love here. My beautiful cousins Auntie Marie looking lovingly at her little girl. It struck me here, that her little baby girl, was once... just as small as my baby girl. Unreal! I absolutely love this moment. No one around, but them. There is all sorts of unspoken in this image. I love this one. and this one. I love everything about this image. I love this peekaboo moment between father and daughter.